Interview with Suspense/Mystery Author Richard Roach

Suspense/Mystery author Richard Roach was born in 1931 in Galveston, Texas. Short stories of his have been published in Man´s Story 2, Happy 2007, Vol. 20 and Bibliophilos 2006, Vol. 42. His first novel, Scattered Leaves, hit the book stores on September 1, ´08, and his second novel, Scattered Money, will be published in 2009.

We have Richard here with us today to talk about his new book, Scattered Leaves, and find out more about the publishing industry from his perspective.

Thank you for this interview, Richard. Wow, born in 1931. How has the industry of writing and publishing changed since then in your perspective?

When I was a child, we had only the radio. People depended more on the written work for their escape from the Great Depression worries of the time. Money was short and reading material was plentiful and cheap.

Do you think it was harder or easier back when you were younger to get published?

It was definitely easier. Even in the seventies, you could call a literary agent in New York on the phone and ask if they wanted to see what you had written.

Why did you wait so late to be published?

I was busy with making the almighty dollar; I feared being poor and hungry more than anything. First, I had to build a platform to work from.

Back when you were growing up (I love childhood stories!), what was your favorite book?

My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Ferguson, read Robin Hood to us. She was so sweet, I loved her to death. She was kind to us poor little barefooted urchins.

Did you find more people liked to read back then?

After supper, when the chores were done, (dishes washed, chickens fed, cows milked, wood and kindling brought in) the kerosene lamps were lit and the reading began. Even the families that listened to the radio would still read on weekends. More people read for pleasure then, definitely.

Do you find that there are less readers now and, if so, how can we change that?

Reading for fun must be started when the children are young.

What´s next for you, Richard?

At this time, I´m trying to finish Perverse Judgment.

Thank you so much for this interview! Can you tell us where we can find out more about you and your new book, Scattered Leaves?

Amazon.com or any good book store ought to fill the bill. You can also email me at Rer5026@yahoo.com.

Thank you for the interview. To anyone who reads this: From where the sun now stands, I love you!

Richard E. Roach

Rockwall, Texas