Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a late arrival to the literary gang, after several decades in the work-place; happily married to my college sweetheart, raising two beautiful kids, who’ve now made us grandparents, multiple time.
In truth, I’m now living a dream; one which began in my late teens, and hung with me through all the decades of living in our great Republic. In my thirties and forties I replaced other hobbies with creative writing; just for fun, though I did shop around a couple of manuscripts. Got the obligatory, “atta boy’s” but not quite what we need, rejections. (Don’t even get those anymore).
At that point, switched gears in careers and left the writing, tabled, for a dozen years.
Finally retired from the rat-race at sixty, and voila, WINGS OF THE WIND came to be. Actually, it’s the second manuscript since my retirement; still shopping the first around. Looking forward to living the rest of this dream. To God be the Glory!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WINGS OF THE WIND is my first published novel. After writing several secular manuscripts(still hoping to publish those down the road) I was reading my Bible one day shortly after retiring, and felt a stirring inside, to create a story that would both, glorify God, and give hope to the hopeless. WOTW is the end result of my prayer and soul-searching.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always think of the fact that we’re all unique, just like everybody else. Pretty much says we’re all alike and all different. I do a lot of praying during my writing, asking for guidance on the best way to convey they message within the storyline.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of Louis L’ amour’s work. Ray Bradbury, Zane Grey, Mark Twain, Frank E. Peretti, Kurt Isles, Agatha Christie and Tom Clancy are some of my favorite authors. I’ve read hundreds, if not thousands of books and those folks are all top-notch in my book.
What are you working on now?
The sequel to WINGS OF THE WIND. Tentatively title, PSALM OF THE PRODIGAL, the story will continue the saga of Rance Jobe and his family, carrying on through the Vietnam era.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon has exclusive rights to my marketing, currently.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Search your heart for evidence you truly wish to embark on this road. Once you validate that, work hard, rest much, and never write with anger in your heart. Create an environment of peace, in whatever way suits your individual needs. Never forget, your education, including development of literary skills, is a never-ending process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The road to hell is paved with adverbs.” Sometimes, the fewer words deliver your message in a more understandable fashion.
What are you reading now?
Rereading, FARENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury. And of course, I love reading my Bible, often.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing PSALM OF THE PRODIGAL and seeking publication. Beyond that, dusting off three other manuscripts I’ve written, do a little rewriting and hopefully uncover some interest in them as well. This leg of my journey is just beginning.
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?
Farenheit 451, Hondo, The Wayfaring Stranger, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; some of my favorites, out of 100’s.
Author Websites and Profiles
Randall Ritter Amazon Profile
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Beautifully written! Characters come to life so much so, you find yourself thinking about them during the day, wondering what’s in store for them when next you turn the page.
The tale is gripping and the history is factual. A must-read.