Today we’d like to introduce you to Waide Riddle.
Hi Waide, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an award-winning author, writer and filmmaker. 1978: I won my first award in writing (Journalism) at the age of 12 for penning movie reviews for my junior high school paper. I knew I would always be a writer. Today, my titles are available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble Press, IngramSpark Books, Village Well/Culver City, Borderlands/San Francisco, and Waterstones/UK.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life gives us all unexpected struggles and challenges. The death of both of my parents and grandparents impacted me deeply and has had a profound effect on my writing. Their individual stories have shaped how I look at the world and beyond.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Days after the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City, I sat down and wrote my poem, “A Prayer For September 11th,” and my short story, “Lovers’ Morning Hold.” “Lovers’ Morning Hold” went on to be published in the anthology “Best Gay Love Stories 2005” by Alyson Books. In 2012, when the 9/11 Memorial Museum and Artists Registry opened, I contacted the curators and suggested my two literary pieces be considered for inclusion. Years and years went by. I would also email the museum occasionally to remind them of my work. In 2016, narrator Faris Monshi recorded the audiobook for “Lovers’ Morning Hold” and narrator Jim D. Johnston recorded the audio poem for “A Prayer For September 11th.”
In early 2026, I received a phone call from the senior curator, Amy Williams, of the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and she informed me that through the years, the chain of hands, and round tables, my poem and story had finally been approved and would be archived permanently in the museum and its archives.
I am most proud of this! My poem and book presented/represented in such a critically important venue as the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The years of wait were worth it: https://www.911memorial.org/profile/2225796
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My parents and grandparents were always very supportive of my writing, even if they weren’t fans of my topics. They just said, “Do it! Write it!”
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: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lovers-morning-hold-waide-riddle/1149929890?ean=9798256328740
