Monday YA Author Interview With Natalie D Richards

Natalie D Richards
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Em, thank you SO MUCH for having me! I loved these interview questions and
am so happy to be here! YAY!

Where are you from?
I’m a lifelong resident of Columbus, Ohio – GO BUCKS!

When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing in very early childhood and according to my family, I was a storyteller even
before that. I’m not sure if it’s just a creative thing or possibly an I-can-never-shut-up thing, but
either way, I’ve always been a writer in some way or another.

What books have most influenced your life most?
This is a really tricky list to come up with because, like most writers, I read A LOT. But for
today I’ll go with David Copperfield, The Awakening, The Poisonwood Bible, Harry Potter, The
Hunger Games, Wintergirls, Slaughterhouse Five, The Hiding Place, and Leaves of Grass.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I’ve been privileged enough to receive advice and help from several authors in my journey
to publication, but choosing one just doesn’t feel fair. Honestly, my biggest fear would be
forgetting one of the many people who helped me get where I am today, so I’ll shorten it by
saying that writers as a whole tend to be generous, wise, and fun, and in particular, the writers
I’ve crossed paths with have changed my writing life for the better.

What book are you reading now?
Glory, glory I am done with edits so I am READING AGAIN! Woohoo! I’m currently (and I’m
late in doing so!) finishing up The 5th
by Amy Christine Parker which I enjoyed too. And I’m just starting The Night Circus by Erin
Morgenstern.
 Wave by Rick Yancy. It’s great. I also just finished Gated

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Rainbow Rowell probably bubbles to the top of a list of LOADS of amazing newauthors I’ve
found this year. Eleanor & Park in particular was crazy good.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Ugh, too many favorites! In YA in particular, I’d go with Libba Bray, Maggie Stiefvater, Jay
Asher, John Green, and I’d already say Rainbow Rowell is heading in that direction. What
always does it for me is voice. These writers have voices that are so authentic, so utterly
captivating – it’s hard to put it into words, but they’re all wonderful.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
It’s a little different with each book. And each day. Some days it’s just hard to force my brain
to focus (collecting my thoughts is like herding crack-head cats) and others it’s hard to figure out
how to tackle a scene the right way. For Six Months Later, there was a scene in the back third
of the book that I had to rewrite about six times before I felt like it was right. That was totally
annoying, but necessary.

Have you been an avid reader your entire life? (since you could read)
Yes, but I’m not a typical “quiet, bookish” type. I’m actually very extroverted (think
obnoxiously chatty and you’re about right!)

What character in your books do you relate to most?
 Oooh, good question. Um, I think I’d have to go with Maggie – she has the same taste in music
and clothing and that sort of thing. J

What is your favorite sport to watch and or play?
I don’t play sports and the world is a safer place for it. I’m not exactly coordinated. But I love
watching football and hockey – especially hockey.

Favorite Movie?
Oy. Again, tough! I’d say in 2013, my favorites were Catching Fire and Frozen! How’s that?

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate. Accept no substitute.

Puppy's or Kittens?
 Puppies!

Beach or Mountains?
 Both, if possible. My in laws were lovely enough to take me to Hawaii…TWICE. And both are
possible there – Hawaii is the most beautiful place on earth.

If you could be a color, what color would you be?
 Hm…I usually say black because it’s all I wear and what I gravitate toward, but I think if I
actually have to BE a color, I should be a bit more unique. Maybe indigo?

Favorite Dessert?
 Tollhouse pie. But any really delicious chocolate thing (except cake – not a big cake fan) will
work just fine by me.

If you could be a book character, what character would you be?
Wow, this is a great question. I think I might go with Hermione Granger. She’s got a rough go
of things, but she’s incredibly intelligent, strong, and kind. I think that’s a pretty amazing mix.

About Natalie:
Lost for years in a maze of cubicles and file rooms, Natalie found her way back to her love of
writing in her late twenties and never looked back. Natalie lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her
husband, their three amazing kids, and a giant dust-mop who swears he's the family dog. Follow
her on Twitter @natdrichards or visit her at www.nataliedrichards.com
Six Months Later is available for purchase in paperback and e-book format at Barnes&Noble,
Amazon, and Sourcebooks.com.
Em, thanks again for having me – I’d love to close with a teeny bit of info on my debut YA
thriller, Six Months Later, which doesn’t feature the beach or mountains, but DOES happen to
feature a lot of lovely wintery scenes.


She Has Everything She Ever Wanted. But Not Her Memory...
When Chloe fell asleep in study hall, it was the middle of May. When she wakes up, snow is on
the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life.
Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited
by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her
boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.
What happened to her? Remembering the truth could be more dangerous than she knows...







You have it from me that Six Months Later is absolutely captivating! Go pick up a copy right away if you love thrillers!