About the Author:
Richard Long writes to exorcize the demons of his past and manifest
the dreams of his future.
His debut novel, The Book of Paul, is a dark, thrilling, and
psychologically rich supernatural horror/thriller that blends mythology,
science and mystery into a page-turning addiction.
Richard is also writing a YA novel, The Dream Palace, primarily so
that his children can read his books.
He lives in Manhattan with his wife, two amazing
children and their wicked black cat, Merlin.
Interview Questions….
- What inspired you to become a writer?
I’ve been a voracious reader all my life and my first love
was the classics. I never thought I could craft narrative prose on the level of
my favorite authors like Dostoyevsky, but I knew I had a
good ear for dialog, so I thought I’d try my hand at plays and screenplays.
Then one day it dawned on me that I didn’t have to write like anyone else. I
could write about whatever I wanted in exactly the way I wanted. It was so
liberating that I dove right in and discovered my voice fairly quickly.
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve always been a storyteller,
ever since I was a kid. I used to amuse my friends with these never-ending
stories that would pour straight out from my imagination. I was an artist too,
and I thought that was my true calling. But when text kept showing up in my
paintings I began actively pursuing writing.
- What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
The Book of Paul combines many genres: paranormal thriller,
occult horror, humor, erotica, sci-fi. I love all those genres and don’t try to
limit myself in the creative process with a pre-determined agenda based on
easily definable categories appealing to cookie-cutter marketing demographics.
I let the story tell itself the way it wants to be told. I write about what
interests me, what I want to explore. I’ve always
been drawn to dark, scary, morbid stuff. Science, religion and mythology are my
other big interests. Basically, I’m a seeker. I question everything. I’m drawn
to the wonder and mystery of life. I want answers. Due to the shortage of
answers to the “big” questions, I make stuff up.
- Where did the inspiration for your book come from?
The initial inspiration for The Book of Paul came when I
wrote the first line of the first chapter called Exercises: “He practiced smiling.”
I wanted to explore a character who had been so damaged by childhood
trauma that he could no longer feel compassion, joy, affection, etc. and had
committed all kinds of horrible acts. I wondered if such a person could ever
regain that emotional capacity and be redeemed by love.
- 5. How long did it take you to put the story together?
This is an epic seven volume series so I’m still working on it. I
began about 10 years ago.
- Who is your favorite character in your novel and why?
I love Paul. He’s so much fun to write. When he’s first
introduced, you think he might just be some crazy, evil, serial killer with an
interest in the occult. As the book proceeds and all the puzzle pieces fit into
place you realize that he is an incredibly complex character. He’s very funny,
charismatic, at times even charming. He’s also completely unrestrained in his
sadistic cruelty. I’ve always felt that any thriller is only as good as the
villain, and I wanted to create what was my idea of the ultimate villain. Paul
is great to write because it’s like letting my Id out of a cage. I get to play
out my most evil imaginings and nobody gets hurt. I also had to find Paul’s
humanity to make him really interesting for me. I didn’t want him to be some
cartoon monster. Paul is also in a lot of pain, he was traumatized as a boy and
his life was changed forever. By the end of the story you get to see many other
sides of him. And of course, there’s a lot more to come.
- What has surprised you the most about the whole processes of getting your book on the market?
Unfortunately, the most surprising and daunting aspect of
being published is how much marketing work has to be done – maintaining all
these social platforms, blog tours, interviews, ad campaigns and on and on. I’m
just starting to manage my time well enough to get back to writing every day.
- Would you like to share what the reviewers are saying about your book?
I’ve been fortunate to have received some really
enthusiastic reviews. “Get ready for the ride of your life!” is a blurb that
gets repeated a lot. Your readers can check out the full reviews on Amazon
here: http://amzn.to/T2M3Mh
- How many books have you written?
The
Book of Paul is my first novel and I’m about to complete my second, a YA
fantasy called The Dream Palace.
- What are you working on next?
The Dream Palace
is also part of a series, so as soon as I finish the first book, I’ll jump
right into the next volume. Then I’ll complete one of the prequels to The Book
of Paul called The Bone King and
after that the sequel to The Book of Paul
called The Book of Druids.
- What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?
I’m really into art, theater and film. I live in Manhattan
because it’s the world capital for the arts. My idea of a great day is going
for a walk on The Highline (an old elevated railway that’s been converted into
a beautiful park), visit some art galleries in Chelsea, have dinner at a great
restaurant then see a movie or go to the theater. That’s a slice of heaven for
me.
- How can readers contact you?
- When does your book go on sale and where can we buy it?
It’s on sale now in Print and ebook here:
- Last but not least is there anything that you would like to add?
I’m a gabber so I could go on for pages. What I’d most like
to express is my gratitude to you Leigh, and all the readers and reviewers who
have been so enthusiastic and supportive. It’s such a great feeling to bring
your work out into the world and have it embraced with open arms – with the
exception of Paul’s character, no one wants to embrace him with open arms.
Maybe with an Uzi hidden behind your back.
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