Ask the Author: Richard Van Holst
Answered Questions (20)
Richard Van Holst
Sorry, I really do not understand the question.
Richard Van Holst
Soon after his election, the President drank an immortality potion. Then he abolished the presidency and became a dictator.
Richard Van Holst
That's a difficult question to answer. I would love to climb Mount Vesuvius with the Dickens family, or look at the ancient art in the caves of Ajanta. But it would be hard to choose between them!
Richard Van Holst
Some parts are a lot of work, especially coming up with an idea and doing the research to prepare for writing. But once I make some progress with writing, it becomes easier and faster. After this is finished, it is sometimes difficult to go through your text and correct it.
The best part of all is when readers give you feedback on what you have written. Luckily for me, the reactions have been positive most of the time.
The best part of all is when readers give you feedback on what you have written. Luckily for me, the reactions have been positive most of the time.
Richard Van Holst
Hi Chris, If you could snag kickbacks for mentioning products, I'm sure you'd have made a Hamiltonian from the future travel back in time to give Max some Red Bull--because, as you know, Red Bull gives you wings! :) I've just finished the second book in the series (enjoyed it immensely) and lent it to a colleague at work who is a fan of the Max Dexter Mysteries. I'm about to embark on the third one. The heat is bearable, thanks to air conditioning. And I'll soon have another short story published, so I'm happy about that. Best wishes, Richard.
Richard Van Holst
I could only locate one of the titles (which is not in the public domain), and I have sent you an email.
Richard Van Holst
Not all books on Goodreads are available electronically, so that's why you can't open or download them. If you give me the title of the books you're looking for, I might be able to find a site where you can access them. But unless the book is in the public domain, you would have to purchase a copy for download.
Richard Van Holst
The whole concept of "summer reading" is a bit odd, because the changing of the weather or season does not often put me in the mood to read a certain type of book. I don't make a habit of lying around on the beach because I sunburn easily, so I wouldn't lie around there with a "beach read" either, because books can't digest sand very well. So, gentle reader, if you want to know what I'll be perusing next, may I refer you to my current-reads shelf.
Richard Van Holst
Sorry, I did not see this question in my e-mail.
I'm not sure what you are asking? Are you looking for recommendations or for someone to send you books?
Personally, I'm not able to send books. But if you are looking for recommendations, I would recommend these:
1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor
I'm not sure what you are asking? Are you looking for recommendations or for someone to send you books?
Personally, I'm not able to send books. But if you are looking for recommendations, I would recommend these:
1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2. A Good Man is Hard to Find and Other Stories by Flannery O'Connor
Richard Van Holst
Hello Darren,
Just saw this as well as your email. Replied to the latter with my contact info. So that means the answer is a resounding YES.
Just saw this as well as your email. Replied to the latter with my contact info. So that means the answer is a resounding YES.
Richard Van Holst
I've answered in an email.
Richard Van Holst
Hello Aaron, How are you? Busy but fine here. Juggling work, a new story, reading and dentist appointments.
Richard Van Holst
Hi Nancy! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Thanks for your input re: Chasing Vermeer. It makes me happy that someone who is in a position to know about art history shares my point of view.
I would like to read your novel, and if that happens I would definitely give you feedback in some form or other. Please email with specifics about how to get a copy.
I would like to read your novel, and if that happens I would definitely give you feedback in some form or other. Please email with specifics about how to get a copy.
Richard Van Holst
Douglas, I think you meant to put this as a comment on my profile. But thanks just the same for your good wishes.
Richard Van Holst
My most recent published work is a short story, a piece of historical fiction called "Maiden Aunt." I was asked by my editor to write something about a woman connected to a famous man but not very well known in her own right. Since I had read a lot of Dickens in the past, I started researching, and found something intriguing about his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth, who became the subject of the story.
Richard Van Holst
Sometimes ideas come to me. But I also get asked to write certain things, and this pressure is actually a good motivator.
Richard Van Holst
A short story set in the Tudor era.
Richard Van Holst
Know your grammar, syntax and spelling, because these are the tools of the trade. Read a lot. Take some creative writing courses. Keep a notebook in which to jot down ideas. "Write what you know" is a good place to start, but use it as a point of departure. Find yourself a mentor, teacher or editor whose advice and constructive criticism you trust.
Richard Van Holst
The best thing about being a writer is reaching the stage where ideas start to flow fast--sometimes so fast that you have trouble keeping up with them.
Richard Van Holst
After I have struggled against the inertia for some time, I just sit down and write. It may go sluggishly for a while but sooner or later, ideas will start to come.
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