Paul Keene’s fifth grade teacher read The Yearling to his class. This inspired Paul to start writing his own stories based on characters who struggle to survive culminating in the release of Among the Jimson Weeds (2012) featuring Conor who exists in a "constant state of awkward discomfort”.

Among the Jimson Weeds is the first book in the aptly titled Running Nowhere trilogy. Between Pieces was released in July 2013 with the final book, Within Time due for release in the spring of 2014. The series will appeal to the masses who understand what it feels like to not belong.

Paul grew up along the banks of the Snake River separating Idaho and Oregon. Watching geese flying above over the river, listening to quiet sounds of nature, and feeling strength in an undercurrent developed senses he uses in his writing today. Whenever possible, he hitched a ride into town and the local library to borrow as many books as the librarian would allow. His thirst for reading led to an expansive collection of ideas for stories and character sketches. These ideas continued to expand during forty years of teaching.

Until his retirement, Paul worked in the public school systems in Oregon, California and Idaho, initially as classroom teacher then school principal, and finally in special services.

Working closely with students struggling with issues that  most  people never  have  to  face  in a

lifetime and watching as they each made the best of difficult and troubling situations, deepened Paul's compassion and understanding. "Vicariously or real, I'm compelled to write the best and worst that life has to offer," says Paul.

In addition to his practical experiences that benefit his writing, and readers, research plays a pivotal role in Paul’s contemporary fiction. "Using landmarks native to the setting brings realism to fiction," he says. "And the best plot deserves characters that I know inside and out. If I don't know my characters, they will appear flat to the reader."

You will also discover that the paranormal and humor are common threads in his work. "Win or lose, laughter gives strength and determination that propels one forward," says Paul.

Today, Paul is fortunate to be fulfilling his life’s passion and writing fulltime. When he’s not writing, he is reading. He lives in Idaho with his wife, daughter, three pugs and labradoodle, and is within an hour's drive to the beautiful Snake River and the Birds of Prey.

You can connect with Paul on his website, Twitter, Facebook, and check out Paul’s blog to read his portfolio of micro-fiction.

Paul's books are available in all formats at all major online retailers including Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.