About J. Edward Ritchie:
Hello, readers. My name is J. (Jeff) Edward Ritchie, a novelist and screenwriter specializing in epic world creation. I studied English and Film at Boston College, simultaneously devouring both classic literature and genre entertainment. My diverse interests molded me into a Frankenstein’s Monster of pop culture and academia. Movies, TV, books, comics, video games––I embraced all forms of creative escapism. In short, I’m a nerd-of-all-trades.
I spent ten years in Los Angeles as a working screenwriter and earned my WGA card (a source of great pride). During that time, I gained valuable insight and experience within a very unique and difficult industry. Screenwriting taught me to value the economy of prose and make every word count. Eventually, I decided to expand the depth of my stories in a way only the novel format could provide.
I currently reside in Cape Cod, MA with my loving wife and Golden Retriever, Castiel.
What inspires you to write?
Everything. I’m always reading at least one comic, a book, starting a new television show, and watching movies. Whether it’s historical epics, grounded thrillers, superhero franchises, or grisly horror, I can’t get enough of quality stories with memorable characters. Oh, and action. I’m an action junkie.
Tell us about your writing process.
Since most of my writing involves creating large worlds, I have to outline. I’ve never been the kind of writer that opens a blank document and starts typing away. I create a detailed outline with notes on themes, settings, character arcs, and the major plot points. My outline basically acts as a first draft. I like to know where the story is heading, but I am always open to the happy surprises that come along during the process.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I have a definitive character arc in mind before I start typing, but nothing is set in stone. If you’re characters aren’t surprising you, then you’re not paying attention. In order to craft realistic, believable characters, you have to find the balance between control and spontaneity.
What advice would you give other writers?
The obvious answer is patience and determination. Every writer feels like they are crap at some point and thinks about giving up on a regular basis. However, the most important advice I have is this: find someone to love and to love you in return. To be truly happy in life, work can’t be your life.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Submitting your book to agents is a long, taxing process. It can often take months before you hear back, if at all. Due to this, I decided to be proactive and self-publish. I released my debut novel, Fall From Grace, via Amazon in both traditional paperback and eBook formats. After years of work, I wanted something real to hold in my hands––not just digital. Having actual copies of my novel floating out there offers a small slice of immortality, like a part of who I am can endure beyond my lifetime. I’ll never make any grand changes to the world or have my name fill the pages of history, nor do I desire that fame, but a small contribution to pop culture is one of my humble aspirations.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
There’s a revolution happening in the publishing world: self-publishing. The power is shifting from the publishers back to the creators, and with it, the responsibility of launching themselves as a brand. That’s awesome…and absolutely terrifying. But if you put in the time and effort to make your manuscript professional and properly promote yourself, it can be a very lucrative option. When success comes through self-publication it gives even more of that truly American, self-made sense of satisfaction.
What do you use?: Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Epic fantasy, horror, superhero
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
J. Edward Ritchie Home Page Link
Link To J. Edward Ritchie Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Goodreads
Twitter
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit, to allow you, the reader, to hear the author in their own voice.
