Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Semi-Retired and I have in the past 9 months completed 7 books. Six are the Hunter Blacke Chronicles that are a combination of Fiction/Non-Fiction however I would say mostly Fiction. They are based on world travel experiences in some exotic countries for the time and capture moments in history where I happened to be involved. The Seventh book is actually a grouping of events during the growing years of a young boy and is Non-fiction. It is about a rural quiet street that has since disappeared but at one time was vibrant with little kids and their lives. This takes place after the 2nd world war. The houses are now all gone but the street is now an egress and entrance to a Freeway. Back to the Operatives and Spies. They also were an enjoyable exorcism in a way and written in a frankly ordinary style that readers seem to enjoy.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Troika – Operation Siberia This book is a compilation of a series of visits to Russia and takes in primarily the Urals as winter arrives. There is an elusive character that keeps slipping into Hunter Blackes field of expertise and bails him out of numerous dangerous ventures. I feel it is the best of the six and that is likely because I was not a writer and with each book written the style and the plots become more interesting for the reader.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well. I am no Shakespeare or Tolstoy and my grammatical style is not that of a polished writer. It was asked do I want everything edited and I said no. The sentences and such may not be polished but they are my words and thoughts not those of someone hired to determine my process. I like the outcome and will keep writing as I do for now anyway.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have read some of the classics but actually grew up on Western’s and World Sailing adventures. This included Pirates and swashbuckling adventures of old. I perhaps found Lord of the Flies, one that sticks in my mind. As to other authors I wish them all well but none really took my soul.
What are you working on now?
Now we are on Book Seven of the Hunter Blacke Chronicles. Another adventure piece that is taking place in Guyana South America. It is explicit in detail with lots of action for the enthusiast and good description of what being in an equatorial location feels like most of the time.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I attempt to cross over into numerous sites depending on the book and content I am trying to promote. It is challenging to have the absolute ‘right’ outlet so I am still in experimentation.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. This thing some call Writers Block can get in the way but if you take your day and determine what the story is about you can fill in the details with research as you go. I wrote my first six books in less than six months. It was like a whirlwind of thought just kept pouring out. Now I find that rush a little slower. Take it in stride but do keep writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No such thing. Stay focused is probably high on the list. Enjoy yourself it is later than you think is up there. I do not really know the best but there are many that certainly rank high enough to pay attention too.
What are you reading now?
Basically research material on a wide variety of interests. There is no specific reason other than I enjoy learning things. I have an inquisitive mind and find myself wishing to know a lot about many things out there. Copious amounts of information makes my day. I process it and one day trust it will come in handy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to just keep writing. I am at an age where work is not in the picture and writing is a mixture of work and hobby. I do not play golf and do not enjoy small talk at the coffee shop. Writing is the plan with another 6 – 9 books to come.
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?
Probably my own. I like what I write.
Author Websites and Profiles
Hunter Blacke Website
Hunter Blacke Amazon Profile