Interview with T R Richardson III

Published 2018-10-10.
What's the story behind your latest book?
This was a concept I came up with about assassins and thieves. I had an idea of two sects of people who didn't get along, but had to work together for some reason. Initially they were adults, however I thought it would be better if they met in high school. They have both been raised with misconceptions about each other. As the story progresses they find out that these ideas they have are not true. The first book is called Thieves and Assassins Freshman Year.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Just wanting to get my stories out there and trying to find out how to do it. I have a friend who writes. She suggested Smashwords. Also it is an inexpensive way for new writers to get started.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
It has given me the confidence to publish my works. I have also been able to learn and advise others on how to get started and what to do.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Creating new characters and stories that people will absolutely fall in love with.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything without your fans you are not a success. Although I love writing so much I would write for myself.
What are you working on next?
A book series about Thieves and Assassins learning to get along.Their two groups don't get along so two of their children learn to in high school. I am currently working on book four of the series.
Who are your favorite authors?
J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Alan Moore, J.K. Rowling, Langston Hughes, Edgar Allen Poe, "The Man" Stan Lee, Sylvia Plath, Charles Dickens, Robert Frost, Kurt Vonnegut, George Orwell, E.E. Cummings, Gwendolyn Brooks, Malcolm X. Too many to name
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
God my family and writing.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Working and trying to finish a college degree. Spending time with my kids and my Granddaughter Layla.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Looking on google play store and email
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The very first story I wrote was in the second grade. I wrote a story about a turkey who hot wires a car and he and his friends escape Thanksgiving. I won an honorable Mention award for it. The second was the same year when my girlfriend Michelle moved to Alabama. I wrote a story about her and her family being kidnapped and taken away and I had to rescue them.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The Book of Giant Stories and The Giving Tree were the first books I can remember reading myself. It opened up a whole new world to me the type that television couldn't, because you had to use your imagination. It made me feel I could write stories of my own.
How do you approach cover design?
I get ideas mostly while I am walking around and taking pictures. I have tried my hand at cover design, but I don't have the time dedicate because I am mostly writing or thinking about writing.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
This is a tough one there are so many. Flowers for Algernon because of the story and depth of character you see him transform as a person and it is heart breaking to see him regress. Things Fall Apart The conflict Okonkwo faces echos the need to look good for to the point where you destroy yourself and your family. Lord of the Rings for its epic world crafting and character building and amazing story. Anything Edgar Allan Poe I love him. The Watchman by Alan Moore he creates a gritty world where on character refuses to compromise the truth even in the face of death.
What do you read for pleasure?
I like to read comic books among my favorites are The Walking Dead, Kill or Be Killed, I am currently trying to read all of the Old Captain Marvel comics from Whiz comics in his pre DC days
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. I found reading on my phone took longer because it is smaller and has more pages so I got a good deal on a tablet.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Well from my book sales none, but I am still trying to see what I can do about that. I am not a salesman I write books I will more than likely get someone to do it for me.
Describe your desk
Cluttered I am an IT Specialist so I am always working on or upgrading something when I am not writing. But I have enough room for my laptop and another monitor.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small town of about 30000. It is very Picturesque and at night downtown area looks very creepy and has inspired a few of my stories. One with the name of the town insipred by the towns 300th birthday in 2010.
What has been the most challenging for you?
Organically having two of my main characters fall in love. When writing a story where two people are going to end up together. I want it to grow and blossom so that the characters fit togther and come together and it feels like they were meant to be. In my latest story I had to plant the seeds for two of my favorite characters. When one starts to develop feelings for the other. I had to get her to the point where she saw her best friend as more than just that. In the beginning she didn't see herself being with anyone like him. But now she can't see being without him. I always had the end result in mind , but the journey getting there is the real challenge.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing not professionally mind you in the 1st or 2nd grade. I wrote a story for a competition and got a reward for honorable mention. It was a Thanksgiving Story and the next story I wrote again in 2nd Grade was about my girlfriend moving to Alabama.
What is your writing process?
To write while I am inspired and if I get writers block. I will work on another story working around in my head until I get ideas for the main story I am writing.ory has been running around in my head. I have a few series that I am working on. Each story creates new characters and spinoff stories.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

Thieves and Assassins (Freshman Year)
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 181,820. Language: English. Published: July 25, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure, Fiction » Coming of age
Enter the world of Thieves and Assassin's two groups that have fought against each other for centuries, but an unlikely friendship may change that. Especially when the death of a guidance counselor may put one of them in danger.
A Ride With Friends
Price: Free! Words: 17,450. Language: American English. Published: October 8, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
Mike is a young man who looks back over his life growing up with his three best friends. To tell a tale of love, deception, and redemption as he and his friends go through the trials of life from children into adolescence and beyond. Learning to deal with life no matter what it decides to throw at them.