Rich Linville

Author Bio: For 45 years, I enjoyed teaching all subjects in elementary, middle school, high school, and college. When I retired in 2013, my wife said that I should write children’s books since I had been reading and telling so many stories as a teacher. Since then, I have published over 300 children's ebooks and paperbacks, over 200 audiobooks, and 15 hardcover books. I write both fiction and nonfiction children’s books in all genres. Using a child’s first name and interests, I have custom-written books for adults and children. I enjoy researching topics and writing books as well as writing books to someone's specifications. On Amazon, search “books by Rich Linville” to see samples.

Author Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

After enjoying teaching all subjects and grade levels for 45 years, I retired in 2013. My wife suggested that since I enjoyed storytelling, I should write children’s books.

2. What is your favorite genre?

My favorite genre is any sort of fiction that thinks outside the box.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

One of the many authors that I admire is Isaac Asimov. He was a profound writer who wrote about possible futures.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I accept blank writing spells as part of the writing process. I overcome that by starting another book and coming back to the first book later.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

One legal publishing that I have learned is that book titles cannot be copyrighted, but characters who are trademarked cannot be used in your book or book title.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

I have published over 300 children's ebooks and paperbacks, over 200 audiobooks, and 15 hardcover books. It is difficult for a self-published children’s book to become a best seller. My best-selling book is “Murphy’s Law for Kids with Examples” because it is a life skill.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

If I could rewrite the movie script “2001: A Space Odyssey”, I would have the earth about to be destroyed by many asteroids. Aliens would come to earth to save the humans, animals, and plants by taking them all to a better world in another solar system.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Some difficulties that I have experienced in my writing career include criticisms. Some critical reviews have encouraged me to rewrite some of my books. Other critical reviews, I just ignore and enjoy the positive reviews. You can’t please every reader.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

My best experiences in my writing career are the positive reviews and feedback.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort of sound in the background? Sometimes, I write in silence. Other times, I listen to music while writing.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Some encouraging words that I would give to another author/writer include daily writing as much as possible. Have several people review your book before you publish. 

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I decide the pricing of material by comparing to similar books listed on Amazon. For promotion/advertising and distribution of my work, I sometimes use Amazon ads.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

Children who enjoy books with information, humor, or happy endings should read my books.

14. Did you have a book coach?

As a teacher, I had an administrator who made writing fun. I learned about many styles of writing.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

For many reasons, I enjoy all subjects fiction and nonfiction.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I have self-published on Amazon because the ISBN is free and as a small business, I have tax write-offs.