We recently had the chance to connect with Waide Riddle and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Waide, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I was asked to be a featured writer at the June 2025 San Francisco Book Fair by its CEO and Founder Andrea Wait. I was very excited by the opportunity and possibilities, but, at the same time, very apprehensive since most book festivals tend to leave the authors and writers wanting so much more, namely facing low sales. Well, out of all my inventory, I sold half, while other writers didn’t sell any inventory and books. I was very proud and thrilled that I got a chance to introduce my books “Red River County: An All-American Story About Two All-American Brothers,” “And, In Walks Johnny,” and “A Grieving Man,” a novel about San Francisco, to the San Francisco public.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Waide Riddle. I am an award-winning writer and author. I have over 100 credits and achievements to my name and I’m am very proud of that. I’m on cloud 9 that my book “They Crawl On Walls” is a Kirkus Book Review Pick as a Gay Young-Adult recommended book. This Week In Texas magazine and Goodreads has recommended and profiled many of my titles. Life in an author’s world could be worse.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My mother and father divorced when I was five years old. My mother received full custody and my father was a weekend dad. I am very grateful that it all ended up the way it did. My mother and grandmother were very powerful influences in my life. My father did the best under the conditions. There is no blame. All of them encouraged my writing and to be the best writer/author I could be. I have outlived all of them, and I take the wisdom they shared with me and hold it sacred.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Stay your course, love yourself and stay away from those that tell you otherwise.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Former Senator John Lewis, former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, James Baldwin, Harvey Milk, Maya Angelou and Jane Elliott.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I truly care and love my LGBT community. It’s culture, history, and challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.amazon.com/author/waideriddle
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waideriddle/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waide-riddle-63b594227/
- Other: IMDBPro: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm0725779/credits
Image Credits
Photograph at the 2025 San Francisco Book Fair by Andrea Wait.
Book Cover Art Work by Jorge Velasquez.
