Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Chris and I have written several books. Currently, I have a Zombie short story called “The Home” available on Amazon and a number of other stores for free. It is a story about a group of survivors searching for some medicine that they need. Their search leads them to a nursing home that seems to be intact. My first published fiction book is “CSS Appomattox.” This is an alternative history story about a Confederate airship crew battling its way across the Caribbean. I have also writing the prequel to the “CSS Appomattox” series called “Sharpsburg Sunrise” which explains how the Confederacy managed to win the Civil War. All tend to be action/Adventure types of stories.
In addition, I have written a number of historical wargames scenarios that have been published through TooFatLardies out of the UK. They are predominantly about WWII or the American Revolution.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book is “The Last Airship from Khartoum” which continues the story of the “CSS Appomattox.” I have been interested in General Gordon and his ill fated stand at Khartoum for a while and wondered how it could have been different if a better means of resupply and assistance would have been available. Having Thomas Devareaux and his airships handy seemed like just the trick to try to save Gordon.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I mostly write when I have a free moment. The oddest bit of writing that I have done had to have been when I wrote a chapter of “The Last Airship from Khartoum” on my cell phone. Last year, my mother had a series of hospitalizations before she passed away. While staying in her room, I pulled out the only thing I had available to me and started typing out part of the story. It is a feat that I honestly hope to never duplicate again.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. I really enjoy Harry Turtledove’s alternate history. Tom Clancy is another fun read. I have been a fan of Barry Eisler’s work as well. But the one book I keep coming back to is always the Bible. I love fiction and fantasy but the Bible will always draw me in.
What are you working on now?
I am completing the edits on “The Last Airship from Khartoum” at the moment. But I have also started a new book on the battle for Kharkov in 1941. That story will follow several men, both Soviet and German, through the battle and their experiences. I am reading a number of books on the battle now and it has captured my imagination.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I am still figuring this out. I have no real clue of how to promote.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Invest your money in good editing. Do not rely on yourself as an editor. I paid the price for that and am still trying to overcome those mistakes.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love your neighbor as yourself, the rest is commentary. Go study.
What are you reading now?
I just started reading the series Gabriel’s Journey by Steve Umstead. I got the prequel for free off of Amazon and liked it so much, I had to buy the series. Also I am rereading Exodus.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to complete my book on the battle of Kharkov (taking suggestions for the title now) and will then revisit Thomas Devareaux and finish the series.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, I would have a copy of the U.S. Army Survival Manual, my Bible and probably a copy of the Hobbit. Between them, I should be able to figure out life with a bit of fun on the way.
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