Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born (1948) in Pusan, Korea. At age five as the Korean War ended, my Korean mother, Kazu Park, sent me to America under the adoption of my biological American father, Peter J. Hirsch, due to post-war hardships and Korean ostracism of children of mixed race. Moving to the deep South (Columbus, Georgia, 1954), I was prohibited by segregation practices from enrolling in ‘white public school’ because I was half-Asian and deficient in English. Subsequently, I attended Catholic schools and Department of Defense schools until age thirteen when I received American citizenship.
My family then moved to France where I attended a French school becoming fluent in French over 3 years.
After graduation from Cameron University (Oklahoma, 1971), I spent40 years in education, retiring in 2012 as the Superintendent of the Ocean Springs School District along the Mississippi Gulf Coast where I still reside with my wife, Melissa Hirsch.
Upon retirement I decided to harness my life-long passion for writing, and my first novel, Contrition, was published by JournalStone Publishing of San Francisco (2012). In 2016 I signed a five novel historical fiction series contract with Argus Publishing (Kernersville, N.C.). This action-packed, heart-searing series delves intimately into the lives of those whose political, religious, and military intrigue gave rise to the violent outbreak of the First Crusade. Promise of the Black Monks (book#1 of the series) and Hammer of God (book #2) were released in 2016. Books #3 and #4 of the series (A Horde of Fools, God’s Scarlet Fury) were released in 2017, and the final novel of the series, Cup of Blood… Bread of Salvation, is scheduled for release in December of this year. My novels are available for order at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and other major national book outlets).
As a writer, I feel that witnessing the human condition is ‘a bittersweet comunion of heartbreak and inspiration.’ “We as feeble humans are often swept into the rushing tide of circumstance, forced into decisions and actions that often defy our core principals… and thus begins that inner struggle that ceaselessly rages within the abandoned corners of our conscience.”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is God’s Scarlet Fury (Argus Publ.) It is the 4th novel of my historical fiction series and involves the beginning of the First Crusade up to the Battle of Antioch. What inspired it? Ha, it’s the First Holy Crusade! One of the most turbulent eras of human history!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I begin writing at 10:00 PM and write until dawn. My imagination runs rampant throughout the night, and always has for some odd reason. Moreover, there are no interruptions from phone or visitors.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the classics: Hugo, Dickens, Dumas.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on Cup of Blood, Bread of Salvation, the 5th novel of my series: The Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain (historical fiction, 11th Century, pre-First Crusade to the end of the First Crusade).
Simply put, I love history, in particular the Dark Ages!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website has been extremely fruitful (robertehirschcom.com) and persoanl appearances at both book sig=gnings and public speaking engagements.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Every book begins with the first chapter… so, WRITE it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It’ later than you think!”
What are you reading now?
The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge… for the 5th time!
What’s next for you as a writer?
When I finish this latest and 5th book, I’m going to take a break becauseeach of my novels averages 520-650 pages! I’m exhausted. But after a break, I’ll start a new historical fiction series.
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, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Red and the Black, and Lord of the Flies