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Interviewing Author Rick Starkey


Interviewing Author Rick Starkey

Q1. Tell us about yourself. What are your favorite books to read?

A. My wife and I own Make It Magic. It’s a magic shop in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts community in Gatlinburg TN. We sell magic tricks and carve bears with a chainsaw. My favorite books to read are in middle grade. I like Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot, Chomp, Scat, and Squirm, though some of the languages in Squirm surprised me. I also like anything by Jack Gantos. I love his humor. There are many others. These were just the first to come to 

Q2. Where did the inspiration to write come from?

A. Probably in 2010. I started one, then realized I didn’t know what I was doing so I took a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. When I finished it in 2012, I sold a few pieces to Highlights for Children magazine, and then I got back to my book.

Q3. How did you come up with the titles of your books?

A. I have always loved scary stories, and I am a guitar player. My first book is Blues Bones. It’s about a thirteen-year-old who has stage fright who tries to use magic to overcome it. It may also have something to do with a dead blues player’s finger bone. 

Q4. Anything you're currently working in 2019?

A. At the Crossroads – Blues Bones II is supposed to be released July 22, 2019, by Leap Books. Leap Books requested an outline for book three, so I am working on it. I have just finished the first book of a chapter book series I will shop to agents.

Q5. How long have you been writing?

A. I have played around with stories and ideas since high school, but I didn’t get serious until 2010.

Q6.  What advice would you like to give to other authors?

A. Keep writing. Read everything you can get your hands on about the craft of writing. Find a critique group. Above all, keep writing.

Q7. Where can we connect with you online?

A. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RickStarkeyWrites
Blog Spot  http://rjstarkey.blogspot.com 
Twitter https://twitter.com/RJStarkey
Website https://RickStarkey.com

Q8. Do you plan on writing any more books in the future?

A. Yes! Like most writers, I have tons of ideas. I write just about every morning. Most days I get up around 5 a.m. and get started.

Q9. How many books have you written? 

A. Seven completed. One published and one to come out this July. Both by Leap Books.

Q10. Did you go to college to be a writer? 

A. No. I did not have great grades in school. I was more interested in guitars and music than paying attention. When I got serious about writing, I made myself take an online grammar course and the course from the Institute of Children’s Literature. That’s why I tell everyone interested in writing to keep writing. It can happen!
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Comments

  1. Rick StarkeyMay 19, 2019 at 8:40 AM

    UPDATE!
    After this interview, I received notice from the publisher that Leap Books is closing. All rights to Blues Bones and At the Crossroads, Blues Bones II have reverted to me. I plan to republish book one, and to publish books two and three in the series. I'm still looking at a summer release for book two!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. angelikaonthemoveMay 19, 2019 at 5:20 PM

      Great thank you for letting me know did you what me to add this to the interview?

      Delete
  2. Alicia HaneyMay 19, 2019 at 9:56 PM

    Enjoyed the interview, Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

    ReplyDelete

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