Author Interview – Tony Riches (email: tonyriches.co.uk – Twitter @tonyriches)
Please introduce yourself and your books
I am a full-time author of best-selling historical fiction, based in Pembrokeshire, Wales UK. My Tudor trilogy has reached #1 on Amazon in the US, UK and Australia, and I was the only historical fiction author to be shortlisted for the Amazon Storyteller Award.
What are the stories behind your books?
My current mission is to tell the stories of the Tudors from the origins of the dynasty to its conclusion, through the lives of those involved. In my trilogy, the first Tudor king, Henry VII, is born in the first book, about his grandfather, Owen Tudor, comes of age in the second, about his uncle, Jasper Tudor, and becomes King of England in the final book, Henry. I’ve continued with a series which will follow the Tudors through the reign of King Henry VIII to the Elizabethans.
What inspires your creativity?
I was born in the town of Pembroke, close to the castle where Henry VII was born, so feel a personal connection to the stories of the Tudors. I also enjoy visiting all the actual locations in my books, which has taken me from remote fortresses in Brittany to Windsor Castle and Westminster Abbey.
Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?
My best tip is to understand what your readership is looking for – and make sure the cover works when viewed as a thumbnail online. Study the best-selling books in your chosen genre and learn from them.
How has your creation process improved over time?
I’ve developed a system of writing through the winter and researching through the summer months. I like to write a book a year and get it to my editor by June for publication in the autumn.
What were the most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your books?
I’m always pleased to have feedback on my books from readers – and am surprised that readers interested in the Tudors live all over the world, from Alaska to Australia.
What are your plans for future books?
I’m planning and researching a series on the courtiers of Queen Elizabeth Ist. My aim is to show their different perspectives on this intriguing queen and build a compelling picture of life in Elizabethan England.
Tell us some quirky facts about yourself
I play the saxophone and served in the Royal Air Force for fourteen years. I enjoy riding my Harley Davidson and when I’m not writing like to go sailing and kayaking.
For more information please visit my author website at www.tonyriches.com
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