Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer of novels and short stories about the American West. My first novel, Logan’s Word, is set in West Texas near Coleman, where I graduated from high school. I strive to make my books as historically accurate as possible.
I was born in Louisiana but, was raised by my parents in my mother’s home state of Texas. Throughout my life, I have lived in many parts of Texas and have a love of that state.
Professionally, I enjoyed the life of a pilot, flying throughout the West, living 10 years in Arizona, several years in New Mexico and traveled around exploring Colorado. I retired from Southwest Airlines. My travels gave me the opportunity to learn about and fall in love with the country about which I would later write.
As a boy, I spent many Saturdays at the all-day movies. I reveled in all of the western adventures, especially those of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Lash LaRue. One of my favorite western actors continues to be John Wayne. I especially liked his performance in Hondo written by Louis L’Amour.
As a youngster, I shared my passion of reading westerns, with one of my loving aunts who had a huge library of western novels. This is where I came to love Louis L’Amour and other western authors. Evidence of these influences appear throughout my novels, assuring that they are wholesome and adventurous, filled with action and good values which can be enjoyed by any member of the family.
Today, I live with my wife, Paula, and a six pound, Chihuahua, guard dog in Cuenca, a mountain city nestled in the Andes in Ecuador.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forty-Four Caliber Justice is my latest book. My inspiration came from considering the challenges a youth, in the old west, might face when his family is murdered.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being as historically accurate as possible.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the old western writers. Louis L’amour being my favorite. I grew up on these books and the Saturday matinee where good, wholesome entertainment raced the pulse of all the kids.
What are you working on now?
I just finished my third short story, Hell Hath No Fury. I have started my third novel which is the second book in the Logan Family Series. It is exciting!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far has been, www.bookmarketingtools.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a good book is only half the job. The other (very necessary half) is marketing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. Write everyday.
What are you reading now?
Louis L’amour’s Bowdrie. One of his books of short stories.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the novel I am working on and get it published, I will write, first a short story (my wife insists on a new short story) and then a sequel to Forty-Four Caliber Justice. Just a note, my wife uses my short stories to market the books.
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?
I would bring the scriptures. They have many layers. You could read them time after time and see new things.
Author Websites and Profiles
Donald L. Robertson Website
Donald L. Robertson Amazon Profile