ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE MAY V2 2024 VOL VII. ISSUE XLIX | COVER STORY
Article Published on: 10TH JULY 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Kem Richards embarked on a multifaceted journey, evolving from his roots in New York City to become a celebrated author, an inspiration, and mental health specialist. His passion for storytelling blossomed as he explored the city's towering skylines, eventually leading him to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. Alongside his literary pursuits, Kem found fulfillment in guiding others as a visionary providing spiritual nourishment and solace. Additionally, his dedication to mental health advocacy reflects a profound commitment to holistic well-being, enriching lives through compassion and support. Through his diverse roles, Kem Richards continues to inspire and uplift, leaving an indelible mark on both literature and the human spirit.
BEYOND THE HORIZON: THE UNFOLDING STORY OF KEM RICHARDS
Kem Richards, a distinguished writer based in New York, has amazed & engaged audiences with his ability to breathe life into complex characters, garnering significant acclaim for his latest masterpiece, "The End of May." Renowned for his prowess in crafting Chick-Lit and Romance narratives, Richards has been hailed as a "visual and diverse writer," whose stories brim with exceptional detail, stimulating intellectual curiosity and inviting readers into a world of refreshing prose.
Despite not being born at the end of May, Richards holds a deep-seated affection for the month, rooted in his childhood spent marveling at the grandeur of big-city skylines. While his bachelor's degree in Music Business may not seem directly relevant to his writing career, his diverse array of experiences in the entertainment, travel, and real estate industries, coupled with his tenure at Sony Music, have imbued him with a wellspring of inspiration for crafting riveting plots that promise to keep readers eagerly turning the pages of his debut novel and forthcoming bestsellers.
For Richards, writing transcends mere creativity; it serves as a vehicle for self-expression and expansion, allowing him to traverse uncharted territories within himself and tap into the boundless depths of his imagination. He views writing not only as a means of storytelling but also as a conduit for connection, believing that his narratives resonate with readers because they stem from a place of authenticity and relatability.
Having graced numerous media platforms such as The New York Weekly and Voraka Magazine, Richards is committed to inspiring and entertaining through his work. His eclectic interests in architecture, science, sports, and art infuse his writing with a rich tapestry of influences, enriching the reading experience and captivating audiences across diverse demographics. Whether he's penning his stories at home, in a bustling Starbucks, or nestled in the quiet confines of a local library in Manhattan, Richards draws inspiration from his surroundings and his personal experiences, channeling them into his writing to create narratives that are poignant, evocative, and deeply resonant. Richards' writing journey is a testament to his resilience and determination to pursue his passions. He views challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and transformation, embracing the ethos of attracting dreams rather than chasing them. His philosophy underscores his belief in the power of dedication and perseverance, encouraging others to trust in their journey and watch as the pieces fall into place.
Kem Richards, a masterful writer based in New York, enchants readers with "The End of May" and a range of upcoming tales like "Fireworks for Francine" and "House of Hollander." Under the pseudonym 'K.B. Richards,' he explores psychological thrillers, promising suspenseful narratives. With his innate talent and dedication, Richards invites readers on journeys of self-discovery and imagination, remaining an inspiration for writers and readers alike.
BOOK BY AUTHOR KEM RICHARDS
"THE END OF MAY"
The roaring engine decelerated, and a droning whirl encapsulated the cabin. I gripped the armrest, hoping and praying I’d make it in one piece. God, I hate this part. Everyone, including the staff, remained seated and calm. The stranger sitting next to me wore a flannel shirt and a white graphic t-shirt underneath with the imprint, “We all die someday.” Great. He appeared unaffected by our descension while I clung to a familiar prayer I grew up reciting. A soft haze resided in the sky while the sun beat down on the earth––enough to view the skyscrapers in the distance. I closed my eyes and gripped tighter as the turbulence increased and the undulation of my organs amputated my hopes of a smooth landing. I thought of my friends and family while my heart palpitations rendered me captive to fear. Breathe, Marcy, breathe. Ten-thousand feet. Six-thousand. Two thousand. A loud bang commenced and the tires screeched, touching the runway without us crashing or bursting into flames. Phew! My chest flattened, expelling a long-winded exhale while the guy beside me turned his head my way. He smiled. “That wasn’t so bad,” he said. “Ha! I thought my guts were gonna spew out onto the floor,” I said. “You don’t fly much, huh?” “Third time.” I deplaned, left the gate, grabbed my luggage, and headed outside to hail a cab. One approached me, and the driver inquired about my destination. He popped the trunk open, exited his car, and loaded all four suitcases into the trunk while I opened the door and sat in the rear. Newark International Airport was soon behind me.
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW OF KEM RICHARDS WITH DE MODE
Q: Your writing journey has been quite eclectic, from your background in the music business to your experiences in real estate. How did these diverse experiences shape your path as a writer?
A. I exposed myself to many different kinds of people and scenarios in both industries. Working at Sony Music was a ton of fun. Like any industry, it has its ups and downs, but when circumstances at work get tough, you start seeing people’s true nature. That also applies to happy hour and being invited to “parties” after work. There is a dark and light side to everything. Subsequently, the Real Estate industry was more relaxed and allowed me to spread my wings of curiosity. It forced me to fall in love with Manhattan all over again and appreciate the history and details people overlook.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that solidified your decision to pursue writing as a career?
A. I stumbled upon working in the administration department at a hospital in Pennsylvania at twenty-nine years old. I sat behind a desk and checked people into the computer for their tests. That was tedious. I later applied for the open managerial position and didn’t get hired, so I remained stuck at the desk even when I already had the experience and qualifications. I became sick and tired of being overlooked, so I sat in front of the computer, opened a Word document, and started writing a story about my life experiences. Using a fictional female lead to tell my story was deemed best. Deciding to write was the best decision I ever made. I forged my path that day.
