Author Interview – Richie Billing

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m from a city called Liverpool, well-known around the world for birthing The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club (and Everton too, though typically as the team I support they’re neither as good nor well known).

In past years I’ve worked as a lawyer—a job I gave up to pursue writing—and managed an Irish community centre. Now I manage a digital marketing company.

I’m a big NBA fan and follow the Boston Celtics. So most nights you can either find me watching hoops or tapping away at my keyboard. 

2. When and why did you start writing?

I think I started writing properly when I was about 23. I’d finished uni at 21, dipped in and out of semi-serious jobs, wrote a sitcom with a friend, and then just felt a bit lost. 

I wasn’t fulfilled in the things I was doing. And around the same time I rekindled my love of reading. I suppose in an effort to escape the void I turned to books—fantasy mostly—and in them found a bit of purpose. 

People have always said to me that they enjoyed my writing. Even law essays, which I found weird. And after we finished the sitcom I had no projects to do. So I decided to write something new, and given my renewed love for fantasy books, I began to think of ideas for my own. 

Around the same time I kept seeing magpies. Literally everywhere I turned I saw a magpie. Which got me thinking. And then came the idea for my first novel. The rest is history. 

3. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No. In my younger days I flitted through desires of fantastical careers before settling on law. It didn’t turn out as I imagined and my life has since pivoted. But I’m so much happier doing what I love. Writing is a part of my life now. I can’t imagine what it would be like without it. 

4. Where do you draw inspiration from?

Mostly the world around me. The people I meet and see in the street. The things I read in the news and in books. Sometimes ideas just come to me while daydreaming. 

Most times they’ll come in fragments and you’ll either need to look for the other parts or wait patiently for them to come. Then it’s a matter of putting them together. 

I seek to instill a bit of purpose in my stories, particularly drawing upon real world issues. With Pariah’s Lament, I drew on issues to do with the migration and refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East, illustrating the inhumanities, helplessness and desperation. 

I also comment upon nuclear weapons—the unnecessary threat that hangs over us all, the foolishness of keeping them, and the temptation to wield them for ill purposes. 

5. What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?

A lot of the time, writing almost feels like a problem solving exercise. A literary game, like a jigsaw. As an editor, I’m forever toying around with words, sentences and paragraphs, trying to find the perfect sequence. Weirdly I’ve come to enjoy this, mostly because of the tremendous satisfaction I feel when readers tell me they enjoyed the story. 

6. Can you tell us a little bit about your debut novel?

Let me give you the blurb:

“So often it’s the forgotten who possess the power to change the world.”

When an attempt is made on the life of Ashara, Keeper of Yurr, his young, hapless advisor Edvar must uncover and stop those behind it. With enemies in the capital city and the belligerent Tesh, Keeper of neighboring kingdom Karrabar stirring trouble in the Borderlands, can Edvar hold together Ashara’s brittle reign? 

The troubles ripple throughout Yurr, affecting an ancient race of people known as the Amast, who in their time of utmost need, turn to pariah Isy for salvation. Rejected by society, kith and kin, can Isy guide the Amast to safety during the greatest turmoil Yurr has known since the War of the Damned?

I’ve invested an awful lot of time and effort into this book and the only thing I want is for people to read and hopefully enjoy it. The reviews have so far blown me away, so if you love an underdog, action-packed stories and a touch of romance told in the style of GRRM and Joe Abercrombie, give Pariah’s Lament a glance. 

7. What’s one thing you wish you knew about writing or publishing before you started?

How important marketing is. When I began I appreciated that I wasn’t that good a writer so set out to improve. I didn’t understand that while I was doing that I could have been doing some simple things to build a following and readership. 

That said, if I hadn’t invested all that time I may not be where I am today. 

8. Who is your favourite author and why?

George RR Martin. Maybe an obvious choice, but I don’t care. Nobody has ever enraptured me so much. One night, struggling to sleep, I decided to read a bit of Storm of Swords. When next I checked the time it was 7am. It was like the best joint in the world and I couldn’t stop smoking it. 

