Indie Author Spotlight: A.L. Richards
There’s something especially magnetic about indie authors who write like they’ve lived inside their stories long before putting words on the page and A.L. Richards is very much that kind of writer. With a background that spans criminal psychology, librarianship, and teaching English, her storytelling is layered, intentional, and emotionally sharp.
If you love morally gray bodyguards, sentient cities, fate-defying heroines, and romance that means something, consider this your official introduction.
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Meet the Author: A.L. Richards
Author A.L. Richards has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. She credits finally finding the courage to share them out loud as the turning point that led her to publishing. The moment she knew she wanted to be an author? Reading Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey, a formative influence that still echoes in her love of rich worldbuilding and emotionally grounded fantasy.
What She Writes (and Why Readers Love It)
A.L. Richards writes across several genres, including:
Urban & paranormal fantasy
Paranormal romance
Sports romance
(Possibly) historical romance
Her influences include Anne McCaffrey, Anne Bishop, Simon R. Green, and Lexi Blake. These influences shine through in stories that balance darkness with heart, danger with devotion, and action with deeply felt connection. One thing readers can always count on? “Touch her and die” energy and heroines who don’t need saving.
Featured Book: Noctis Rising (Blood & Magic, Book 1)
When a necromancer’s daughter and a broken soldier collide in a city where the dead still whisper, their bond becomes both a weapon and a curse.
Why You’ll Be Hooked
In the hidden city of Noctis, magic is currency, secrets bite back, and fate is never done with you.
Serena Morrigan wants out of the city, her past, and the destiny clawing at her spine. But Noctis doesn’t let its chosen leave quietly.
Gabriel Cade was meant to be backup. Professional. Detached. Lethal. Instead, he finds himself soul-bonded to a woman who defies prophecy and challenges everything he thought he knew about protection, loyalty, and control.
Together, they face:
Death cults
Cursed magic
A sentient city with opinions
Gods, ghosts, betrayals
And a love that might be the most dangerous magic of all
Spice level depends on the book. The books range from light/medium spice to high spice. Romance here isn’t added for flair, it’s woven into the bones of the story.
Behind the Scenes of Noctis Rising: Author Insights
Favorite scene to write: Gabriel watching a chaotic hockey game on the bar TV (a subtle nod to the A.L. Richards’ favorite team)
Scene she almost cut—but didn’t: Gabriel and St. Knuckle fighting back-to-back (and we’re very glad she kept it)
Favorite character: Riot. No explanation needed.
Hidden Easter eggs: Pay attention to syntax, especially when listening to the many things that speak in Noctis
Themes she hopes readers take away: Your destiny is your choice.
One of the biggest surprises during the writing process?
“How much I was able to break my own heart.”
(Reader warning duly noted.)
Writing Life, Process & Advice
A.L. Richards is a late-afternoon-to-late-night writer who aims for roughly 3,000 words a day and approaches each project as a dedicated plotter. Atticus has been an essential tool in her indie publishing journey, helping her bring structure to ambitious stories. When writer’s block hits, her philosophy is simple and refreshingly honest: keep going, even if the words feel like “mule puke” because eventually, they won’t. Her advice to aspiring indie authors echoes that same hard-earned wisdom. Get the first draft on the page, embrace the mess, and trust that ugly drafts are part of the process.
Just for Fun
Dream casting: Henry Cavill & Holliday Grainger (maybe)
Reality TV crossover:
Serena: Alone
Gabriel: Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test
Late-night binge typer or coffee shop writer? Late nighter, no contest
Recent read she loved: Gothikana
Unexpected fun fact: Her first career was in criminal psychology
Giveaway Alert
A.L. Richards is offering a signed paperback PR package!
How to enter:
Follow A.L. Richards on Instagram: @alrichardswrites or TikTok: @alrichardswrites
Like, comment & share giveaway post on social media, or enter here
Rules for entry:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Open only to residents of US and Canada (shipping is expensive, friends)
Giveaway closes January 4th
Keep an eye out for full giveaway details and entry instructions.
Where to Find A.L. Richards
Readers can explore more of A.L. Richards’ work and connect with her online through the links below:
Website: alrichards.com
Noctis Rising is available:
On Amazon (including Kindle Unlimited)
Via Bookshop.org
Directly through alrichards.com
Or by special order at your local bookstore
And yes, there’s lots more coming.
If you’re craving dark magic, emotionally charged romance, and heroines who kick fate in the teeth, Noctis Rising deserves a spot on your TBR.
Interested in Being Featured?
Are you an indie romance author looking to share your story and spotlight your books with fellow romance readers? Mom Needs a Chapter is always excited to highlight indie voices across romance, romantasy, and beyond. If you’d like to be considered for a future Indie Author Spotlight, you can apply here. We can’t wait to discover your work and help put it on readers’ TBRs.
