Richard R. Becker Inspires Readers With Stories That Explore The Human Condition
Richard R. Becker, award-winning author of Third Wheel and 50 States, continues to inspire with authentic stories exploring the human condition.
Award-Winning Author On Life, Fiction, And Creative Discipline
Richard R. Becker discusses his acclaimed works Third Wheel and 50 States, his creative discipline, life influences, and advice for aspiring writers, blending authenticity, storytelling brilliance, and dedication to the craft.
Richard R. Becker is a powerful voice in contemporary literature, known for works that capture both emotional resonance and gripping storytelling. His debut coming-of-age thriller Third Wheel and the acclaimed short story collection 50 States have earned multiple honours, including Literary Thriller of the Year, cementing his reputation as an author of extraordinary depth and vision. Speaking with Reader’s House, Becker reflects on the inspiration behind his works, his writing process, and the philosophies that guide his craft.
“Working as a journalist and advertising copywriter influenced me to ensure my work is clear, concise, accurate, human, and conspicuous.” – Richard R. Becker
Stories Rooted In Life Experience
Becker’s ability to write compelling narratives is shaped by his own diverse life experiences as a journalist, communication strategist, professor, and public servant. These roles exposed him to varied socio-economic and political worlds, offering him the insight to create characters who feel authentic and universally relatable. Whether portraying the suburban shadows of Las Vegas in the 1980s or capturing the cultural breadth of America across fifty states, Becker’s fiction explores the complexities of the human condition with clarity and authenticity.
From Short Stories To Novels
The author’s transition from short fiction to long-form storytelling was marked by discipline and creativity. With 50 States, Becker challenged himself to write one story a week for nearly a year, an experiment in commitment and craft that blossomed into an award-winning collection. That same structured approach allowed him to expand the short story Third Wheel into a full-length novel, following the journey of Brady Wilks. Treating each chapter like a story in itself made the shift to novel writing both natural and rewarding.
Advice For Aspiring Authors
Becker is keen to share guidance with writers hoping to break into literary fiction or thrillers. His advice is straightforward: treat writing as a profession, not a pastime. Passion, discipline, and prioritisation are crucial, whether committing to weekly stories or setting achievable deadlines. He stresses the importance of making writing a consistent priority and choosing projects that ignite genuine enthusiasm.
Balancing Multiple Roles
Beyond writing, Becker is also a teacher, coach, speaker, and community servant. Balancing these roles requires prioritising not just time, but purpose. He seeks opportunities that enrich both himself and others, viewing his many pursuits as extensions of his overarching mission: to serve people, inspire positive change, and contribute meaningfully to humanity.
As Reader’s House highlights, Richard R. Becker’s work is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling—literature that not only entertains but challenges and inspires readers to reflect on life’s deeper truths.
Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.
