Rukia Publishing Featured Author Richard Smith
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Who Is Richard Smith?
About Richard
I call it "the journey", because that’s exactly what it has been. I don’t really know why I liked or started writing, but it all began when I was around nine years old. I remember my mum, Sylvie, telling me that her father used to like writing. I’m not sure if that’s the connection, but it could be. However, through the years, her encouragement to write was definitely a factor. I can recall being about ten, and reading one of my stories aloud to the whole class at school. The teacher had said it was so good that everyone should hear it. From that time, and throughout secondary school, when stories were set for homework, I felt the urge to write long, elaborate ones - and, more often than not, gained top marks for them.
Whilst I enjoyed writing the stories for homework, I was also writing my own in my spare time. There was a spell, from the ages of 12 to 14, when I was doing 5,000 word, hand-written stories in customised exercise books, cut down and made to look like novels. I would design the cover and be very proud of my efforts. I got my brother, George, to design one cover, and it was so good that it was better than the story! I still have those books to this day. George designed the impressive cover to Time Trap, but I hope history hasn’t repeated itself. He has also done a great job on the illustrations, but more about them later.
When I left school, I continued to write. I started a story, (again, hand-written) when I was 17 and completed it three years and 80,000 words later. It proved that I had the capacity to write long stories, though many of my writing techniques left a lot to be desired. But back then, I just loved to write.
Believe it or not, I started piecing together Time Trap, which was initially called A Change in Time, in 1984, when I was around 22. It was my love of Victorian London that started it all; and were it not for my passion for that era, I don’t think I would have continued with the same story. (The old adage 'write about what you know and like' is definitely true!) For the first three years or so, all I had was a feeble plot and some character names. Hector, Simon and Jamie were all there back then, but Todd was Harrison, originally. It was then put to one side, and my writing ceased for about five years, as other pursuits got in the way. Then, as I hit 30, a huge urge stirred within me and I picked up the pen again. I fell in love with writing once more and wrote the first and second chapters for the first plot of A Change in Time.
I gave the two chapters to my mum and sister, Sylvie, (my mum and sister have the same name) to read, and they liked them, which gave me the support I needed. And so I began to write a chapter and then hand it to them, a bit like Charles Dickens did when he serialized one of his stories to a newspaper. My mum and sister would be waiting for the next installment which was good for me, it spurred me on.
A Change in Time was finished in 1995, and much enjoyed by my mum and sister. It was hand-written on lined paper and about 100,000 words. My next step was getting it printed. I bought a word processor and began the laborious task of typing it all in. Although it was a state-of-the-art piece of kit back then, only five lines were visible on the narrow screen and when one page was printed, it would thump along at a very slow speed.
Over the next three years or so, I began sending sample chapters to agents and publishers - something which I was to do many times over the years, but always without success.
In 1999, I began to take writing seriously, and went on and completed a writing course, and studied how-to books on the subject. I should have done this when I was much younger, I know, but at least I started. I sent my story to an appraiser for the first time that same year. She told me the story was way too long and didn’t have a chance of publication.
With that statement, and at that moment, my determination and real belief in myself and my story kicked in - with added encouragement from my mum, I carried on. I wanted a second opinion, so in 2001, I sent the ms to another appraiser - Jean Evans - and it was she who pointed out to me where I was going wrong. It was as if I had been looking down the wrong end of a telescope from the start! I had two plot-changes in mind: the current one, and the one I went with at the time - which involved angels. I sent sample chapters to agents and publishers, but with the same result: not interested.
The years past, and in 2006, I changed the plot to the present one. The scientific elements of the story needed quite a bit of work, so I got my nephew, Carl Smith, involved. He put right all the technical facts on time-travel, making it sound quite feasible. At about this time, I was also struggling to find a new, punchier title. Once again, it was Jean Evans who helped me. She said, 'Why don’t you call it Time Trap?' I had my new, ‘punchier’ title. Over the next few months, I worked on improving the story.
The following year, I met someone who has been a big help and inspiration to me: Ken Titmuss. I heard him on the Robert Elms Radio Show, talking about his London walks, London Trails, and he just happened to be talking about an area of London which features in Time Trap: St Giles, where the Holton Gang have their hideout. I contacted Ken and he took me on an entertaining St Giles walk. As Ken is very much into maps, it was his idea to have a map in the book, pointing out the locations, and his inspired suggestion to have the Time Trap Trail - details of which can be found on this website.
The year 2009 was an important one. In early January, I found another appraiser, whose editing lifted the story to an altogether higher level. Pat Richardson of Perfectly Worded has brought Time Trap up to publication standard, and were it not for her marvelous input, I wouldn't be going down the road of Print-on-Demand.
