Author Interview with RICK R. REED

Rick Reed is everywhere you look, these days. His novel, Orientation, won an EPPIE in March 2009 for being the best GLBT book of the year. (EPIC presents its EPPIE awards annually to honor the finest work published electronically each year.) His M4M was just released last month and Incubus will be released next month. Bashed, his March 2009 release, has received excellent reviews, including: "...he offers the reader nothing less than a stunning treatise on love, and loss and, ultimately, redemption." - Victor J. Banis, author of THE DEADLY MYSTERY Series, MLR Press (5 stars)

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Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

I had the good fortune to be taught by one of the most wonderful creative writing professors, back when I was an undergraduate at Miami University. His name was Milton White (he died several years ago), but his workshops taught me so much about simplicity, about having something to say, about story structure and so much more, and he did it with outrageous wit and very thinly veiled compassion for his students. I dedicated my first novel, Obsessed, to him.


Which comes easier to you, plotting or characters? Why?

I would have to go with characters. Characters come to life for me as I’m writing and, almost of their own will, decide how events will go, what dialogue will be spoken, and more. If I have created a good, flesh and blood character that I can almost believe is real, half my job is done.


Are you an advocate of write what you know or do you believe that a well-researched topic will have just as much credibility as a story written from a writer’s personal experience?

I think in terms of emotional truth, we should write what we know (you probably shouldn’t attempt a romance if you’ve never been in love, for example). But I think it’s perfectly valid for writers to explore people and worlds different than those found in their own back yards. The trick is making it believable and not saying something that will pull a reader out of your fictional world.


What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Promoting myself. Some say I do a pretty good job of it. But I’m an introvert and tooting my own horn will probably never come naturally. But these days, it’s part of the job description, and there’s no getting around it, if you want to be read.


What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

My most recent full-length novel is called Bashed, published by MLR Press. It’s the story of a gay hate crime and its aftermath. It has elements of romance, thriller, and ghost story all rolled into one. It’s been getting very positive reviews and readers seem to be captivated by it… I think because ultimately, it’s about a journey back from tragedy to the possibility of love and hope.

Probably the easiest answer to where to find Bashed is at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bashed-Rick-R-Reed/dp/1608200280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238071863&sr=1-1

E-book versions are also available at Amazon’s Kindle store, the publisher (MLR Press), and other outlets like Fictionwise and All Romance eBooks.


What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I am working on a novel called Mute Witness, about how narrow small town minds work when a little boy is abducted and molested. It’s serious stuff, but I think it will have my trademark stamp of hope by the end.


Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Read.


Do you write every day? Do you have page or word counts? If you get blocked, how do you get un-blocked?

I do. And I try to hit 1,000 words per day. It’s manageable, but also remarkable in how quickly a disciplined thousand words per day can add up to a novel or short story.

I don’t believe in writer’s block. If I did, maybe I would succumb and I can’t bear the thought of that.


Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

As I said above, I’m an introvert. I shy away from public appearances (although I do usually manage to get to at least conference per year). Most of the time, I “appear” online (see below).


I’ve noticed that many writers are devoted to their pets. From your website, it appears that you fit into this demographic. Why do you think so many of us writers have critters for best buddies?

Lily, my Boston Terrier, is my only companion all day as I make up stories in my office. And she stays pretty much right by my side the whole time I’m working (even though she’s often snoring). I can’t say I inspire that much loyalty in anyone else. If only I could teach her to read!


Here’s your opportunity to tell us anything else you care to share.

I have a new book coming out next month from Amber Allure (the GLBT imprint of Amber Quill Press). It’s called M4M and it combines my two very popular stories, VGL Male Seeks Same and NEG UB2, which are both romantic comedies with an online hook (both were only previously available in electronic format). M4M is available in both trade paperback and e-book versions.


What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

http://www.rickrreed.com/
http://www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/