Welcome back to another bloghop, with #OpenBook. Here’s this week’s prompt.

Don’t forget to click the link to see what everyone else has to say on this week’s subject. It’s at the end of my post.

When was the last time you updated your bio? Do you want to share it? Do you have any advice for other authors?

I wrote a bio years ago. As nothing much has happened in my life since then (except that the number of books I’ve written has increased), I see no need to update it.

In common with a lot of writers, all I really want to do is write. As an introvert, I’m reluctant to share much about myself with the world.

But needs must.

So, how do I approach the dreaded Bio?

Short and Snappy? Or Long and Involved? Over the years, I’ve been told to write both sorts of Bio. And of course, it depends where it’s being placed. You may have a character limit to work to on Social Media profiles.

Mention your books, genres and tropes. Oh, and while you’re about it, don’t forget to make it sound like you’re an interesting person. Maybe you can put in a few review quotes, if you have them.

Some of that is straightforward enough. I struggle when it comes to my life experiences. I’ve said before, I think my life has been pretty boring, compared to what many others have got up to. I would have loved to have done some of the things that they fill their bios with.

All I did was drive a few ships, a subject that few people know much about or find remotely interesting. I bake the odd loaf of bread, go for a walk. It’s not exactly the life of someone who writes amazing fiction inspired by the things he saw and did.

Anyhow, here’s my latest short bio, from my Amazon Author page. I’ve cut out the boring bits and stuck to the facts.

I’m Richard Dee, and I’m from Brixham in Devon.

I write all kinds of speculative fiction, from Science Fiction and Steampunk to sci-fi crime and psychological thrillers.

Forty years at sea gave me the ideas, I just changed the names and set them in the future or in an alternative now.

All my work is fuelled by black coffee and homemade digestive biscuits.

This is what appears in my eBooks and paperbacks.

Richard Dee

Richard Dee is from Brixham in Devon. Leaving school at 16, he briefly worked in a supermarket, then he went to sea and travelled the world in the Merchant Navy, qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1986.

He has also worked as an Insurance Surveyor, Lockmaster, Harbourmaster and Ship’s Pilot, taking over 3,500 vessels up and down the Thames, passing through the estuary, the Thames Barrier and Tower Bridge.

Since the publication of his first Science Fiction novel, Freefall, in 2013, Richard has written another thirty novels, a textbook and a selection of short stories. He has been featured in several anthologies, including 1066 Turned Upside Down, Connections, Light and Tales from Deepest Darkest Devon.

In addition to his psychological thrillers, he writes Science Fiction and Steampunk adventures. He also chronicles the exploits of reluctant amateur detective Andorra Pett.

Richard is married with three adult children and five grandchildren.

He can be found at https://richarddeescifi.co.uk

and contacted at richarddeescifi@gmail.com

For a longer version, head to this page on my website.

What do you think about this week’s subject?

Let me know by leaving me a comment.

While you’re here, please click the InLinkz link to check out what my fellow writers have to say about this week’s topic.

I’ll be back with another post on Thursday. See you then. Meanwhile, have a great week.

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