In March 2009, I attended the centenary of Uphall School, in Ilford, my junior school, where I actually looked into that classroom I mentioned earlier, when I first had a sense of myself as a writer, reading aloud one of my stories to the class. During the 2009 visit to my former school, I told the Deputy Head, Kulvarn Atwal, about Time Trap (which, by then, Pat had much improved). He asked me to bring it in, and said he’d get a teacher to read it to a class - which he did. Afterwards, I was invited to meet the class, which was a great experience. We had a Q & A session lasting about an hour, then the children told me which parts of the story and which characters they’d liked. Some of the pupils even said they would like to take up writing, after seeing what I have achieved, which gave me much satisfaction.
The glowing reviews from 25 pupils confirmed my belief that Time Trap is a good story. Yet, even though two literary agents have since then asked to read the whole MS - which in itself is an accomplishment - I still failed to find an agent or publisher.
In 2011, I made contact with one of my old Secondary School teachers, Ian Franklin, who is a New Zealander and lives there. The last time I saw him was back in 1977, when I was writing my ‘customised novels’. He helped with the story, via emails, and it was his suggestion to have illustrations in the book, but I wasn’t keen on the idea. I went to see him in early 2012, and again, he mentioned illustrations, and still I was against it. Then, when the printers had the story, I had a change of heart, and could see the benefits with illustrations, and an eleventh-hour decision was made to include them.
Time Trap was released on November 7th 2012. A big breakthrough came in February of 2013, when the British Museum decided to stock it in the Great Court Shop. At around this time, Bookmarks Bookshop in Bloomsbury Street also took on the book. The book was featured in April's Covent Garden magazine, and I have been into Highlands Primary School for a book signing. After all the years working on Time Trap, it is so rewarding to have my work appreciated by an audience wider than friends and family.
Even though I have yet to find a publisher, I hope that if you read the book and possibly go on the Trail, you will agree that it is worthy of such an occurrence.
And now. I'm pleased to reveal my new book, The Darziods' Stone, which took seven years to complete, including a couple of years of inactivity, when I struggled with the plot. It's aimed at a teenage readership, twice the length of Time Trap, and I'm hoping I get as many favourable reviews as it.
Want To know More About Richard Smith? You're in luck! Rukia's Interview with Richard about his life and newest book The Darziod's Stone is below. We also have an interview from The Book Bag and some other links for you to check out!
The Book Bag Interview
Book Showcase Richard Smith
Author Website
@RichardSmithTT
Hello everyone and welcome to Richard Smith's author interview.
Richard Smith is the author of two outstanding books, Time Trap and his new release The Darzoids' Stone. Richard has kindly agreed to take the hot-seat to answer questions from our Rukia Publishing readers' group about his life, his writing and his books.
Welcome Richard,
Thank you for taking the time to join us today. We would like to start by getting to know a little about you and how you came to be author?
What were you like at school?
I started secondary school determined to do well and I did early on, gaining good grades in school reports, but as time went on, alas to say, I got in with the wrong crowd and didn’t take school seriously. However, I always loved writing stories and would get mostly A’s for them.
Were you good at English?
All I wanted to do in English was write stories, long or short. I was also interested in authors, and enjoyed doing projects on them. One thing I didn’t bother with and I should have, was learning what I call the nuts and bolts of writing; finding out exactly what were nouns, pronouns, adverbs etc. I think it’s important to know these things.
What are your ambitions for your writing career?
I hope one day my books will find a publisher, that has always been my dream.
Which writers inspire you?
When I was young, I was overawed by Charles Dickens and his great works. I admire J K Rowling for her huge imagination and her prolific writing. The Potter books came thick and fast. I also like the writers Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams who co-wrote the Tunnels series, those books came thick and fast but there are two of them.
So, what have you written?
My first book was a labour of love, Time Trap, which took 15 years to complete, and my second which has recently been released is The Darziods’ Stone. My next book will be a sequel to Time Trap: Time Trap II.
Where can we buy or see them?
The books are available on USA and British Amazon, and from my website: www.timetrap.co.uk
What are you working on at the minute?
Time Trap II
What’s it about?
Jamie and Todd become embroiled in another time jaunt, this time going to 1775 America, with Hector and Catherine, to stop an agent from the first book, joining forces with the American insurgents, with a super weapon, which will alter the world immeasurably.
What genre are your books?
Fantasy/Sci-fi
What draws you to this genre?
I have always been interested in these genres. When I was a small boy, books and TV programmes on the subjects fascinated me.
