Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing books since 2003. I now have published four books of the World That Was series which takes the historical facts found in the Bible and develops a fictional story around them. I have written the World That Perished, the World of Noah and the Ark, the World of Shem, and the World of Abraham.
I have also written four books of the Christland series, which is speculative fiction taking place in the 22nd Century. The is deals with the capture and selection of Christians to be used in a post-world war III where Christianity has been outlawed. Some have be selected to be launched into space to see how they fare in a spaceship on its way to destruction. They rebel and begin the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a nonfiction book about the upcoming 2020 election. 2020 Candidates & Issues is a candid look at the candidates and the issues they support. Although a Christian and a conservative, I have endeavored to be as honest and transparent as possible.
2020 Candidates & Issues is meant to both acquaint the reader to the candidates, but also to give them the information they need to make a decision on who they want to lead this country and what kind of country they want.
I got the idea about writing this book because of the Fake News on the Left and the some extreme views on the Right. This book is meant to help voters on either side of the spectrum to decide who is the best person for the job. I also plan to write a followup story after Super Tuesday.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is unusual or not, but whenever I go out to eat, whether it’s to a McDonald’s or a real nice restaurant, I like to take a scrap piece of paper or an index card and write scenes, ideas, etc. about a current book, a future book, or marketing ideas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
With out a doubt I’ve been strongly influenced by the Bible not only for writing material but for inspiration and encouragement. As for other authors I’ve been influenced by both men and women Christian authors. Probably Jerry Jenkins has influenced me the most.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three novels: The World of Jacob, the World of Joseph, and the Battle of Proxima Centauri b. The first two are part of the World That Was series and the last is part of the Christland series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been experimenting because I’ve not been satisfied with any yet. If I had to pick I probably like Facebook, but I’m looking at YouTube and Amazon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. I spent decades struggling to write my first novel. I couldn’t afford the helps available and had to do everything by myself. This taught me a lot about writing, editing, and ultimately publishing.
I encourage new and current authors to look at their writing career as a business. Whether you let someone else publish and market your book or you do it yourself, you will do most of the work. Why not also get most of the rewards?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably not to give up. After my first book the President of a Christian university read my book and encouraged me, saying, “keep writing. We need more Christian writers.”
It is advice I’ve taken to heart.
What are you reading now?
I’m in-between books right now. But I recently was reading the Genesis Record by Henry Morris. It is a book full of historically accurate material that I can use in my books. It is a rich reference book that is easy to read and understand. It tackles difficult subjects and explains them in terms even I can understand.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from the three books I mentioned earlier, i am thinking about a series based on the life of Moses. You can easily divide his life into three 40 year periods. That’s an intriguing idea.
Writing Christian speculate fiction is difficult. I can’t really involve little green men or beings from other universes since I don’t believe such people exist. So, I have to create difficulties, obstacles, and adversaries to make my stories work. It’s challenging, but exciting to contemplate!
What is your favorite book of all time?
The King James Bible. Of all the so-called bibles out there it is the only one that has a proven record of accuracy. Once proved inaccurate by the scientists of the past, it was later discovered that the Bible was accurate and the critics wrong.
Aside from the Bible, I think my favorite book is really a series, the Left Behind series. It was a series that left you at the conclusion of one book to look forward to the next. That isn’t easy to do, but the authors did it!
Author Websites and Profiles
R. Frederick Riddle Website
R. Frederick Riddle Amazon Profile
R. Frederick Riddle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account