Rick Haynes

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born way back in time and after a zillion reincarnations I think, I know who I am. I believe in having fun because life is too short to do anything else. And my motto.
LAUGH LOUD – LOVE ALWAYS – LIVE LONG
Up to now I have published one novella, Bolt Out Of The Blue, a family story with a hint of magic and an American twist. Also two collections of short stories and Drabbles have been published on Amazon. I used many different genres to entertain my readers.
But my real pasion is Medieval Fantasy and my first novel, Evil Never Dies, is due for release later this month (July 2015).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Evil Never Dies
I have always enjoyed medieval fantasy tales. Once I started, I could never put them down, often reading them into the early hours. I found myself living the characters that jumped out from the pages. I always hoped that one day I could create my own world, full of vile creatures and true heroes. And after the passing of too many seasons I finally began to remove the ideas from my head and commence writing.
It has taken nearly 18 months to produce a story that had lain dormant for so many years. Evil Never Dies is my first novel and is a classic tale of good and evil set against a backdrop of green lands, snowy mountains and dusty plains.
I show the horrors of war, as well as the loyalty and fears of all those involved. I believe that all men are flawed, and I leave it to my readers, to decide whether I have succeeded in showing their strengths and weaknesses, their compassion and cruelty. For war brings out the best and the worst in even the gentlest of men.
I have let my mind wander freely over the words, and I hope that you will enjoy your trip into the world of my imagination.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I write as and when I want too.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.R.R. Tolkein’s book, The Lord Of The Rings is the finest book that I have ever read. The man was a genius, for not only did he create a wonderful tale, he also created the world of Middle Earth and a complete language.
Issac Asimov also inspired me with his amazing sci-fi tales, whilst David Gemmel stories often buzz inside my head.

What are you working on now?
Heroes Never Fade will be the follow up to Evil Never Dies and the second in The Maxilla tales. Hopefully it can be released in a years time but first things first.
P.S. My granddaughter wants to write some fairy stories with me, so watch this space, or perhaps Amazon. As all granddaughters do, she’ll tell me when shes ready. LOL.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The Kindles Users Forum have been very supportive as have many of my friends on Facebook. I also belong to two writing groups in Southern England and their help has proved invaluable. Alas, my promotional skills are not what they should be and I will be pursuing new avenues over the next few months.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you are interested in; what you are passionate about. Only start writing when you want too. Take many breaks and if your mind goes blank – get up and do something completely different. Me! I go out into the fresh air, but whatever works for you is best.
But the best advice is HAVE FUN and enjoy yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join a writing group. The support that you receive is beyond praise and the amount you can learn from others is staggering. It’s fun too.

What are you reading now?
An old David Gemmell book for the second time – Druss The Legend.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promotion – Promotion – Promotion. Then back to Heroes Never Fade as only the first two chapters (long ones) have been written.

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?
Lord of the Rings, The Foundation Trilogy by Asimov, and Bernard Cornwell’s Azincourt. All three combine great stories with superb characters that leap from the pages. They are all thick books, so it would take me a little while to read them all, before the gorgeous mermaid, riding on the back of a dolphin, comes to my rescue. The mind boggles.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rick Haynes Website
Rick Haynes Amazon Profile
Rick Haynes Author Profile on Smashwords

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