Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
Open for Submissions
Exclusive Interview with
M. A. Richter
When did you start writing?
I began writing in high school when a charismatic PhD English professor I had encouraged us to write something, anything, every day. With those kinds of unlimited boundaries, I began writing.
What makes writing your passion?
I love fantasy adventure and mythology - have since I was 3 and first learned how to read. I also find writing improves my command of English, and I speak better from knowing how to write well.
How long have you been writing?
Prefer not to say - a long, long time. I have been writing my own novels for over 30 years.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Exhilarating. Now I have to learn how to market the book, and I found out after publishing it that I needed to start the marketing before I published. Lesson # -1...
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I wanted to create a different type of "magic" that is more like a gifted extension of energy influence than traditional sorcery. I also incorporated four other forms of magic that are all just a little bit different from each other and the primary one. My main character is a practitioner of the first type of power. His best friend and bodyguard is a very large, physical warrior dedicated to his craft as well. The romantic interest female is a starving, abused teen who has had some twisted activities practiced on her and with the other two may being to find redemption or even salvation.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Too much time doing essentials other than writing.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
Read someone else's works, re-reading what I have written. Sometimes I have to give up and backtrack to a better continuation point.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I like what I write better than what I've read, for the most part, but I can always learn from others. I keep going because I get inspired and write down what comes to me, then expand on it. I like creating things and people for stories.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Start the publicity and marketing BEFORE you publish! Learn how and do it well.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Yes. I haven't seen a bad one yet, and I also know that I can't please everyone all the time.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Fabulous - someone enjoyed reading my work and wants more! It makes me feel like I made a difference in their lives.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
In a radically altered fashion, yes, I've included some of the kinds of abuse I personally experienced in my stories.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I based my main character largely on me and what I wish I could do. His view of his world is a lot like mine of mine.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes, I agree. I love the new one I have, though I also loved the original. I hope the new one attracts more readers.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I am open to any good information interchange, personally and through my writing.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
It gives me a warm feeling, in part that they took the trouble to recognize me.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
J. R. R. Tolkien, my main inspiration for writing what and how I do. While some of his efforts were a bit lacking (particularly romance), I love the way he spun out a deeply touching adventure into three whole novels (actually six in sets of two), and kept the whole backstory completely consistent from start to finish (and before and after :-).
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
J. K. Rowling. It's possible. My story is quite a bit more mature and not as open for younger readers.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I am rewriting the third and onward books in the series, but they have yet to be published. I truly believe Mystic Prince needs no further work and was ready to go when I published it. I've published a new edition that includes a map.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
In terms of success, Rowling. In terms of the content and subject matter, no one.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I would say nothing to them - that's what they want and I need not deal with them. Besides, any publicity is good publicity. :-) If it draws attention to my works, fine.
What would you say to your readers?
I hope you enjoy the books. Feel free to let me know if not and why. I'll communicate with anyone who's willing to be honest with me.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in southern California with my beloved wife. I have two children, one of whom speaks to me, and I love and wish the best for them both.
What is your day job if you have one?
Still a professional software engineer even after XX years :-).
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I walk, I drive, I like to shop and spend time outdoors. I also love to help people with their computers and computing issues. I make the complex simpler.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I thought so.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
I wanted to write a good adventure story that wasn't just a chronology of events, like the fantasy role-playing games that, for me, never quite lived up to the hype.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have more coming in the series that starts with Mystic Prince. There are at least two more books to go, maybe more.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Our schools almost never teach critical thinking skills. Also, what gets taught in public schools has become so politicized that providing a good education has taken a back seat to propaganda and brainwashing.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
Enough money to last me another hundred years so I can give generously to causes I support.
Full physical recovery of my health to what it was like when I was 20.
Peace on earth and good will between all humans and the Earth.
What is your favorite music?
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, The "Siamsa" number from "Lord of the Dance," and Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Karn Evil 9."
Share a secret with us 🙂
I need to rewrite books 4 and on in the series because they are too silly and juvenile, though not for juveniles at all.