In addition to her fiction, Richards also wrote nonfiction articles and reviews for various publications, including The Village Voice, The New York Times Book Review, and The Science Fiction Encyclopedia. She was a founding member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and served as its president from 1986 to 1988.
Richards's work is often characterized by its strong feminist themes, its exploration of sexuality and gender roles, and its use of dark humor. She was also known for her use of graphic violence and explicit language, which sometimes drew criticism from readers and critics.
Some of Richards's most notable works include:
* "Into the Heart of the Ice Giant" (1971): A short story about a group of scientists who travel to the planet Jupiter and discover an alien civilization living inside the planet's ice crust.
* "The Hanging of Mrs. Surratt" (1972): A short story about the execution of Mary Surratt, one of the conspirators in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
* "The Deathly Lily" (1973): A short story about a woman who is poisoned by a flower that she receives as a gift.
* "Secret of Sex" (1975): A novel about a woman who discovers that she has the power to control men sexually.
* "The Red House" (1978): A novel about a woman who rents a house in the country and becomes possessed by a demonic force.
Richards's work has been praised for its originality, its powerful storytelling, and its insights into human nature. She is considered one of the most important and influential writers of science fiction and horror of her generation.