Panicles,
explores the price of fame and fortune through the eyes of two families, one
wealthy and powerful, the other blue collar, from a chance meeting at a Florida
poolside, to the highest levels of politics and power. This sweeping saga of
love, war, money, and power leaves each family weighing their duty to their
family versus service to their country.It all leads to a fateful choice—a
sacrifice—which could change the course of history.
Richard
lives in New York City
and New Orleans
with his love and inspiration, Lisa, my wife of thirty years (and counting),
near their beloved grown children.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS
Website → www.Robbinsbooks.com
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/richard.robbins.7737
BOOK
BLURB:
Is it better to take the risk and pursue the glory of fame and
fortune, or to live a simpler, more grounded life?“Richard Robbins has presented a cast of interesting characters, and each one is fully explored. The plot engages the reader from the first page to the last. The writing style is fast-paced and flows smoothly. Author Richard Robbins has penned a captivating novel in Panicles. A fascinating read!” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Deborah Lloyd (5 STARS)
Follow the fates of two families, one wealthy and powerful, the other blue collar, from a chance meeting at a Florida poolside, to the highest levels of politics and power. This sweeping saga of love, war, money, and power leaves each family weighing their duty to their family versus service to their country.
It all leads to a fateful choice—a sacrifice—which could change the course of history.
EVOLVED PUBLISHING PRESENTS a contemporary literary exploration of two very different families, with their ties to politics, power and influence, and to each other. [DRM-Free]
“Panicles will make you think, make you cry, make you laugh and smile and keep you reading until the very end.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Trudi LoPreto (5 STARS)
“Panicles is a novel that invites reflection with its subtle and significant meaning... Connections, effects, and a great storyline make Panicles a remarkable novel from many points of view.” ~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews, Astrid Iustulin (5 STARS)
Books by Richard Robbins:
- Love, Loss, and Lagniappe
- Panicles
- The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy (Coming 2020)
ORDER YOUR COPY
Amazon → https://amzn.to/37wyWjR
Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/2qGgPax
Thank you for this interview! I’d like to know more about you as a person
first. What do you do when you’re not
writing?
I like to read, ride my bicycle, and most importantly, spend as much time as I can with people I love and care about, including family and friends. Of all the things I do, I find that most rewarding.
I like to read, ride my bicycle, and most importantly, spend as much time as I can with people I love and care about, including family and friends. Of all the things I do, I find that most rewarding.
When did you start writing?
I wrote in High School, and was encouraged to become a writer by a wonderful teacher, Ms. Barbara Goleman. However, that wouldn’t fly in my family, so I went to medical school, started a business, and did not begin writing until much later in life, a short time after my youngest son left for college.
I wrote in High School, and was encouraged to become a writer by a wonderful teacher, Ms. Barbara Goleman. However, that wouldn’t fly in my family, so I went to medical school, started a business, and did not begin writing until much later in life, a short time after my youngest son left for college.
As a published author, what would you say was the most
pivotal point of your writing life?
There are two very clear milestones. The first was when I decided to write my first novel. It was a major commitment, and a real leap of faith. I had no promise of it being published, or ever really amounting to anything, nor would I have considered it a failure or waste of time if it were not published. People who enjoy painting do not consider it a waste of time if their paintings are not sold or hung in museums, but sometimes writers judge themselves too harshly. The second was when my publisher agreed to publish my book. It was a very exciting and rewarding time.
There are two very clear milestones. The first was when I decided to write my first novel. It was a major commitment, and a real leap of faith. I had no promise of it being published, or ever really amounting to anything, nor would I have considered it a failure or waste of time if it were not published. People who enjoy painting do not consider it a waste of time if their paintings are not sold or hung in museums, but sometimes writers judge themselves too harshly. The second was when my publisher agreed to publish my book. It was a very exciting and rewarding time.
If you could go anywhere in the world to start writing your
next book, where would that be and why?
It’s nice to be able to say it, but right now, I’m exactly where I want to be. Right by my wife’s side, in our new home in New Orleans.
It’s nice to be able to say it, but right now, I’m exactly where I want to be. Right by my wife’s side, in our new home in New Orleans.
