What happens when a writer who has spent decades working in television, theater, opera, and script editing decides to write his first fantasy novel? For Richard Sparks, it started with a simple question while playing an online role-playing game: What would it actually be like to become this character? That question became New Rock New Role and eventually an entire fantasy adventure series. But Richard brought something else to fiction with him: decades of experience understanding how stories work. In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer talks with Richard about the craft behind keeping readers hooked, why writers need to understand their ending, and the lesson an editor taught him about showing a story instead of simply telling it. Richard also shares why a great editor can become a second engine driving the work, why writers sometimes need to throw away pages that aren't working, and how stepping outside your manuscript can help you see the problems hiding inside it. The conversation also explores inspiration versus intuition, learning from failure, trusting the creative process, and why Richard always keeps a notebook nearby when the muse decides to show up. And then there's poker. Richard has played in the World Series of Poker three times, written two books about poker, and has a few stories about what writers quietly learn while standing in the background of the entertainment industry. 🎧 LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE: Listen to Richard Sparks on Finish the Damn Book In this episode, you'll hear: Why Richard believes writers should know their ending before they begin How screenwriting influenced the way he approaches fiction Why “show, don't tell” changed the way he wrote his first novel How to create narrative drive that keeps readers turning pages Why good editors are collaborators, not adversaries How to recognize when a piece of writing simply isn't working Why failure can become one of a writer's best teachers The difference Richard sees between inspiration and intuition Why stepping back from your manuscript can help you solve its problems What Richard learned from decades of writing across completely different creative mediums And why his simplest advice may be the most important: Do what you love.About Richard Sparks Richard Sparks is a British-born writer whose career spans television, film, theater, opera, and fiction. His credits include writing for Not the Nine O'Clock News, with his work performed by Rowan Atkinson, as well as projects involving talents including Eric Idle, Vanessa Williams, Plácido Domingo, and Jack Black. After decades of writing and script editing, Richard made his fiction debut with New Rock New Role, the first installment of his New Rock fantasy adventure series. Inspired by his love of online role-playing games, the series combines fantasy, adventure, humor, and Richard's lifelong fascination with storytelling. Richard also narrates his own New Rock audiobooks and is currently exploring another storytelling medium through a graphic novel collaboration. Connect with Richard RichardSparks.com Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include: • Writing and revision tips • Publishing and self-publishing guidance • Book marketing and platform-building • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward? https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/