So he may be a slow writer, but he’s a true master of the craft that possesses an insightful understanding of humanity. 

9. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Persevere. Never ever give up, even when it feels more appealing than rolling around with a bunch of puppies. The difference between writers and everyone else is that the writers didn’t give up. They stayed in the chair and worked through their problems and kept on going until they finished.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

If you would like to check out Pariah’s Lament, please do go on and explore! Over on my website you can find the first chapter in both text and in 3D audio format. Plus when you join my community of readers, you can get the first 4 chapters delivered right to your inbox. 

If you just want more book and writing chat, there’s plenty to be had on my site, www.richiebilling.com. And I also have a writing group you may be interested in joining. Click here to do just that. 

Thanks for listening to my rambles!

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About Richie Billing

Richie Billing writes fantasy fiction, historical fiction and stories of a darker nature. His short fiction has been published by, amongst others, Kzine, TANSTAAFL Press, Bewildering Stories, Liquid Imagination, The Magazine of History & Fiction, Aether and Ichor, and Far Horizons. 

His debut novel, Pariah’s Lament, will be published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing on 17th March 2021. He co-hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his critically-acclaimed book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook. 

Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA. Find out more at www.richiebilling.com.

Blog Tour: Author Interview with I.L. Cruz | A Noble’s Path

Welcome to the blog tour for A Noble’s Path by I.L. Cruz!

About the Book

Title: A Noble’s Path (Enchanted Isles, Book Two)

Author: I.L. Cruz

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Bosky Flame Press

Publication Date: January 31, 2020

Synopsis:

Divided loyalties test Inez Garza.

The infamous incident at the Academy of Natural Studies has forced her to work for the King’s Men while continuing to serve the hidden market.

Supporting Birthright furthers the cause of Magical Return, but the cost may be the fall of the royal house and losing Zavier forever.

And the strongest pull of all is her growing and erratic magic, which demands everything and offers only destruction in return.

Inez must decide where her loyalties lie—saving Canto or saving herself.

The book is available at these ebook stores.

Author Q&A

When did you start writing?

Like all writers, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. In preschool, the teachers had a special story time, when the kids could tell their own story and the teachers would write them down. Creativity was encouraged and it planted the seed. But if you mean when did I decide to make it a career, about 13 years ago. 

What’s the hardest part about being a writer?

Writing is easy. Rewriting is the hard part for me. I only write one first draft, but there are up to a dozen editing sessions between my own edits and then my editor and her edits. I think it’s hard to know when to say enough to editing. I then have to remind myself there are no perfect books.

What do you enjoy the most about writing?

There are so many things! One of the top five is being able to name things and people. Because I write fantasy it can run from the mundane to the outlandish.

How do you approach writing a book?

They all come to me in different ways. Sometimes I’m a plotter and with some I’m more a “pantser”. Most start with a name day, when I make lists of names for the characters and places. With all my books, my first draft is written by hand. I can’t start a project on the computer because it makes me self-edit too early. I’m a big believer in writing your story completely before worrying about word choice or info dumps. After that first draft, I type it all out and make notes along the way. By the time I’m done typing it I have pages and pages of notes, which I tend to address by hand as well. It’s a few drafts before it’s all on the computer and then a couple more before I show it to my editor. 

What inspires you?

Walking tends to inspire me. When I just walk around and let myself pay attention to everything, my mind goes down weird paths and all these “what if” questions proliferate. What if questions are the basis for all my stories. My current series came about because I asked myself, “What if Mother Goose characters all lived in a separate land with mythological characters inhabiting a neighboring land and fairy tale characters in another?”

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I have a few techniques for writer’s block. The first is to just let it be for a bit. I’m not one of those writers who think you must write every day. Sometimes I take breaks and the breather lets me recharge my imagination. After a few days, I move on to stage two—work on another project. I have a file of over twenty stories waiting to be written and just working on something new can bring my original project back into focus. The characters reassert themselves. The last stage is writing prompts. I’ll work on writing prompts for twenty minutes at a time. It’s never gotten past that trick.

