Richard Lowe Jr: Powerful Ghostwriting, Bestselling Author, Photographer

7 Moments History Teachers Made Learning ExcitingRichard LoweHello there! Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Richard Lowe, a man who has journeyed through numerous career paths, with each twist and turn shaping me into the individual I am today. I’ve evolved from a tech professional to an acclaimed author and prolific ghostwriter.

Back in 2013, I took the leap of a lifetime. I had been working as the Director of Technical Services and Computer Operations for Trader Joe’s, managing a team of tech whizzes, dealing with disaster situations, and being on call around the clock. Talk about stress and exhaustion! So, I decided it was high time for a change. I bid farewell to that chapter of my life and embarked on a thrilling new adventure.

The Early Years

But hold on, let me rewind a bit. I began life as an Air Force brat, born in a small community in Northern California, near where my father was stationed. According to my mother, she went into labor while she and my father were flying home from the Philippines on a very uncomfortable Air Force cargo plane. That must have been terrifying for her! Once the plane landed, I was born in a hospital near the airstrip.

My mother shared many fold memories about the Nut Tree restaurant, where she savored dates and soda pop. Eventually, our family settled in San Bernardino, a dusty city at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains. My father bid farewell to the Air Force and embarked on a new career as a graphics artist civil servant at Norton Air Force Base.

Young Richard LoweI remember the adventures and joys of my childhood in that dry, hot, and dusty city! One of my treasured escapes from the scorching heat was the treehouse my dad and I built together. At about this time, my love affair with books began – I was about five years old. I had stumbled upon an illustrated copy of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and oh boy, did that capture my imagination! My mother, always attentive, noticed my fascination with books and encouraged me to keep reading.

Falling in Love with the Library

Everything changed in1967 when my mother, determined to ignite my love for reading, dragged me into the library kicking and screaming. my protests ceased the moment a kind librarian offered me a cookie and took me on an enchanting tour of the entire building. It was then that I fell in love with books and that library. It felt like stepping into paradise. The shelves overflowing with thousands of books were simply magical. From that point on, weekly visits to that enchanting place became a cherished tradition.

I’d walk away with six books in tow (the maximum limit), each one transporting me to fantastical realms of magic castles and intergalactic adventures. I became a voracious reader, often checking out as many as a dozen books a week. As I grew older, I devoured every book within my reach.

A Foray into Science Fiction

My first job when I was 17 as the night manager at the Liquor Cabinet in Lake Arrowhead, CADuring my junior high school years, my grandmother passed away, leaving a box full of interesting things, including a book titled “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert Heinlein. Fascinated, I read it in a single weekend, and it opened the doors to other authors like Jack Vance and John Campbell. Immersed in their literary worlds, I made a resolute decision—to become an author myself when I grew up.

At the end of junior high school, our family relocated to Lake Arrowhead, where my parents opened an art gallery in Blue Jay village. Later on, they established a larger store in Lake Arrowhead Village, which also sold arts and crafts.

I still wanted to be a writer, but the pressures of high school, college, a full-time job, and eventually marriage and family created obstacles to pursuing that.

Detour into the World of Tech

While I was in my second year of college, I decided to take a computer class to fill out my schedule. You see, up until that point, my intention was to pursue my other passion—geology. Little did I know that this computer class would change the course of my life. The teacher, along with two partners, had recently started a company called Software Techniques. Within a year, I found myself being promoted to the position of Vice President of Consulting. And so began my remarkable journey of 33 years working with computers.

In 2003, I accepted a role at Trader Joe’s, where I found my home as the Director of Technical Services and Computer Operations. For two decades, I dedicated my expertise, time, and skills to this company. One of my significant accomplishments was virtualizing all the corporate computer systems, basically creating a private cloud, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. My team was responsible for computer security and disaster preparedness—a critical role in today’s ever-evolving technological landscape.

