Richard Paolinelli

• What lead you to write?

My father’s drilling business had us moving around the U.S. a lot. I was always in the back seat with a pen and a small notebook writing little stories and adventures. So when I was done with working on drilling rigs it was just a natural decision to move into writing full-time.

• Was there a particular person that influenced you to pursue writing?

In the early years, not so much. But, when I retired from sports writing in 2010 I was inspired to give fiction writing one last try by a well-acclaimed sci-fi author, Jack McDevitt. Like myself, Jack had worked in and retired from two different careers before turning toward fiction writing at about the same age I was when I decided to do so. I figured, if he could do it and be successful, then why not me? I wouldn’t say I’ve reached the same level of success that he has, yet. But I figure I have plenty of time to get there.

• What is your preferred genre to write?  

If I had to pick just one, I would definitely say science fiction. But I really enjoy writing in many genres, as well as trying my hand in new ones. For example, I just wrote a short story that was accepted into a military sci-fi anthology and that was the first time I’d ever tried writing in MilSciFi. 

• What is your favorite genre to read?

I really don’t have a favorite. As long as it’s a great story with well-developed characters it doesn’t matter what the genre is to me.

• What are your favorite activities or hobbies outside of work/writing?

Outside the house wise I’d have to say bowling and golf so I can get some exercise and get the Doctor off my back. I’ll spend some time playing video games, but when I’m not writing I’ve found I prefer to sit back and watch a movie or catch a game on TV.

• Who is your favorite author and what do you enjoy about their writing style?

I really don’t have a favorite. I’ve read everything Jack McDevitt has written and enjoy how he uses prologues to set up the rest of the book. It’s a technique that I use in mine. In fact, I was on a show and the host had read my books. He remarked that my prologues were “all “McGuffins”, that I had you looking over here so you wouldn’t notice was I was doing over there until I wanted the reader to do so and it all made wonderful sense in the end.” 

• What is one major struggle you have with writing?

Trying to finish the project I’m working on without getting distracted by a new idea for a book or short story that suddenly pops into my head without warning.

• Out of all of your stories, which one did you most enjoy writing?

Among my full novels I’d have to say Escaping Infinity, especially considering how well it was received. But there’s a short story that will be appearing in Tuscany Bay Books’ Planetary Anthology Series: Sol in November titled: At Homeworld’s End that I think I can say is my all-time favorite. It’s one of the shortest stories I’ve ever written, but I love the way it turned out and I’m glad others will be able to read it soon.

• What projects are you currently working on?

Many. I’m the RamRod/Production Managing Editor for Tuscany Bay Books’ 11-book Planetary Anthology Series and the last book doesn’t come out until Feb. 2, 2021. Writing-wise, I’ve got six short stories to finish by the end of April, a full-length sci-fi novel in the Starquest universe that legendary author John C. Wright is developing and is kindly allowing me to come and play in and I am updating a previously released Sports Non-Fiction book, From The Fields, to reflect the first 100 years of high school football in my hometown of Turlock, California. And that is just until the end of June. I have some other projects I’ll finally get to after that. I hope.

• Do you place any of your life experiences into your stories?

All the time. Nothing major, but smaller things and usually to help develop a character. For example, in Reservations, the main character, Jack Del Rio, mentions he doesn’t each much at breakfast, if anything at all. This is something that I do and for the same reasons as Del Rio. I’ve also used personality quirks I’ve noticed in other people in real life and sprinkled them in among the characters in my stories.

• If your story could be made into a play or movie, what actor/actress do you think would be the perfect fit to play your mc?

I’d love to see Chris Pratt as Peter Childress, Catherine Bell as Liz and Kelsey Grammer as the Manager in Escaping Infinity. For the Del Rio trilogy I pictured Luke Evans as FBI Agent Jack Del Rio.

• If you had enough money to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Italy, Egypt and Japan. Those are three countries I would love to visit, but so far I’ve never stepped foot off of the North American continent – U.S., Canada and Mexico.

• What is your dream car?

A white, 1964½ Ford Mustang convertible with a red interior. 

• What is your favorite mixed drink?

One I created. In a tall glass place 5-6 ice cubes then place a wedge of lime on top. Slowly pour one shot of Southern Comfort over the lime and allow the alcohol to drain to the bottom. Then fill the glass with Dr. Pepper (regular coke is acceptable but not cherry coke or other flavored coke unless you like the taste of cough syrup – trust me, I discovered this the hard way) and enjoy. It’s called Scribe’s Elixir.

• What is one of your most cherished items in your writing space?

An award I received back in 2002 when I was a sports writer for the Merced Sun-Star in California. It is from a local racing series that named me “Player of the Year” during their end of season awards. It was the first and only time they named a non-driver or official and definitely the first time they honored a journalist. They did so because I covered the series that season and did so in a way never done before. They were obviously happy with the coverage. I take more pride in that award than I do the one I got the year before from my peer in the California Newspaper Publishers Association for Best Sports Story of 2001 in the state (which is also hanging on the wall next to my desk.) 

• What advice would you give to someone trying to start building their platform and market their work?

My business partner, Jim Christina, and I preach this every chance we get: Shameless self-promotion. Do not let a single opportunity to promote yourself and your work pass you by. Reach out and do interviews like this wherever you find them. Set up book signings, do blog tours, go to relevant cons, get on every social media platform you can and shout out your work as much as you can.

Website:  www.scifiscribe.com

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8096549.Richard_Paolinelli

Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Paolinelli/e/B00759HSD6

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