Q: What drew you to the genre of Chick-Lit and Romance, and what do you find most fulfilling about writing within these genres?
A. Life entails drama, and these genres are full of it. Not only does fiction highlight a person's motivations, it mimics real life, and there are lessons to learn while we walk this earth. Chick-Lit is about a woman’s journey, and Romance is about love, heartbreak, and much more. We are all journeying and learning––navigating with our heads, hearts, or gut as a compass. Life doesn't always go as planned, and I wanted to create a story that mimics real-life circumstances. The Chick-Lit genre wasn't on my mind at the beginning of my writing journey. I had no clue what I was doing, but I had an idea and followed my intuitive nudge. The most fulfilling thing about writing these genres is cultivating a new world and placing myself in the main character's shoes. Understanding people's motivations makes this easy.
Q: You mentioned that writing allowed you to explore a deep and undiscovered territory within yourself. Can you elaborate on how the act of writing has influenced your personal growth and self-expression?
A. It helped me understand who I am and my motivations in every aspect of my life. I learned, through writing, that I have a tremendous amount of discipline. Procrastination and laziness will keep you in the spot you were in a year ago if you don't have discipline.
Q: How do you approach the process of writing, from the initial idea to the final draft? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help you stay focused?
A. My ideas come from active environments, the people I meet, and conversations or situations I’ve encountered. My writing process starts with an unlikely or unusual character––someone who looks like they fit societal norms on the outside but is different on the inside. Once I have a perfect character, I choose situations that force them out of their comfort zone. Character development is crucial for a story. Adversity is a must. I then elect how the story will end. This fuels me to stay focused and on task. It’s like having eyes on the finish line while running a race. I also listen to various music scores that correlate with my scenes. This is a tremendous facilitator in transferring emotions onto my pages.
Q: As a writer, how do you navigate the balance between staying true to your creative vision and meeting the expectations of your readers?
A. I don’t worry about it––as I stay true to myself. Authenticity is imperative, and I believe I always meet people's expectations. Over the years, I’ve learned what people want in life. My readers expect escapism. People desire writers who take them somewhere they’ve never been before. They want to feel, taste, and touch. They want to get lost in the characters, and it's my job to make their experience visceral. They want to relate, feel seen, and be understood. They want to know that they aren’t alone over and over again.
Q: Your debut novel, "The End of May," has received praise for its detailed storytelling and vivid characters. What techniques do you use to create such immersive worlds for your readers?
A. I give exceptional detail in the correct places in my stories. You can’t have too much or too little. Balance is key. I focus on micro-expressions where needed. People overlook this on a day-to-day basis. We all have feelings about someone during our interactions with them––whether negative or positive. I show, not tell. A simple sweep of the hand tucking a strand of hair behind one’s ear while fidgeting can give a reader a ton of information––depending on the scenario, environment, or circumstance. This conveys a display of someone’s feelings.
Q: What inspired the title "The End of May," and how does it reflect the themes or essence of the book?
A. I was driving my ex-girlfriend’s Toyota Corolla in Manhattan on May 28th, 2011, one evening. I made a left off 5th Avenue and onto 42nd Street where I witnessed the sunset in my rearview mirror. It was blinding, but I also saw random people standing in front of me at the traffic light crosswalk with their cameras raised toward the sky. I slowed down and observed the people in front of me. My curiosity peaked, so I pulled over and double-parked the car. I turned around and stood with the door ajar to discover the crosswalk behind me flooded with people while the sun's warmth draped my face. Their cameras and phones claimed the space above their heads as the sun descended perfectly down the center of Manhattan’s grid. That was my first time witnessing Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon that happens at the end of May and the middle of July.
Q: In addition to your novels, you've also written under the pseudonym 'K.B. Richards' for psychological thrillers. What sparked your interest in exploring different genres, and how do you approach writing thrillers differently from romance?
A. I was visiting an art museum in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC one afternoon and stumbled upon a bust in the middle of a room in the gallery. I don’t know what happened to me when I saw the interior light cascading on the piece of art, but it sparked an idea. I have a background in painting and drawing fine art, including sculpting. Something hooked me upon seeing it, and I knew my approach to writing a thriller would be different. I see psychological thrillers as organized chaos––full of "breadcrumming" and the implementation of subtle clues to the reader for an incredible outcome.
Q: Can you share any insights into your writing process for psychological thrillers, and how do you create tension and suspense in your narratives?
A. This ties in with my previous answer. I’ve learned to keep things simple. There’s no need for fancy words to appear intelligent unless your character uses big words. That said, I outline and keep everything simple. A writer can’t reveal everything at once, so I reveal tiny aspects of a character’s personality and force them into situations that threaten or challenge their religious beliefs, culture, social programming, etc. This is where character development starts taking center stage.
Q: You've appeared on various media platforms and have gained recognition for your work. How do you handle publicity and promotion as an author, and what strategies have you found most effective?
A. I love inspiring others with my work. I write because writing is more than a marriage to me it’s how I inspire others. Writing entails a deep-seated adoration and insatiable need to create––even when someone doesn’t like it. Not everything is for everyone, and that’s how I deal with publicity. That’s my strategy. Write for the love of it, but know and understand that not everyone will agree with you. You can tell someone the grass is green, yet they will fight you and say it’s purple. I don’t argue because everyone’s perspective is different.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals as a writer, and what do you hope to achieve with your future projects?
A. My goal is to continue challenging myself and perfecting my craft. Every novel I write should be better than my last. There is no room for stagnancy and mediocrity. I also look forward to my novels being movies.
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