Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a New York Times bestselling author, a graduate of West Point, a former Green Beret (including commanding an A-Team), and the feeder of two yellow Labs, most famously Cool Gus. I’ve had over sixty books published, including the #1 bestselling series Area 51, Atlantis, and the Green Berets. Born in the Bronx and having traveled the world (usually not the tourist spots), I now live peacefully with my wife and my Labs at Write on the River, Tennessee.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shit Doesn’t Just Happen: The Gift of Failure
Because of my background in Special Operations, we often dealt with catastrophic events (war can be considered that). I noticed a pattern to things like plane crashes, accidents, etc. None happened in a vacuum. It took six cascade events before the 7th final event, the catastrophe, occurred. So I’ve taken 7 great catastrophes in each book (such as Titanic, Flight 447, Challenger, Donner Party, etc.) and examined the six cascade events leading to the end. And I show how each could have been avoided.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to have two lazy dogs sleeping under my desk. But I take my iPhone everywhere and use the record device a lot to note thoughts. Especially when driving my beast, my Jeep, around TN.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like to read authors who are better than me. Kate Atkinson comes to mind, with Life After Life. Richard Russo, Larry McMurtry, Dennis Lehane. Just re-read a couple of Pat Conroy books to experience the way he uses words.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing up a book in my Green Beret series set in the Low Country of South Carolina. Lots of action, betrayal and interesting characters. I’m tying in another of my series, the Cellar, into this book and this is a trend as I’m cross-referencing characters and organizations from my various series in other series. Quite exciting!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have enough experience writing (almost 70 manuscripts) that I trust my subconscious more than ever. It’s really a matter of sitting there and forcing myself to keep pushing.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Set a long term goal and do whatever it takes to achieve it. No one can stop you if you truly believe.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
What are you reading now?
Girl on a Train. Yes, going with the popular book, but it’s an intriguing use of point of view.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My Time Patrol series really excites me. In each book my team has to travel back to the same day in history; but in six different years. And complete a mission in order to keep our timeline intact.
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?
My own Green Beret Survival Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse, Zombies and More would be key.
Then a really, really thick book so I can use it for kindling. Joking, but also realistic.
Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Mayer Website
Bob Mayer Amazon Profile
Bob Mayer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account