A career in art, including teaching and writing for academic publication, led Lavender to write stories (as R.M. Lavender) about distinct characters facing rising complications in pursuit of driving needs. Characters’ past experiences also condition their motivations, how they make decisions, and, ultimately, how they grow and change. Making compelling fiction and screenwriting projects are in some ways much like the work of painting and sculpture—but with words invoking millions of mind’s eye images instead of singular ones made to invite multiple, personal interpretations. “Painting with words” through story structure, pacing, stakes, and character development is a kind of collaboration—one that creates immersive reader experiences crafted simultaneously between the writer and reader.

Fiction

SUDDEN SISTERS.  A contemporary Young Adult enemies-to-friends meets survival/adventure novel that fuses characters with heart, tension, and suspense to illuminate the premise: What if a devastating event strands eight teens in the wilderness, awakening in one an unknown strength so intense that it transforms both her and her nemesis into powerful young women?

Pensive artist Mae storms out of class after being cruelly sabotaged, and stays out of school for weeks. But unwilling to miss the Junior Bio fall wilderness trip, she finally faces going back—even though chief bully, Jessica, will surely be on the trip, too.

Their first morning out, Mae awakens to a nightmare when a small plane crashes into their camp, disabling their bus, injuring her and others, and taking their teachers’ lives. Finding the plane’s lone pilot trapped in the cockpit, but alive, she sneaks help to him, despite Jessica’s insistence that everyone stay off the wreckage—except her. Mae trusts her own judgment as she navigates mounting conflicts with Jessica and her clique, while also grappling with traumatic childhood memories, and with her growing attraction to the pilot. But when she hears him arguing with Jessica, even threatening her, Mae’s illusions about him shatter. Ultimately, seeing him assault Jessica at knifepoint rips open Mae’s past, and compels her to intervene. 

Her heroic action leaves the pilot dead, but also forges an indelible bond with the very girl who has long tormented her. Fearing Mae could be arrested, they conceal what happened, even after rescuers arrive. Once home, they debate an agonizing choice—keep staying silent, or dare to speak out? The dispute begins to unravel their unique friendship, until Jessica surprises Mae with newfound insight based on Mae’s thoughtful influence, and they take bold action to resolve their dilemma.

SUDDEN SISTERS delves into themes of redemption, finding agency, and healing through unbreakable connection with another.

Other projects outlined and/or underway include a sequel to SUDDEN SISTERS and other Young Adult novels, and a work of General Fiction about a Pacific Northwest timber-man who loses his young son in a river accident, finds his only solace in carving large wooden figures, and is ‘discovered’ by a vacationing art dealer who draws him into the New York art world. But when his inspiration is practically destroyed by the trappings of his remarkable success, he's forced to choose between two very different worlds.

Screenwriting  

LATUDE.  Based on the true story of a pre-revolutionary French man wrongly imprisoned for 27 years, this historical drama includes two prison escapes, one of which historians have called “the most daring in history,” and features a remarkably noble-hearted woman whose tireless determination helps secure Latude’s freedom.

NO TURNING BACK.  A contemporary suspense-drama about a group of teen girls stuck in the wilderness after a cataclysmic event kills their teachers, leaving two antagonists to confront nature, overcome the clash of a lifetime, and liberate themselves emotionally.

THE GOLDEN BOY.  A contemporary romantic drama about a timber-town folk artist who, discovered by a vacationing art dealer, becomes a New York art world sensation.  When the source of his inspiration is all but destroyed by his own success, he must face his wrenching past and choose between fame and love.

Awards & Honors

• Semi-Finalist, William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, 2012, No Turning Back - Novel

• Third Place, 5th Annual IndieProducer Screenwriting Competition, 2007, The Golden Boy - Original Screenplay

• Finalist, SCBWI Kimberly Colen Memorial Grant, 2006, No Turning Back - Novel

• Semi-Finalist, William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, 2006, No Turning Back - Novel

• Quarter-Finalist, 11th Annual Writers Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition, 2004, Latude - Adaptation Screenplay

• Finalist, 1st Annual IndieProducer Screenwriting Competition, 2002, No Turning Back - Original Screenplay

• Quarter-Finalist, Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting Competition, 2002, No Turning Back - Original Screenplay

• Finalist, Malcom-Vincent Screenwriting Contest, 1992, Latude - Adaptation Screenplay