How much research do you complete to add depth to your books?
I like to be very thorough, for instance, I went to Cornwall and found a cove I wanted to base Tredock Cove on, in The Darziods’ Stone, and it really helped, I could write about the cove with conviction.
Have you written any other books in collaboration with other writers?
No, but I’m working on the plot to Time Trap II with my brother, George.
When did you decide to become a writer?
I started writing stories at primary school, aged around ten, the teacher made me read one of my first stories to the class, saying it was so good the class should hear it. That really gave me the bug to write.
Why do you write?
Good question. It’s like a burning within, a story forms in my head and I just have to write it.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
Part time, when I get the urge.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I have a job which enables me to write. When I’ve completed all my duties and there’s nothing pending, I sit at the computer and write.
Do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
I need to have the urge to write, which doesn’t always come freely.
Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
No, I just let it flow and carry on until I call it a day.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
It used to be longhand in the early days, but now computer, that’s the way to go for me now.
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I worked on a plot for The Darziods’ Stone and when I reached half way, I began to write the story. Then, when I reached the point of where I stopped with the plot, the wheels fell off and I hit a solid wall. It was a big mistake for me not to have completed the plot. I actually left the story for a couple of years as I struggled to continue, but a nagging feeling kept telling to finish it. I worked on the plot again and did indeed finish the story, which I’m very happy with.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
Writing can be a lonely pastime (but rewarding one) and one thing I found when I was struggling to continue with the plot, was no one could help. I asked several people for ideas but nothing was forth coming. I’m now glad it was all my own doing in coming up with the rest of the plot..
What is the easiest thing about writing it?
Sticking to a plot line.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
My first took 15 years, a long time I know, but there were three plot changes and a lot of that time, I was learning how to write. The Darziods’ Stone took seven years but two of them were inactive.
Do you ever get writer’s Block?
Yes, when I run out of plot!
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
I’ve also came to a stop when writing and hit difficulty getting through a situation. I stop and it sometimes take days to find a solution. It eventually comes, sometimes after a night’s sleep, but when it does, that’s one of the best things about writing, and if you don’t panic and let it come naturally, I find it’s always a very good solution.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
To me, you can’t beat a hard copy. It’s personal to you, you can write your thoughts in it, and it feels more real when your holding it.
What book/s are you reading at present?
Nothing at the moment as I’m working the plot for my third book (which I will make sure I finish this time), but the last one was a book on the Knights Templar, for research for The Darziods’ Stone.
Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
I write the book to the best of my ability then send it to an editor I’ve used for both books.
Who edited your book and how did you select him/her?
Pat Richardson of Perfectly Worded edited my books who I am very pleased with. I found her in the ads at the back of a writing magazine.
Did you format your own book?
I laid out how I wanted the book.
In what formats is your book available?
At the moment, it’s in paper back.
If formatted by someone else, how did you select them and what was your experience?
I discovered FastPrint at the annual writing fare at Earls Court. I met with them, asked loads of questions and went with them. I’ve been happy with their service on both books and will use them again.
Tell us about the cover/s and how it/they came about.
I came up with both covers to my books, which came instantly to me.
Who designed your book cover/s?
My brother George drew the covers, as well as the sketches in each book.
Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
I think it does, yes.
How are you publishing this book and why? e.g. Indie, traditional or both?
Self-published.
What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?
Going down the self-publish route, the writer is in total control on how the book looks, but I would still like a recognised publisher to take on my books.
How do you market your books?
I have a website, it’s on Facebook and I try and get as many reviews as possible. Also, I have Rukia Publishing running a very good twitter campaign.
Would you or do you use a PR agency?
I did try the PR path once but it proved too costly.
What do you do to get book reviews?
Look for people who do them on line.
How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
Every review so far has been very favourable.
What are your views on social media for marketing?
Essential.
Which social network(s) works best for you?
Twitter followed by Facebook.
Do you think that giving books away free works and why?
Freebies always create an added buzz, and is essential for marketing.
How do you relax?
Reading fiction as well as non-fiction (and writing) watching films. Playing snooker, highest break being 42. Watching sport on the TV
What is your favourite motivational phrase?
A well-used one I suppose, but one my mother always said to me: “Never give up.”
What is your favourite book and why?
It’s a series of books; the Tunnels series. Probably for its originality I think.
What is your favourite quote?
Oscar Wilde comes to mind and makes me smile: “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
What is your favourite film and why?
The Godfather. Terrific story-line and fantastic acting.
In relation to writing, where can you see yourself in 5 years time?
