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marcoujor: Interview with “Horror Across the Alley” author, Rich C. Rumple

6/7/2017

22 Comments

 
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I had the pleasure of virtually meeting Rich Rumple when we both wrote for HubPages about five years ago.
 
In addition to being a sensational scribe, Rich is decent, good-hearted and exceedingly funny.
 
Rich recently published his first (of hopefully many) books: “Horror Across the Alley”. He warned me upfront that some dialogue contained coarse language.
 
Appreciating his honesty and knowing what a compelling writer Rich is, I ordered my copy from Amazon.
 
Because horror is not a subject matter I gravitate towards, I found myself delving into the characters in the book.​
Rich is masterful in serving up substantial doses of plot and character development. As such, I became quickly involved in the story, wanting some of my favorite new friends to ‘be okay’, and I’ll leave it as vague as that for now.
 
Here is an interview with Rich about his book. I hope you’ll enjoy as I did...

Maria: Can you describe "Horror Across the Alley" in one or two sentences?

Rich: A tale of interacting relationships that peak in extreme manners while facing a dangerous and unknown entity. Not just a tale of horror, but one of love, hate, and the in between. (Hey, I like that! I'm going to have to change the book's description on Amazon.com to it!)
​

​Maria: Why was the motivation and / or inspiration behind your breakout novel?

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Rich: I've been writing for years ... the same novel. 600 pages later I still had no ending. A friend of mine recommended I put it aside and direct my attention in another direction. So, I gave it a try. I had so much I wanted to cover ... the plight of aging, narcissistic and controlling personalities, self-obsessive behavior, religious belief by false prophets ... why not put it all together in a book? But, I wanted it to be in a story. So, I made it a paranormal tale. You've read it. Horror is only its classification. I tried to make it a book about relationships with horror added to spice things up. Somehow, it made sense to me. lol   
 
Fred Cooke was, and in my heart is still a true friend of mine. I've fought for equal rights since protesting in the late 60's. Fred had, too, but in a different way. He used laughter to get inside a person and bring them around. We had a deep kinship that was greater than many that are born of the same parents. He passed away of cancer just before I finished the book. It still brings tears to think about it. Fred was a lover of horror movies and books. The dedication of this book to him is an honor that signifies the bond between he and I, and the bond and love we all should all have with each other. The color of one's skin should never matter. We are all brothers (and sisters) and there is only one race ... the human race. The world would be a much better place if we all practiced believing that.

Maria: You rightfully describe yourself as "Writer, entertainer, announcer, sales trainer" on your book cover.  Did your life experience influence any of your book?  If so, how?

​Rich: As you know, everyone that types a word for others to read is putting a piece of their soul out there for others to judge. Of course, my time as a stand-up comedian helps in some of the underlying humor and sarcasm in the book. There are other portions that are based on my real life experiences, too.  I'm going to let the reader guess which ones fit that category.

​Maria: You have a gift with character development. As I've told you, horror is not my typical go-to as a fictional genre. Yet, I instantly fell in love with most of your quirky characters- even the ones with a bit of a potty mouth.  What do you have to say about this?  Either you or your muse are free to answer. 

Rich: Since my muse has been in hiding since the book's publication, I'll tackle that question. Studying people has been a habit of mine most of my life. It started as a psychology minor in college, continued in comedy, and kept going in business. I found good and bad in all. That made them real.
 
It is my goal to create characters that are believable ... real ... folks that one can say, "Why, they remind me of ..." (even those few with "potty mouths"). If the reader relates to a character in one way or another, they want to see what happens to them. They're interested, instead of bored. When that is achieved, I've done what I wanted and hopefully what the reader wanted. Characters make the stories and present the messages, whether in dialogue or in actions. To short-change them is to short change the story ... and the reader. Why write if that's your goal?​

Maria: What in the world possessed you to name Millie after your wife, the real Millie? I'm still grinning about that one.

​Rich: It was actually a mistake when I first started writing and I decided to continue it as a joke to her. There is actually a little bit of me in "George" and in writing his beginning segment, Millie began as a fill-in name until I figured out the best name for his wife. I typed it so often, it seemed to fit. So, I left it that. My wife is nothing like her. Millie in the book is a much quieter person.

Maria: What's next in the book department and when can we expect it, no pressure, of course!

​Rich: First, I need for this one to start selling well, which means I've got to concentrate on marketing for a while. However, I have just finished the first draft on my next book and am revising and editing it now. It's a coming of age tale about the life of four youngsters during summer vacation in 1966. There's an abusive relationship to deal with, the topic of pet desertion with a pack of man-eating wild dogs, venomous reptiles, a young couple's first kiss, and other surprises. I plan to have it out towards the end of June. No title decision as of yet, but it will have a much broader audience appeal. I'm thinking of calling it Campaign for the Presidency: 2020.  Sorry, you know me, I've got to leave an audience smiling!

​Readers can get their copy of Horror Across the Alley by clicking on the following links...

🔹Amazon (available for Kindle and in hard copy)
🔹Goodreads
​Anyone interested in following me can find me via the links below...
🔹Amazon Author Page
🔹Goodreads
🔹Facebook


​Maria:
 Thanks for taking the time to tell us the back-story of this book. I'm hoping my readers with a penchant for a supernatural mystery will check out Horror Across the Alley. I was hooked from start to finish--the sign of a true story teller, dear Rich.

