An Interview with Richard Smith: Author of The Darziods’ Stone

Richard Smith’s motto is: Never give up; it can happen. And his first book, Time Trap, and now The Darziods’ Stone is proof of that.

Born in London, the youngest of three children, Richard has loved writing stories since he was 10; and regularly got top marks for his essays at school – where his favourite subject was English. After leaving school, he worked in a succession of dead-end jobs. None brought him as much satisfaction as writing – which he kept up, with his mother’s constant encouragement. Richard credits her father, a taxi driver, who enjoyed writing as a hobby, for his talent with words.

Researching and writing The Darziods’ Stone took seven years, including several periods of inactivity, but with his mother’s words – never give up – ringing in his ear, he pulled out all the stops and completed it with a flourish. With his brother George providing the cover and the drawings, and Pat Richardson giving the ms a final edit – just as they did with Time Trap – Richard is very happy with the book. Time Trap II will be his next yarn, which he very much looks forward to writing. Jamie and Todd will be embarking on another adventure, time-travelling to 1776, America.

Tell us about your book.

The Darziods’ Stone is primarily a story of high adventure, which begins in an innocuous cove in Cornwall, culminating to going global. I wanted the five school friends put through the ringer, testing their friendships and resolve. When they find a secret code – which I believe almost everyone would love to do – I wanted to be with them trying to crack it, that’s why I based one of the characters on me, but I won’t say which one! Finding the code which they hope and believe is for treasure is the good news, the bad news is they unleash an evil order upon them and a desperate struggle ensues. I provide a theory as to why the Sphinx’s head is disproportionately small to the body and what the Knights Templar actually discovered under Temple Mount. It’s a story of many layers coupled with mystery and conspiracy with the added twist here and there.

Why did you want to write a book?

A lot to do with the answer above really. Firstly, I wanted to write an adventure set in Cornwall where a bunch of kids find a secret code. Then I expanded it by adding the things that interest me.

Would you self-publish again?

I would. The company I use do everything I request. My two books are exactly how I want them.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

I found my self-publishers – Fastprint Publishing – after visiting the London Book Fair. Meeting them face to face helped immensely, as I was able to see how they operated, and ask all my questions.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

I’m an impulse writer, meaning I have to get the urge to write. I’d be inactive for a while then write for a long period – over a number of days – until I run out of steam. The process would then begin again.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Don’t panic! I’ll use it for one of my inactive periods and think over the problem. A lot of the times I’d wake up with a solution, so the saying “sleep on it” does work sometimes.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

My mum. And Lewis Carroll. I read Alice in Wonderland at an early age and it was that book that got me interested in writing. His imagination is fantastic, what a world he created in Wonderland.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My brother George is the artist in the family. He provided the covers and all the sketches in both books. And my mother Sylvie was my biggest inspiration, always telling me never to give up writing. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have got to self-publishing two books.

What are your plans now your book is published?

I’m trying to get it reviewed by as many people as I can. The Washington Post have a requested a copy, so I’m hoping of a favourable one from them.

Why did you write about this particular subject?

The saying goes something like: write about what you like and what you know. With The Darziods’ Stone I certainly did that. Half the book is set in Cornwall; one of my favourite places, and the topics in the book are interests to me, and researching them further was a pleasure.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

That writing is a lonely pastime but an enjoyable one with huge benefits, like when someone tells me they enjoyed the book.

What’s next for you as an author?

I am now working on the sequel to my first book, which is called Time Trap II. Initially, I thought there wasn’t enough material for a second book, and when people asked if there would be a sequel, I’d say no way. Then a germ of an idea began to grow which got bigger. I have almost finished the plot and looking forward to getting the characters together and going on another journey writing the story.