Still writing hopefully!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t get into the wrong crowd at school, or at least concentrate totally on writing and learn all the techniques as soon as possible. Although I continually wrote stories at and after school, my first self-published book wasn’t until I was 49. I would say I’m 25 years behind, but better late than ever.
Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Horatio Nelson. A genius with flaws. He was way ahead of his time, treating his crew fairly, which always repaid him back with a loyal, dutiful service. Plus, the small matter of keeping Great Britain safe from invasion for the next 130 after his death. I would like to know what made such a great person tick.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Learn as much about writing early on. Get self-help books on writing and join a writing group.
Where can we by your books Richard?
Readers can find the details of my books on my author website by clicking here.
The Darzoids' Stone is available on Amazon and at FastPrint
Thank you Richard for taking part in our readers hot seat interview, we hope you have enjoyed it. We look forward to sharing some of the reviews from The Darzoids' Stone very soon.
Thank you Sarah Jane, and the team at Rukia Publishing, for giving me this opportunity to answer your questions, it has been fun as always.
Also From Richard Smith
Let's take a look at the synopsis for Time Trap
to get a feel for the story before we meet the man who created it.
TODD'S IN A STREET GANG, JAMIE WANTS TO BE. TO GET HIS FRIEND'S BACKING AND JOIN THE RIVERSIDE POSSE, HE TAKES HIM TO A SECRET LABORATORY. BUT DISASTER IS ABOUT TO STRIKE...Who was the mysterious Hector Lightfoot? What was he up to when he disappeared, and who were the two ghosts once seen in his house? School friends Jamie and Todd are destined to find out when they go to London to spend a weekend with Jamie's Uncle Simon, who now lives in that very house. Soon after they arrive, Jamie has a frightening encounter with the two ghosts.
Hector, a veteran from the First Afghan War, joined a covert expedition to China, and afterwards worked on a secret Government project in an underground lab at theBritish Museum. He vanished suddenly, and was never heard from again.
Simon takes the boys to the lab, where they find a strange contraption – which, unknown to any of them, is a time-travel device. When the building is struck by lightning, the device is energized, and sends the boys back in time to the year 1862. There, surrounded by danger and exposed to disease, they are sucked into a life of crime in order to survive.
Only if they can find Hector will they have any chance of getting home again. But why has he gone into hiding? Who is the man after him and what does he want? As the boys struggle to escape back to their own time, Jamie becomes convinced that the two ghosts he saw earlier are following them…
Hector, a veteran from the First Afghan War, joined a covert expedition to China, and afterwards worked on a secret Government project in an underground lab at theBritish Museum. He vanished suddenly, and was never heard from again.
Simon takes the boys to the lab, where they find a strange contraption – which, unknown to any of them, is a time-travel device. When the building is struck by lightning, the device is energized, and sends the boys back in time to the year 1862. There, surrounded by danger and exposed to disease, they are sucked into a life of crime in order to survive.
Only if they can find Hector will they have any chance of getting home again. But why has he gone into hiding? Who is the man after him and what does he want? As the boys struggle to escape back to their own time, Jamie becomes convinced that the two ghosts he saw earlier are following them…
Meet The Posse From Time Trap
The Posse!
Jamie
Aged 13, he is intelligent,
Bookish
Studious
Compassionate
Unsporty
Rich
Since Jamie's dad took a very well paid job, moving into a big house and buying a nice car, he fell out of favour with Todd and the others. When the Riverside Posse was formed, Jamie wasn't invited to join, which left him vulnerable. Being useless at football and not making the school team left him even more ostracized. Jamie has excelled in astronomy ever since his Uncle Simon told him stories about Catherine, who was a fine and revered Victorian astronomer.
Todd
Aged 13
Adventurous
Mischievous
Loves football
Hates school
Member of the Riverside Posse
Todd lives in a council house with his mum and siblings on a low budget. He bitterly resents Jamie's good fortune and makes him suffer for it, by excluding him entry to the gang. Todd gets solace from the gang, appreciating the camaraderie and togetherness. It also suits his character, where he can be mischievous and do daring things. He loves football and is in the school football team, which consists mainly of the gang. He's known as the Midfield General
Hector
Clever/inventive
Brave
Honourable
Chivalrous
Veteran of the First Afghan War
Hector is a lover of life, and makes the most out of any situation. His positivity has brought him huge rewards, both financially and having great experiences in life. Rising to captain in the British Army, before being wounded in action, Hector changed course in life to follow his passion; engineering. Working in America on the locomotives there, and working alongside Isambard Kingdom Brunel made him a wealthy man. In love with Catherine and asked her to marry him, but was turned down.
