Ask the Author: Riley Jean
Answered Questions (1)
Riley Jean
When "Use Somebody" was released, I fully intended for it to be a standalone, because I wanted to give readers the complete story in one book instead of a series. (This explains the length--another question people often ask. Just a matter of personal preference.) In "Use Somebody," I feel that Scarlett's character is complex, but fully developed, and her story is wrapped up neatly in the end. For this reason, I do not feel a prequel or sequel is needed.
However, I've been surprised by the overwhelming consensus from readers longing to know, ***spoiler alert!*** "what happened to Ricky Storm?"
Why was this left unanswered? Basically, because I felt it was realistic and consistent for his character. Ricky plays by his own rules. He is gruff and reckless. He is a ticking time bomb who has faced one too many tragedies in his life, and finally self destructed, as it would seem. I felt his story needed to end with an air of mystery. Sometimes in life, we don't get all the answers, and I think Ricky is one of those people that should live on as the great unknown.
That being said... based purely on feedback from readers, I will tell you that IF I decided to expand on this story, it would most likely be a spin-off involving the legend you know and love... more Ricky Storm! Do I know where he is? Absolutely. Have I started writing his story? Mayyybe... At this point I cannot confirm its release. I want to be sure I can do his story justice before I commit to delivering it. I'm not even sure my heart can take writing a story that is potentially even grittier, edgier, and more heartbreaking than Scarlett's. Then again, I'd love to see Ricky get his happy ending, because at his core, he is just a troubled, lonely boy who might "Need Somebody." ;)
However, I've been surprised by the overwhelming consensus from readers longing to know, ***spoiler alert!*** "what happened to Ricky Storm?"
Why was this left unanswered? Basically, because I felt it was realistic and consistent for his character. Ricky plays by his own rules. He is gruff and reckless. He is a ticking time bomb who has faced one too many tragedies in his life, and finally self destructed, as it would seem. I felt his story needed to end with an air of mystery. Sometimes in life, we don't get all the answers, and I think Ricky is one of those people that should live on as the great unknown.
That being said... based purely on feedback from readers, I will tell you that IF I decided to expand on this story, it would most likely be a spin-off involving the legend you know and love... more Ricky Storm! Do I know where he is? Absolutely. Have I started writing his story? Mayyybe... At this point I cannot confirm its release. I want to be sure I can do his story justice before I commit to delivering it. I'm not even sure my heart can take writing a story that is potentially even grittier, edgier, and more heartbreaking than Scarlett's. Then again, I'd love to see Ricky get his happy ending, because at his core, he is just a troubled, lonely boy who might "Need Somebody." ;)
About Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
Jun 18, 2015 03:08PM · flag
Jun 29, 2015 11:50AM · flag
Sep 01, 2023 09:42PM · flag