Weekly News

March 29

3/29/2021

Today we break away from the normal, because we have a new member added to our team. Today we welcome a new author, PJ Richards. Let's give him a warm hello.
PJ RICHARDS INTERVIEW

Welcome to Rick Kurtis books. Today we welcome a new member to our team.
PJ Richards is a children’s author, with over thirty up-and-coming books for children. They are geared for young and mid-grade readers even though many adults have enjoyed the messages that these books have to give. Welcome, Mister Richards. Let’s break the ice. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Good morning, Rick. I would be glad to. I grew up on a farm in southern Wisconsin, right outside a little town called Columbus. I’ve always wanted to please everyone, and work hard on doing so. I remember when I was around five or six, I put on a whole bunch of clothes, and preformed a clown act in front of my entire family. At the age of fourteen, I began to write. Some of my writings were even held by teachers, so they could show future classes. I grew up and managed not to work in one particular place for too long. I have always excelled, and soon became my own boss, and self-employed. Now I just have plenty of time to write.

You said you started to write at the age of fourteen. How did this come about?

All through grade school, I hated to read. But I always bought books from the schools’ book-fair to hide the fact that I had a dyslexic reading problem. I would sit at home and read, trying to improve myself, and fumbled through many books, but always lost interest. Through the years my reading improved, and I came across a few books that I really enjoyed reading them all the way to the end. I think that is what inspired me to write. I had so many stories in my mind, and tried to write them down on paper. Years went by, and the writing stopped for a long time, but my mind continued with scribbles here and there to help retain those thoughts. Finally, my life slowed down, and I once again picked up a pen.

So, now you write. Why children’s books?

I know, right? Children’s books are the hardest books to write. A child grows up so fast. Younger ones have to have a lot of pictures, and very few words. There are industry-standards to follow in order to form a child’s reading ability, and their young minds. The industry hasn’t wavered, but the children have changed. I write to bring joy to children, and give them something that is easy to read, and exciting. I want them to learn and grow up with good honest values, and morals. They can be tough, but also learn and know the difference between right and wrong. Children now days are learning to read earlier than we ever did. When I began, we read Dick and Jane in first grade. Children now days are reading adventure paperbacks, 360 page novels by the age of ten. I want a child to be a child, and give them books that they can enjoy. Books that they can share with their friends. Children learn to be adults way too soon, which I don’t mind, we all have to grow up, but I want them to remember to keep that child in them alive with honest feelings, laughter, and fun. I myself have never let go of my child like nature.

That is very noble. You have said you have over thirty books. Why are they not out there already?

Most children publishers are set in their ways, and have their very own in-house authors. Other publishers are bombarded with over 10,000 book submissions per month, and pay publishers will want an arm and a leg, just to sell you back your own book. Heaven knows, I have tried for years, but now with the Internet, Amazon, and self-publish, it has become easier, and you don’t have to jump through hoops for only five percent return on your hard work for sales. I did my research, learned the computer, and I am working on going from the paper pad to the word program. I am putting a lot of effort in the long tedious process of formatting, copyright, and all the drawings myself. Well, at least I hope.

So when can we expect a book?”

My first book will be coming out soon, it is called, Dick Flick, super adventurer; Lost in time. He is a private detective who carries a bull-whip, and always solves the case. It’s the first book with a second in the series called, Dick Flick, super adventurer; In the Galapagos. Both are written, and waiting for their cover art.

Out of thirty, why those two?”

I think because everyone used to love Dick Tracy, the Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew. What better way to start with a two book series about a super adventurer detective.

Do you have any other series?”

As a matter of fact, yes. I have a seven book series filled with adventures, puzzles, and games that children can play later when they get with their friends. I also have a twenty-one book series that are geared for younger children to learn how to behave and how to act in certain situations. This one is being followed up with another twenty book series.

Wow, you have been busy. Being that you are releasing Dick Flick first, what inspired you to write them?

Both of those books came to me in two separate dreams. I woke up, and had to write them down. Then I thought about the character all day long, filling in the blanks. It was fun, and the books make you think. They give you real knowledge, so children can learn. I make up the story, but a lot of true facts are in many of my books.

Could you give us a little taste on what they are about?

In the first book, lost in time, Dick investigates a strange little man who is a university professor. He follows him into a warehouse where a light is coming out from the floor. One thing leads to another, and they both get sucked in and end up in a different dimension. They are now stuck, and have to find their way back. In this new place there are three foot, black rats, caves and caverns with twenty foot drop-offs, and mysterious characters, and an Indian princess.

Okay, what about the second book?

The other one is called, In the Galapagos. The United States Secret Service approaches Dick in a park for his help to find that same professor who has now been kidnapped. With a rookie partner, Dick has to follow the clues, which leads him to the Galapagos Islands, where he finds a giant lizard, the professor, unknowingly, is being held by his captors, and a new strain of highbred tiger lilies for medical research purposes.

Sounds interesting. Obviously you have had people read your books. What have they said about those two?

With the first book, they said they were confused or little baffled, but it all made sense by the time they came to the end. One woman said she could not read it when it came to the part where they walked into the cave, because she is claustrophobic. I took that as a good sign that my writing had enough punch to make her feel afraid. The other book had praises more like, while reading the book, I felt like I was there. I want to go back. It made me want to travel to the Galapagos Islands, and vacation there. You made it sound so interesting. I loved the humor and how Dick figured out the clues.

Our time is about up. Is there anything else that you would like to tell your readers?

Yes. Just keep watch for all my other books coming soon. I want to at least release ten books this year. Go onto Rickkurtisbooks.com and sign up to follow along for new releases. You will be able to purchase Dick Flick from there, or on Amazon and Kindle. I also want to thank you for this great opportunity by letting me join your team. Thank you.

That's it for today. Enjoy your your week and we will see you again next time. Don't forget to give a thumbs up and or a comment or share to help spread the news. Thank you. Rick Kurtis Books

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