Creating Windhawk Ridge

I’ve always been fascinated by the “what if” moments that spark the best stories. What if there was a perfect coastal community in San Diego County—one with deep water harbors for cruise ships, a train line connecting to the Inland Empire, and an offshore island complete with its own airport? What if military leaders, tribal nations, and city planners collaborated to create something extraordinary—a destination featuring luxury hotels, world-class gaming, and adventures that draw visitors from around the globe?

The problem was, this dream place didn’t exist. So I created it.

Welcome to Windhawk Ridge and Windhawk Island, where the impossible becomes possible and ordinary teenagers find themselves solving mysteries that federal agents can’t crack. This fictional paradise became the perfect backdrop for Emma DuBois-London and her team’s adventures—a place where extreme sports meet high-stakes investigations, where community bonds run deeper than ocean currents, and where every sunset over the Pacific promises new possibilities.

Sometimes the best destinations are the ones we build in our imagination first. In Windhawk Ridge, young heroes discover that the most important journeys aren’t about where you go—they’re about who you become along the way.

The adventure starts here. Are you ready?

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Personal Life​

Stories have always been my passion—whether I’m capturing them through a camera lens or weaving them into the pages of a novel.
For over three decades, I’ve been a dedicated member of Toastmasters International, developing my skills as a public speaker and helping others find their voices. From 2005 to 2015, I shared insights and inspiration as a personal development blogger, exploring the transformative power of growth and resilience.

As a photographer, I specialize in street photography, church events, and special occasions—always seeking those authentic moments that reveal the deeper story. Whether it’s a candid smile during a community gathering, the quiet reverence of a worship service, or the spontaneous joy of a street festival, I’m drawn to images that capture the essence of human connection.

I’ve written four full-length novels and numerous short stories, always exploring themes of courage, community, and the extraordinary potential within ordinary people. My latest work, the Windhawk Ridge Mystery Collection, combines my love of adventure with my belief that young people are capable of incredible things when they’re given the chance to rise to challenges.

My goal in life remains simple: to capture stories and moments in time that remind us all of the beauty, mystery, and hope that surrounds us every day.

Every story is a photograph of the soul—capturing that split second when ordinary people discover they’re capable of extraordinary things. Whether through a camera lens or on the written page, I’m always searching for those moments when setbacks transform into comebacks, when young hearts find their courage, and when community becomes the strongest force against any darkness.”

– John W. Richardson

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Need a Speaker for Your Upcoming Event?​

Bring the power of story to your audience with John W. Richardson—a master storyteller who combines three decades of Toastmasters expertise with the heart of an adventure novelist and the eye of a photographer.
Whether you’re hosting a youth conference, corporate retreat, church event, or community gathering, John delivers presentations that don’t just inform—they inspire. Drawing from his experience as a personal development blogger, published novelist, and professional photographer, he weaves together real-life adventures with practical wisdom that audiences remember long after the applause fades.

Popular Speaking Topics:
“When Setbacks Become Comebacks” – Resilience and personal growth
“Capturing Your Story” – Finding purpose in everyday moments
“Write Your Next Chapter” – Personal development through storytelling

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