Healing Through Creativity

Richard G LoweDuring this time, love found me. I married a remarkable woman named Claudia, but our journey together was not without its challenges. Claudia battled a chronic illness for eight long years before her untimely passing in 2005, leaving me engulfed in grief.

Richard Lowe at the Renaissance Festival

Determined to overcome this sorrow, I sought solace through a new creative outlet—I picked up a camera and became a photographer. It was an adventure that led me to capture the breathtaking landscapes of every national park in the western United States. Through my lens, I discovered the captivating world of performance photography, particularly in Southern California. I had the privilege of photographing over a thousand women, conducting 1,200 performance shoots, and immortalizing the essence of more than 300 Renaissance festivals, Civil War reenactments, and similar events.

Unleashing the Ghostwriter Within

Now, fast forward to my early 50s. The fire of my long-lost dream was reignited within me. In 2013, I made the daring decision to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown. I said my goodbyes to my many friends in the dancer and renaissance festival communities at an incredible birthday/going-away bash that lasted for 2 days, packed up my belongings, and headed across the country to Florida.

And so, a new adventure began. I embraced my passion for writing with open arms. I delved into novel writing, even publishing a few under a pseudonym. But that was just the tip of the iceberg! I went on to write a staggering 27 nonfiction books (each with its own audiobook), 20 coloring books (because why should kids have all the fun?), a series of brain-teasing puzzle books, and even explored the realms of novels, short eBooks, and various other literary ventures.

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Success in the Literary Realm

Let’s not forget about my ghostwriting escapades! I’ve penned over 48 books for others, crafted more than 300 LinkedIn profiles (yes, you read that right). You can read about some of these ghostwriting projects in these case studies. I also shared my insights through hundreds of blogs.

To top it all off, some of my books have achieved remarkable success. “Focus on LinkedIn” took the world by storm, selling over 10,000 copies, while “How to Sell on eBay” managed to impress with over 2,000 copies sold. They even reached the esteemed status of Amazon Kindle bestsellers. Now, how about that for a thrilling journey?

There you have it, my friend, the incredible tale of Richard Lowe. A man who dared to chase his dreams, write his heart out, and share laughter with readers far and wide. From a wide-eyed youngster to a seasoned writer, my passion has fueled me every step of the way. Here’s to embracing life’s adventures and always finding joy in the written word!

Want to know more? I’ve listed some facts about me in this article.

Richard Lowe The Ghostwriter

I’ve ghostwritten books and other materials on a wide variety of subjects, including:

  • Computer Security threats and solutions
  • The Internet of Things
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Management
  • Retirement
  • Office Cleaning
  • Dentistry
  • Scrum and Agile
  • The memoir of an Afghani politician
  • Sales
  • Property Management
  • A series of blog articles on the effect of technology on the trucking industry
  • A series of white papers about Augmented Reality and Robotics
  • A series of blogs about HVAC
  • A series of blogs about Financial Services
  • Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures

Life is What you Make it

Where do I even begin with this whimsical journey called life? You see, I’ve always had a slightly offbeat sense of humor because let’s face it, life is a wild and wondrous ride. This little blue planet we call home, with its rocks, mud, and water, is an absolute marvel, filled with countless mysteries waiting to be unraveled. And let’s not forget the diverse beings that inhabit our corner of the universe–some cheerful, some melancholic–each carrying their own unique story.

Life is what you make it; if your life sucks, it’s because you’ve worked hard to make it that way. Conversely, if your life is incredible, your positive attitude and actions have paid off.Richard Lowe Jr.

Richard Lowe at Universal StudiosMy personal philosophy? Embrace life with a light-hearted spirit, treating each day as an opportunity for joy and happiness. Those wicked and malicious aspects of life? Well, I tend to shrug them off, cast them aside, or triumphantly defeat them. As for the good things, I lend a helping hand, nurture them, and revel in their fulfillment.

