Monday, December 16, 2019

Surviving Short Hills and Deep Valleys by Richard Robbins #guest

Surviving Short Hills and Deep Valleys

By Richard Robbins

There are many obstacles to be overcome when starting the writing process, some relatedly minor, some seemingly insurmountable. The hardest obstacle to overcome is generally just starting. My advice to other authors is to just get going. Don’t worry about how long it will take, how long the book will be, or if it’ll be any good. Just go for it!

I found it helpful to seek out advice from established authors, some online, and some in person. There are rules of writing which are universal, such as the rules of grammar, tense, and point of view, but here are others which can be synthesized and incorporated piecemeal, such as how to outline, and how to develop plot, character, and theme. While writers have different approaches, there is something to learn from each.

Here is the approach I have taken on my three novels (two published, one being released next year). I begin by finding a particular character, relationship, or issue which interests me, then build the basics of a story around that. I then try to find a particular theme, or new question I’d like to address, and link the story to that. After determining the main characters, story arc, and theme, I make a high-level story outline, and then individual chapter outlines. I would advise the beginning writer to not be too concerned about quality, tense, or point of view at first; just put your thoughts down on the page the first time through. Then improve the plot and technical points on each subsequent draft. And finally, find a good editor. They’ll help take care of the technical details. Spending too much time on those details early in the process tends to stifle creativity.

Writing can be a wonderful outlet for your creative thoughts. For me, the process is its own reward. If no one ever read my work, the process of creating it would be enough for me. The fact that my work has given a small degree of pleasure or escape to other people brings me great joy and satisfaction. I hope the sharing of my experience and encouragement helps bring the same joy to you.

With love and kindness,

Richard Robbins

Richard’s first novel, the award winning Love, Loss, and Lagniappe was inspired by actual events in his life, and utilizes his Medical and Business School background to explore the journey of self-discovery after heartbreaking loss, while revealing the scientific basis for the meaning of life (You’ll have to read it to find out!)

Panicles, explores the price of fame and fortune through the eyes of two families, one wealthy and powerful, the other blue collar, from a chance meeting at a Florida poolside, to the highest levels of politics and power. This sweeping saga of love, war, money, and power leaves each family weighing their duty to their family versus service to their country.It all leads to a fateful choice—a sacrifice—which could change the course of history.

Richard lives in New York City and New Orleans with his love and inspiration, Lisa, my wife of thirty years (and counting), near their beloved grown children.

website & Social links

Website → www.Robbinsbooks.com

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/richard.robbins.7737

Title: PANICLES
Author: Richard Robbins
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Pages: 281
Genre: Literary Fiction

Is it better to take the risk and pursue the glory of fame and fortune, or to live a simpler, more grounded life?

“Richard Robbins has presented a cast of interesting characters, and each one is fully explored. The plot engages the reader from the first page to the last. The writing style is fast-paced and flows smoothly. Author Richard Robbins has penned a captivating novel in Panicles. A fascinating read!” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Deborah Lloyd (5 STARS)

Follow the fates of two families, one wealthy and powerful, the other blue collar, from a chance meeting at a Florida poolside, to the highest levels of politics and power. This sweeping saga of love, war, money, and power leaves each family weighing their duty to their family versus service to their country.

It all leads to a fateful choice—a sacrifice—which could change the course of history.

EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS a contemporary literary exploration of two very different families, with their ties to politics, power and influence, and to each other. [DRM-Free]

“Panicles will make you think, make you cry, make you laugh and smile and keep you reading until the very end.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Trudi LoPreto (5 STARS)

“Panicles is a novel that invites reflection with its subtle and significant meaning… Connections, effects, and a great storyline make Panicles a remarkable novel from many points of view.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Astrid Iustulin (5 STARS)