Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am (finally) a full-time writer after many years of starts and stops. I started writing at a very young age, encouraged by a teacher. As life events happen, often we find we put aside our interests or hobbies to ensure others in our lives get what they need. My children now grown, I decided to leave my job in our local police department and pursue my love of writing. To date, I have 5 books released. The epic fantasy trilogy, Soul Forge Saga and two stand-alone prequels to the trilogy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Into the Madness is book 3 in the Soul Forge Saga Trilogy. I was inspired by reading Terry Brooks and Stephen R. Donaldson many years ago! At first, I wrote science fiction, but once I read Terry Brooks, I knew my writing just had to change!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual it is, but I listen to hard metal when writing. I find it fuels my creativity for the darker scenes. If there is a particularly sad scene, I find myself listening to classical! Music can really help to drive my creativity and unleash some of those blocks that writers often experience.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything fantasy! I really enjoy Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. If you are a fantasy fan, I know you can relate!
What are you working on now?
This summer, look for my new fantasy series, “Legends of the Lurker.” Book 1, Reecah’s Flight is scheduled for release in May 2019 followed by books 2 and 3 over the course of the summer.
A young girl dreams of flying. Encouraged by her grandfather to follow her heart, Reecah forms a taboo relationship with a baby dragon.
Secretly opposing the mandate of her people, Reecah tests the boundaries of unquestionable love as she and her enchanting accomplice battle the discriminative edicts governing the land and the people bent on eradicating the magical creatures.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It can be a very daunting process when all you want to do is write! I am fortunate to have the help of my wife who has a little marketing experience. I use my website, have a newsletter, use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. My job is to write, hers is to try to get me in front of an audience that appreciates fantasy!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write it. You have an amazing idea, get it down. Edit later. Be creative and let it flow!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t write it, they can’t read it.”
What are you reading now?
Fire and Blood, George R. R. Martin
What’s next for you as a writer?
After Legends of the Lurker, I plan to write the story of the events that took place between, “The Royal Tournament” and “Soul Forge!
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 Sword of Shannara, Terry Brooks
Lord Foul’s Bane, Stephen R. Donaldson
Battlefield Earth, L. Ron Hubbard
Author Websites and Profiles
Richard H. Stephens Website
Richard H. Stephens Amazon Profile
Richard H. Stephens’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account