C. R. Richards is headed back to Denver Pop Culture Con next week May 31-June 2, 2019 and her fans will be lined up to meet the author behind the Heart of the Warrior series. With a love of the horror and dark fantasy genre, she released her latest novel Creed of the Guardian, the first installment in the Heart of the Warrior series. Find out where C.R.’s ideas come from and what she has in store for readers.
Mark those calendars for Richards’ DPCC schedule.
Colleen Bement: Your fans are eager to read your latest amazing book Creed of the Guardian which is book number three in your Heart of the Warrior series. I understand that it comes out Oct. 18th. What tidbit are you allowed to share with your readers?
C.R. Richards: In previous books, we follow Seth, the new Bearer of the Lion Ring, as he outruns agents of evil who are trying to kill him and take the ring. Creed of the Guardian’s storyline takes Seth and the reader to a dead land where Seth’s father has hidden a powerful relic. He must find the ancient talisman in order to be recognized as a leader of the famed Jalora legion.
His quest is complicated by an ancient and vicious being who lives inside the Lion Ring. It takes over Seth’s body when he loses control, causing chaos in the outpost where Seth and his new battalion are stationed. Surrounded by deadly swamps and men who fear him, Seth isn’t sure who he can trust or if he’ll be able to complete his quest before Andara is invaded.
CB: How did you come up with the idea for your Heart of the Warrior book series to begin with?
CRR: The majority of my book ideas come from dreams. I’ve kept a notebook and pen by my bed for years until upgrading to an iPad. Heart of the Warrior started with a dream I had about a young boy crying beside his mother’s grave. The graveyard overlooked a stormy ocean. His clothing and the landscape suggested it might have been somewhere along the Irish Coast in the 1700s. A Spaniard stood over the boy, trying to comfort him. I don’t know who these people were, but I was intrigued. How did his mother die? Who was the Spaniard? I had to find out. The epic tale grew from there.
CB: I love that you posted an interview to help promote May being Mental Health Month. Thank you for that, and what inspired you to write that post?
CRR: I was a project manager in the Healthcare Industry for over fifteen years. One of the most rewarding programs I assisted with was an outreach for suicide prevention. Working with Mental Health Providers, our efforts effectively increased access to counselors in a particularly troubled urban area. I continue to help Mental Health Professionals with their mission using my writing services business, End Goal Solutions. Every individual should have access to these critical services, especially when they are at their most vulnerable.
I loved Tamara Soal’s message about “Radical Self-Care” in the blog post. It’s a great reminder for all of us. There is no shame in asking for help. You aren’t alone, so please reach out to a local helpline.
CB: You have said that “one person can be a catalyst for change.” Tell us the story behind that very inspirational quote.
CRR: I’ve spent many years as a mentor, helping junior project managers and writers achieve their career goals. A mentor may not always see the impact they have on someone’s life. I had the opportunity to see one of my mentee’s career blossom. He eventually started acting as a mentor and inspiring others. The wave rippled out from there. It hit me. I was a catalyst for change. It didn’t take a grand gesture or courageous act to bring about positive change. Listening to others and encouraging their growth could bring about momentous results.
You never know who or what you’ll inspire as you encourage someone’s dreams. Be careful though. It goes both ways. Change can be negative as well, so guard against stomping on someone else’s dreams.
CB: When you set aside some spare time for yourself, what do you like to do?
CRR: I live in beautiful Colorado, so being out in nature recharges my batteries. My favorite activity (other than writing) is sitting on my patio in the sunshine and reading a good book. I don’t really have a favorite genre, but I do lean toward mysteries.
CB: What are you looking forward to the most at Denver Pop Culture Con?
CRR: I love to watch the cosplayers. People are so clever and creative. It’s fun to see what they’ll wear and how they embrace the role. This will be my fourth year attending the Con. I try to guess the most popular cosplay character before I go, but it’s going to be a tough one this time with all the amazing movies out this year.
For 2019, I’m guessing “Iron Man” and “Captain America” as nostalgic choices.