Now, let’s talk adventures! Picture me spending a delightful day hiking through the enchanting Wonderland of Rocks in Joshua Tree, after the refreshing spring rains. I’d be scrambling over boulders, marveling at ancient Indian pictographs. Or imagine me hopping aboard a boat, sailing off to the Channel Islands near Santa Barbara, where the wonders of nature unfold before my eyes.

The fascination of observing wasps constructing their intricate homes in Anza-Borrego! But let’s not forget the simple pleasures of strolling along California’s picturesque beaches, gazing at majestic mountains, trekking through snow-covered landscapes, and relishing the earthy aroma of the desert after a rejuvenating rainstorm. And now, living in Florida, I’m eager to explore the wonders this new area has in store.

A drawing of Richard Lowe from a trip to Sea WorldCreativity flows through my veins, my friend! I weave words into captivating articles, crafting at least one piece every single day. Computer graphics dance to life under my fingertips, and my camera shutter clicks thousands of times, capturing fleeting moments frozen in time. Designing and coding WordPress websites? Oh, you bet I do that too!

In the past, I’ve immersed myself in the vibrant world of renaissance festivals, not only locally but also venturing beyond state borders. And let me tell you, I’ve attended over 1,200 belly dance shows, earning quite the reputation within the belly dance and festival communities for my photography skills. My snapshots have graced flyers, adorned book pages, embellished countless websites, and even found their way into magazines. I’ve even had the pleasure of photographing WWE live events, the enchanting Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball, and one of my all-time favorites, Bats Day at Disneyland (when thousands of goths visit the place in their interesting outfits).

But you know what truly makes life special? Friendship. It’s the magical ingredient that adds flavor to our existence. You can tell a person’s true character by the quality of their companions. The people I call “friends” are extraordinary souls–beautiful, caring beings with whom I share my life, experiences, and boundless joy. They’re the kind who listen attentively without interrupting, who understand the intricate tapestry of emotions that weave through others’ lives. They uplift others with positive energy, never tearing them down with bad news or problems.

So, my dear friend, life is an adventure best enjoyed with a pinch of humor, a dash of creativity, and a treasure trove of genuine friendships. Here’s to embracing the wonders that surround us and savoring every delightful twist and turn along the way!

The Spiritual Side of Life

The spiritual realm holds a special place in my heart. I dedicate countless hours to exploring ways in which I can contribute to the betterment of myself, my family, the various groups I belong to, humanity as a whole, and the vastness of life and the universe. It’s during these moments of study and reflection that I discover the profound connection between my soul and the infinite cosmos.

Richard Lowe at DisneylandIt reminds me that I have the power to make a positive impact on society and extend a helping hand to others. Through this journey, I’ve come to recognize the goodness within myself, a caring being seeking to spread compassion in the world.

Life, oh life! It truly is what you make of it. That statement couldn’t be truer, my friend. Along this marvelous path, I’ve experienced the comforting presence of true friends, indulged in sumptuous meals that delight the senses, and immersed myself in various forms of art. These encounters have offered me fresh perspectives, lightening the burdens that sometimes weigh on my shoulders and filling my heart with boundless joy.

Looking ahead and planning for the future occupies my thoughts more than dwelling on the past. After all, who cares about the missteps and mistakes made twenty years ago? What matters is that I am here, alive and thriving today. It’s remarkable how life can transform a once introverted individual like me into someone who now boasts hundreds of friends. Life is an ever-changing dance, and when that dance stops, well, that’s when you know you’re no longer alive.

I find immense jubilation in the person I have become and the life I have crafted. As a professional writer and ghostwriter, I’m currently immersed in the enchanting world of fantasy, weaving tales that transport readers to realms beyond imagination. And when I’m not lost in the realm of words, I find solace in my hobbies.

From DisneylandPhotography allows me to capture fleeting moments of beauty, while stamp collecting kindles a sense of wonder. Science fiction books whisk me away to distant galaxies, and movies unfold cinematic worlds before my eyes. Painting fantasy miniatures becomes a portal to unleash creativity, and delving into history helps me understand the tapestry of human existence.

