Ask the Author: Xander Richards
Answered Questions (7)
Xander Richards
I find Pournelle's (and, to a less extent, Niven's) 'CoDominium' universe very appealing. The idea that humankind are spreading throughout space is inspiring. Were I to go there, I imagine that I'd spend as much of my time as possible exploring.
Xander Richards
I get inspired to write in a number of ways. Mostly by research, I must be honest. I do a LOT of research to make sure that my writing is factually accurate and of course today we have these wonderful tools to enable this such as Google Earth, Wikipedia and so on (although the latter's data often needs cross-checking with other sources). As I research a particular subject I find myself going on these marvellous rabbit-trail journeys during which I find out all manner of interesting stuff and it all gets stored away in the darkened caverns of my brain for future examination. :-) Other things I find inspiring are writing in itself, other writers' works and—last but definitely not least—real life.
Xander Richards
What I'm currently working on is my new novel, 'COAST: A Test Of Faith', the first sequel to 'COAST: An Act Of Burial'. As of today, 20150605, I've got the whole thing into one massive document ready for formatting. The cover artwork is done and looks AMAZING. My fiendishly clever detail-nazi editor is sending me his comments chapter-by-chapter and my awesome crew of beta-readers have their noses planted firmly in the book. :-)
Xander Richards
I'm not sure I'm qualified to offer a solution for dealing with writer's block because I've only had it once and it kinda went away by itself. But I will say this; the more I look after my health the easier it is to write creatively. When I eat garbage, the writing can be a little bit of a drudge and my lack of diligence in the health department has cost me valuable time on my latest book. However, when I'm taking care of my diet and stuff—I'm a big advocate of raw vegetable juices—the ideas and motivation take care of themselves and the writing is a joy.
Xander Richards
The best thing about being a writer—and it really is a tremendous joy—is meeting with fans, readers and buyers at the various events I do. I absolutely LOVE meeting new people and catching up with those who already got the book. I also love to interact with my readership (or potential readership) online. Don't forget to say 'hi' on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/XanderWriter :-)
Xander Richards
The best advice I can give an aspiring writer is NOT to wait 25 years like I did! Seriously, if you've got a story in you, get it out there!
Xander Richards
The idea for my most recent book ('COAST: A Test Of Faith') came to me some years ago. It started out as something about a bunch of spec-ops guys lost in a tropical jungle, but over time morphed into... well... what it is now. I guess you'll have to read the book, to be released Summer 2015.
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