Author

Author

Author or Writer? According to the dictionary, a writer is “one who expresses ideas in writing” or “one engaged in literary work.” An author is “a person who writes a novel, poem, essay etc. The composer of a literary work.”

So yeah, author. Three finished novels, five more in progress, plus assorted poems and “essays” (essentially social media rants). But if you ask, “What do you do?” at a dinner party, I’ll say “writer” like every other author.

I write genre fiction. Horror, Sci-fi, Occult Horror, Crime, Thrillers and Comedy. Sometimes all in the same novel, like my award-winning, bestselling (#1 in Horror) debut effort, The Book of Paul.

The Book of Paul

In the rubble-strewn wasteland of Alphabet City, a squalid tenement conceals a treasure “beyond all imagining”— an immaculately preserved, fifth century codex. The sole repository of ancient Hermetic lore, it contains the alchemical rituals for transforming thought into substance, transmuting matter at will…and attaining eternal life.

When Rose, an East Village tattoo artist has a torrid encounter with Martin, a battle-hardened loner, they discover they are unwitting pawns on opposing sides of a battle that has shaped the course of human history. At the center of the conflict is Paul, the villainous overlord of an underground feudal society, who guards the book’s occult secrets in preparation for the fulfillment of an apocalyptic prophecy.

The action is relentless as Rose and Martin fight to escape Paul’s clutches and Martin’s destiny as the chosen heir to Paul’s sinister legacy. Science and magic, mythology and technology converge in a monumental battle where the stakes couldn’t be higher: control of the ultimate power in the universe—the Maelstrom.

Buy the book! Or sample the opening chapters on Amazon and see why all the reviewers below are making such a fuss.

“Intelligent, self-aware, and often amusing, while hitting all the markers for sadistic, salacious, and scary. Written in short cinematic bursts from multiple viewpoints, The Book of Paul weaves in and out of the realm of alchemy, mythology, and ancient arcana.

No ordinary writer of horror, Long is doubtless going to build a large and loyal fan base composed of people just like him: literate folks with a bizarre sense of humor who prefer salsa to sugar, red meat to broccoli, and a bucket of blood to a bath filled with rose petals. They will be waiting for the next installment.”

ForeWord Clarion Reviews

“Long’s prose is deft and clear, transporting the reader from one character’s psyche to the next…this tale is a compelling one.

A psychological thriller for readers who are bored with run-of-the-mill horror and enjoy the dark side of mythology and science fiction. Those who embrace the genre will eagerly anticipate a second installment in the series.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Intelligent and compelling”

“Elegantly written and original, Richard Long’s “The Book of Paul” is a very unusual novel. I enjoyed it immensely.

It is so suspenseful and entertaining that I could not it put down, reading late into the night, wondering what the next chapter would bring. I strongly recommend it. The reader will not be disappointed.”

James H. Cone

Author, The Cross and the Lynching Tree

“Totally absorbing! The Book of Paul is moving, profound, funny, terrifying and never lets you go. The prose is swift and sharp…at times, even poetic. Masterful storytelling. Hats off!!”

Henry Bean

Writer/Director, The Believer

“Bloody brilliant piece of work that will keep you on your toes. The characters suck you into their world, digging their nasty hooks (or sickles, as the case may be) into your psyche. There’s no turning back, you have to finish it!”

Millie Burns

Author, Return of the Crown

“Twisted, outrageous, relentless…you won’t want to miss it.”

Greg Lichtenberg

Author, Playing Catch with my Mother

“The Book of Paul is a surreal spellbinding tale of terror and horror destined for bestseller status.”

RJ Parker

Author, The Serial Killer Compendium

“Kudos for a deliciously dark, wild roller coaster ride…from the beginning to the very end.”

Alexandra Anthony

Author, The Vampire Destiny Series

“Long’s debut novel defies categorization, but that is part of the work’s brilliance. Horror, twisted romance, science fiction, mystery—this book literally has it all. A great read and highly recommended!

Daniel B. Elish

Author, The School for the Insanely Gifted

“The Book of Paul is an astounding achievement with incredible
characters of great depth, a body of near-perfect prose, wonderful pacing and a voice that will entice you. In the tradition of Clive Barker, author Richard
Long has created a world we have never seen…joining science, magic and religion. He has done something incredible.”

James Garcia, Jr

Author, Dance on Fire

Sequels, Prequels and New Projects

The Clan Kelly Chronicles is a planned seven volume series, beginning with The Book of Paul and continuing with The Book of Paul Volume II: The Dead Mask. The Dead Mask was completed early this year and I’m currently inviting Beta readers to have a look and get some feedback prior to publishing. If you’ve read The Book of Paul and are hungry for the next installment, hit me up!

The Book of Druids will be the next volume in the series.  I’m happy to report that significant progress has been achieved during my Covid-19 “spiritual retreat.” Other sequels (and two prequels) are in various stages of development, and I’ve written a TV Pilot and Bible to pitch the novel series as your next favorite binge watch.

Most of my available writing time this year has been dedicated to the Paul series, but I also completed The Dream Palace, a middle-grade fantasy adventure novel. Inspired my interest (and participation) in lucid dreaming, and the magical, mysterious influence of my autistic daughter, The Dream Palace is envisioned as another series exploring the nature of consciousness and reality.  As with The Dead Mask, I invite authors and avid genre readers to request an advance copy and share your thoughts.

Check out the Screenwriter page for a look at my feature film and TV projects. Among them is a sci-fi work-in-progress titled Warped that I’m also exploring as a novel. Stay tuned for updates.

Free Excerpt!

Click the button for the first three chapters of  The Book of Paul.

Free Excerpt!

Click the button for an exclusive first look at The Book of Paul Volume II: The Dead Mask.

Poems

I feel oddly vulnerable posting these poems, which is weird, because they’ve all been published in national poetry magazines.      I haven’t written any new poetry in years, though after reading through my archives and discovering some poems in progress,     I may (or may not) feel inspired to finish some of them, or, who knows, perhaps the muse will strike again and I’ll craft some new work that very few people will likely see. Not a problem. With poetry, I’m writing for an audience of one.

These poems were written in a two year period when I was between relationships and casually dating. Loneliness, longing and lust were my primary motivations. I had to dig deep to get to the emotional heart of what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. To find my voice. That process became a gateway that enabled me to take a shot at writing my first novel.

Questions? Comments? Collaboration?

Want to know more? Ask me anything. I’m here to help.