Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former US Navy cryptolinguist, with a love for history. I started studying the American Civil War many years ago, when I was teaching analysis to military students; often, I used examples from the Civil War to introduce various concepts, or to illustrate how application of intelligence principles would’ve made an impact. Eventually, I decided to write a series focused on the war as seen by an intelligence officer. I made the central character a Confederate mainly because they didn’t have an intelligence arm during the war, unlike the North. This gives a writer a lot more flexibility.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rebel Spring- War in the Mountains is the latest book, and it deals with the war in western Virginia during late Fall, 1861. This ‘sideshow’ conflict resulted in the formation of West Virginia in 1863 and exposed some of the fractures in support for both North and South by the people of the mountains. I wanted to explore the stories of people who’d been virtually ignored by their government- either side- but were expected to provide loyal service regardless.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I start with a concept and work that into a rough idea of what I want the story to tell…but I’ll actual begin writing dialog in my head before I’ve even finished creating the plot. Often, I’ll come up with really good side stories which end up in either another story or cause me to rewrite the current book. Until I type the final line, the storyline isn’t really firm.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Alistair Maclean, Lindsey Davis, H. Rider Haggard, and Robert Ludlum. Spy novels, adventure novels, and stories set in exotic locales or in the past appeal to me, especially when I can clearly picture it in my head. I like filling in details for myself, so I’m happy to have a general idea of the scene or the characters’ appearance, but I want personalities to be fully fleshed out.
What are you working on now?
Book one in the next series- Rebel Summer. This takes place during August 1862 and covers Second Manassas and Antietam. The rest of the series will cover the war through Gettysburg, and then I’ll start Rebel Winter. The series will end with Rebel Fall.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the ropes on promoting, so I’ve only done a handful of websites, including this one.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write- don’t worry about your cover or back matter or marketing, worry about telling a good story. Write what engages you and what you’re passionate about, it will create a more authentic reader experience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A variation of the above, with the caveat that I should write for myself- if others like it, that’s icing on the cake. Write because it’s something you want to do, not something you have to do, and you’ll always enjoy it.
What are you reading now?
Fishel’s ‘Secret War for the Union’…again. It’s a non-fiction work on the intelligence activities employed by North and South, and I refer to it frequently to make sure my story is accurate.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably the business side- I’ve mapped out a total of sixteen books in the current series, so I know what I have to write, but there’s a LOT to learn about selling 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?
King Solomon’s Mines/Allan Quatermain, Brave New World, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Gerald Cranwell Amazon Profile
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Goodreads Profile
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