Few lives can truly be described as a roller coaster ride, with all its unpredictable drama and thrilling pace. Robert W. Norris, a Northern California-born author who settled in Japan, is one such person. He takes us through the twists and turns of his life journey, and the diverse influences that helped shape his writing.

In a recent interview with Literary Yard, Robert shares his story, starting from his early days in the Air Force and his court martial for being a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, which landed him in a military prison. It was during his time there that he discovered the power of language.

After his release, Robert traveled extensively in his twenties, traversing the United States twice, exploring Europe, and circumnavigating the globe. In 1983, he made his way to Japan, where he eventually became a professor at a private university, spending two years as the dean of students before retiring as a professor emeritus in 2016. Along the way, he authored three novels, a novella, a memoir, and over 20 research papers on teaching. Today, he and his wife reside near Fukuoka, Japan.

Robert’s latest book, ‘The Good Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise: Pentimento Memories of Mom and Me‘ is a touching tribute to his mother’s life. Despite facing numerous challenges, she lived a fulfilling life before passing away at the remarkable age of 95. This new work promises to be a captivating read, shedding light on the life of an extraordinary woman through the lens of her son’s unique perspective.