Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After teaching sixth grade for twenty years, I found the time and motivation to write. I previously held positions in mental health and legal services and worked with developmentally disabled people. When I’m not writing, I enjoy puttering, yardening, cooking, and salmon fishing, or going out for lunch. Overall, I drift along with the river current much like Alex does – the central character in my first novel, River’s Reach: Coming of Age Amid the Fish War. An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is my second book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze; Because my father was killed in WWII, the war has always been an interest. At some point, the idea of somebody lighting fires during the mandatory blackouts in Seattle captured my imagination. As a former teacher, I know first-hand how inadequate we are at teaching civics and history, especially to young people, hence teenage readers became my target audience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My best thoughts seem to come up just as I’m drifting off to sleep.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hemmingway, Steinbeck, and Vonnegut, but name recognition is not essential. Any author who can suck me in and keep me reading is a big hit with me.
What are you working on now?
I’m noodling around with some silly children’s stories I wrote years ago.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://books2read.com/An-Empty-House-Doesnt-Sneeze and https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidScottRichardson (#AnEmptyHouseDoesntSneeze)
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep at it. Write every day if you can, and eventually you’ll discover you have something interesting to say. Also – and this is key – find yourself a good editor! Writers sometimes write themselves into a corner and might remain there if not for an excellent editor. A good editor is not just someone who knows the language. They also have the intuition to decipher the subtleties of the story. These skills would be all but meaningless if your editor isn’t also someone that’s easy to work with and with whom you can develop a rhythm for moving the story forward.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write whether you feel like it or not.
What are you reading now?
The Hundred Years’ War On Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m letting the children’s stories I played around with years ago percolate on the back burner and will soon discover whether they’re ready for another round.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Joseph Heller’s Catch -22
Author Websites and Profiles
David Scott Richardson Website
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