Ask the Author: Stephanie Ricker
Answered Questions (6)
Stephanie Ricker
When I was in college, I was the editor for the university's annual creative writing publication, The Lyricist. I slaved for a whole year to make it a success, and when it finally came out, I proudly displayed several copies on my bookshelf in my dorm. A few months later, I was flipping through one of the copies, and I found quite a few one dollar bills scattered throughout the copy. I couldn't imagine who could've done that. My professor who mentored me during the process and managed to sneak the money in before I picked up my copy? A friend who sneaked the money into the book while visiting my room? Even though I was the typical broke college student, I didn't spend the money; I kept it tucked in the book to remind me of that unexpected gift.
Ok, so not dramatic enough to be a book plot, but still intriguing to me!
Ok, so not dramatic enough to be a book plot, but still intriguing to me!
Stephanie Ricker
What a tough question! I'll chose two that will seem very opposite: Anne and Gilbert from the Anne of Green Gables series, and Zoe and Wash from Firefly. Both are astoundingly stable couples, which is rare. Anne and Gilbert are nostalgically sweet; Zoe and Wash are unlikely and tough.
Stephanie Ricker
Hi Liv! A.E. De Silva did the covers for volume 1 and 3 and did beautiful work. I plan to re-release volume 2 in 2019 with a matching cover and some additional content to complete the set. If you want to contact my artist, shoot me an email at stephaniemricker@gmail.com, and I'll pass along her contact info. Thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie Ricker
Hi Camilla! So sorry I didn't see your question until now. That's wonderful that you've created the group!
I would have to say that while I had always dabbled in writing stories, Ray Bradbury was the real inspiration to write seriously. His love of writing is infectious, and I found myself wanting to experience it firsthand. His book Zen in the Art of Writing is one of the best cures for writer's block for me.
As for the first author who really grabbed my interest, I remember that very well. I was 6 years old, and I read Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. In retrospect, not the best book for a 6-year-old, but I was utterly captivated, and I've been hooked on reading ever since.
My advice for aspiring authors is to practice a LOT, but then to also have that practice work reviewed by others. Especially by others who will be brutal. Taking valid criticism is one of the hardest and most necessary things a writer has to do. I give my work to friends who will be honest and say, "Hey, chapter 4 is great, but I fell asleep in chapter 5," or "That line was just plain stupid." Online writing groups are great for this kind of feedback.
Great questions! Thank you for stopping by.
I would have to say that while I had always dabbled in writing stories, Ray Bradbury was the real inspiration to write seriously. His love of writing is infectious, and I found myself wanting to experience it firsthand. His book Zen in the Art of Writing is one of the best cures for writer's block for me.
As for the first author who really grabbed my interest, I remember that very well. I was 6 years old, and I read Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. In retrospect, not the best book for a 6-year-old, but I was utterly captivated, and I've been hooked on reading ever since.
My advice for aspiring authors is to practice a LOT, but then to also have that practice work reviewed by others. Especially by others who will be brutal. Taking valid criticism is one of the hardest and most necessary things a writer has to do. I give my work to friends who will be honest and say, "Hey, chapter 4 is great, but I fell asleep in chapter 5," or "That line was just plain stupid." Online writing groups are great for this kind of feedback.
Great questions! Thank you for stopping by.
Stephanie Ricker
Hi Brenda! Thank you for asking. Volume II is called A Cinder's Tale, published in the Five Glass Slippers anthology. It was actually the first story published, so The Battle of Castle Nebula is a prequel to that story, and The Star Bell is the sequel. Confusing, I know! One day I'll publish A Cinder's Tale separately, but for right now it's home is the anthology :)
Stephanie Ricker
Hi Michele! Thanks for asking! Volume II is actually A Cinder's Tale in the Five Glass Slippers anthology, which is the first story that I wrote. I wrote Volume I , The Battle of Castle Nebula, as a prequel, and The Star Bell (Volume III) will be a sequel to A Cinder's Tale. I know, it's super confusing...I may publish A Cinder's Tale separately one day, but for now it's staying with the anthology where it was born. :) Glad you enjoyed the story!
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