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Interview with Bobby Richardson, author of Center City

Author’s Bio: Bobby is a novelist who hails from Yeadon, Pa. who lives and works with his wife. He is an alumni of the Art Institute of Philadelphia with majors in Art History, Photography, Graphic Design, Oil Painting, Drawing, and Illustration. After many years working as a freelance artist at various Philadelphia ad agencies, he eventually became an advertising executive for multiple newspapers. Oil painting has always been his passion, and his proudest moment was when he was awarded a prestigious "red ribbon" for one of his paintings that was judged by "The Godfather of The Academy of Fine Art" the eminent Dean/Professor, Sidney Goodman.  "To receive an award from Mr. Goodman was a thrill beyond my wildest dreams," Bobby admits modestly. More recently, Bobby has turned his creative energy toward writing urban novels. His first book is called The Neighborhood and is now being followed by his new novel, Center City.

DL: What’s the inspiration for writing your book?
BR: I write stories that have messages that remind the reader that it is possible to achieve unimaginable success in life if you use your intelligence intelligently. By that, I mean maximizing whatever talent you have been blessed with great relentless passion while always keeping GOD first.

DL: Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
BR: Yes. I love reading Stan Lee’s comic books as a child. And all the adventures of Sherlock Holmes as an adult. But I would be remissed if I did not mention that Martin Luther King’s “Letter from a Birmingham jail” has had the most powerful impact on my desire to become a writer.

DL: How long did it take to write your book?
BR: About a year, give or take a month or two.

DL: Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
BR: Basically the massage comes first, then thoughtful meditation, and then the rest flows and unfolds organically towards a satisfying conclusion…hopefully.

DL: Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
BR: Oh absolutely when I feel it might be appropriate. That’s always the fun part.

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?
BR: A relentless effort identifying your precise target helps a lot.

DL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
BR: Write something and keep writing. You are not a writer if you don’t write. The same way a chef is not a chef if he never cooks; a writer is not a writer if not writing constantly.

DL: How about sharing an excerpt from Center City?

“His priority was that first and foremost, the office had to reflect his architectural taste and high-tech metropolitan style. His office’s ambience itself was designed to be an active selling tool for its owner. It’s objective was customer comfort, flexibility, and service, with plenty of accent lighting, glass, polished metals, exotic woods and plush rugs for warmth. Every detail was selected to “speak” to clients so that it was clear that Marvin Robinson & Associates was a first-class operation with refined style and taste. Marvin would personally make sure clients understood that his company was not only modern and contemporary, but “all business.”

DL: What’s next for you?
BR: Next is the third and final edition of this story about the main character Marvin Robinson. Then, after that will be several other books that are now in various stages of development. (God willing).  

Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)? 

It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

The pleasure has been all mine! Thank you, Dee!
  



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