About Raymond Keith

Epic Fantasy Author

Raymond Keith – My Story

Background

Raymond Keith was raised in the wholesome Pennsylvania German (aka PA Dutch) culture, the youngest of nine siblings. Yes nine- one full brother and seven half siblings. His ancestors were active members of local rural churches dating back to the 1730’s, and his mother made sure they attended services every week. He loved exploring the fields and woods of Pennsylvania and will always consider it home. There were always plenty of animals around the home or his uncle’s farm, so he developed an appreciation for God’s creation from the very beginning.

Adventurous Early Years

Just before his eleventh birthday, he and two of his brothers spend the summer backpacking, starting near his home in Pennsylvania on the Appalachian Trail and finishing at the Canadian border in Vermont on the Long Trail. It was a life changing 70 days. Not only did his appreciation for his family and wild nature grow, but he learned to overcome fears, deal with hardship, and to persevere. It was also on this trip that he began to imagine a fantastical world- wild places where goblins and dragons may roam. With that, he began to create his own stories in his mind. The three siblings spent the next few summers backpacking the many trails around the state. All this stirred in Raymond and his brother John, his only full sibling, a desire to explore the world and seek the meaning of life. He also studied Tae Kwon Do to live up to the heroes he imagined, reaching red stripe by completing seven belts. Here he was introduced to Zen teaching, which opened him up to other worldviews beside Christianity.

Other Adventures

Raymond spent almost eight years in Denali Park, Alaska, trekking the mountains and exploring the state. He spent one winter in a remote cabin, spent several winters as a resort winter caretaker, and even worked as a dog handler for a top performing Iditarod kennel. In his spare time, he also studied many world religions and philosophies, desiring to live life to the fullest and seeking wisdom. Other places he has explored include the jungles and ruins of Central America, the far corners of Thailand, Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and most of the United States. This would include the forests of Kentucky, the big island of Hawaii and the deserts of Arizona. In Arizona, Raymond earned his helicopter license, including basic commercial and instrument flying. He and his wife also volunteered doing search and rescue, learning man-tracking skills in the desert.

Life Changing Experiences

While in Alaska, Raymond had three life altering experiences. The first was the birth of his precious daughter. Being a father out of wedlock revealed to himself all his shortcomings and failures. This struggle led to Raymond seeking to deal with these failures, but all the world’s philosophies he had studied were falling short with answers. It was soon thereafter that Raymond had an extraordinary encounter with the living God and His Son, Jesus Christ. He was completely humbled and blessed by His grace and Raymond has never looked back. He has served Christ without regret since October 1995. It was not too long after that when his wife came to Alaska and they were married within a year in Ohio. (1998)

Epic Fantasy Author

Raymond has worked many jobs in six states, but started working in the field of parks and recreation in Arizona in 2005. He is currently managing two state parks in Montana. In 2015, Raymond began writing down all the fantastical ideas in his head and make them into fantasy stories. When he is not writing stories, Raymond likes to study historical European martial arts (HEMA), or as his wife states, “he plays with swords.” In 2022, he was first published in the Compass Newsletter doing serial short stories. Sola deo gloria.

Pen Name

A little about the pen name: His father wanted to name him “Raymond” after a favorite relative, but his mother wanted to name him “Keith.” So to honor them both, he uses the pen name Raymond Keith. “Ray” means “kingly”, but that  seems too lofty. “Raymond” is Teutonic and means “Wise protector” so he strives to be wise and a protector. “Keith” is Gaelic and means “forest, woodlands”.