We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Richard Stephens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Richard, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In the spring of 2017, while working with the local police service, I pulled up in front of a residence to serve a subpoena. Before I knocked on a door, I made a point of checking out who I was going to be interacting with, their name, age, gender, record, and so forth. I noticed the person’s date of birth put them at 70 years of age. In that moment of clarity, my life changed forever as I sat in my vehicle thinking, “That’s only 19 years away for me. What have I done with my life?”
That night my wife and I discussed this, and together we both decided it was time to leave our full-time jobs and follow our calling. Within a couple of hours, we decided to leave secure, well-paying careers and venture out on our own. No holidays. No benefits. No guaranteed income.
Seven years later, I have realized my boyhood dream of becoming a published author. By daring to follow my dreams, I now have 15 books to my name.
Richard, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After working with an agent in the summer of 2017, a process I will never do again, I decided that if I wanted to get serious and publish the book that had sat in my head for 35 years, it was time I took control of the process. I ditched the agent, found a professional editor and cover designer, and learned how to take my book from its draft phase to a finished product. Cutting my teeth with Amazon in the fall of 2017, I published two novellas. I didn’t care if they sold or not, they were my proverbial guinea pigs. A means to learn how to publish a book so that when my ‘book baby’ released in August of 2018, I knew what I was doing, and the Soul Forge Universe was born.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being a little-known author, the journey into the publishing world is a daunting process filled with unknowns and a very real condition many refer to as imposter syndrome. There are times during the creative process that one doubts themselves and I’m not excluded from this. During these low points, it’s my readers who buoy my spirits and give me the courage to carry on. Just when I think that no one likes my stuff, a person I don’t know posts a glowing review about one of my books. Their kind, unsolicited words are the tonic that soothes the imposter syndrome condition and provides me with the desire to continue writing. My fans are the fuel that keeps my creative mind churning and allows me to keep my chin held high.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is being able to look back and see how far I’ve come. In doing so, I reflect on all of the wonderful people who have helped me realize my dream. Now that I have a firm grasp on what I need to do, I find I’m increasingly reaching out to those who are beginning their publishing journey and looking for guidance that I can now provide. Paying it forward is its own reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.richardhstephens.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_h_stephens_author
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardHughStephens/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-h-stephens/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RHStephens1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzjoQDSXJrK6pFkBYY1mG6w
