Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Am awaiting publication of my 3rd novel (March, 2017: A Horde of Fools
Contrition, 2012, JournalStone Publ. (murder mystery, supernatural)
Promise of the Black Monks, 2016, Argus Publ. (historical fiction, Dark Ages, 1st novel in a series of 5)
Hammer of God, 2016, Argus Publ. (book#2 in the series/see above”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hammer of God, October 2016
This is book #2 in the Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain (5 book series).
Sequel to Promise of the Black Monks, it’s the tale of Tristan de Saint-Germain as he is ordained a Benedictine monk, enters service in the Benedictine Underground (Papal spy network) and works to
instigate and launch the First Holy Crusade on behalf of Pope Urban II.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all night long (10:00 PM until 6:00 AM). Not sure what the moon does to me, but night inspires my imagination for some reason… perhaps it’s the solitude… or the mystery.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I personally love the classics, written by Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas, etc…
The character hold more depth, as do the plots and sub-plots. They cause the reader to become more involved.
What are you working on now?
I am working on book #3 (final edits on A Horde of Fools) of my current series. It chronicles the Peasants’ Crusade as the fanatic evangelist, Peter the Hermit, leads 30,000 peasants on a march from France to battle the Turks and recapture Jerusalem from the hammer of Islam.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website, of course, but facebook is actually more effective. I have over 6,000 friends and do frequent inserts about writing, my novels, sales, etc…
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have thoughts of making money, stow them.
If you have hopes of being famous, stow them.
If you have hopes of getting your first book published… never give up. It happens… all the time!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is pure WORK!
What are you reading now?
Historical books about the First Holy Crusade
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book #4 in my series, entitled God’s Scarlet Fury. It’s about the actual military, sanctioned crusade fought by French, German and Italian crusaders on behalf of Pope Urban II. They were a greedy, violent lot, interested in conquest and plunder as much as in God.
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?
Les Miserables
A Tale of Two Cities
Oliver Twist
The Man in the Iron Mask
Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Hirsch Website