I want to introduce you to another author that writes about the Panhandle of Texas!!!
1. I need you to tell me your name as seen on your books, your genre, and your title(s), and your website address.
I'm McKendree R. Long III, AKA Mike. Genre of the 1st book is Civil War/Western, and its title is "No Good Like It Is". The sequel was released Late December entitled, "Dog Soldier Moon". My website is www.mckendreelong.com
2. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I finished the 1st book two years ago, and completed the sequel in August 2011. I took a Creative Writing course in 1978; as part of that, I wrote the 1st two chapters of fiction about my first tour in Vietnam. Got and A+ in the course, so I sent the piece to a friend I respected. He called it 'pedestrian', so I pouted for 30 years.
3. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
This all started as a nonfiction work on the rapid development of firearms technology in the Western Era (1850-1890), when we went from muzzle-loading flintlocks to smokeless powder and machine guns in just forty years. In my research I discovered the Eighth Texas Cavalry, got excited about their accomplishments, and decided to put a couple of fictional characters into that regiment to tell their story. The story took a life of its own, and the Eighth Texas and their guns quickly became secondary to the trials of my two protagonists. I've started on the third piece of the trilogy; I suppose when I finish that, I may go back and finish that Vietnam War story.
4. Please tell about each title here:
In "No Good Like It Is", the protagonists (West Pointer Dobey Walls and veteran non-com Jimmy Melton) meet and bond before the Civil War, barely survive the war, they try to speed 'home' to Texas at the war's end to rescue Dobey's long missing family.
They wind up dragging a small army of strays and misfits to the Panhandle with them. Run-ins with lonely widows, Union deserters, destitute farmers, and Confederate Cherokees slow them down. Southern Cheyenne and renegade lawmen add to the chaos.
In the sequel, our heroes establish a small community in the Texas Panhandle which thrives until a horrible crime decimates it. Dobey and jimmy are then driven to try to find and punish the perpetrators, but aren't completely successful.
Meanwhile, the nearby friendly Cheyenne village of Chief Black Kettle is attacked and destroyed by the U.S. Seventh Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer; the destruction and aftermath are viewed through the eyes of the defeated Cheyenne.
5. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I frequently speak to civic clubs (Rotary, Sertoma, Optimists, etc.) and to Civil War Round Tables. Typically spend half my time on the self-publishing process and the other half on my book. In these engagements I usually put out four or five original Civil War firearms for 'Show and Tell'.
6. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
Passing 1000 in sales, and being featured in Five Star Books website (5starsbooks.com) as one of twelve Western with lots of 5-star reviews.
7. Where can your books be purchased?
In addition to Amazon, Kindle, and most Hastings Bookstores, it can be ordered through Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and my website.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog?
I'm @ McKendree Long on twitter, Mike Long on FB, and my website is www.mckendreelong.com
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
My biggest surprise was that the book appealed to women and twelve year old boys. I thought of it as a 'guy' book; there's a lot of profanity, but I didn't find it necessary to use the 'f' bomb, and I do have a hooker trying to clean up the men's language. There sex, but it's understated. Anyhow, I got this email from a young boy whose Mom bought it for him. He said it was 'not as rough as the talk' on his school bus, and he thought it should be required reading for 6th grade US History classes. Wow.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
I'm just hardly ever 'down'. My wife listens to my drafts and provides first critiques. And I listen to her. We've been together since 1960, and only two things stop me from talking back to her: fear and common sense.
10. What is your favorite toy as a child?
A scaled-down replica of an 1861 Colt Navy revolver when I was six, and an American Flyer bike when I was twelve, so I could ride out and collect arrowheads/Indian artifacts; i ended up with over 1800 items.
If you found this interview interesting, please contact the author or comment on my website.
http://elainelittau.com
Showing posts with label historical western fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical western fiction. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, April 7, 2011
"The Eyes of a Stranger" by Elaine Littau is Coming Soon.
"The Eyes of a Stranger, Gertie's Grace" is getting closer to production. This week a very talented young graphic designer took my ideas and developed several options for a bookcover. I am definately going to use her again. Her name is Jonna Feavel. (Contact me via email if you want to get her to work for you.)
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
Now, I would like to introduce you to Terri Burnell. She writes wonderful children's books.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Terri Burnell
Garden of Eden
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My goal is to write children's Christian books that spark a child's imagination while teaching them historical, cultural, and scriptural facts.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About three years ago, my son Andrew loved to read The Magic Tree House books. At that time, Andrew was 8 years old. After reading one of the Magic Tree House books with Andrew, I realized the reason children love these stories so much is because they are taken to a magical place where they can experience the adventures first hand. It gave me the idea to write a book based on a biblical story in which the main characters could actually go back in time to experience what it would be like to have lived at that time.
4. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing games with my family, line dancing, and attempting to sing Karaoke.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, but much more now than in my younger years. I love to read Christian inspirational books.
