Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in historic western Massachusetts, and it was as a child that my lifelong interest in American colonial history began. I earned my B.A. in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts and enjoyed a successful and rewarding career in public relations and social marketing with New York State government. While living in New York’s Mohawk Valley, I immersed myself in the history of colonial New York and explored the interaction of Dutch, English and French settlers with their Iroquois neighbors. Now retired, I have the opportunity to share what I have learned about this thrilling period of history through my quartet of novels, The Boschloper Saga.
In Book 1 of the Saga, Primitive Passions, Sean O’Cathail deserts from the English navy in New York harbor and finds his way to the frontier town of Albany, where he becomes a fur trader. There, he joins Dutch and Canadian adventurers who are competing to control the fur trade; while their English and French masters use diplomacy or force to suppress the natives; and, the natives do all they can to preserve their way of life. In this environment, Sean becomes colonial envoy to the Iroquois. He faces adversity, danger and intrigue while securing the English-Iroquois alliance and thwarting the efforts of the French to divide and conquer the Five Iroquois Nations. Even the women who love him – his Mohawk lover, Kai, and the Dutch bond servant, Laurentje van Reuyter – are eventually swept up in the primitive passions of the savage frontier of the 1680s.
In Book 2 of the Saga, Savage Wilderness, it is four years later. The English Colony of New York is in dire financial straits. The flow of beaver pelts, the life’s blood of the colony, has slowed to a trickle. In response, New York’s governor grants licenses to Albany traders to enter French territory and divert the furs of the Far Indians from Montreal to Albany. Although only recently married to Laurentje, Sean O’Cathail joins the small group of adventurers who have the courage to face the savage wilderness. However, the governor of New France learns of their plans, and the traders face capture by the French and their savage allies. Optimistic that they can avoid detection, Sean and his fellow boschlopers begin to cross the Great Lakes. But, when they are surrounded and captured, Sean finds that his adventure is only just beginning. He will need all his wits and the help of Kai, the beautiful Mohawk woman who was once his lover, to survive and return home to his pregnant wife.
Book 3 of the Saga, The Trail of a Traitor, is set in 1689, after the Glorious Revolution in England placed William of Orange on the English throne and King Louis of France has declared war on England. Sean O’Cathail’s longtime nemesis, has turned traitor and joined with the French and their Huron allies in raiding the homesteads and hamlets of New York. After Cox participates in the massacre at Schenectady, Sean vows to bring him to justice. But, before Sean can act, Cox kidnaps Megan O’Reilly, the woman who loves Sean. Can Sean save Megan? Can Sean bring Cox to justice? To do so, he must follow the trail of a traitor.
Book 4 of the Saga, The Trail of a Traitor, is set in 1689-90, after the Glorious Revolution in England placed William of Orange on the English throne; and, King Louis of France declared war on England. Jeremy Cox, Sean O’Cathail’s longtime nemesis, has turned traitor and joined with the French and their Huron allies in raiding the homesteads and hamlets of New York. After Cox participates in the massacre at Schenectady, Sean vows to bring him to justice. But, before Sean can act, Cox kidnaps Megan O’Reilly, the woman who loves Sean. Can Sean save Megan? Can Sean bring Cox to justice? To do so, he must follow the trail of a traitor.
Book 4 of the Saga, Beyond the Wilderness, is currently a work in Progress.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As I said earlier, my latest book is The Trail of a Traitor. It is scheduled for release in the first week of December 2019 by W&B Book Publishers. It was inspired by true events in the Colony of New York in 1689-90. The French were raiding the homes and hamlets of New York. The massacre at Schenectady really did occur on February 1, 1690. The legitimate government in New York was in a shambles and an obscure German merchant, Jacob Leisler, did seize control, declare himself lieutenant governor and accuse all Catholics in the colony of being allies of the French.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many of my fellow writers, I find that I am most creative in the late afternoon-early evening.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My goodness! Among living authors, I have to point to Bernard Cornwell. His historical novels are exciting, adventurous and humorous with a unforgettable protaganists. Among the deceased, I would have to say Robert Louis Stevenson, James Fenimore Cooper and Mark Twain.
What are you working on now?
As I said earlier, I have just started on Book 4 of the Boschloper Saga. It is tentatively entitled Beyond the Frontier and explores the first, tentative steps in what would later become America’s push westward.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Up to now, I have primarily promoted my books on Facebook. I am now trying to expand my reach through other vehicles, like Awesome Gang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
KISS: Keep it simple, stupid!
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading John Grisham’s The Reckoning. When not immersed in history, I am a diehard Crime & Thrillers fan.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep working on Beyond the Frontier and promoting all of my previous works.
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 take Treasure Island, Northwest Passage, Huckleberry Finn and The History of the Irish Race.
Author Websites and Profiles
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