Rick R. Reed interview

March 23, 2022

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

BIOGRAPHY

Rick R. Reed is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction. He is a Lambda Literary Award finalist. Entertainment Weekly has described his work as “heartrending and sensitive.” Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” Find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA, with his husband, Bruce, and their two rescue dogs, Kodi and Joaquin.

When did your love of books begin?

As far back as I can remember! I could read before I entered first grade and even before that, I begged my mom to read to me. I can honestly say that, throughout the majority of my life, books have been a passion. I am never not reading a book and it’s been that way for years.

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

Again, as a child. I remember writing my first short story at age 6, my first play at age age 10, and by age 11, I was in front of my fifth grade class, reading a novella I’d written about a kidnapping in serial installments. The class loved it and it cemented my desire to be a storyteller.

My first book, Obsessed, was published by Dell in their acclaimed horror line, Abyss, in 1991. Since then, I’ve had almost fifty novels published, have been the recipient of numerous awards, made the Amazon bestseller list several times, and have had my work translated for Russian, French, Italian, German, and Spanish editions.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

Not sure what this means, but I’ll say that writing comes as naturally to me as the color of my eyes. It’s constitutional and I can’t imagine not doing it.

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

Read a lot. Write a lot. Don’t worry about what’s trending; write from your heart, write your truth. Don’t believe in writer’s block—it’s an excuse and nothing more. Sit down and face that blank page/screen most every day (note I did not say every day—all of us need breaks to recharge).

Tell us about your book/books:

Too many to list, but my latest book is called Toxic. Here’s the blurb:

"Rick R. Reed's TOXIC is a smart, nuanced novel of dark and compelling relationships with sparks of wicked humor - all hallmarks of a writer at the top of his game. TOXIC is an unmitigated triumph by a master of twisted suspense."

(Gregg Olsen, #1 New York Times bestselling author)

Connor Ryman thought he had it all—a successful career as a mystery novelist, a condo with stunning views of Seattle’s Lake Union, a supportive and long-term partner, Steve, and a loving daughter, Miranda, who was following in her father’s creative footsteps.

It all went bad when Steve left the family suddenly. Jilted and heartbroken, Connor begins to search for love online. So long off the market, he enlists his daughter’s help in crafting a dating profile.

His prayers are answered when Trey Goodall, smart and handsome, answers his ad. He’s witty, urbane, a wealthy attorney, and his sex appeal is off the charts. But he’s a liar, a monster under a pretty mask. Miranda sees through the red flags and senses something very wrong beneath the façade.

Can she convince her father to save himself before it’s too late? Or will Trey, a master manipulator with a very tainted history, play upon Connor’s innocence to ensnare him in a web of deceit, intrigue, and, ultimately, murder?

BUY: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09SHY4FYW