6. What are you reading right now?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and the "Answers" magazine.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I'm working on my second book titled Joseph, The Loyal Servant. This book takes place in ancient Egypt about 1725BC. The children go back in time to experience what it was like to travel in a camel caravan across the desert, learn the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian life, and witness Joseph being sold into slavery, and then later, through his faithfulness to God, see how Joseph is restored and uplifted to be the second in command over all of Egypt.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My goal is to be as accurate as possible with scientific, historical, and biblical facts. I need to accumulate a lot of data to be accurate. Sometimes the resources may not be in agreement concerning certain details. As always, the Bible is first and foremost my most valuable, infallible resource. When other online sources or reference books don't agree, I continue to search for more resources to obtain the most accurate information possible. This can be time consuming, but necessary.
For the book I'm writing now, Joseph, The Loyal Servant, I've needed to research more materials to obtain the historical and cultural data. For Garden of Eden, my only two resources were the Holy Bible and my own imagination. At times, I get writer's block. When this occurs I usually just stop writing and come back to it another time.
Before writing, I pray that God will give me guidance, and that my story will bring honor to Him.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Garden of Eden is a delightful story that will open a child's mind to explore the amazing possibilities of God's truth. Beth, an angel of God, takes brother and sister, Andrew and Shelby, back to the Garden of Eden to experience firsthand the new earth just ten days after creation.
Garden of Eden brings this well-known Bible story to life through imagination. Join the adventure as Andrew and Shelby make friends with the animals, explore the wonders of the garden, and discover the plan God has for all of his children. Along the way they will learn valuable lessons that can be carried with them, even after returning home.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My personal email is: mag440ptas@peoplepc.com and the book website is: www.gardenofedenbookseries.com
As you know, I gave away a Kindle on April 1st. The winner was Melissa Kidd from IL. Congratulations Melissa.
The author's group I belong to got a few of us together to give away another Kindle on May 15, 2011 so it is not too late to get in on the drawing. To get in on it you have a choice to either set up an event for me or purchase 1 or more of my books. It counts if you want to pre-order "The Eyes of a Stranger" for $9 including s/h.
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
Now, I would like to introduce you to Terri Burnell. She writes wonderful children's books.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Terri Burnell
Garden of Eden
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My goal is to write children's Christian books that spark a child's imagination while teaching them historical, cultural, and scriptural facts.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About three years ago, my son Andrew loved to read The Magic Tree House books. At that time, Andrew was 8 years old. After reading one of the Magic Tree House books with Andrew, I realized the reason children love these stories so much is because they are taken to a magical place where they can experience the adventures first hand. It gave me the idea to write a book based on a biblical story in which the main characters could actually go back in time to experience what it would be like to have lived at that time.
4. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing games with my family, line dancing, and attempting to sing Karaoke.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, but much more now than in my younger years. I love to read Christian inspirational books.
6. What are you reading right now?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and the "Answers" magazine.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I'm working on my second book titled Joseph, The Loyal Servant. This book takes place in ancient Egypt about 1725BC. The children go back in time to experience what it was like to travel in a camel caravan across the desert, learn the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian life, and witness Joseph being sold into slavery, and then later, through his faithfulness to God, see how Joseph is restored and uplifted to be the second in command over all of Egypt.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My goal is to be as accurate as possible with scientific, historical, and biblical facts. I need to accumulate a lot of data to be accurate. Sometimes the resources may not be in agreement concerning certain details. As always, the Bible is first and foremost my most valuable, infallible resource. When other online sources or reference books don't agree, I continue to search for more resources to obtain the most accurate information possible. This can be time consuming, but necessary.
For the book I'm writing now, Joseph, The Loyal Servant, I've needed to research more materials to obtain the historical and cultural data. For Garden of Eden, my only two resources were the Holy Bible and my own imagination. At times, I get writer's block. When this occurs I usually just stop writing and come back to it another time.
Before writing, I pray that God will give me guidance, and that my story will bring honor to Him.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Garden of Eden is a delightful story that will open a child's mind to explore the amazing possibilities of God's truth. Beth, an angel of God, takes brother and sister, Andrew and Shelby, back to the Garden of Eden to experience firsthand the new earth just ten days after creation.
Garden of Eden brings this well-known Bible story to life through imagination. Join the adventure as Andrew and Shelby make friends with the animals, explore the wonders of the garden, and discover the plan God has for all of his children. Along the way they will learn valuable lessons that can be carried with them, even after returning home.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My personal email is: mag440ptas@peoplepc.com and the book website is: www.gardenofedenbookseries.com
As you know, I gave away a Kindle on April 1st. The winner was Melissa Kidd from IL. Congratulations Melissa.
The author's group I belong to got a few of us together to give away another Kindle on May 15, 2011 so it is not too late to get in on the drawing. To get in on it you have a choice to either set up an event for me or purchase 1 or more of my books. It counts if you want to pre-order "The Eyes of a Stranger" for $9 including s/h.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)