Collecting rocks sparks a childlike fascination, while lending a helping hand to others serves as a constant reminder of the goodness that can be shared. And let’s not forget the simple joys of curling up with a captivating book, sipping hot chocolate, and letting pleasant music serenade my soul.

Life is a magnificent tapestry, woven together by spiritual exploration, personal growth, and a celebration of the joys that surround us. Here’s to embracing the mysteries, savoring the present, and crafting a life that fills our hearts with contentment and delight. Cheers!

Computer Professional

Let me take you on a journey through the exciting world of computers, where I’ve been a part of the action since the internet was a fledgling thing called the ARPANET. Back in those days, there were fewer than 1,000 sites on the entire network! As a seasoned computer professional, I’ve pretty much done it all when it comes to computers. From building computers from scratch to creating programs that deliver water to cities across the United States, I’ve had my hands in every aspect.

For a whopping 20 years, I had the privilege of serving as the Director of Technical Services and Computer Operations at Trader Joe’s. I led a talented group of systems and database administrators, ensuring the smooth functioning of over 300 Windows servers, 500 workstations, and even six mainframes. One of my key responsibilities was to keep a fully equipped disaster site up and running, ready to take over the company’s operations in the face of major calamities like earthquakes or fires.

During the 1980s and 1990s, I was considered quite the “guru” in the field. I even wrote several device drivers for the legendary RSTS/E and OpenVMS operating systems (back when it was just called VMS). I had my hands in numerous projects, including being part of the design and implementation team for the very first disk defragmenter, known as Diskit/RSTS/E. I also worked on its successor for VMS. Oh, and let’s not forget the time I developed a telephone fraud detection system and implemented and supported various accounting packages. On top of all that, I even designed file repair utilities that fixed problems in internal data structures. Talk about a jack of all trades!

But wait, there’s more! I also played a crucial role in implementing and designing SCADA (System Control And Data Acquisition) systems for cities like North Las Vegas, New Haven, Connecticut, and Ojai, California. These impressive systems are responsible for efficiently distributing water from rivers and dams to the customers who rely on it. Pretty cool, right?

Now, let’s talk certifications. I hold A+, MCSE+I, CIW, and several VMware certifications. With a whopping 33 years of experience in the computer business, I’ve worked with a wide range of systems. It all began with the old-school PDP-11 systems running RSTS/E and RSX. I then ventured into the realm of VAX/VMS (now known as OpenVMS), dabbled in Macintosh, and rode the Windows wave from 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, 2003, 2010, Windows 11, XP, 7, 8, and Vista. But hey, I’m not limited to the Microsoft world! I’ve also delved into the realms of Linux, FreeBSD, AIX, and Unix. Phew, quite the adventure, isn’t it?

My friend, that’s my journey in the world of computers. From the early days of ARPANET to the ever-evolving landscape of technology, I’ve been there, done that, and gained a wealth of experience along the way. Computers are my passion, and I’ve had the privilege of leaving my mark in various domains. Here’s to embracing the exciting twists and turns of the digital realm and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Memberships for Richard Lowe

Writing and Speaking

Computers

  • ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)
  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
  • IWA International Webmasters Association
  • HWG (HTML Writers Guild)
  • CAUCE (Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email)
  • DECUS (Digital Equipment Corporation User’s Society, no longer active)

Nature

Where You can Find Richard Lowe

You can find out more about my personal brand and employment history at my LinkedIn page (connect with me) and you can visit my online photo albums.

I would love to hear from you. Please send a message; if you’d like to discuss ghostwriting your book, you can book a free consultation.

The Books I’ve Published

Click here for a list of the books written and published under the name Richard Lowe.


Books by Richard G Lowe Jr, available on Amazon in Paperback. Hardcover, Kindle and audiobook formats.