Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My passion is, and has always been, creating things. I’m a scientist and inventor, and I truly enjoy writing thrillers when I’m not working on alternative energy solutions. Although it may seem odd, whether imagining fictional stories or developing new chemical processes or machines, both are very creative endeavors. My writing began with patents and technical reference books (published three books). I have four fiction titles published, and two more fiction manuscripts with my editor.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HUNTING SAVAGE is my most recent release. I was inspired to write this story based on the unexplained circumstances surrounding the near sinking of the USS Liberty during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israeli aircraft and torpedo boats relentlessly attacked the U.S.-flagged naval ship for hours in broad daylight. And although aircraft were twice launched from nearby carriers to defend the Liberty, President Johnson recalled those aircraft. Why? Was there a conspiracy aimed at much larger ambitions? And if so, could it happen again? HUNTING SAVAGE imagines answers to these questions, and pits the protagonist (Peter Savage), and his loyal canine companion, against overwhelming odds as he risks everything to reveal the truth.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual habits? Perhaps not. But since I travel lot, I’ve found time in airports, on jumbo jets, and in lonely hotel rooms to be excellent opportunities to write. There are few distractions, and interacting with my characters lends a feeling, however small, of normalcy even when I’m 10 time zones away and can’t understand the language.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there are so many. Here are a few of the more influential authors: Steve Berry for his Cotton Malone sagas–I love the dialog and the grittiness of Malone. Clive Cussler, whose Dirk Pitt novels hooked me on thrillers forty years ago. James Rollins and his Sigma Force Series, especially Kowalski, a teddy-bear of a brute. Lee Child with the wonderfully witty dialog displayed by Jack Reacher. Matthew Reilly, who delivers some of the best action scenes ever (especially the Scarecrow series). I’ve read nearly every book written by these authors!
What are you working on now?
I want to bring forth a female character, Danya, from HUNTING SAVAGE into my next manuscript. She is a trained Mossad agent, an accomplished assassin–but she begins to see the world in shades of gray rather than black and white, right and wrong, good and evil. It will be fun to develop this complex character, and place her in difficult situations where the right thing to do may be illegal and immoral in a normal society. I think this reflects the world we live in.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The major e-retailers seem to do a good job of promoting my books. I am active on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, and I run a blog through my website. Still, when a reader is on the “Big A” posting a review and sees one of my titles there, it’s an easy connection to a sale. Without a doubt, the best approach for me to promote my books is to write another book. Each title promotes the others.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a tough business, and trying to make money from selling your books requires a huge amount of work and no small amount of luck! So, if this is truly your passion, stick with it, work hard, and pray for some luck. There will be setbacks, muscle through. Embrace your successes, you will have them. Above all, never lose sight of your dream.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Luck favors the prepared mind.” To me, this means to know my goals, know my pathway, be ready to follow a different path if the obstacles become too great, and embrace opportunity.
What are you reading now?
“Beyond the Sea: An Event Group Thriller” by David Golemon. Every now and then I enjoy a quirky mash-up of sci-fi and thriller, and the Event Group Series does this well.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same–meaning I want to grow in this craft, by expanding on what has worked, and continue to enjoy writing the next adventure and see how my characters struggle onward. My publisher (Light Messages) has provided an incredible amount of support, and they are a joy to work with. I want to see my reader fan-base continue to grow, and I hope to hear from more readers (I do read every email that comes to my attention). There are new adventures rattling around in my head, new characters to develop, and new controversies to expose.
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?
Impossible! Life cannot go on with so few books! OK, if I have to answer, I would say: ICE STATION by Matthew Reilly; RAISE THE TITANIC by Clive Cussler; THE LOST ORDER by Steve Berry; and BLACK ORDER by James Rollins. But truthfully, I’d find a way to sneak in a few dozen, maybe a hundred, more.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dave Edlund Website
Dave Edlund Amazon Profile
Dave Edlund’s Social Media Links
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