If you had 4 hours of extra time today, what would you do?
Netflix? No, just kidding. Since moving from full time work to writing, I have been blessed with the gift of time. I am able to write as much or as little as I want, so time management has been easier than when I worked long hours and raised children at home. But any extra time I had, I would like to spend with people I love and care about, including family and friends.
Netflix? No, just kidding. Since moving from full time work to writing, I have been blessed with the gift of time. I am able to write as much or as little as I want, so time management has been easier than when I worked long hours and raised children at home. But any extra time I had, I would like to spend with people I love and care about, including family and friends.
Where would you like to set a story that you haven’t done
yet?
I would love to set a story in a mysterious Central European capital, such as Prague, or perhaps the hills outside one of the Baltics, maybe Lithuania or Estonia. For a kid growing up in Florida, they seemed particularly mysterious. But the closest I can come to that in the US is New Orleans.
I would love to set a story in a mysterious Central European capital, such as Prague, or perhaps the hills outside one of the Baltics, maybe Lithuania or Estonia. For a kid growing up in Florida, they seemed particularly mysterious. But the closest I can come to that in the US is New Orleans.
Back to your present book, Panicles, how did you publish it?
I was blessed when I found my publisher, Evolved Publishing. Dave Lane had been supportive and encouraging, and is also a great editor. I found them by brute force. I found a list of publishers, and submitted to a number of them, and received a no, no, no, no, and then a yes, and the yes was from just the right one. Turns out, the harder you work at something, the more likely you are to succeed at it. Who’da thought?
I was blessed when I found my publisher, Evolved Publishing. Dave Lane had been supportive and encouraging, and is also a great editor. I found them by brute force. I found a list of publishers, and submitted to a number of them, and received a no, no, no, no, and then a yes, and the yes was from just the right one. Turns out, the harder you work at something, the more likely you are to succeed at it. Who’da thought?
In writing your book, did you travel anywhere for research?
My first novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe, was set in New Orleans and New York City, both places with which I am very familiar. My second novel, Panicles, takes place mostly in Washington DC. I had some familiarity with The District, but did travel there to increase my knowledge. I find that a detailed and accurate sense of location adds greatly to the reading experience.
My first novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe, was set in New Orleans and New York City, both places with which I am very familiar. My second novel, Panicles, takes place mostly in Washington DC. I had some familiarity with The District, but did travel there to increase my knowledge. I find that a detailed and accurate sense of location adds greatly to the reading experience.
Why was writing Panicles
so important to you?
My first novel was relatively autobiographical, and the story had been floating around in my mind for years. So, while it was emotionally more challenging, it was technically easier. Writing Panicles required creating all new characters and an entire story from thin air. It is also a more complicated story involving many more characters. I was hoping to avoid the ‘sophomore slump’ which affects many creatives, and hopefully I have. I am very happy with the end result, and that is enough for me. And since it has received such excellent reviews, it is encouraging that others seem to feel the same way.
My first novel was relatively autobiographical, and the story had been floating around in my mind for years. So, while it was emotionally more challenging, it was technically easier. Writing Panicles required creating all new characters and an entire story from thin air. It is also a more complicated story involving many more characters. I was hoping to avoid the ‘sophomore slump’ which affects many creatives, and hopefully I have. I am very happy with the end result, and that is enough for me. And since it has received such excellent reviews, it is encouraging that others seem to feel the same way.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that
is?
In my experience, most of the best drama and humor comes from family interactions. Anyone with a siblings or children – or in laws – can relate. Most of my inspiration comes from observation of these interactions.
In my experience, most of the best drama and humor comes from family interactions. Anyone with a siblings or children – or in laws – can relate. Most of my inspiration comes from observation of these interactions.
Any final words?
For me, the process of writing is its own reward. If anyone gets a moment of pleasure or escape from my work, that is a bonus, and is very gratifying. Go ahead and give it a try, and good luck to all the new authors out there.
For me, the process of writing is its own reward. If anyone gets a moment of pleasure or escape from my work, that is a bonus, and is very gratifying. Go ahead and give it a try, and good luck to all the new authors out there.
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