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.

What It’s Like To Write A Novel

• Getting hit by an idea, comparable to getting hit by lightning but 10 times better.
• Trying to remember said idea because it’s going to make you rich and famous. Hello, New York Times bestseller and blockbuster movie deal with Hollywood.
• Finding someplace to write down your story idea. A napkin works.
• Beginning on a high note. Make sure you cherish the honeymoon phase. It doesn’t last long enough.
• Reaching the halfway point and realizing you still have a long way to go. Don’t quit now. What a shame to let your hard work go to waste.
• Coming to terms with the fact that your first draft sucks. Happens to the best of us.
• Wanting to abandon your novel because another idea came along. Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side.
• Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. You’re almost done.
• Writing the last sentence. The two best words you’ll ever type: THE END.
• Wishing you could sleep for the next 10 years. You can’t. Sorry.
• Dreading the thought of having to edit your manuscript at some point. You got this.
• Patting yourself on the back. Go eat a cake or two. You deserve it.

My Blog Post Writing Process

My blog post writing process has changed a lot over the years. As of right now, I have a routine That works well enough for me.

Writing

I handwrite most of my posts with a pen and a notepad. I tend to talk about whatever’s on my mind, so I don’t really need to research beforehand.

Transcribing

Next, I transcribe my hand written posts. I used to type them up word for word, but now I use the voice dictation feature on my phone.

Editing

Finally, I edit a post until I’m happy with it. Of course, nothing is ever perfect. But I try to aim for clarity. I also like being concise, so I tend to delete a lot. Time is valuable, which is why I’d hate to waste mine. More importantly, I would hate to waste yours.

I don’t say this often enough, but I truly appreciate each and everyone of you who stops by my blog. Thanks for reading!

Every Story You Tell Has A Purpose

Every story you tell has a purpose, even when it feels like there isn’t one.

Sometimes your stories fail or you abandon them halfway through. But they still serve a purpose.

Finishing a project teaches you a lot along the way. You have to be resilient and persevere in the face of adversity.

Short stories pave the way for longer ones. If writing an epic novel seems daunting, try penning a novella first.

You learn your strengths. Eventually, you find out what you’re good at.

You learn your weaknesses. And then you know where to improve.

With each story, you become a better writer. After all, practice makes progress.

Some stories will test your faith. Others will restore it.

You’ll fall in love with writing all over again. It’s a wonderful feeling.

You realize not every story will see the light of day, and that’s okay.

You develop thicker skin. The stories you send out into the world will inevitably encounter some sort of resistance or rejection.

You’re inspired to write new stories. One character who didn’t pan out in an old piece might be the perfect inspiration for a protagonist or antagonist down the road. You just never know.

You gain empathy. Every time you put yourself in someone else’s shoes, you’re forced to see where he or she is coming from.

You get experience. Your own experience, but it’s still experience.

You build confidence, which is key in writing. Besides, with confidence comes opportunity.

You have more chances to ask for feedback. Scary but necessary.

Your writing process changes. Life happens. Adapt. Adjust.

If nothing else, remember that the stories you tell matter.

My Novel Writing Process

I’ve written some novels in my lifetime. But whenever I undertake a new one, I’m not sure how I’ll make it to the end. This is a glimpse into my writing process.

Brainstorming

I’m a character-centric writer. Always have been, always will be. So I tend to come up with an interesting person and throw conflict at him or her as I go.

Outlining

Based on past experience, if I had to outline every novel for the rest of my life, I’d be on pace to never finish another one ever again. I sort of outline in my head. Depends on your definition of outlining though.

Writing

It isn’t too bad once I get past the beginning and middle.

Researching

I tend to research after I finish an initial draft where I brainstorm my own ideas first.

Waiting

I like to wait a long time in between writing the first draft and all that follows after.

Transcribing  

I handwrite most of my novels, so at some point, I have to type everything up onto the computer.

Critiquing

The one novel I sought feedback on was incomplete at the time, and it still is about six years after the fact. At least I like critiquing my own work. I’d much rather crush my own ego than have someone else do so.

Rewriting

I enjoy losing my sanity and seeing improvements at the same time.

Editing

Some stories don’t even get this far. What a shame.

Publishing

Obviously, I’m not at this stage yet. If my dreams come true, I don’t know how I’ll refrain myself from talking about my books.

Procrastinating

I procrastinate so much it’s a miracle I get anything done on time. Sadly, I put things off at all stages of the novel writing process. Nothing like consistency, am I right?

Reading

Even when I’m writing a novel and it’s a priority like during NaNoWriMo, I try to read as much as I can. Books inspire me. Other stories have inspired my own.

Celebrating

I celebrate the small victories as much or maybe even more than the big ones. I believe in rewarding myself. Otherwise, my motivation would be six feet under.

What’s your novel writing process like? I’d love to know.

My Camp NaNoWriMo Writing Routine | April 2017

I have a 10 step writing routine that’s been working for me in the month of April. Sometimes I slip and refer to April as Camp NaNoWriMo in front of people who have no idea what it is. Just kidding. I don’t talk to people, especially during this time of the year.

Lucky for you, however, I blog. Mostly so I can write uninterrupted. And I’m about to share my writing process.

1. Wash hands because germs.
2. Open notebook because it’s unopened.
3. Pick up pen because I need something to write with.
4. Write date because I like keeping track of what day it is.
5. Write a word because I love words.
6. Write a sentence because I love sentences even more.
7. Write a paragraph because I love paragraphs the most.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 because I can.
9. Close notebook because it’s satisfying.
10. Smile because I feel great after having written.

Is your routine as amazing as mine? Probably not. It’s even more amazing, right?

My Essay Writing Process

1. Freak out.
2. Freak out some more.
3. Start to brainstorm.
4. Generate many ideas.
5. Hate most ideas.
6. Pick the best worst idea.
7. Shrug once.
8. Scrap said idea for a better one.
9. Try to outline.
10. Fail to outline.
11. Attempt to write a first draft.
12. Edit first draft before it’s written.
13. Write enough words to meet the word count.
14. Delete unnecessary words.
15. Squint at word count.
16. Write more words.
17. Realize there are too many words.
18. Kill my darlings.
19. Submit the poorly written essay.
20. Celebrate by crying.

The NaNoWriMo Writing Process (Sort Of)

1. Think about your project for (Camp) NaNo days and sometimes months in advance.
2. Jolt awake on March 31st or June 30th or October 31st because you realize there are X amount of hours left, yet you are wholly unprepared, despite all the “thinking” you’ve done.
3. Attempt to outline.
4. Throw away said outline.
5. Consider starting another one.
6. Stop outlining.
7. With half an outline if you’re lucky or nothing but an idea if you’re like me, start typing.
8. Convince yourself that you can’t possibly write X amount of words in one day.
9. Somehow manage to write more words than you thought you could for an entire month.
10. Finish and hopefully win (Camp) NaNo looking like you barely survived a vampire, werewolf, and zombie apocalypse.
11. Throw a party…or thirty because no one is judging.
12. Procrastinate for the next NaNo even though you know you shouldn’t.

I’m trying to be slightly funny and partially serious. I don’t think I accomplished either.