Catherine
Forthright
Loyal
Intelligent
20 years younger than Hector, she is an esteemed astronomer, following her father, who died of cholera in the 1850's, into science. Catherine was good friends with Hector, and for a spell, they worked closely with each other.
The Holton Gang
The Holton Gang is led by a fearsome 22 year-old, who runs an organised outfit, where everyone has, and knows their job. He demands loyalty within the gang. They are banded together because they have to survive the cruel times and lack of welfare, unlike Todd's gang, who are together by choice.
Now, Let's Meet Richard Smith
Book launch at the Museum of Childhood
Book signing at Highlands Primary School
Read The Reviews for Time Trap
Rukia Publishing's Book Showcase
THE ILFORD RECORDER
Author discusses time-travelling tale
By Shaun Guntrip
An author had his own time travelling experience as he returned to his hometown to tell children about his new book.
Richard Smith, a former pupil at Uphall Primary School in Uphall Road, Ilford, visited Highlands Primary, Highlands Gardens, Ilford, to sign books for the children.
The Year 5 pupils had been reading his book, Time Trap, as part of a school project and Liz Payne from the school, said: “The children really enjoyed it.”
“All the books were sold; even some year four and six pupils bought it.”
One child in particular, Sean Faria, managed to finish the book in just three days.
Richard gave Sean the thumbs-up in an email. He said: “Finishing the book in three days is impressive.”
The story involves two boys who get transported back to London in 1862 and features a hidden code to crack that leads you on a trail through the capital’s streets.
There's me accompanying the pupils of Highlands Primary School, about to follow the Trail. Notice they're all wearing their "I'm on the Time Trap Trail" baseball caps
Welcome to the Trail!
Imagine reading a book, then visiting the very places where the story happened; it would almost be like going on a virtual-reality tour. With Time Trap, you can do just that, and see the London locations where this exciting adventure is set. The Trail is an adventure, too - but not just anyone can go on it. You will have to read the story first, and find in it two keywords that will unlock the code, and allow access. So read the book, crack the code and follow in Jamie's and Todd's footsteps as they were hurled back to 1862, when the streets of London were shrouded with smog, and danger lurked at every turn. Following the Time Trap Trail will show you a very different London - one that few may know. You'll visit the scenes of all the crimes that Jamie and Todd were involved in when they had to join the Holton Gang, and see where the gang's hideout was. You'll go to the church they took refuge in, and find the location of the Secret Operations Bureau by the Thames. (And beside the river will be a great spot to stop and enjoy a packed lunch!) On the Trail, you will also see the real Temple Bar, which has been moved from its original spot. You'll follow the getaway route the boys took when Billy stole the case from the coaching inn. And you'll get to see magnificent St Paul's Cathedral - and many, many more locations featured in the book. Plus, there's an added guide to other attractions along the way. Although not all the landmarks in the book are still here, while you travel around London, you will learn more about the city. See the contrasting parts of the metropolis - the grand buildings of Bloomsbury, including Bedford Square and the British Museum; the bridges over the River Thames, and the big, bustling shops on Oxford Street. There are two Time Trap Trails. 'The Trail' which will take around 1.5 hours to complete and is perfect for school trips or those short on time! Then there is 'The Grand Trail', which will take about 5 hours. This is for the adventurers among you and is a full day out. These times are without taking breaks, so factor this in to your day. You'll need sharp eyes too - because on each Trail through London, there are questions for you to answer relating to some locations. If you complete the quiz correctly you'll receive a certificate.
The Time Trap Trail Certificate
Here is the Certificate you will receive (which I will personalize) when you complete the Trail and email me your details (name and date you completed the Trail) and the answers to questions at locations en route.
You can get interactive with the trail on the website www.timetrap.co.uk
Please send your answers to the Trail here: r.smith.1@btinternet.com
Here is the Certificate you will receive (which I will personalize) when you complete the Trail and email me your details (name and date you completed the Trail) and the answers to questions at locations en route.
You can get interactive with the trail on the website www.timetrap.co.uk
Please send your answers to the Trail here: r.smith.1@btinternet.com
Book signing at St Vincent de Paul Primary School
Richard, thank you so much for sharing more about yourself and your book and we look forward to reading The Darziod’s Stone.
If you would like to find out more you can connect with Richard on his website www.timetrap.co.uk
Read the Press release http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221339
Connect on Twitter @RichardSmithTT
If you would like to find out more you can connect with Richard on his website www.timetrap.co.uk
Read the Press release http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1221339
Connect on Twitter @RichardSmithTT
