Ask the Author: Simone M. Richards
Answered Questions (8)
Simone M. Richards
There are two bottles of wine. Yet, only one is empty.
Simone M. Richards
My father was adopted at the age of 18 months and we don't know a lot about his biological family. I think someone searching for his origins and that journey is always a good plot.
Simone M. Richards
The idea for Midnight Playground: Where the Soul Plays came from a conversation with my sister. I had given her a collection of all my 'sexy' stories and asked her for help on how to bring them together. She was immediately drawn to the Tony and Simone short story and suggested I continue building on it.
So, I did.
When I started Midnight Playground, I'd been dancing Argentine tango for about eight years. The question I wanted to answer was why is it easier for people to give themselves over to their dance partner during a tango and to share such an intimate connection that seems to just stop at the edge of the dance floor.
I let my characters Simone, Tony, Brian, and Paula tell me their stories and guide me in writing this book. I laughed with them, cried with them, and danced with them as I wrote it.
Funny thing is, I still don't have an answer.
So, I did.
When I started Midnight Playground, I'd been dancing Argentine tango for about eight years. The question I wanted to answer was why is it easier for people to give themselves over to their dance partner during a tango and to share such an intimate connection that seems to just stop at the edge of the dance floor.
I let my characters Simone, Tony, Brian, and Paula tell me their stories and guide me in writing this book. I laughed with them, cried with them, and danced with them as I wrote it.
Funny thing is, I still don't have an answer.
Simone M. Richards
My inspiration comes from life, really.
One short story came to me while commuting to/from work a few years ago. I watched an area of town change from a neighborhood to a commercial strip of car lots. I was fixated on a particular leftover front stoop and wondered what happens to the memories, to the souls, and the feelings that were once a part of a house when the house is no longer there.
Another story came to me when I was driving my minivan near a park and a goose jumped off the curb and, I thought, into the path of my van. I slammed on the breaks and braced for feathers flying in the air. There were none. I didn't hit the goose. I didn't see where it went, either. And I thought what if that goose was trying to kill himself and what would make him do that... and that began the premise for Purg-a-tory.
Usually something happens, I have a question about why or what and then a story comes to me. At least that's how it works so far.
One short story came to me while commuting to/from work a few years ago. I watched an area of town change from a neighborhood to a commercial strip of car lots. I was fixated on a particular leftover front stoop and wondered what happens to the memories, to the souls, and the feelings that were once a part of a house when the house is no longer there.
Another story came to me when I was driving my minivan near a park and a goose jumped off the curb and, I thought, into the path of my van. I slammed on the breaks and braced for feathers flying in the air. There were none. I didn't hit the goose. I didn't see where it went, either. And I thought what if that goose was trying to kill himself and what would make him do that... and that began the premise for Purg-a-tory.
Usually something happens, I have a question about why or what and then a story comes to me. At least that's how it works so far.
Simone M. Richards
I'm working on finishing my next novel Purg-A-Tory. It's very different from Midnight Playground: Where the Soul Plays. I'm having a lot of fun writing it.
I've been jotting down notes for the as of yet untitled follow up novel to Midnight Playground.
Sometimes I take a break from those two and work with my son on writing a screenplay based on an idea of his.
As if that's not enough to drive me crazy, I've resurrected another book which is about halfway done and am doing a little bit of editing and revising on it.
I've been jotting down notes for the as of yet untitled follow up novel to Midnight Playground.
Sometimes I take a break from those two and work with my son on writing a screenplay based on an idea of his.
As if that's not enough to drive me crazy, I've resurrected another book which is about halfway done and am doing a little bit of editing and revising on it.
Simone M. Richards
Even though this sounds so cliche and I used to hate hearing it from other published authors, it is so true. If you want to write, write. Just do it.
When you want to make the jump from simply writing to publishing, get educated on what that takes.
If after your investigation and education, you decide you do want to become a published author, do yourself a huge favor and find an editor. Their positive impact on your story far outweighs how much they charge. Find one you can work with, don't mind talking to on a regular basis, and you admire and respect.
And keep writing!
When you want to make the jump from simply writing to publishing, get educated on what that takes.
If after your investigation and education, you decide you do want to become a published author, do yourself a huge favor and find an editor. Their positive impact on your story far outweighs how much they charge. Find one you can work with, don't mind talking to on a regular basis, and you admire and respect.
And keep writing!
Simone M. Richards
There are so many great things. How to pick just one???
Taking those stories and characters that have been swimming in my brain and putting them on paper. Getting excited about story arcs, twists and turns, and getting tickled when my characters say or do something funny.
This might sound weird but I love 'hanging out' with my characters. Getting to know them, what makes them tick, their background, their hopes, where they want to go. When I finish a story, although thrilled to have it finished, I'm a bit sad because I miss hearing my characters' voices. Sometimes I'll write another story just to get back in their company again.
Taking those stories and characters that have been swimming in my brain and putting them on paper. Getting excited about story arcs, twists and turns, and getting tickled when my characters say or do something funny.
This might sound weird but I love 'hanging out' with my characters. Getting to know them, what makes them tick, their background, their hopes, where they want to go. When I finish a story, although thrilled to have it finished, I'm a bit sad because I miss hearing my characters' voices. Sometimes I'll write another story just to get back in their company again.
Simone M. Richards
That's a great question. The most important thing I've learned when faced with writer's block is to cut myself some slack. Sitting at my desk staring at a blank screen with a blinking cursor is not going to make the words come any easier. So when that happens, I take a break. I do other things. I go for a hike or take my dogs for a walk. Once, I repainted my living room. Some sort of physical activity helps me to clear the block.
I keep my characters alive in my head and ask them where do they want me to take their story or what is it that they want me to say? I listen for their answers. And they always come through...
I keep my characters alive in my head and ask them where do they want me to take their story or what is it that they want me to say? I listen for their answers. And they always come through...
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