Interview With Author Gordon Clark
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had two jobs all of my life – 14 years in the military, and 29 years with a large German manufacturing company, taking me up to the ripe old age of 60. It was then that I decided to retire and devote my full time to writing.
So far I have self published 13 fiction novels, a sales guide, a short story about my time during the Falklands War, and a kiddies book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kano Captives. It is a part of a series featuring a SAS hero Alex Green.
I spent 5 years living in South Africa and servicing the sub-Saharan market, and this led to meeting many wonderful people in a much misaligned country, Nigeria. I decided that it was time for Alex to visit!
Though the book highlights some of the problems in the most populous of all African countries, my own experiences there were always great. If you have good friends, a great guide, and a pint of beer, what can go wrong?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write anywhere. On airplanes, in trains, in bed, at work – in the old days! – anywhere.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gerald Seymour, Andy McNab, Chris Cocks, Nelson Mandela… I’ll try anything once.
What are you working on now?
I think the next book will be a sixth Alex Green story, but work is just finished on Kano Captives.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried all of them to some degree, but previously had a great interview on Awesome Gang which triggered quite a bit of interest. Amazon Ads is my main advertising channel.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Keep writing, even if you can find no words to say. Put something down, correct it later. Just keep putting words in print.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you aim high and fall a little short, you still end up fairly high!
What are you reading now?
All The Hidden Truths by Claire Askew. Not something I’d usually try, but actually enjoying it!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Never giving up and aiming even higher!
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?
Nelson Mandela, the Long Road to Freedom
Gerald Seymour – Home Run
John le Carre – The Secret Pilgrim
Chris Cocks – Out of Action
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