Interview With Author Rachel Richards
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author, licensed massage therapist, YouTube influencer, and mom. (Not necessarily in that order.) I have just released my second book and debut novel, Glass Half Broken. My first book is my memoir of anorexia, Hungry for Life.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I began Glass Half Broken a couple of weeks into lockdown—stuck in a tiny NYC apartment, trying to calm my young daughter who had taken to tantrumming about 20 times a day, while my husband struggled to work. I needed an outlet, and my writing began organically and furiously. I had my rough draft in 30 days. My daughter, who I love like crazy but who was driving me crazy, was the inspiration for Glass Half Broken. The story grew out of her vivid fantasy world and imaginary friends.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I began both books as streams of consciousness—just a mess of words strung together for a couple hundred pages. The real work was in looking at the mess I spewed out and giving it shape, structure, and, oh, a theme would be good.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For my first book, I read many memoirs of anorexia, and also memoirs in general. The ones that come to mind are Marya Hornbacher’s Wasted, Portia de Rossi’s Unbearable Lightness, and Michael J. Fox’s Lucky Man. My favorite fiction books are suspense/thriller/mystery. I’m not sure which books most influenced Glass Half Broken, but some favorites are The Maid by Nita Prose, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.
What are you working on now?
Promoting my new book, scribbling down ideas for another thriller, shooting and preparing videos for my YouTube channel (which teaches self-massage and wellness), treating my massage therapy clients, and taking care of my daughter. I need a nap.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning as I go, but I’ve had the most success with the Kindle freebie promos Amazon offers when enrolled in KDP select. I research promotion sites to see which represent my genre, get a lot of traffic, and have a large mailing list.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I still consider myself a new author, but my advice would be to allow yourself to write freely. I think sometimes we censor ourselves because we’re worried about what other people (readers, agents, editors, etc.) will think. If you’re in the early stages of a book, be brave and write whatever you want. You can always edit later.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I received is to make sure the protagonist is active—struggling to make choices and taking action—rather than having the action happen to the protagonist. It certainly makes for more exciting read.
What are you reading now?
I’m almost at the end of The Maid (it’s so good, I don’t it to end!) and I’m about to read the next Space Boy graphic novel. If you love an excellent story and beautiful art, check out Stephen McCranie’s series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got a lot on my plate right now, but I’m brainstorming ideas for a new thriller. Hopefully I’ll be working on my next book soon!
On a different note, I write a monthly newsletter on health, wellness, and self-care. You can sign up at www.Rachel-Richards.com.
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?
Probably a couple of books about how to survive being stranded on a desert island. Maybe a classic I’ve never had time to read (Anna Karenina?). And a fun one—like one of the Harry Potter books. Maybe Prisoner of Azkaban because I’m a sucker for time travel.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Richards Amazon Profile
Rachel Richards’s Social Media Links