Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have ten novels in publication, all with the setting of a dystopian American. They’re available in e-books on Amazon and other outlets, such as Barnes & Noble and Apple. The novels are also available on Amazon in paperback, with two novels in each volume.
Like so many independent authors in this new world of writing, I had always loved to write but never had a practical way to get my work published. And then, along comes the internet—oh my goodness, what an amazing (as well as crazy scary) place! The interest that grew in me about four years ago with the idea that something, many things actually, could happen in our complacent world and turn it upside down seemed to blend with my desire to write fiction. To my own surprise, I found myself with a new book on Amazon and people were buying it and reading it. Here I am, nearly three years later, with ideas of “what if” swimming around in my old head and still writing.
I am basically a very optimistic old gal and my stories are always about families, friends or lovers and how they cope with survival in a very changed world. I don’t care for zombies and epic battles and am fascinated with exploring how the everyday man would face and deal with the dangers and challenges of a dystopian environment—what would that environment really be like? The development of the characters is my true joy in the writing and the research about locations.
My hubby of nearly fifty years and I spend a bit more than half our time at our small cabin in Colorado and the remaining time in our beloved home of Texas. Our daughters, grandchildren and even one precious great grandson are scattered throughout the state. We will forever have one foot and our hearts firmly planted there. We have built four homes in our time, from scratch, doing the majority of the work, including the cabin that is now mainly our home base. Earlier this year, we downsized and sold our Texas home. When we go home, we live in a travel trailer and that has brought new experiences and people into our lives.
My retired life style and fortunate new vocation is a great source of peace and joy in my life. I always love to hear from my readers.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is It Was 2052, High Haven. It is the second of a series. There are four books in the No Normal Day series and four in The Days After series. The beautiful scenes, views and wildlife around our cabin was the true inspiration for the book. I’m also fascinated with the stories of lost treasure in the surrounding mountains. So, some of the characters that came together in the end of No Normal Day, Travelers are re-visited and find new adventures twenty years later.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual my writing habits are. I don’t very often sit in my pj’s and write. I try to do it like a job, like to be dressed and have my chores around the house taken care of. Popcorn and coffee often join me. I am a near compulsive observer of people and when I meet or just encounter an unusual person or when I visit a new place, it often sends my mind into the imaginary country of a new story.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a girl, I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries, still do love a mystery. When a young mother, the historical romances of Kathleen Woodwiss were pure escape. I love humor, such as Jean Shepherd wrote. More recently, I became interested and inspired by dystopian fiction, one of my favorites, the books of Elle Casey. Not yet quite over the sting of my early book’s criticism, grammar, etc. (thank heavens, Amazon allows for we, obsessive re-editors). I’m finally comfortable in my style of writing shoes and I still read many books on writing fiction. My favorite of those is How Not to Write a Novel, by Mittelmark and Newman.
What are you working on now?
Taking a winter break right now, but little visions keep floating through my mind—things like, what would happen in that pleasant campground in a catastrophic situation? So many varied and interesting folks there—would they come together or turn against each other?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just don’t do the social media thing, though I see the benefit there. I welcome my readers to e-mail me at the address in the back of my books and have a small mailing list. I use the tools of Amazon, have my books on D2D, where it’s made available on several outlets and look for affordable sites such as Awesomegang to run promotions several times a year.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As so many authors suggest—sit down and write. Study what other successful writers have learned on the internet and read their books, as well as the books in the genre you are interested in. Work and work some more on your knowledge of grammar and point of view and correct writing techniques. The world is the most wonderful inspiration, get out of your own head and explore the heads of others.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t keep doing what you’re doing, over and over, and expect different results.
As far as writing—write.
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading How Not to Write a Novel. It’s funny, you can always find something to learn. I’m getting that urge to pull together a new story with new characters and I can use all the help I can get.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Don’t know—isn’t that intriguing?
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 Wolf and the Dove (Woodwiss), Dictionary, Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories and other Disasters (Shepherd) and the best Prepper Survival book I could find.
Author Websites and Profiles
J. Richardson Website
J. Richardson Amazon Profile