@richardstheone

Richard Holliday

Im really enjoying rememories, your short story collection. How much thinking time do you have when you write short stories. Do you think for a while or just start writing straight away?

Thanks! Looking forward a lot to hearing how you like all the different stories!
With a short story I usually have a general theme or idea I want to run with and try to work out a feasible "vehicle", plot-wise, to deliver it. Sometimes with shorter work it's better to just sit down and write organically to see what my mind thinks up; with longer shorts (lol) it's usually a miz of a brief plot outline and just winging it. Sometimes winging it brings about curious plot points that the plan never thought of!
Definitely though, when the urge to just sit down and work 500 words out strikes, there's no time to plan, just get typing!

Latest answers from Richard Holliday

Why do you have such a high opinion of yourself when you are quite clearly socially challenged (particularly when it comes to women, although a lack of body confidence probably has something to do with that)?

lol, wtf?!
This question came across as pretty confrontational. I wouldn't say I have a high opinion of myself on a personal level; rather, I feel my work is Not Complete Shit and thus deserves a bigger airing than I feel it gets at the moment. I'd be intrigued as to know why you feel I'm thinking highly of myself?
I've actually had a history of feeling quite bad about myself (high school was very tough socially) and yeah, I'm indeed socially awkward; my introverted nature is certainly at play there. Mentioning "body confidence" and issues with women shows you're missing the point or don't really know me; sure, I suppose body confidence is a low-lying issue for me but not in regards to women as I'm actually asexual.
And I'm happy about that.
Intrigued as to who asked this as it's a pretty deep dissection by the looks of it. Bit saddened that whoever posted this doesn't seem to know me as well as I'd like.

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How many people do you consider your "best friends?"

A few. I don't really have "best friends" per se; though there are a few people I'd say I can talk more deeply to.
Yes, some of them are IRL and some are interweb people.

Could you live without a computer?

Probably, though my wrist would kill me.
(Because I'd have to write long-hand; get your mind out of the gutter!) :-P

Language: English