Ask the Author: M.A. Richards
Answered Questions (7)
M.A. Richards
Most of my research was done in situ -- in the field, both in Washington, DC and in Africa. I compare my knowledge with SMEs, too, just to double-check my facts. I believe that a writer must have eyes on his subject in order to impart the richness of locale that a novel demands. For me, the internet is helpful for reading the news from around the world (often in the native language, since translations into English can be suspect) and for using maps.
M.A. Richards
CHOICE OF ENEMIES grew from my experiences working and living in Africa and Washington, DC. I witnessed the genesis of many of the stories making headlines in the news today. Unfortunately, the problems became more deeply ingrained over time, instead of being dealt with firmly and resolved in their infancies.
M.A. Richards
I travel quite a bit and meet fascinating people from different cultures...add that to the news from the Middle East, Russia, Asia, and Africa, and you find dozens of story lines.
M.A. Richards
I just submitted the manuscript for the second novel in the Nathan Monsarrat series, titled A THOUSAND ENEMIES, to my agent, who will look it over before submitting it to my publisher. I'll work with my editor to finely hone the book...and in a few weeks, I'll begin work on the third novel in the series, tentatively titled, ENEMIES IN THE GATE.
M.A. Richards
Keep at it, accept the frustrations and the rejections, believe in yourself...and keep a steady schedule, so you will be at your laptop or legal pad when the muse released your creativity and the idea and images begin to flow.
M.A. Richards
The freedom to set your own schedule, to delve into work you love, to know that your work has made fulfilled readers, made them happy, lifted their burdens...at least during the time they are part of the world you have created.
M.A. Richards
Thankfully, it's never been a problem for me...
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