Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a semi-retired physician and The Wisdom of the Flock is my first historical fiction novel. It took me about 15 years to research and write in my spare time. As the son of a history professor and a nurse, I suppose that writing this book was in my blood. A previously wrote a technical primer on electromyography – but that was not nearly as much fun as writing a book about Benjamin Franklin and his time in France.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is entitled – The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris. It tells the story of Franklin’s time in France (1776-1785) where he investigated the practice of mesmerism. Yes, from which we get the term mesmerized! The practice that promised a cure for all ills was being promoted by Dr. Franz Mesmer. The book was inspired by the true story of the commission that Franklin headed at the request of the King of France. Of course, it is historical fiction – so there is romance (Franklin was quite a “lady’s man) and the American Revolution in the background.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is unusual, but I tend to write best when I wake up super early in the morning – before anyone else is up, and the house is quiet.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy the historical fiction of Steve Berry – and he wrote a very nice endorsement of my book as well. I also enjoy regular history (not fiction) and biographies. But I also read everything that Kurt Vonnegut and Michael Crichton ever wrote. I really enjoyed the Pillars of the Earth series by Ken Follett.
What are you working on now?
The period of time when Franklin was in England struggling as a representative for the “colonies” is my next project – a prequel to The Wisdom the Flock. But there is also a fascinating period of time after Franklin returned to the new United States until his death in 1790. This series might actually ultimately turn out to be a trilogy.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Why Awesome Gang, of course! But I also think that GoodReads is a great forum for authors and always enjoy finding new books to read there, myself.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s probably a cliche – but “write what you know” comes to mind. I found that writing about science and medicine (even of the 1700’s) was easy. And find an editor that is proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Duck” – no, seriously… about writing? I don’t believe I ever got any good advice about writing because it is such a personal thing.
What are you reading now?
I’m always reading something. I just finished The Kaiser’s Web by Steve Berry.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I move into full retirement mode, I would love to travel to London and spend some time walking the streets that Ben Franklin walked. His home there has been turned into a museum – as has his home in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, his home in France is gone – but I have been able to visit many of the places in The Wisdom of the Flock.
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?
I would probably bring some classics – like Robinson Crusoe – but also would need some survival books. Could I bring videos? How about Castaway?
Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Gnatz Website
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