Interview With Author Richard Oshen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Richard Oshen, screenwriter and children's book author.
I love to craft wholesome stories, mainly about animals that are engaging and inspiring for readers of all ages – especially young readers. Over the years, I've developed insight into the natural world thanks to my exposure to a wide range of life experiences and opportunities.
Hello, my name is Richard Oshen, screenwriter and children's book author. Welcome!
I love to craft wholesome stories that are engaging and inspiring for readers of all ages – especially young readers. Over the years, I've developed insight into the natural world thanks to my exposure to a wide range of life experiences and opportunities.
"The Adventures of Pete The Squirrel – In The House" is the first book in a five-book series about a real-life squirrel that I met and named Pete. In addition to launching “The Adventures of Pete The Squirrel, my first screenplay, "The Richest Man in Town," goes into production later this year.
Currently, I live in the San Bernadino Mountains, California with a rescue dog named Montana, three rescue kittens – Emily, Emerson & Julian – as well as a squirrel named Pete.
Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable journey.
is the first book in a five-book series about a real-life squirrel that I met and named Pete. In addition to launching “The Adventures of Pete The Squirrel, my first screenplay, "The Richest Man in Town," goes into production later this year.
Currently, I live in the San Bernadino Mountains, California with a rescue dog named Montana, three rescue kittens – Emily, Emerson & Julian – as well as a squirrel named Pete.
Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable journey.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
"The Adventures of Pete The Squirrel – In The House" is my debut book. I was inspired to write about meeting Pete and the lessons he taught me. Pete actually found his way into my house and amazed me with his ingenuity, determination and seemingly inexhaustible energy. Over time we developed a trust between us and he would visit me every time I gave Pete his special whistle.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write when I'm "in the zone" of drifting off to bed or just before waking up. I find that I am a open channel for inspiration. I carry a voice recorder with me and babble inspiration, musings and notes relevant to the project I'm working on whether book or screenplay. Eventually I transcribe the voice file, then copy and paste the output of thatfile into a word doc or final draft if its a screenplay. From that point on I am rewriting and editing. I find this workflow is very efficient for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gee, I love to reading books on animals so "A Dog's Journey" by Bruce Cameron is one of my favorites. "The Dali Lama's" by David Michie also gets a big shout out. Both authors inspire me with their gentle way of seeing life through their animal companion's eyes. "The Bear and the Nightingale" is beautifully written by Katherine Ardin.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I am getting Pete's 1st book ready to launch on April 21 on Amazon. I am setting up a free kindle promotion April 21-23. Its amazing how much energy that takes. I also completed video trailers to promote the book. My 1st screenplay "The Richest Man In Town" an adaptation of a book by the same name is going into production. There is much more news about projects in production on my website www.richardoshen.com
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly don't know. This is the first site I visited and so far its the best! My own site www.richardoshen.com does a darn good job of promoting books and music I've written.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Never, ever, ever, ever, give up! Never listen to any who says you can't! One screenplay I wrote has taken me over 25 years to write, rewrite, send out for note, rewrite and rewrite again. I identify more as a rewriter than I do as a writer. For me rewriting is where the magic happens, the wordplay — and that's where all the juiciness develops. Keep writing. Your in the game as long as you don't quit. Finish what ever you started. Look for the helpers, editors, professional readers, seek out other writers in same genre as you and read. read read. I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT. Why? Because it is happening to me!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let the story reveal itself to you 🙂 Be a good listener.
What are you reading now?
I just downloaded Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio screenplay and looking forward to it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Have a book in the works about a girl who loves plants and a screenplay about cats
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?
How to survive on a desert island, with 3 or 4 books 🙂
Author Websites and Profiles
Richard Oshen Author Profile on Smashwords
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