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Interview with James Richard

Published 2013-12-18.
When did you first start writing?
Been writing all my professional life. Began writing fiction about 18 months ago.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The Kindom of Zando and its magnificent Castle on the Hill is envied by King Bullato of the neighboring kingdom of Grottlyn. Plotting to take over this prosperous and happy kingdom he arranges to kill King Allandro. Princess Adriana is made the Queen and with her secret love, the handsome Duke Arden as her general, must quickly develop a plan to thwart the evil King Bullato’s intentions. The Army of Zando soon begins a long journey over the High Pass, across the Enchanted River and down to the Dunes. Beset by horrible creatures and incredible odds, the would be lovers must complete their heroic quest to save their beloved kingdom.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Being independent gives one the sense of freedom to write whatever one chooses. An indie writer can enter
the marketplace without investing a fortune.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Wonderful tool to enable distribution to all the important book sellers without large expense.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The creative process of developing the story, the plot and the characters.
What do your fans mean to you?
Want to please those who choose to read my stories. Always nice to make a dollar or two as well.
What are you working on next?
Book Two in the Castle on the Hill Series. Will be ready early next year.
Who are your favorite authors?
David Farland, Dan Brown, C.J. Box, Craig Johnson to name a few. Ayn Rand stands out in a class of her own.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Taking care of the house and grounds. Playing some golf and enjoying friends.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Writing and creating my own music. Just to be upright at my age is good!
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Mostly from friends but also by browsing Kindle and Nook and others.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes, last year I wrote and put up on Kindle and iBooks a story based
on a real happening back in WWII. The book is still available and is entitled:
TWO BOYS AND A DOG by James Goodman (my real name)
What is your writing process?
To sit down and start. It just seems to come as I write.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
As a boy I read adventure books about foreign travel. The concept of self-reliance
was developed young, in part because of the freedoms we had a children in the days
when I was young.
How do you approach cover design?
Try to convey to essence of the story.
What do you read for pleasure?
C.J Box, Craig Johnson even Ayn Rand
What is your e-reading device of choice?
iPad
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Word of mouth works but has limits. I have also used postcards but can be costly.
Describe your desk
A chair and my trusty iMac with an additional monitor.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
Early years in Wyoming in a small town. Some of my first efforts to write fiction
based on happenings in that small town and its wonderful mountain surroundings.
What is your hope for your new book?
To reach a wider audience than before and develop the series entitled:
THE CASTLE ON THE HILL SERIES
fantasy, romance, action
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Books by This Author

They Came By Sea by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 21,610. Language: English. Published: January 27, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Romance » Fantasy
THEY CAME BY SEA (Book Three of the Castle on the Hill Series), the story of Prince Elland and Princess Liceia after capture by ruthless King Ragar of the Ragons. Enslaved, the young royals meet Ragon royals and fall in love. An epic sea battle ensues. Finally the royal's love and marriage joins the two kingdoms together in peace.
Defending the Castle by
Series: Castle on the Hill, Two. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 27,760. Language: English. Published: January 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Romance » Action/adventure
Defending the Castle (Book Two of the Castle on the Hill Series) tells the story of Prince Alland and Princess Delice and their romantic, epic adventures. New, terrible creatures, evil sorcerers and magic all endanger the people of Zando. The evil King Vultro invades the Kingdom to attempt to take over and occupy the Castle on the Hill. Now the royals must defend the Castle on the Hill.
Defending Zando by
Series: Castle on the Hill, One. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 26,180. Language: English. Published: November 27, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Fantasy, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
The Kindom of Zando and its magnificent Castle on the Hill is envied by King Bullato of Grottlyn. Plotting to take over this prosperous and happy kingdom he arranges to kill King Allandro. Princess Adriana is made the Queen and with her secret love, the handsome Duke Arden, as her general, must quickly develop a plan to thwart the evil King Bullato’s intentions. The quest to save Zando begins.