Richie: I self-published so I could showcase a hard-copy version. “Terple” sells online at Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, and locally in Baltimore at Greetings & Readings. I did a book reading and signing there, and arranged for newspaper coverage, too. I felt like a true author and was completely hooked. That said, the “trudge” has been terrible! I have no agent, and I’ve received endless rejections. I’ve taken chances and made many mistakes. I’ve tried everything from disguising my voice and acting as my own agent, to hand-delivering manuscripts myself. But I have to stay positive. Even Harry Potter filled many a trash can before it was picked up.
GwG: What are writing now, and what’s the submission strategy?Richie: I am currently writing two more “Terple” picture books and will next attempt a YA book in the tradition of the Gossip Girl series, or French Kiss. That may seem odd for a 29 year old male, but I appreciate the humor. I plan to 1) Only query agents who represent similar titles. 2) Obey the submission guidelines. 3) Call to reconfirm they accept new material.
GwG: What are writing now, and what’s the submission strategy?Richie: I am currently writing two more “Terple” picture books and will next attempt a YA book in the tradition of the Gossip Girl series, or French Kiss. That may seem odd for a 29 year old male, but I appreciate the humor. I plan to 1) Only query agents who represent similar titles. 2) Obey the submission guidelines. 3) Call to reconfirm they accept new material.GwG: As an aspiring author, how do you network?
Richie: I network aggressively, attend SCBWI conferences, and I believe in my work. You are your best salesman!
Richie: I network aggressively, attend SCBWI conferences, and I believe in my work. You are your best salesman!
GwG: How do you review your work?
Richie: I joined a critique group, which is helpful. Shel Silverstein said that “If you’re creative person, you should just go about your business, do your work, and not care about how it’s received. I never read reviews because if you believe the good ones you have to believe the bad ones, too.”
Richie: I joined a critique group, which is helpful. Shel Silverstein said that “If you’re creative person, you should just go about your business, do your work, and not care about how it’s received. I never read reviews because if you believe the good ones you have to believe the bad ones, too.”
GwG: Has fatherhood changed your writing process or perspective?
Richie: Fatherhood is fantastic! Too great to describe. It hasn’t changed my writing process much. I write any time, any place, on anything. Post-Its are my best friend. I once wrote some verse on my daughter’s diaper - it was clean at the time! But that’s my writing style. It comes to me, and I have to get it down before I forget. I most want my daughter to know the importance and enjoyment of reading. I have ADHD. Reading a book used to be paramount to swimming across the ocean. I don’t want my daughter to miss out in that way.
GwG: Tell us about your online magazine, Pen’s Eye View. How do you balance writing and maintaining the site?
Richie: PensEyeView.com is an Internet magazine that features artist and musician interviews every 48 hours. Since going live, we’ve never missed a day. I plan to keep it growing. As with writing, you can’t give up! I just have to make time for everything and hope for the best… always hope for the best.
Richie: PensEyeView.com is an Internet magazine that features artist and musician interviews every 48 hours. Since going live, we’ve never missed a day. I plan to keep it growing. As with writing, you can’t give up! I just have to make time for everything and hope for the best… always hope for the best.