Hi Rick. Welcome to the Writers4Higher family!
1. Tell me about yourself. Your book(s), your
life, your inspiration.
I
am originally from Jasper, Fla., a small town about an hour or so east of
Tallahassee. That is where my heart is, and that is where a few of the
fictional towns from my book are located.
The
Air Force took me away from all that – at least for 22 years. But I was able to
see the world, and visit places that I would almost certainly have missed
otherwise. Korea. Panama. Portugal. Washington, DC.
Education
came a little later than most. I have a couple of undergraduate degrees:
Psychology from Saint Leo, and English from Valdosta State. I absolutely enjoy
the classroom. Just a little weird like that, I guess.
I
also enjoy writing, obviously. My first attempt, “Lute Casey, Redneck Vampire,”
is a curious little cross between Stephen King and Jeff Foxworthy and was more
fun to write than I care to admit. The second took a more serious turn. “Moon
Over Berlin” follows my father’s trek through WWII, with a nice little
fictional jaunt thrown in for fun. It was my intent to get it into his hands
while he was still here, and I was very happy to achieve that.
The
plot of my third and current book, “Hank: The Storyteller’s Story” is a bit
more involved than the first two. At its core, I guess, “Hank” is a love story,
though it is more about the bonds of family and friendship than romance. Sorry,
no “50 Shades” this time around.
I
currently live in Cairo, Ga. with my wife Stephanie, and work at the Florida
Department of Elder Affairs. I have been there for two-and-a-half years.
2. Where do you see your writing taking you
in the future?
My
job at the Department of Elder Affairs gives me the opportunity to meet and
talk with a great number of elders living in the state of Florida. I mention that
because I believe our elders to be a tremendous source of inspiration. They are
an absolute treat to talk to, and their stories and experiences are a veritable
treasure trove of material. If there has been one theme with my books, it has
been “old folks talking.” I intend to explore that path a bit more thoroughly.
3. How do you use your talents/time to help
others?
A
couple of ways. Through the newspaper of the Department of Elder Affairs (The
Elder Update), I am able to tell the stories of a few of our citizens here in
the state. I enjoy doing it, and if my work brings an enhanced sense of pride
and satisfaction for the people I write about, along with those who read my
stories, then I have done my job.
Also,
I have been blessed with a very (very) vivid imagination, and if the stories I
put down on paper offer any respite at all from world events for my readers,
then all the better.
Readers can connect with Rick at:
Thank you, Rick.
We wish you the very best!
Rhett DeVane, author and blogmaster
