Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Scott A. Ferguson, Sr. I’m 62 years old and I’m retired from the Secret Service Uniformed Division. I’ve been married to the same woman for 38 years and we have two grown children. So far I’ve written thirteen books, eleven of which are under contract with City Limits Publishing, LLC. The other two are almost ready for submission.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I presently have four books that are published and listed on Awesome Gang. “The Life and Times of Maggie O’Toole” was inspired by my mother. She was born to a single mother in 1930, who tried to keep her but finally, after about eighteen months, had to give her up. I used that premise to write a story similar to hers but based in the 1800s.
“Escape!” is based on an idea of combining the Old Testament Book of Numbers, where Moses told the Israelites to kill everyone in the cities they conquered except girls too young to have been with a man. I wondered what would happen if you combined that commandment with the Nazis of World War 2. This story is the result.
“Becky Dixon: What I Did on my Summer Vacation” was the first book I had ever written. It is a time travel book that isn’t directly based on any one thing. However, some of the characters are based on other fictional characters from other stories. I’ll let you figure out who they are when you read it.
“Bloodstone,Arizona” is a story about a lost soul who is talked into robbing a bank in the 1800s. Needless to say, he gets caught and sent to prison. While in there, he learns about religion and, when he’s released, becomes a preacher… a preacher with a gun. When he is assigned to the church in Bloodstone, Arizona, he meets and falls in love with the previous preacher’s widow. But his past comes to haunt him. It’s not based on anything but a desire to write a western with a twist.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m writing, I like to listen to oldies from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Also, when I’m thinking, I like to play Solitaire and Mahjong. Also, when I start a book, I have a beginning and an end in mind but I usually let the story tell itself. I find it’s more interesting that way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and, Eoin Colfer. I love the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings, Narnia , as well as the Artemis Fowl series. But, I also love The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and The Wish List by Eoin Colfer.
What are you working on now?
I just finished book # 13. It’s a sequel to “Kindness of a Stranger,” which is due out on July 1st. It’s the story of the police detective from that story. I call it “Detective Marcus Cooper.” In this story he investigates the murder of a family, which leads to a high school sex ring and the top levels of the city government.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably the various websites they are listed on as well as my Facebook page. City Limits Publishing has their own website (https://citylimitspublishing.com/) and their own Facebook page that have helped out a lot too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! Keep Editing! Keep trying to find a publisher. Remember, you don’t always need an agent, sometimes you can find a publisher all on your own. Just make sure, if you receive an offer, to have an attorney, or someone familiar with contracts, look it over before you sign.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself and keep trying.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading Mike Lindell’s book, “What Are the Odds.” No matter what you may think of the man’s politics, he’s come through a lot to get where he is now. And, he gives all the credit to God.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m thinking about a sequel to “Becky Dixon.” But, if that doesn’t work out, I’m sure something else will come to mind. But, no matter what, I intend to keep on writing!
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; 1001 Arabian Nights, Don Quixote, and The Life and Times of Maggie O’Toole
Author Websites and Profiles
Scott Ferguson, Sr. Website
Scott Ferguson, Sr.’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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