Ray Hazel writes the Lemon Bay series out of Englewood, Florida, a series of books that mix fiction with the authentic stories, landmarks, and history of his local community.
Ray grew up in Massena, New York, right by the Canadian border, in a big, wild family. Nature and hard work weren’t just values; they were the way of life. After a short, energetic run as a reporter, Ray settled in at Alcoa, where he gained a deep respect for the immigrants who shaped the town’s industry. Steinbeck lit a spark in him, and seeing Our Town brought him to tears; it was enough to get him writing.
Dyslexia and low vision never slowed him down. If anything, those challenges made him dig in deeper. Ray writes with grit and heart, guided by the kindness and understanding he learned as a kid. You see it especially in his latest novel, Time Is A Thief. Ray Hazel is proof that a tough, uncertain childhood can turn into a life of creativity and curiosity.
What is one promise you have made to yourself in your lifetime?
The other day, as I’ve aged into an old man, I promised myself one thing: to finish the last book in the Lemon Bay Series with the title, Time is a Thief.
I will dedicate the book to the future of the young and old in this area and the United States of America with liberty and justice for all. Especially that young Cuban and his family. That includes the most lonely and vulnerable living and walking among us.
What do you most value in your friends?
Most of my friends are willing to give back more than they take from our friendship. We laugh a lot about our moms warning us not to hang out with the wrong crowds. As it turned out, we were the leaders of that crowd.
Who are your favorite writers?
My favorite authors all write from their subconscious selves with the courage to reveal the good, bad, and the ugly.
My favorite character was someone I related to, and remains the Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
I have three historical heroes: Lincoln, Charles Bowen Persell, an Episcopal Bishop, and Winston Churchill.
What is it that you most dislike?
My greatest dislike is a society that is not willing to take a personal inventory of itself. There are times I feel like I’m living back in the 60s.
As the author writing the Lemon Bay Series, I decided to stay local other than marketing. I feel once my name is on the book, I’m the only one that owns why it made you think. Made you cry. Made you laugh. Or disagree with its facts I uncovered.
What is your greatest regret?
I’ve often been asked, what do I regret? I answered I should have taken more time to say hello and be more kind to others and remain hopeful.
As an author, I’ve come to believe strongly in the power behind the small army of the younger, hopeful generations. A young female aspiring author at Culture Coffee shared with me the other day to trust that God always has the last word. It’s stronger than any gun.
I told her to be aware of the piracy of the first amendment taking place. I also told her to take the time to support your small local newspapers to help save the fourth estate before we lose them. I shared with her that from personal experience I know the small local newspapers should remain the heartbeat of every community.
Englewood Examiner. very edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.
