Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the West Midlands, recently widowed from a wonderful husband of 40 years.
I have always written on and off, but wrote two novels in the early 2000’s, one being a fanfic, which was what drew me to writing more prolifically. I’ve written another romance novel now, but my main focus moving forward as an author is to help promote work in the environment, especially fostering a love of wildlife in children.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Billy the Badger is Sad! as part of the Tales from Prickly Hedge series.
I live in the West Midlands in my very own Prickly Hedge – a beautiful garden that is home to all manner of wildlife, including badgers.
This gave me the idea to create Bubble and Squeek, two hedgehogs who have fun and adventures in the garden they call their own, namely Prickly Hedge. Through the stories and their adventures, they learn how best to help all their wildlife friends. It is hoped that this will inspire young readers to engage more with wildlife and hopefully begin to not only help preserve it but create habitats in which it can thrive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t think anyone has influenced me per se in terms of writing. I read a lot of Danielle Steele before writing my romance novels.
In terms of personal development though, Stephen Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I first heard it on audio cassette in the early 90’s and haven’t looked back since.
What are you working on now?
The third book in the Tales from Prickly Hedge book series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, AwesomeGang.com is, well, AWESOME.
I haven’t got into the swing of things with marketing yet, so I can’t really answer this one. I suppose if you pay for advertising, it has to be Amazon, which is where your books are.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Spend AS MUCH time looking at making marketing connections as you do writing – and never give up.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two actually:
Measure twice, cut once and Be present in the moment.
Says it all, think before you act, research before you jump and actively enjoy every moment you get to be alive on our glorious planet.
What are you reading now?
I have a lot of books TO read, but I just don’t get the time nowadays to read, sadly.
They mainly range from personal development to Tudor history to UK politics to spiritualism. Bit eclectic.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to move into helping children’s reading charities to improve reading standards and literature in countries where facilities are lacking.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I suppose my Kindle is out of the question?! LOL.
7 Habits by Stephen Covey – you can always be better even if alone
Flip It by Michael Heppell – I think you’d need to flip your mindset if you were stranded on a desert island
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling – I’d feel like I had the complete set by reading the last one – lol
The Prophet by Khalil Gibran – beautiful story book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Yvonne Richards Website
Yvonne Richards Amazon Profile
Yvonne Richards Author Profile on Smashwords
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