Richard S. Todd – Bio
A magazine writer and pop composer living near Toronto, Canada, Richard S. Todd is a fervent champion for those fighting to overcome personal struggles and make choices to resist the perpetuation of racial isolation.Raincloud, a critically-praised Editor’s Choice selection, is his debut novel.
Mr. Todd is also the founder of Sky Lake Entertainment, an organization dedicated to promoting literacy to the Greater Toronto Area.
On the web: www.richard-todd.com
Blog: raincloudbook.wordpress.com
Readerjack.com Speaks to Author Richard S. Todd
1. Tell us about your latest book, Raincloud.
Raincloud is the story of two communities, Scanlon Creek, a typical small town in Ontario, and Sky Lake, a dedicated Aboriginal reserve. Tensions have always existed between the two communities and only get exacerbated when Aboriginal youth start turning up dead. It’s up to a mixed-race Scanlon Creek detective named Hank Gillespie to risk his life finding the killer while wrestling with his own inner demons.
But unbeknownst to Hank, he has to embrace his demons to have any hope of solving the crime. A good dose of Native spirituality and a generous amount of blood too. You can’t make a good noir legendwithout blood.
2. Have you ever been published by a traditional publisher?
Not as a novelist, but I was a writer for SoulShine Magazine a few years back. It was a good gig and I was lucky to have it. I couldn’t write for your average magazine. I use too many metaphors and hyperbolize until I’m blue in the face. [pauses] See?
3. Why did you turn to self-publishing?
As a first-time Canadian novelist coming out of nowhere with a fiction manuscript, finding an agent or a publisher was a daunting challenge. I knew Raincloud was pretty good but hadn’t yet proven myself in the marketplace, nor was I well connected within the literary community. I was faced with a choice between Raincloud sitting on my hard drive or self-publishing. I chose the latter.
4. How was the self-publishing experience?
Overall, it was good. I went with a POD company called iUniverse after researching all the different POD outfits in the market. The pre-production services were great and I everything I learned is serving me well now. No regrets.
5. What are the main differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing?
The main difference is that you front all the costs for self-publishing and promotion. But with the Internet there are a lot of options for free publicity that are as wide-reaching as print ads but much more personalized. Your biggest promotional investment is your time. And with self-publishing you have complete creative control, which should be important to any artist.
If your sales aren’t as good as you hoped, you only have to answer to yourself without some publishing executive breathing down your neck. And if you’re a success, you can take all the credit. My credo is “Author, Sell Thyself”, and I believe it applies to both types of authors.
The biggest downside to self-publishing is the stigma attached to it. Many people turn up their noses at self-published authors, judging them as sub-standard writers rejected by the literary community. I can understand why; I’ve read some really bad self-published work. But we shouldn’t all be placed in the same bucket. Authors like myself are simply talented unknowns and, in a way, victims of an evolving publishing industry.
6. How has the reception been for Raincloud?
Excellent! It’s received some fantastic reviews from literary critics, authors, and readers alike. I’ve received emails from readers telling tell me how much they are looking forward to my next book. It’s a really great feeling when you’ve reached somebody.
7. What kind of promotion have you been doing?
I’ve done everything from book signings in various Chapters-Indigo stores and book festivals, radio interviews, podcasts, addressing writers groups and public schools, book readings, and utilizing online tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, my website (www.richard-todd.com) and my blog (raincloudbook.wordpress.com). Next I’m planning to host other authors on my blog with a series called “Introducing…”
You have to get out and try everything, unless you want to go no further than having just your friends and family read your book. You meet a lot of great people too, not just new readers but people in the industry as well.
8. Is there another novel in the works?
Yes, it’s called The Orphans of the Creek. It’s loosely based on my 10 years of club DJing, but the character in Orphans is quite troubled and traumatized, losing himself in various lusts to escape a horror he can barely face. Until one cool, late summer day…well, I don’t want to give it away.
9. Any advice for up-and-coming authors?
Read. A lot. And stay true to yourself when writing. Listen to criticism but don’t feel bound to take it. And don’t ever give up…unless it’s on your terms.
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Great advice for all and thank you Richard for the insights you have provided on Self Publishing and your accomplishments.
Darcy Frunchak
Publisher, readerjack.com
dfrunchak@readerjack.com
Tags: Orphans of the Creek, Raincloud, Richard S. Todd, self publishing
June 30, 2009 at 7:44 am |
Looks like a great book. I’m seriously considering self-publishing at the moment, though have some questions about it.