Ask the Author: L.A. Richards
Answered Questions (6)
L.A. Richards
I first came up with the idea for Blake Summer's back in 2009. Between then and now I have come up with many great characters, scenario's which are yet to be shown, but to put it this way, I have over 10 books in the making to be released upon the willing world.
With such a great book idea comes the need to present it to the world in the best manner that suits the genre and the style that gives the book that killer edge which is needed. For me, I don't simply have the X-Factor for the style of writing of which Blake needs, so that is why I took a back seat and joined forces with S.W. Best, who has written two amazing vampire books in the Eventide trilogy.
Once I shared my idea with S.W. Best, he was very excited and we agreed there and then over the telephone to work together, to co-author this fantastic book saga. Now Blake Summer's is our book.
With the release of the first book 'Blake Summers Tribes', we stood back, shook hands and agreed we had created a damn fine book. Then we went for a drink to wet the books cover and started to crack on with the 2nd book, of which we are busy working on now.
The way we work together is quite fascinating. I write what we call 'the beats' these are bullet points of where the characters are, who they are and what is happening. Almost like a screenplay. S.W. Best. has absolutely no idea of what he is going to receive from me when I send it to him. Once the beats chapter is complete, I pass it over to him, and he then does what he does best; he turns the beats into a truly wonderfully written chapter.
Once the chapter is written, it comes back to me. I check through it, making the odd amendment to make sure that S.W. Best hasn't strayed too much away from where the story is going. Sometimes I make a decision change based upon what I read. If I think it is amazing, then I adjust the rest of the story to suit. We do this with all chapters until the book is complete. We make an effective team, and we love what we do.
With such a great book idea comes the need to present it to the world in the best manner that suits the genre and the style that gives the book that killer edge which is needed. For me, I don't simply have the X-Factor for the style of writing of which Blake needs, so that is why I took a back seat and joined forces with S.W. Best, who has written two amazing vampire books in the Eventide trilogy.
Once I shared my idea with S.W. Best, he was very excited and we agreed there and then over the telephone to work together, to co-author this fantastic book saga. Now Blake Summer's is our book.
With the release of the first book 'Blake Summers Tribes', we stood back, shook hands and agreed we had created a damn fine book. Then we went for a drink to wet the books cover and started to crack on with the 2nd book, of which we are busy working on now.
The way we work together is quite fascinating. I write what we call 'the beats' these are bullet points of where the characters are, who they are and what is happening. Almost like a screenplay. S.W. Best. has absolutely no idea of what he is going to receive from me when I send it to him. Once the beats chapter is complete, I pass it over to him, and he then does what he does best; he turns the beats into a truly wonderfully written chapter.
Once the chapter is written, it comes back to me. I check through it, making the odd amendment to make sure that S.W. Best hasn't strayed too much away from where the story is going. Sometimes I make a decision change based upon what I read. If I think it is amazing, then I adjust the rest of the story to suit. We do this with all chapters until the book is complete. We make an effective team, and we love what we do.
L.A. Richards
Inspiration for me comes naturally. I just don't hold back. I am a grown up, but as a writer of children's stories I have to get into their place of making fantasies fun, so I play, mess around, run around and sometimes act like a young child having fun. That helps a lot. Inspiration is nothing more than a muscle I like to flex...
L.A. Richards
At the moment I am working on three children's books. I am also working on the second Blake Summer's book which is expected to be released early next year. I am working alongside vampire author S.W. Best, who is co-authoring the Blake Summer's saga with me!
L.A. Richards
Just never give up and never ever ever take no as an answer. Always keep in your mind 'onwards and upwards, but keep your feet on the ground as you reach for the golden egg!'
L.A. Richards
Taking one's ideas that circle in the mind and putting them into words on the canvas for all to read. That is what drives me onwards. So for me releasing the fantasies in my mind upon the eager world is what makes being a writer for me the best thing ever!
L.A. Richards
'Writer's block' is a statement that sends a shudder down the spine of so many creative writers and authors. For me, I have not had the horrific beast within my midst - so far. However, I am sure I cannot evade the horrid beast all my life. I guess my answer to this, would be to down the pen and talk a long walk away from it all. Free the mind and let the body follow. Then go back to the swivel chair and start scribbling away once my mind is awash with new inspiring ideas. Then hopefully it should all flow out onto the sheet before me like a raging river!
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