Words of Power (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781514885154)

Ritchie Valentine Smith was born on Tyneside in the 50s. He was once a social worker helping addicts in London, once a poet, once on the BBC 'New Talent' program, once a college lecturer. He used to live in a famous squatted area, Bonnington Square, near where the new American Embassy will be. His interest in fantasy and science fiction started when he was a boy fascinated by alternate realities, and his interest in the East was fuelled when he read Clavell's masterpiece 'Shogun'. In 2014 he published the first in his series of epic fantasy novels 'Words of Power'. 'Words of Fury' is now out, and 'Words of Darkness' and 'Words of Light' will follow. For research, the author has travelled extensively, going to the Middle East, especially the Holy Land (he was coming down from Masada when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait), to India, and of course to Japan. He is, famously, a fan of the late Robert Jordan, and also deeply admires George R. R. Martin. Ritchie is also the author of three 90s thrillers, 'Fortune', 'Winning' and 'Risk', and remains a member of the Crime Writers' Association. In 2003 his play 'Rocket Man' was on at the Pleasance (Edinburgh) and the Union Theatre (London) where it won a Peter Brook Award for its producers. He wrote and produced 'Kiss' in 2012, showcasing the play in London. He worked as a reviewer for www.edinburghguide.com, covering stand-up comedy and theatre. Ritchie is passionate about reading, theatre, small animals (monkeys, squirrels and parakeets), many kinds of music, history - and writing. You can find out more about him and his work at www.ritchievalentinesmith.com