Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I authored Contrition (JournalStone Pub.) in 2012, a murder/mystery with a touch of supernatural and horror. Then I began writing a historical fiction series (The Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain) which was picked up by Argus Publishing in Dec. of 2015. Promise of the Black Monks is the first novel of the series (pub. Feb, 2016), and will be followed soon by Hammer of God, A Horde of Fools, God’s Scarlet Fury, and Cup of Blood, Bread of Salvation.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Promise of the Black Monks is my latest release, and centers on a 7-yr-old son of nobility who is abandoned to the Benedictine Monks of Cluny France, eventually rising in the Church due to his startling level of intelligence and perception for one so young. I am simply fascinated by the Dark Ages, a merciless period of violence, class struggle, ignorance, superstition, and faith. My love of European history (I lived there 3 years and attended French school in Saint-Germain-en-Laye) led me into writing Promise of the Black Monks, but I became so utterly absorbed, I wrote 4 books in the series, and am completing book 5!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I stay up all night writing because I was born a ‘night-crawler.’ I sleep during the day, when I’m writing intensively, and my friends call me ‘Barnabus’ from the Dark Shadows TV series from back in the day. Also, I never write with the end in mind. I write the first chapter of a book by simply creating an intriguing scene. From there, I write the next chapter, allowing the story to take me wherever my imagination leads.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy the classics, books and authors: Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, etc..
Their story telling mixed with social commentary, action, and complexity of characters has never been matched. My writing emulates that style… a return to literature.
What are you working on now?
I am completing Cup of Blood, Bread of Salvation, book 5 of the Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain series. Each book in the series is 550-600 pages long, so I am exhausted at the moment… book 5 is moving slowly, consequently.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Actually, Argus (William Connor) and my agent, Jeanie Loiacono have been the most effective book promoters. I do book signings, facebook, local news releases (paper, TV, radio), and bully friends into spreading word of mouth, but I’m not well seasoned in book promotion on a wider scale. I’m 67, so I’m a bit of a technological NeanderthaL
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Write, rewrite. then rewrite again. Less is more (though I’m huge into visual and emotional description)… still, in my rewriting, I cut,and cut!). Hope is another issue, and perseverance, and WORK!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My Dad always used to say, “Robert, it’s later than you think!”
Life is short was his message, I believe. So don’t wait… on anything. Do it now, or it’ll likely pass!
What are you reading now?
I am reading the First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge (for the 5th time!). My novel series involves the Investiture War and the First Crusade, and Asbridge’s work is so comprehensive and complex, I can’t get enough of it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
When I complete book 5 of the series, I think I’ll go to France again. Went there three years ago to research Promise of the Black Monks, and loved it. That trip was my first return to France since 1965 when I was 16 years old. My wife had never been overseas until that recent trip, and she’s been bitten by the France bug also.
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?
History of the World, Les Miserables, The Red and the Black, and A Tale of Two Cities
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert E. Hirsch Website