Three Times A Charm with Bob Richley

Welcome to Three Times A Charm. I love to introduce readers to the people involved in children’s publishing. Today we welcome children’s author, Bob Richley. Bob, can tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in the Chicago area and now live in beautiful Colorado. Growing up, I would often go camping in the Rocky Mountains. It was these childhood camping trips and especially my visit to Crater Lake in Oregon that were the inspiration for events in the Oregon Kids series. I am a parent who has volunteered for years in children’s ministry. Teaching children good values and the grace of God are my passions. My stories, originally written for a single mom to help her raise her children, are a way to fulfill this passion. I have always loved children. I want all children to be raised with love and grace. It is my hope that my stories will be one of many tools that parents will use to teach and to raise their children with Godly values

I live about an hour and a half north of Crater Lake. Like Colorado, this is a beautiful place to raise children. Tell us more about your book.

The Big Catch is the first book in The Oregon Kids series. All the books have a character value lesson. The Big Catch was published May 10 2016. In The Big Catch, the value of being selfless and giving to others is exemplified. Billy and Autumn are brother and sister. At the beginning of the story, Billy is selfish, impatient and prideful. He sees his sister as a bother and burden. All that concerns him is fishing and catching the biggest fish. At the end, however, Billy shows compassion for his sister, Autumn. The Big Catch is meant to be read with your child. It gives parents an opportunity to discuss Billy’s character and presents a good example for teaching values of giving, being selfless, and sacrificing. The next book in the series, Runaway Whiskers is being published. Runaway Whiskers introduces a new character, Johanna. Johanna receives a pet rabbit from her dad. When she leaves the cage open one day, the rabbit, Whiskers, runs away. Autumn finds the rabbit and is reluctant to return it. Autumn learns the valuable lesson of being honest.

I recommend my book to readers who like Heidi by Johanna Spyri, The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Now let’s move on to the threes. Give us your top 3 responses to the following to help us get to know you better.

  • Top 3 books you recommend reading and why you recommend them.
    • Heidi by Johanna Spyri because it teaches value of faith and touches my passion for the beauty of nature.
    • To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee because Atticus Finch is a wonderful father figure.
    • The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien because it is a wonderful adventure and teaches good values especially the value of friendship.

  • Top 3 tools of the trade you couldn’t live without.
    • Spell checker because I’m a terrible speller.
    • My computer because I have awful hand writing and need to type my stories.
    • Experiences because I draw upon them to write my stories.

  • Top 3 things you learned about the business after becoming a writer.
    • Writing is easy compared to marketing.
    • Authors actually pay for reviews and finding people who will review the book in exchange for a copy of the book is not easy.
    • There are plenty whose target market is an author.

  • Top 3 most admired people and why you admire them.
    • Jesus because he lived a perfect life and was murdered because he loved.
    • Leo Buscaglia because he spent his life promoting unconditional love.
    • Gandhi because he freed a country through non-violent methods. 

  • Top 3 snacks to munch on while working.
    • Ice Cream
    • Grapes
    • Granola bars

  • Top 3 leisure activities.
    • Trail running
    • Reading (of course)
    • Water skiing

  • Top 3 favorite ways to interact with readers.
    • Chat
    • Facebook comments
    • Interviews

  • Top 3 professions you wanted to be when you grew up.
    • Priest
    • Teacher
    • Day care professional

  • Top 3 favorite places.
    • Grand Teton National Park
    • Rocky Mountain National Park
    • The Philippians because my wife is from there.

  • Top 3 personal mantras or inspirational phrases.
    • Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love. – Leo Buscaglia
    • It is more blessed to give than receive – Jesus
    • You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

  • Top 3 favorite personality traits that appeal to you.
    • Creative
    • Compassionate
    • Caring

  • Top 3 places you find writing inspiration.
    • The mountains
    • Home/Family
    • Ministry/Church

Where can our tech savvy readers find you and your book online?


The book is available on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com

Bob, it’s been a pleasure hosting you today. Best of luck to your book and with your writing.


THANKS!

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