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading The King’s Traitor, book 3 in the Kingfountain series by Jeff Wheeler, which combines two of my favorite tropes, palace intrigue and magic. I also started listening to books on Audible and I’m currently listening to The Fortune Teller by Gwendolyn Womack voiced by Lisa Flanagan and Robin Miles.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

The best advice I ever read was to write the story you’d like to read and then worry about the rest later. 

About the Author

I.L. Cruz decided to make writing her full-time career during the economic downturn in 2008. Since then she’s used her BA in International Relations to sow political intrigue in her fantasy worlds and her MA in history to strive for the perfect prologue. When she’s not engaged in this mad profession she indulges her wanderlust as often as possible, watches too much sci-fi and reads until her eyes cross. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter and a sun-seeking supermutt named Dipper.

Twitter: @ILCruzWrites 

Blog: fairytalefeminista.wordpress.com

Website: booksbyilcruz.com

Below is the full schedule for the blog tour. Big thank you to Rachel for hosting!

A Q&A About Books, Goodreads, And Reviews

Why do you read?

I need to escape from reality or else I’d lose the little sanity I have left.

Why did you make a Goodreads account?

I didn’t want to rely on my memory to track the books I’ve read. Especially since I’m not getting any younger.

What do you look for in a book?

A good story. Great writing doesn’t hurt either. I like characters I can relate to, resonate with. Give me character development or give me fictional death.

What made you start writing reviews?

It wasn’t enough to read books. So I decided to review them too.

What are your reading goals for 2018?

They’re similar to the resolutions I made in 2017. I want to read every day. I’d also like to expand my bookshelf a bit. I tend to read more fiction than nonfiction, so I want to dip my mind further in the latter.

What are your reviewing goals in 2018?

I’m a bit behind on getting my reviews up, so if I can catch up that’ll be ideal.

Happy reading!

A 2018 Blogging Q&A

What do you love about blogging?

I love being in complete control. Creating original content. Interacting with people I wouldn’t get to otherwise. Learning about my goals, values, etc. I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t blog. After all, sleeping is underrated and socializing is overrated.

What do you hate about blogging?

I don’t like the new editor. That’s why I use the old one. I’m not a fan of changing what isn’t broken. But I wouldn’t still be blogging if I hated the process. I hate getting ideas at the worst time. This explains my disdain towards driving.

What was blogging like in 2017?

I had a consistent year, more consistent than years past at least. I’ve done my best to keep up in spite of other more urgent and important deadlines in life. That being said, I started reviewing books. About time. It took me nearly twenty years to get my life together.

What are your plans for your blog in 2018?

I want to blog for myself. That’s why I started. I suspect if I ever stop blogging, it’ll be because I’m not doing so for my own enjoyment anymore. I don’t plan to quit anytime soon. I hope you’re not sick of me yet.

I can’t predict the future, but I have a feeling 2018 will be better than 2017. I plan to change for the better. If I don’t, you have permission to scream at me.

What else is on your mind?

I want to thank you all for supporting me. It means so much. I’ll try to read and comment as much as possible in 2018. Keep blogging. I’m sure your blog will take you to incredible places you never imagined you’d go.

A 2018 Writing Q&A

Why do you write?

Because I hate just about everything else.

How often do you write?

Every single day. I barely sleep, I hardly study, and I rarely socialize.

What’s the easiest part?

Writing the first draft.

What’s the hardest part?

Editing terrible first drafts.

What’s your writing routine like?

I’ll wash my hands because I’m a germaphobe. Then I start writing until I’m done.

What did you accomplish in 2017?

Next to nothing. I got to attend a magazine launch for the first time. I hope it’s not my last.

What are you currently working on?

I’m writing stories that are too long but also too short at the same time. Send help.

What are your goals for 2018?

I’d like to submit my work to as many places as possible. I know that’s not specific. Give me a break. Vague is my middle name after all.

What are you looking forward to?

I received some exciting news the other day. Nothing is completely confirmed or finalized just yet. Any day now I’m going to do cartwheels until my wrists fall off. I’ll keep you updated.

