Richard Holeman interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

When did your love of books begin?

When I was very young. Before I could read, I loved flipping through the pages and looking at the illustrations. When I read Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, that was the first time I related to a character in a book and I was completely hooked on books and stories.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I always knew I was a writer - first creating my own comic books as a small child, then writing and sharing stories through middle-school. I didn't do anything with this dream until I was in my early 50s - life can get in the way of your dreams if you let it.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Well, of course, the digital age and the platforms for self-publishing have made it easier to get a book out there, the challenge will always be in marketing and getting your book to as many readers as you can.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

If you are a writer, if you know that's what you are, then write your truth. Write the books you would want to read and they will find their audience. If you believe in your stories, if you put your soul into them, others will believe in them, as well.

Tell us about your book/books:

My newest release, The Boy Who Glowed in the Dark, is my first novel. It's a sprawling rural Americana horror fable that questions how much of our identity is determined by who we're born to and how we're born. My previous books are memoirs - one about my childhood and another about my hobo days. I've also published numerous short stories - both memoir and fiction.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

What I've noticed among the writing community is that most writers support each other's efforts and celebrate each other's successes. Readers? I am one, all my life, so I respect them and do my best to deliver a story worthy of their time and money. I try to engage with my readers whenever I can, because I'm asking them to dream my dream, at least until the final page..

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

I'm grateful for every book bought, borrowed, loaned or downloaded for free. Without a reader, a book has no purpose. And I would say trust me - I'm going to tell you a good story.

Where can people connect with you?

I can be contacted through the email address on my website at www.richardholemanwrites.com and I'm active on facebook and twitter.