INTRODUCTION

Hello, fabulous people! I'm Roxy Rich. Over half a century young and proof that life doesn’t come with a manual, but it sure makes one heck of a story. I’m a happily married mom of two amazing kids who still call my house home sweet home. Oh, and here’s a twist, I home educate them, which is like running a two-student school where the principal is also the cafeteria lady. Let me tell you, my life’s been a journey down roads most wouldn’t dare travel. I’ve stared humanity’s darkest sides straight in the eye, survived more nightmares than I care to count, and somehow, here I am, still standing, still fighting, and sharing my story. Trust me, if I spilled all the details, your toes would curl, and even the devil himself might need a drink. So far, I’ve published three books in my Working Girl series, with the fourth polished and nearly ready to hit the shelves. Oh, and buckle up, this series will have ten jaw-dropping instalments by the time I’m done. But that’s not all! I’m also diving headfirst into the world of zombies. Yep, I love a good undead romp on screen, and I’ve become obsessed with the books, too. Writing this new series has been a thrilling adventure in its own right.
So, welcome to my world, where resilience meets creativity, and stories come alive in ways you won’t forget.

WHAT ARE MY BOOKS ABOUT

Let’s talk about my Working Girls series, a deep dive into the lives of women in the oldest profession, the kind of stories that challenge stereotypes and leave you thinking. Yes, we’re talking about ladies of the night, each with a unique, gut-wrenching tale to tell.
Every protagonist in this series is a fierce, complex woman, coming from vastly different walks of life. Some are torn apart by their circumstances. Others find a way to rise stronger than ever. Their realities aren’t sugar-coated, and that’s the point. These are stories rooted in truth, raw, unfiltered, and often heartbreaking. My goal? To open minds and spark conversations about a profession that’s rarely seen for what it truly is. Let’s be real, most women don’t choose this path willingly. They’re often driven to it by circumstances beyond their control, or they feel like there’s no other way forward. Through these books, I aim to humanize their struggles, resilience, and the tough realities they face daily.
It’s not just storytelling, it’s a spotlight on lives many prefer to ignore, and trust me, these are stories you won’t forget.
Now, as for my zombie series, consider it my creative therapy, my escape hatch from the emotional rollercoaster that is the Working Girls series. After diving deep into the grit and heartbreak of those stories, I let my imagination run wild in a world of undead mayhem.
There’s something oddly liberating about crafting tales of survival, chaos, and, yes, flesh-eating zombies. It’s a whole different kind of adrenaline rush, dark, twisted, and a lot of fun. Writing these stories gives me the perfect balance: a break from the heavy truths, while still letting me flex my storytelling muscles in a wildly entertaining way.
Think of it as swapping drama for dread and loving every blood-soaked minute of it!

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND WRITING MY FIRST BOOK.

The inspiration behind my first book? Well, that’s a story close to my heart. Becoming an author was always a dream of mine, but for the longest time, I didn’t believe I had it in me. Life can be relentless in making you doubt yourself, can’t it?
Over a decade ago, I lost one of my brothers, a loss that still weighs heavy on me. Before he passed, he wrote an incredible science fiction manuscript, brimming with creativity and potential. But tragically, he never got the chance to see it published. That lit a fire in me. I decided to chase this dream not just for myself, but for him too.
And then there was the book that changed everything for me: Goodnight Lady by Martina Cole. Yes, I know I’m showing my age here (cue the knowing laughter), but that book was a game-changer. It didn’t just entertain me, it strengthened me, left a mark on my soul, and made me see the world differently. That’s the power of a good story.
As the years rolled on, I started taking courses, investing in myself, and, surprise, surprise, realized I wasn’t as “daft” as I’d been led to believe. Turns out, I could do something with my life, and for me, that something was becoming a published author. Every word I write feels like a victory, for my brother, for myself, and for the dream I once thought was out of reach.

WHAT DID I LEARN WHILST WRITING MY SECOND BOOK.

