Picture an American storyteller who spins tales of supervillains and gothic whimsy with a dash of fairy-tale magic—meet Richard Roberts! Known for his wildly imaginative 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents' series, Roberts crafts stories that dance between quirky humor and dark fantasy, captivating both young adult and adult readers. His unique blend of mythology, folklore, and madcap adventure has earned him a devoted following, proving that even the strangest voices can find a home in literature.
With a background as eclectic as his stories, Roberts brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to his work. From breeding tarantulas to translating English for Japanese television, his life is as colorful as the worlds he creates. Let’s dive into the journey of this fantasy mastermind and discover why his books are a must-read!
The Making of Richard Roberts
Born with a pen in hand (or so he claims), Richard Roberts has been writing since childhood, scratching out stories long before he found his publishing home with Curiosity Quills Press. His degree in entomology—yes, the study of insects—gave him a scientist’s eye for detail, which he pairs with a gothic aesthetic and a love for children’s literature. Jobs like breeding tarantulas and working in fast food shaped his unconventional worldview, while personal struggles, including difficult relationships, fueled his passion for storytelling. These experiences taught him to see the world through the eyes of the strange and misunderstood, a theme that echoes in his characters.
Roberts’s path to publication wasn’t easy. He faced the classic writer’s gauntlet of rejections and anthology submissions before Curiosity Quills recognized his talent. His persistence paid off, transforming him from a struggling writer into a celebrated author whose books now line shelves in print and digital formats.
Richard Roberts’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Roberts’s bibliography is the 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents' series, a young adult fantasy saga that follows Penelope Akk, a middle schooler with a knack for supervillainy. The first book, 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’m a Supervillain' (2014), introduces Penny and her team, the Inscrutable Machine, as they navigate superpowers, mad science, and the chaos of adolescence. With nine books, including 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents I Blew Up the Moon' and 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents I Saved the World Again,' the series blends humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure.
Beyond the series, Roberts explores darker, standalone tales like 'Sweet Dreams Are Made of Teeth' (2011), a haunting fantasy inspired by folklore, and 'Wild Children' (2012), a gothic exploration of lost innocence. His writing style is a kaleidoscope of wit, tragedy, and wonder, heavily influenced by fairy tales and mythology. Roberts loves crafting flawed, relatable heroes who earn their happy endings the hard way, often in worlds where the bizarre feels oddly familiar.
Whether he’s writing about mutant goats on Jupiter or a necromancer teen in Los Angeles, Roberts’s stories are immersive and unpredictable. His ability to blend children’s literature with adult themes makes his work accessible to readers of all ages, earning praise for its emotional depth and creative daring.
Why Richard Roberts Matters
Richard Roberts’s impact lies in his ability to make the strange feel universal. His stories resonate with readers who feel like outsiders, offering heroes who embrace their quirks to overcome impossible odds. By weaving folklore and mythology into modern settings, he revitalizes ancient storytelling traditions for a new generation. The 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents' series, in particular, has inspired fan fiction and lively discussions, with readers drawn to its mix of humor and heartfelt growth.
Roberts’s journey from obscurity to success is a beacon for aspiring writers, showing that a unique voice and relentless determination can break through. His work continues to influence young adult fantasy, proving that even the most unconventional stories can find a passionate audience.
- Key Works: 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’m a Supervillain,' 'Sweet Dreams Are Made of Teeth,' 'Wild Children'
- Genres: Young Adult Fantasy, Gothic Fiction
- Influences: Fairy Tales, Mythology, Folklore
Snag 'Please Don’t Tell My Parents I’m a Supervillain' and dive into Richard Roberts’s whimsical, thrilling world of fantasy!