Ask the Author: Russell Ricard
Answered Questions (6)
Russell Ricard
The Truth About Goodbye, about a gay widower who happens to be a forty-year-old Broadway chorus boy who desperately wants to be a choreographer, and is stuck because he blames himself for his husband’s accidental death, sprang from all my years as a chorus boy on the New York theater scene. Like the main character, as I aged alongside the younger chorus boys I came to a crossroads: what’s next?
And even though I am not a widower, I certainly have know loss since early childhood (that’s another story) and I know what it’s like to be in love with my husband, therefore loss, or the thought of loss and renewal that would have to be struggled with from such a loss, helped me craft the novel.
Any transition is a form of loss: when you wake up one day and you have to re-evaluate your identity (I was a trained theater professional from the age of 10) and navigate toward a new-found place in the world it is a struggle.
And even though I am not a widower, I certainly have know loss since early childhood (that’s another story) and I know what it’s like to be in love with my husband, therefore loss, or the thought of loss and renewal that would have to be struggled with from such a loss, helped me craft the novel.
Any transition is a form of loss: when you wake up one day and you have to re-evaluate your identity (I was a trained theater professional from the age of 10) and navigate toward a new-found place in the world it is a struggle.
Russell Ricard
My daily life’s experiences in New York City—and I love to walk: oh the characters and situations I meet. Also, always, always my husband and cat both inspire me--my muses.
As well, any and all storytelling inspires me to write: reading books across genres, watching TV, movies, the theater, listening to music.
And journaling about my characters (or at least always taking notes about them and/or situations). And I write…just tell myself to write something, anything on the page. And when I say write, I mean literally: I’m one of those writer’s who needs to put pencil to paper—and then I can type it out. But I always return to my pencil and paper.
As well, any and all storytelling inspires me to write: reading books across genres, watching TV, movies, the theater, listening to music.
And journaling about my characters (or at least always taking notes about them and/or situations). And I write…just tell myself to write something, anything on the page. And when I say write, I mean literally: I’m one of those writer’s who needs to put pencil to paper—and then I can type it out. But I always return to my pencil and paper.
Russell Ricard
I am just now launching my debut novel, The Truth About Goodbye. And once it is up and out into the world I want to revisit both the screenplay and stage play adaptations of that story, which both came first, and marry those drafts to the novel’s influences.
Aside from that, I have two other novels I’m working on. One is titled Dreamcatcher Georgie, a YA historical novel, set in 1969, about a 16 year-old girl who runs away from home in Scranton, PA to New York City in search of winning a talent contest and the dream of a recording contract—something her estranged mother never did.
The other novel is Lemonade &Wildflowers, also a historical novel, although an adult tale set in 1948 Louisiana about a woman’s coming-of-age, her tumultuous marriage, and also under her grandmother’s control, and her slow rise to self-empowerment.
Aside from that, I have two other novels I’m working on. One is titled Dreamcatcher Georgie, a YA historical novel, set in 1969, about a 16 year-old girl who runs away from home in Scranton, PA to New York City in search of winning a talent contest and the dream of a recording contract—something her estranged mother never did.
The other novel is Lemonade &Wildflowers, also a historical novel, although an adult tale set in 1948 Louisiana about a woman’s coming-of-age, her tumultuous marriage, and also under her grandmother’s control, and her slow rise to self-empowerment.
Russell Ricard
Tell people that you are a writer. Own it! Trust me, even the most loving people in your life may not understand what your drive to be a writer is, but you must have faith in your process.
Read, read, read within your usual genre and across genres. Be aware that craft is important (I think I’ll forever be a student wanting to learn as much as I can), but perseverance and business savvy are vital these days.
Be open to editor’s notes—learn how to not be defensive about constructive criticism.
But also be aware that there will be trolls who don’t know how to give constructive criticism so don’t take in their judgment or reckless assaults on you or your work.
Learn as much as you can about the publishing industry. As an author you are running a business—whether you’re an Indie or traditionally published writer.
Read, read, read within your usual genre and across genres. Be aware that craft is important (I think I’ll forever be a student wanting to learn as much as I can), but perseverance and business savvy are vital these days.
Be open to editor’s notes—learn how to not be defensive about constructive criticism.
But also be aware that there will be trolls who don’t know how to give constructive criticism so don’t take in their judgment or reckless assaults on you or your work.
Learn as much as you can about the publishing industry. As an author you are running a business—whether you’re an Indie or traditionally published writer.
Russell Ricard
For me it’s about being in charge in a highly creative state. I grew up as a theater performer and writing allows me to channel all that energy and create worlds with every kind of character imaginable, to act them out (yes I do act out scenes and situations when I write), and place all that imagination on the page.
Russell Ricard
I tell myself that it’s normal to get blocked sometimes. I make sure I have multiple projects to work on, so if I’m blocked on one project I can then focus on a different one.
Also, sometimes if I feel blocked I focus on a different activity all together: I read other writer’s work; do yoga; meditate; dance around to music and/or sing out loud; take a walk; listen to music; watch movies, TV, or go to the theater.
As well, I have a stand up desk (converts from a sitting position to a standing position) so if I feel blocked I make sure I alternate my writing position—standing can help promote good brain circulation and help motivate my sometimes blocked emotional state.
Also, sometimes if I feel blocked I focus on a different activity all together: I read other writer’s work; do yoga; meditate; dance around to music and/or sing out loud; take a walk; listen to music; watch movies, TV, or go to the theater.
As well, I have a stand up desk (converts from a sitting position to a standing position) so if I feel blocked I make sure I alternate my writing position—standing can help promote good brain circulation and help motivate my sometimes blocked emotional state.
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