What’s your dream?

To be a published author. To make a living doing what I love. I just want to work with words. Is that too much to ask for? Probably.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself trying to write the next bestseller while squinting at a screen.

Any last words?

Thank you for coming along with me on this wonderful and woeful journey. I hope you experience even more rejections than I do.

A Q&A About Reading Habits

Lately, I’ve been wondering about my reading habits, which led to the creation of this post.

What’s your policy on finishing books?

I try to finish every book I start regardless of whether I love it or not. As a kid I abandoned stories more easily, but I’ve gotten better at sticking with something if I start. It helps that I pick up books I want to read now.

How often do you read?

Daily.

How much do you read?

As of right now, I strive to finish 50 pages every day.

When do you read?

Mornings because I prefer reading in natural light. Sometimes I’ll have one reading session in the morning and another in the afternoon. If I’m busy during the day, I settle for evenings or nights.

Do you read one book or multiple books at a time?

One book at a time. If I have to read more than one, that’s fine. I tend to do so when I’m in school. I’ll read a book for class and read something else for fun. Way back when, I used to read a fiction and nonfiction book simultaneously. But my nonfiction game has been nonexistent nowadays.

Is there anything you do before or after reading a book?

I wash my hands prior to and update my GoodReads status if I remember. Key word there is remember. Sometimes I forget because I’m old and getting older with each passing second.

Now I’m curious about other people’s reading habits.

Get To Know The Blogger

You get to know a certain blogger a little bit better.

Why did you start blogging?

Because the yearbook team at my high school rejected me. So I had a lot of free time after school. Lo and behold, one day I was bored and started a blog.

What do you blog about?

Anything and everything I want. Blogging is something I started doing for myself. And I don’t want that to ever change. I’m going to keep writing about the things I’m passionate about. The answer I usually give people when they ask is something along the lines of I blog about blogging and writing and reading. Boring, right?

When do you like to blog?

I tend to blog at night when my brain isn’t as critical and cynical. In the morning, I’m not the easiest person to be around to say the least. My inner critic rears her ugly head all the time. But she isn’t as annoying later in the day. I think she gets tired and heads to bed.

Where do you prefer to blog?

My bed. Somewhere comfortable is ideal. Unfortunately, I don’t live in a perfect world, so I can’t have the luxury of blogging in my pajamas all the time. Guess you really can’t have everything in life.

Why are you still blogging?

If I didn’t, I’d have a gaping hole in my heart.

How do you keep blogging?

I write. I edit drafts. I publish posts. All because I need my heart to be somewhat intact.

What’s your blogging routine like?

I think about blogging almost every hour of every day. On any given day, I probably blog for a lot less than sixty minutes. I just make myself type words. Delete them. Type more. Delete a little. And when I’m done, I publish the mess I’ve created for everyone to read. Not many people do.

Did you enjoy getting to know me a bit better as a blogger? Either way, I have more blogging questions I want to answer. Maybe I’ll get around to them some day.

A Q&A About Blogging

I answer questions about my personal blogging process. Feel free to do the same.

What do you blog about?

I get asked this all the time, and I never have a good answer ready. I blog about writing and blogging and reading. How meta of me.

When do you blog?

I make blog graphics in the morning, and I usually write and edit posts in the evening or at night. I don’t stray too far from my routine unless I have a good reason too. Aren’t we all creatures of habit?

Where do you blog?

Most often in my bedroom or in the living room. But I’ve worked on my blogs in many places. Buses, classrooms, restaurants, etc. You name a location, I’ve probably worked on a blog post there.

How do you blog?

I blog on my phone a lot more than I used to. But I’ve done plenty of blogging on my computer as well. Occasionally I’ll write drafts of my posts out by hand and type them up later.

Why do you blog?

This is the million dollar question. I blog for a lot of reasons. I love blogging. I enjoy the process very much. I want to get better and improve as a blogger. Four years later, I’m still learning so much every single day. Blogging helps me discover more about myself. It’s fun and challenging. I like interacting with other bloggers. I could keep going.

Happy blogging!