Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Into the Mind of Lucifer is the second musical-novel that I have written/composed. It is a prequel to the first musical novel, Angelic Wars, First Rebellion which received several acknowledgements, including second place, in the Catholic Press Association awards in the novels category. Both books contain links to music I have composed and produced in the book’s text–probably the first time any author has tried it. My concept is to give the reader another dimension to experience the world and the characters I have created. I am a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (Grammys).
Another aspect that distinguishes my books is that they are footnoted to the Bible for the purpose of authenticating my scenes, settings and dialogue. Angelic Wars, First Rebellion, alone, has over 180 footnotes that they reader can trace to see.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Into the Mind of Lucifer is my latest book of the Angelic Wars series. Another musical novel in the series is scheduled to be released in early 2021 with additional characters and free music links. The inspiration to writing the series is that I wanted to explore a world that combines the Bible with Lord of the Rings, and Star War action and adventure, but in Heaven. On top of this, I wanted to compose music where characters sing to the readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always write my manuscript for about three hours from 9 AM-12 PM. I write scene by scene and try to finish a scene in that time (about 1,000-1,500 words). Many times I don’t know how the scene will end, or what Biblical passages will inspire it. When writing scenes, I try to “paint myself in a corner” in order to keep the novel from gravitating in an obvious direction. In more cases than not, I don’t know how a scene will end until I am in the middle of it.
In the afternoon, from 3 to 5 PM, I compose music and write lyrics for the book. Many of the lyrics can be traced back to the Bible, but, the overall message in the song pertains to the angel who is singing it to God–several times when they are in danger. The songs are written in such a way, (and transcribed into sheet music), for readers to perform themselves. The songs are general enough where they are not restricted to the facts of the story. I ultimately compose the music into a “scratch track” on Logic software, where we will use it as a foundation for the live musical sessions.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me are C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Pearl S. Buck, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Augustine of Hippo and Eusebius.
What are you working on now?
The next book in the series along with the music. This book, like the previous full length one, will have a free companion Bible Study for new adults which is free on my website.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a student of the Australian self-publishing marketing expert, Self-Publishing Heroes.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors are the following:
1. Find a book coach and work through your book with them.
2. Find good editors for the various types of editing–there are several.
3. Check out everything on “Writers Beware,” and other websites.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have heard is from Kosta at Self-Publishing Hero. He said to write during the part of the day (or night) when you are most productive and not try to “fit it in.” That is when I started writing in the morning and finished the novella in a couple of months and am planning on finishing my first draft in a full-length book in about six months.
What are you reading now?
The Carpenter by S.A. Wilson, Eusebius, The Church History, translated by Paul L. Maier and Justinian, a novel by H.N Turteltaub . I usually read a fiction and a non-fiction at the same time. I find ideas in their intersections, sometimes.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writing, a small dream I have is to eventually change the nature of “book signings.” Hopefully, within a year or two, my book signings will have live musical performances of the songs I wrote in the books.
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?
Bible, a book on survival in a desert island ecosystem, a triage medical book and War & Peace.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rick Norris Website
Rick Norris Amazon Profile
Rick Norris’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account