Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After a 21 year career in the Navy, I returned home to my native state of New Jersey. Following my passion for the open waters, I started a second career in the recreational marine parts business. After ten years of dealing with the dense population of New Jersey and its high cost of living, we had had enough. My wife, Cheryl, and I sought to find a peaceful, friendly environment for our second retirement. We now happily reside in Spink County, South Dakota.
I reveal my love for South Dakota and appreciation of its people through my third career as an author of six books centering around the fictional town of Helen, South Dakota. All my novels and stories tell a tale of middle America and the rural lifestyle.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is River Of Destiny. It, like all my books, is inspired by the culture of small-town America.
I love writing about the ways of Middle America and the rural communities. This story tells the tale of a young man raised on a South Dakota farm. How will he handle college life in the big eastern city? It is a story of culture shock, twists and turns, and a new acquaintance who helps him adjust.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My wife and I are both retired and, therefore, are home with each other 2/7. We have adjusted our schedules to each have private time.
I am up around six each morning while my wife prefers to sleep in until ten or eleven. In the evening, I am in bed before eleven, and she stays up until one or two AM. We each get time to ourselves.
I use my quiet mornings to write. I get my morning coffee, chose the door to my den, and start to type. I am a “seat of the pants” writer, so I have no idea where the story is going to take me when I sit down each morning.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like homespun fiction. Some of my recent favorites have been Carol Cox, Debbie Macomber, C. J. Darlington, and Vickie Kestell.
Now I know these authors lean toward the romantic, but the background and the people in these stories touch me.
What are you working on now?
I am continuing the Flyover County Series. I love my imagery town of Helen, SD. I feel I know all the characters. They are my friends. I will continue to write what they tell me about their lives.
I currently have three stories in the works. All are in and around Helen, South Dakota.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website and a Facebook page. I keep an e-mail list as well for my “insiders”. The e-mail list is the best promotion tool. I am learning to work the algorithms of Amazon and a starting to have some success there too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put your fingers on the keyboard and type. There are people out there thirsting for your story. Tell it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. The next big break could be just around the bend. If you quit now, you will never find it.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a few. Some non-fiction about publishing and writing and some for fun. I like folksy books with happy endings. That seems to lead me to soft romance. It’s the story, the settings, and scenery that draw me in.
Amazon Decoded by David Gaughran
Trouble In Store by Carol Cox
Why Grace Changes Everything by Chuck Smith
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to write. I want to tell the story of middle America.
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 Bible, Atlas Shrugged, and something light by Debbie Macomber.
Author Websites and Profiles
Richard Skorupski Website
Richard Skorupski Amazon Profile
Richard Skorupski’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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