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Click image to check it out on amazon.com

ShoutOuts

☙ Friends ~ Nice and Needed! Via WarnerWords
☙ Blogging Vs Vlogging what works best for you? Via molometer’s Blog-N-Vlog
☙ Time for Thyme via On Story Street
​☙ Weebly Free or Pro: Writers are generating income from both versions via flashPress

​​Until next week, take good care. Hugs, mar
22 Comments
Rich Rumple link
6/7/2017 02:04:48 pm

It was indeed a pleasure to be interviewed by you. Thanks so much for your generosity and true professionalism. I hope others enjoy it, too! You're fantastic!

Reply
Maria link
6/8/2017 06:15:45 am

This interview was my pleasure, dear Rich.

I can see that others are / will enjoy your book as much as I did.

Reply
Martie link
6/7/2017 03:03:08 pm

"I've been writing for years ... the same novel. 600 pages later I still had no ending..." I can so relate!

I have downloaded Rich's book the other day, and thanks to this interview I look forward to the read.

Thank you, dear Mar, like all your interviews, this one, too, was a delightful read.

Hugs,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
6/8/2017 06:18:24 am

And you are at the top of my list when your book is ready to be published - I know it will be worth the wait, dear Martie.

I'm so pleased you got Rich's book - I know he will be as well.

Hugs back and love you, mar

Reply
Mike
6/7/2017 03:08:28 pm

Hello mar - Great interview. I wish Rich Rumple well with his book.

Reply
Maria link
6/8/2017 06:19:16 am

Thanks, Mike - good to see you here.

Reply
Sageleaf link
6/7/2017 10:18:46 pm

What a fun interview with Rich! He's got a funny bone, for sure. In being a long-time reader of his blog, I can imagine the voice and humor that would carry over to his book. I'm hugely impressed that you've read it already. I've got a full time job like you do and a blog, too, and I have not had time to read. LOL. You're amazing! I really enjoyed this interview - professional and great questions. And kudos to Rich!

Reply
Maria link
6/8/2017 06:22:06 am

How lovely to see you here, Cynthia. It's a small world - virtually speaking too.

You seem busy beyond belief with your LIFE Plan and I know Rich will also appreciate that you took the time to read this interview.

Reply
Rolly A. Chabot link
6/8/2017 12:27:04 am

Hi Mar

Excellent interview and congratulation Rich on the book. Just heading over to Amazon now.

Hugs from Canada

Reply
Maria link
6/8/2017 06:23:32 am

Thanks, dear Rolly.

I know Rich will be thrilled that you are checking out his book as well.

Glad you're home safe and have a peaceful day. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Peggy Cole link
6/8/2017 04:55:31 pm

It's great to meet Rich here on your blog, Maria. Thanks for the opportunity to look behind the scenes of another writer. I love what he said about character development and the study of people.Good luck on selling lots of books, Rich, and hope you'll get back to writing on that second one.
Great job on the interview. Hugs.

Reply
Maria link
6/10/2017 06:26:37 am

Thanks for your feedback and support for Rich's writing, dear Peg.

I'm also thrilled that you are working on your second book. I seem to surround myself with inspirational people. Love you, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
6/9/2017 05:54:57 am

Hello Maria,

Thank you for an interesting and enjoyable read this morning. Thanks to this interview, I'll visit Rich Rumple's author page on amazon and become a follower. Great interview, Maria and I wish Rich Rumple best of luck with his book.

Hugs,

Sannel

Reply
Maria link
6/10/2017 06:32:00 am

Thanks for checking out Rich's work and for sharing this too, dear Sannel.

Wishing you and Freddie a fun and sunny weekend. Love, Maria

Reply
Randi
6/10/2017 09:11:57 am

Maria,
I agree with you completely. Horror is definitely not my genre but Rich's characters make this book compelling. I enjoyed it start to finish and look forward to more from Rich! Great interview!
💜 Randi

Reply
Maria link
6/13/2017 06:42:58 am

Lovely to see you, Randi. I'm not surprised that we share the same views on Rich's breakout book.

Hope you are having a peaceful week. Love, Maria

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Angelia link
6/10/2017 12:58:30 pm

Dear Rich and Prof. Mahreer,

Thanks for sharing this fun and interesting chat with us!

Rich, nice to learn about your work and thanks for agreeing to an interview. Also, your book cover is awesome-sauce!

You've peaked my interest and I'm obliged to check out your neighbors. :)

Reply
Maria link
6/13/2017 06:45:30 am

Dear Ange,
Thanks for commenting on the book cover. I also think it's an enticing first impression of Rich's book.
Hope you enjoy as I did. Love and hugs, mar

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Zoe
6/10/2017 05:55:23 pm

I really love this book. Like you, I think it was because of the character development as horror has never been my genre.

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Maria link
6/13/2017 06:47:17 am

Nice to meet you, Zoe and thanks for this validation of Rich's book.

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Shauna
6/12/2017 11:37:50 am

Excellent interview, as always, Maria! I was unaware Rich had published a novel. I hadn't seen him in quite some time on HP and now I know why.

I happen to love the supernatural genre of fiction. Looks like I have another novel to add to my library!

Thanks for getting the word out, Mar. I'm sure this interview will boost sales.

Reply
Maria link
6/13/2017 06:50:08 am

Hi Sha,
I agree Rich has had a great excuse for being off the virtual radar.
I'm thrilled this kind of writing is your cup of tea for your summer reading list.
Happy reading and much love, mar

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • mar's Desk
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    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
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