Meet Robert Willis
The Man Behind the Stories
Robert Willis served in the Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He attended several colleges before earning his PhD in Educational Research and Measurement from Florida State University.
Robert and his wife, Carole, have three adult children and reside in Bagdad, Florida. Robert and Carole reside alone now in Bagdad. No dogs, no cats. She fishes, he writes.
Crossing Clayborn is his first published novel.
The Writing Life
Today, Robert and his wife Carole live a quiet life in Bagdad, Florida. She fishes. He writes. It’s a simple rhythm that suits them both.
His stories draw from a lifetime of experience—from the discipline of the Marine Corps to the rigor of academic research, from the landscapes of the South to the intrigue of the Caribbean. Every novel is crafted with attention to authenticity, dialogue, and the hardboiled flair of classic noir.
FAQ'S
What inspired you to write this book?
When my 93-year-old mother was diagnosed with cancer, I became her caregiver alongside my siblings. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I realized that other people going through this must feel the same way—lost, diminished, alone. I wrote this book to be a companion for them.
Who is this book for?
Anyone who is caring for an aging parent. Anyone who has lost someone they love. Anyone who needs permission to feel their feelings and know they are not alone.
What do you hope readers take away?
I hope they feel seen. I hope they know it's okay to open up to the pain. And I hope they find a little bit of peace in knowing that love never really leaves us.
Are you writing more books?
I'm always reflecting and writing. Subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated.