Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a simple guy from Minnesota who loves to tell stories, especially stories about the outdoors. Writing started out as a hobby when I was around fifteen years old, when I began penning short stories about hunting and fishing. It was just a way for me to pass the time and entertain the people I held dear.
After high school, I moved around quite a bit. My writing took a back seat to exploring the mountains of Colorado and the hill country of Texas. I started a blog, www.samfinden.com, and posted occasionally about my exploits. There was an ill-fated attempt to produce a hunting show, a few false starts in the romance department, and more than my share of lean times. Some days were better than others, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
When I finally got to Montana, it was like a new lease on life. My creativity came back to me like dairy cows at milking time. Stories and blog posts just flowed through my fingertips and onto the screen.
My first book, “Saddle My Good Horse,” was inspired by all of the things I had seen and experienced while bouncing around west of the Mississippi river. Many of the characters are modeled after good people I met, and many of the horses are named after cayuses I’ve swung a leg over on the ranches I worked.
“Lone Wolf” is my second book, and I’m very pleased with it. As a boy, I had trouble finding something suitable to read. When I wanted hunting stories, I had to settle for the back pages of hunting magazines. “Lone Wolf” combines action, survival, horses, and a pretty girl. That’s the sort of combination I would have traded a letter grade for when I was in school.
My stories are clean and educational by design. They’re intended to take the reader on an adventure, teach them something valuable, and inspire them to go outside.
Writing was never something I intended to do for a living. I enjoyed it as a hobby, but never dreamed of being an honest-to-goodness author. Now, I’ve got two books out in paperback and Kindle formats. My editor and I work long hours, promoting my books and my brand. Another title is in the pipeline. Things are happening and it’s exciting. I travel to fairs and markets around Montana, where I happily man my booth and meet my readers. It’s extremely rewarding, and I’ve managed to avoid going hungry so far. With a little help from the man upstairs, I’ll be writing and teaching kids about the outdoors for years to come.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Lone Wolf”- A young predator hunter, Daniel Foss, goes into the mountains to control a pack of wolves that have been killing cattle. Along the way, he discovers a lost city girl who needs his help. Initially they mix like oil and water, but the odd couple begins to appreciate one another over time. When their adventure comes to a close, they have a choice to make: Should they stay together, or go their separate ways?
“Lone Wolf” was inspired by the contentious issue of reintroducing wolves in the western United States. The book aims to tell both sides of the issue, and to encourage rational thinking on the topic, in addition to teaching the reader about the habits of the species.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual it is, but I write in spurts. Some days, I can’t seem to get in the groove. For every three words I type, two get deleted. It’s difficult to create if my mind is racing.
Other days, I can’t stop writing. Three or four thousand words get added to my work-in-progress, and I feel great.
Good music without lyrics is very helpful when I’m writing. Coffee is a necessity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Corey Ford, Tom Groneberg, Stan Lynde, Louis L’Amour, Zane Gray, Clinton McKenzie, Baxter Black.
What are you working on now?
My next book features Daniel Foss from “Lone Wolf.” In this story, he’ll be working to control mountain lions that have begun attacking and eating local residents. The book is slated for release by Christmas, 2016/
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is a great way to interact with my readers online. My website, www.samfinden.com, is a fun way to get the word out, too. If I had to pick my favorite way of promoting my books, though, it would be an easy choice: I love going to fairs, rodeos, and festivals where I can visit with people. If you’re ever at a fair and you see me, please come by and we’ll talk.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get an editor who won’t hold back, then listen to that person. Your friends and family will support you, but for some strange reason, it’s not likely that they’ll be the promotional force you expect. Don’t get down, get over it. If your goal is to write for a living, make it happen. Keep your head up. This is hard, but you’ll make it if you want to. Believe in your books, develop an elevator pitch, and never dismiss anyone who asks you about your writing. You never know what’s around the bend, or what doors someone can open for you.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.” – Churchill
What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of Stan Lynde’s Merlin Fanshaw western series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another Daniel Foss book is on the way.
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?
The Bible. Lonesome Dove. Riders of the Purple Sage. And probably something on wooden ship building.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sam Finden Website
Sam Finden Amazon Profile
Sam Finden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account