Author Of The Year 2025 Interview
Richard Korst
We offer this exclusive Q&A Interview with Richard Korst, Author of the Year of 2025, a writer whose multiple literary works have been featured on our Spillwords pages.
- Can you recall a pivotal moment from your early life when you recognized the power of language and writing?
Yes, although this may seem barbaric. Some of my best writing arose during my Human Resources days involving the crafting of performance reviews and performance improvement plans. Each disciplinary document required the creation of a story, concise, compelling, logical, and irrefutable. I was good at it. I referred to the skill as telling someone they were going to hell and the individual looking forward to the journey.
- Does the act of writing invigorate you or leave you feeling drained?
Invigorated seems a bit of hyperbole but certainly satisfied. I only feel drained when ideas pop up in my head at three in the morning and I spend the next thirty minutes texting the idea to myself on the phone. Sometime when waking up and looking at the text I wonder what language I just created.
- How much time do you dedicate to writing each day, and if given the opportunity, how many hours would you spend on your craft?
Maybe an hour or two but there are days when I spend no time at all and others when in a groove, I look at the clock and its three in the morning.
Truthfully, I can’t imagine writing for hours on end each day. Then it becomes a job and I retired from my job four years ago.
- In your opinion, does having a strong ego benefit or hinder writers?
Yes, both. Sometimes your ego surpasses your talent. I remember when I started writing a few years ago I was very protective of my work. When I received feedback I would internally shrug and think what do they know? But they did know and it took me a while to let things sink in and realize change was needed if I wanted to create work that was readable to an audience bigger than myself. Conversely, there are times when you should stick with your own gut reaction. You know, better than anyone, where your story is leading, what events led you to this point in the arc and how you want the story to progress and end. Without a strong ego, you may squelch your best work.
- What is your writing Kryptonite?
Self-editing. There is an old adage our writing club leader refers to, “Don’t sacrifice the good to chase the perfect.” We all want to create an opening like Dicken’s “A Tale of Two Cities.” You could sit in your chair or on your beach towel for hours trying to solve the riddle while precious thoughts and stories ebb in an out of your head. Write them down before you lose them. You can always come back and clean up the mess.
Also, too many commas,,,.
- When it comes to inspiration, do you actively seek it out or does it naturally emerge during your creative process?
Discovering prompts is, in my opinion, one of the greatest and easiest ways of getting inspiration if you are struggling to get words on paper. You are forced, with a deadline and length parameters to create compelling stories in the most economical fashion imaginable. And, if you’re lucky, you get a few works published stroking your fragile ego, giving you an extra energy boost, allowing you the fleeting thought you are good enough to write even more substantial works.
The world provides enough inspiration to stoke a writer’s fire for centuries to come. Some look at the world with constant trepidation and doom, “the Eyore effect” as I like to call it. I try to look at the world from a redemptive perspective. There is good in the world and in people waiting to get out. Remember, there is a flip side to every record. The Stones’ “Ruby Tuesday” was the B-track on an earlier 45.
- How important is the encouragement and support of your friends and family in shaping your writing journey?
On a scale from one to ten, ten being the highest, I would say a three. Writers are a peculiar breed. Many start late in life and most start with no grand expectations. Writers like Dickinson, J.D. Salinger and Harper Lee wrote secretively, their work unspoiled by critics or well-wishing family members. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when people have nice things to say about my work but you should keep your ego in tow. Remember the famous quote whispered to conquering Roman generals upon reentering Rome, “sic transit gloria mundi (All glory is fleeting).”
- Do you ever Google yourself?
Yes, but I’m universally disappointed in myself not for looking but because not much comes up. On the flip side, I’ve discovered several other Richard Korsts have died and I’m not one of them.
- Could you offer any advice or tips to aspiring writers looking to improve their craft?
Join a writing group. The Western Springs Writing group is populated by distinguished authors providing instant feedback and industry information which may be just what an aspiring author needs.
Write what you like to write even if it never makes the best-seller list. Most have a memoir inside their heart and head anxiously awaiting to get out. Who cares if it’s a story about the accounting industry. It’s your story – write it.
Start small, gain success, then dream big.
Avoid vanity publishers. Good money chasing bad in my opinion.
- What does being recognized as the Spillwords Press 2025 Author of the Year mean to you personally?
Well, I’d like to say it validates my entire existence but that’s the role my children play although they are failing famously. Ok, I’m kidding. Personally, the award is very gratifying and it proves if you have enough friends in life you can accomplish anything or at least get enough votes to win a contest.
Spillwords offers writers an opportunity to be heard, recognizes the vast diversity of writing styles and gives hope to those who may feel there are limited outlets for creativity. This recognition will reside on my fireplace mantel aside family member photos, a reserved place of honor and one that can’t ever be taken away. Thank you again for this honor.
- Author Of The Year 2025 Interview - February 17, 2026
- Tilt-a-Whirl - October 28, 2025
- Spotlight On Writers – Richard Korst - July 19, 2025
