Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing most of my life. Probably the best-known magazine I’ve written for was Billboard, also Sports Illustrated for the athletes out there. I research my books carefully. The things that happen in my books are based on reality. In one of them, Oiorpata, I used some of the most extreme practices of the intelligence agencies in the story. My latest book, Spirit Runner, which has been a best-seller on Amazon for most of the time it has been out, is the closest thing to an autobiography I’ve ever written. In Weird Tales, and in More Weird Tales, I got into the world of horror. There is also Blue’s Point, a book that delves into the characters living in a town founded by racists.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Spirit Runner. I ran for the University of Texas and I had Olympic aspirations, but a nerve was injured in my leg during my time in the Army so I couldn’t follow that dream. Ron Campbell, the boy in Spirit Runner, aspires to be an Olympic marathoner like his father, but he’s injured in a car wreck and goes through therapy, but never gives up on his dream.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a snooker table. When I need a break, I practice my shots.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to name, but I’ll take a shot at a few. The most recent author who impressed me the most was Ken Kesey. I met him and had the pleasure of spending an evening talking with him. It wasn’t long before I realized that Randall Patrick McMurphy, the protagonist in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, was Ken Kesey. I’ve always admired Mark Twain’s mastery of words and character development. John Steinbeck stands out in my mind as does John LeCarre.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a cold war spy series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I keep searching for a best way to promote my books. I wish people would write more reviews. I don’t think they realize that, when they like a book, they can help it become successful if they just take the time to spread the word of what they thought of it
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Write clean. By that I mean don’t rush through the book. I once heard someone say that musicians should never throw away a note. They should make every note count. The same is true in writing. Make every word count. Did he stagger, or saunter, or stride, or strut across the room? Use the best word every time. It will bring the story to life. Also, never pad just to get to 80,000 words or whatever amount the genre requires. Extra words are boring.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t pay much attention to criticisms from people who aren’t writers.
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?
Three or four wouldn’t be enough. I guess I’d take the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Author Websites and Profiles
Richard Ferguson Amazon Profile
Richard Ferguson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile