Most of my books reviews come from readers who contact me or arrive on the books page on Amazon. Interviews are a new distraction for me. Difficult what to say in an interview, but I struggle thru.
An interview with Considered Bookshelf:
What first motivated you to write?
Hatred of math and science, and a burning love of history. Wallowing in the annals of time gives one a better perspective of the future. And when you capture the past and revise the strands, it is as though you engineered a skyscraper.
What is your latest book about?
The ’29 depression brought out the very best and the supreme worst in people. The aftermath spawned many stories of heroism, and this is one of those. It is a tale of youngster’s growth, and a critical journey into the future. May 1934 was a banner year for FDR’s programs designed to drag the country out of misery – and out of the bayous of east Texas began just one story of redemption.
What helps you to write?
Out in the hinterlands reside the untested hero’s who spawn the strength of the nation. The search for the unknown, and the result in a book keeps me awake at night, up early in the morning, and provides the drive to continue.
Describe your writing schedule
A mantra: sit down and write seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Up early every morning and write anything hoping to capture a gem of nuance.
When did you realise that readers were taking you seriously?
I gave away scads of my early novels because they would not sell – which led to the fulfilling discovery that many of those readers appreciated my work.
Why do you love writing?
Dunno! I know I read from the earliest age. It was my escape, and answered many questions. But I am an egotist – knew I was smarter than all my teachers, and could write as well as all the authors – except for Hemingway!
What technology helps you to write?
Mac computer – halleluiah!
Do you write first and edit later, or do you perfect your writing as you go along?
I cannot edit. I revise very well and depend on others to edit with strict supervision.
What has been the best achievement in your writing career?
To become an author was always a short-sighted goal. But when you realize the goal is not as important as the journey – it is sweeter by far.
What advice would you give to authors who are struggling to find enough time to write?
It doesn’t take time – it takes commitment. Time comes easily then.
What are your writing goals?
To finish the projects that sit before me. If only there were time.
Have you ever thought of writing non-fiction?
I write fact based novels. But there is one looming project that screams for my going to the dark side.
What do you want people to learn from reading your work?
The truth lies in the deeds of our heros. And that I was placed in the enviable role of storyteller to release that truth brings value to their lives, and mine.
Have you ever had any particularly good and / or particularly bad reviews? How did you feel upon reading them? Did you learn anything?
Here is a tidbit of reality. I discovered years ago that if an author writes anything exposing negroes to the public – it is destined to the waste bin of obscurity. My latest falls in that category. But thankfully one can overcome.
What’s next for Richard Jacobs?
I swore never to write a novel utilizing my lengthy experience in the military. Just so happens …
Dog Robbers – The New Deal Army can be purchased from Amazon.
Reviews
Great well written story,easy to read. Once you start reading you don’t want to stop. I look forward to reading more books by this new and exciting author. Jeff Dziatlik –Kindle Edition
A good read and what seemed one accurate reflection of the times. I only wish my father was alive to offer an opinion of those times as he lived through them. I know he was not a fan of FDR. I had the great pleasure to meet this author and wish him many long trails to walk and many great tales to spin. He is gifted as a good writer –Birdman Kindle Edition
I want to thank you (and your husband, of course, for writing the book), and for the joy of getting to read Dog Robbers The New Deal Army. With all my outside work I don t read much extra besides my Bible and devotionals in the summer, but I started on your husband s book and I could hardly put it down. I finished it in no time flat. And I learned so much about the times also. I was most impressed with his writing. And I even learned the meaning of Dog Robbers. I had never heard of the term before. He made the times come alive. I got a personal edge on history and felt like I really knew the persons. –Liz Ray – a personal friend \ Print Version