Writing my second book was a journey of discovery, not just about storytelling, but about life, culture, and patience (oh, so much patience). I learned that sometimes a story doesn’t burst into flames right away, instead, it simmers, builds, and unfolds like a perfectly aged wine, speaking of which, I also dove headfirst into the world of expensive wines and Tuscan cuisine. Researching those delicacies was hardly a hardship!
The real adventure came when my main character had to escape the Middle East, dodging a fate worse than anything I could imagine, imprisonment in an Arab prison. That storyline led me down fascinating rabbit holes about special boat services run by individuals with military backgrounds, true masters of evasion and rescue. It was a world I knew little about, but by the time I’d finished writing, I was hooked.
In the end, this book taught me more than just facts, it taught me patience. Stories can’t always be rushed. Sometimes they demand time to breathe, evolve, and surprise you, and this one certainly did.

WHAT ELEMENTS DO YOU THINK MAKE FOR A GOOD STORY.

What makes a good story? Oh, that’s a juicy question, let’s dig in! For me, it’s all about character depth. Readers need to feel something for the characters; they should be rooting for them, crying with them, laughing alongside them, or even shouting at them through the pages. A good story pulls you in, makes you care, and refuses to let go.
The plot? It needs to be intense, layered, and packed with twists that keep you guessing. Sprinkle in some deeply embedded emotions, those gut punches that make you pause and maybe a dash of romance to sweeten the tension. Oh, and a touch of humour here and there doesn’t hurt; it’s like a pressure valve for the heavier moments.
Most of all, I think great stories challenge the reader. They open eyes to the raw, sometimes harsh, realities of life. They showcase resilience, especially the strength of women and the survival instinct ingrained in all of us. For me, that’s the magic. A book should leave you thinking, feeling, and maybe even seeing the world a little differently by the time you close it. That’s the kind of energy I pour into my stories and it’s exactly what I look for as a reader, too.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING AN AUTHOR.

The hardest part about being an author? For me, it’s the loneliness of it all. Writing is such a deeply personal, consuming process, and while my husband, bless him, listens to my rants, tears, and plot twists, he doesn’t really understand what it feels like when those creative juices are flowing. When I’m in the zone, it’s like magic, but it’s a kind of magic only another writer truly gets.
Then there’s the rollercoaster. Oh, the highs are thrilling, getting a glowing review, holding your author copies, or even being featured on BBC Uploads. You want to celebrate, but it’s often a solitary party. No one else really sees the blood, sweat, and tears you pour into each word, each page. One day you’re soaring, and the next... crickets. Especially as a new author, it’s tough to break through. Readers flock to the big names, and the “little guys” like me are just out here hustling, trying to reach the stars.
And let’s not forget the physical toll. Hours at the computer? Not great for the body or the soul. My bad, I really need to step outside more often! But hey, this is the author life, and for all its challenges, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT WRITING PROJECT.

Well, I guess you could say I’m wired a bit differently, I always have multiple projects on the go! Right now, I’ve got Damaged from the Working Girl series waiting on its third draft. Meanwhile, I’m deep into writing my second zombie novel, while my first zombie book sits there, giving me side-eye, waiting for me to finish editing it.
I tend to flit between projects like a butterfly with a serious caffeine addiction. Which one I work on depends on its stage, whether it’s nearing the proofreader stage or just screaming at me for attention. Honestly, juggling two or three projects at a time isn’t overwhelming for me, it’s just how my neurodivergent brain thrives. Chaos? Maybe. But it’s my kind of chaos, and it works!

WHAT IS THE BEST WRITING ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED.

The best writing advice I’ve ever received? Oh, it was a game-changer!
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” One book won’t make you famous overnight (sorry, aspiring rockstar authors). If you’re serious about being a real author and want to be taken seriously, the secret is simple, just keep writing.
Keep getting your work out there, no matter how small the steps feel. Never give up, and for goodness’ sake, don’t let defeatist thoughts creep in. Success in this game isn’t about instant results; it’s about persistence, resilience, and the belief that your efforts will eventually pay off. One day, all the hard work, late nights, and endless edits will fall into place. Until then, the best thing you can do? Write. Publish. Repeat.

WHERE CAN READERS DISCOVER MORE ABOUT YOUR BOOKS.
If you’re curious about my books, you can find them on Amazon and Book2Read.com. My third novel in the Working Girl series, Tainted, is available on Kindle Unlimited, along with the rest of the series in both eBook and paperback formats. Moving forward, all my upcoming books will also be on Kindle Unlimited, so you can dive in there any-time!
Look me up under my pen name Roxy Rich, and happy reading! 📚✨