Russell J. Sanders writes because he’s compelled to do so. It seems every time one of his books is published, there is a sigh of completion, and then a new idea crops up, propelling him to create a new world for characters that need guidance. Between these creative explosions, Russell travels—most of the US states, Jakarta, Bali, Tokyo, India, Trinidad and Tobago, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Italy, the Caribbean, and Canada are among the exotic locations he’s visited. After living almost his entire life in Texas, he is now exploring his new home state, Nevada and his new hometown Las Vegas. One thing is always assured during these journeys: Mexican food will be sought out. As a native Texan, Tex-Mex and related Mexican cuisines are Russell’s passion. Whether the dishes turn out good or bad, he must try them. Some very good enchiladas have been had in Tokyo and Indonesia. The worst were in Wyoming, where you might expect better. Between bites, Russell wants to encourage everyone to read his novels. His deep desire is to entertain while promoting understanding through fiction. Mostly, he wants young persons who are LGBTQ to realize they are normal, deserving to love and be loved, and for those who know them, to realize that as well. He lives in Las Vegas with his husband, who is gamely trailing him in search of the next great enchilada.