Author Interview: Richard Correa Sr

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing a different author about their writing journey. If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.

About Richard Correa Sr

Richard Correa Sr was raised in Los Angeles, California in the 1950s and 1960s. He graduated from Eagle Rock High School in June 1970 and entered the US Army in December after graduation. Having served in the Army for nine and a half years, Army Reserve for four years, and Rhode Island Army National Guard for eight years, Richard retired from the military in 1993.

During this time, Richard served as a battlefield medic, LRRP, surgical tech, scout section leader, LRS assistant team leader, team leader and training/ops NCO in a LRSD. He graduated from Colorado Technical University with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 1999. Afterward, he worked as a systems and applications test engineer, test lead, and test manager from 1998 to 2009.

Richard has a number of poems published in various publications. He and his have four children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. They currently reside in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.

Richard recently released his first novel, Rapier, a Sci-Fi adventure. The story is set in the late twenty-fourth century shortly after the Genetics War. Currently, Richard is working on Razor, the sequel to Rapier, and The Young Kathy Masters Chronicles, a prequel to the series that takes place in Australia.

Click here to read Rapier by Richard Correa Sr

Where and when did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?

In high school. I wrote poetry, kind of dark stuff. I even had a poem published in a hippy magazine. I took creative writing as a senior, that was fun.

How long did it take you to write your first novel?

About four months.

Do you plan out your novels or just start writing?

Actually, I’ve gone a third route. The books I’m writing come from chats—story time, if you will—that I had with an internet friend. A kind of role playing.

Description or dialogue?

I like a combination of description and dialogue, though I think dialogue is harder to write.

Click here to read Rapier by Richard Correa Sr

Have you ever read your book reviews/comments, and if yes, what did you think of them?

I’ve read all of my reviews, and I am extremely pleased with them.

Do you believe in writer's block?

Oh yes, though sometimes for me it’s writer's Grand Canyon.

What has been the most difficult challenge you've had to face as a writer?

My own ego—I tend to think I’m good at it.

What is the best purchase you've ever made as a writer?

My iPad. It’s become a part of me.

Click here to read Rapier by Richard Correa Sr

Which software or platform do you use to write your books?

These days I use Microsoft Word, though I’ve used other apps.

What does literary success mean to you?

I used to think literary success was selling books, but now, I like the respect of authors who’ve read my book and like it.

What's your favourite self-editing technique?

Beating my head against the wall until I leave a bloody spot. For the record, I’m terrible at book editing.

Are you working on a novel right now? If yes, can you tell us a little about it?

Currently, I’m working on two books and a short story series. The first book is Razor, the sequel to Rapier. The second book is The Young Kathy Masters Chronicles. It’s about the main character of Rapier, Kathy Masters, growing up in post-WW IV Australia.

Which book are you most excited to read next?

It’s a toss-up between Sandra Yearman’s The Scroll and The Sword and Justin Edison’s Tempest Road. I’m also looking forward to Maxwell Rudolf’s sequel to The Arkhe Principle.

What is your best piece of advice for aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself. It’s hard, but if it was easy anyone could do it.

Click here to read Rapier by Richard Correa Sr

Enjoyed the interview? Connect with Richard!

Twitter: @RADocCorrea

Facebook: R. A. "Doc" Correa

Barnes and Noble: Rapier by R. A. "Doc" Correa

If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.