Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I came to the writing game late, after spending the greater part of my life in other pursuits. I have always had an interest in history and genealogy and especially Civil War history. I also have a great interest in the history of my little corner of the world, Adel and Dallas County, Iowa. I wrote my first book after retiring and running out of things to do quicker than I, or my dear wife, thought. I spent a cold Iowa winter at my computer researching and writing “Most Exciting Day,” the story of an actual 1895 bank robbery in my hometown of Adel, Iowa. After getting away with that (and actually receiving some accolades), I wrote “A Soldier’s Bounty” a historical fiction novel. The book was well received by those that read it (mostly family and friends and friends of friends) but several readers asked “But what happened to…?” In order to answer that question for these people who had been kind enough to read my work and comment on it, I wrote “The Silent Cannons.” Since writing these three works, without any member of my family trying to have me declared mentally unstable, I am now working on another story that continues with the family of my first two stories. This next story takes them into the period of 1917/1918 and world war 1. It delves into the war and the great Spanish Flu outbreak that accompanied it. True, it was a sad and tragic time, but, as with my other projects, I have “snuck a little humor into the story.” I hope to continue writing as long as I have readers. After all, we have the Great Depression, WW2, the 50’s, the 60’s and etc. to explore. I just have to keep taking my Geritol so I can live long enough to write it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Whisky Money.” It is a historical fiction novel about The Great Depression, World War Two and the Greatest Generation. I was born a few days after the D-Day invasion and grew up knowing many of the great American heroes who fought in WW2 and came home to form the greatest generation. My generation will always admire them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes
What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath,” Sinclair Lewis’ “Main Street” and Babbitt,” and every book written by Steven Ambrose.
What are you working on now?
I am currently in between projects but I am doing some research on local history and especially capital crimes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep you day job.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I hope I haven’t heard it yet.
What are you reading now?
“Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A story that takes place in the 50’s and a story about Viet Nam.
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?
Anything by Stephen Ambrose or David McCullough.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mike Flinn Amazon Profile
Mike Flinn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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