Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey folks! I’m Bill Ricardi. Over the past couple of years, I’ve written seven novels. My first three books (‘Another Stupid Trilogy’) got picked up by Podium Publishing for full audiobook conversion. Since then I’ve started a new trilogy in the Panos universe, and written two books in my urban fantasy series, ‘The Ihy Saga’. The final book is a stand along romance, just now being sent around to publishers.
Though I’m originally from the U.S., I now live in Belfast in the U.K. I love the people, particularly my hubby. It’s also got a great quality of life for a low cost of living, important for a full time author!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is ‘Cadence’, sequel to ‘Rhythm’, the second book in The Ihy Saga. The entire series was inspired by my own past relationship with bullying and abuse, and the way that music saved me.
It is manifested in the premise that a certain ancient Egyptian god, Ihy (god of sex and music), is the only god with real power in the modern world. He looks for Hosts, people who will share their body with the spirit of one of his 72 children. Enter Lucas (aka ‘Lucky’), an abused, legally emancipated young man living in his car out in the Massachusetts woodlands. He accepts the hosting of Izadore (aka ‘Izy’), and together they learn how to control their music-based divine powers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
After I finish writing a book, I completely shave my head and beard. I feel that it gives me a clean start to whatever the next project might be!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Almost too many to name, but I’ll hit the biggies: Roger Zelazny, Katherine Kurtz, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett, R.A. Salvatore, Anne McCaffrey, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Douglas Adams, and Stephen King.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on book 2 of The Blackstaff Siblings, the fifth Panos novel. ‘A Princess of Last Resort’ set the stage for this epic tale of a brother and sister who become unexpected heirs and leaders of an kingdom. All the while they’re on the run, trying to figure out who attacked the northern elflands, and doing their best to get back to their parents.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, Prolific Works. They’ve grown my fan club by leaps and bounds.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need to put out many, many books before you can make a living at it. There’s no get rich quick shortcuts. it’s all hard work. i use the King ‘On Writing’ system, but that might be too hardcore for some. Whatever you choose, try to write and promote every single day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Don’t pee on the electric fence.’
What are you reading now?
I just finished the complete Lovecraft collection. Old-school horror done right.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish The Blackstaff Siblings trilogy, keep writing The Ihy Saga for as long as it inspires me, and pump out more romance titles in my ‘spare’ time. 🙂
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?
The Great Book of Amber
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
How to Survive on a Deserted Island
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