Interview

Radio Interview!

/ Robert Krenzel / Leave a comment

Radio

I recently had the wonderful experience of sitting for an interview with Kaye McIntyre of Kansas Public Radio; the subject was my novel A Nest of Hornets!

On September 3rd Kaye’s Program aired, featuring interviews with 2017 Kansas Notable Book Authors. My segment was certainly not the best; in fact my “MUST READ” list has expanded significantly after listening to the show. Nevertheless, it was an honor to air on KPR.

Here is a link to the program: KPR Presents!

(I come in at around minute 41)

Enjoy!

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Character Interview: Kate Scott

/ Robert Krenzel / Leave a comment

January 1777; Chatham, NJ. After my interview with Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Scott of the New Jersey Militia, I had the opportunity to speak with his wife, Kate, who also appears in the novel A Nest of Hornets. Here are my questions and her responses:

Robert Krenzel: Mrs. Scott, please tell us a little about your background.

Kate Scott: Please, Dear, call me Kate. What should I say? I am from New York City. I was born there in 1753, as Katherine Vogels. I was quite happy there until my family moved to that little backwater in New Jersey called New Brunswick. I made the best of it, I suppose, but there was so little for an ambitious young girl to do! Fortunately we were not so far as to preclude occasional visits to New York for culture and shopping.

RK: You are not happy here in New Jersey?

KS: I am happiest where there is society and culture. Frankly, I would prefer London or Paris, but if we must be on this Continent, I would prefer New York; or perhaps Boston or Philadelphia. And while New Brunswick was bad, this place we are in now is just beastly! We might as well all be wearing animal skins and dancing around a fire.

RK: As you implied you currently reside in Chatham, but used to be in New Brunswick. As I understand it from your husband enemy troops are now quartered in your New Brunswick estate, and you all fled for your lives. Can you tell me more about that?

KS: Fortunes of war, I suppose. I would certainly not say I fled for my life, though. I think Daniel would have preferred to fight to the death in our front door; I don’t know how well it would have gone for me under those circumstances, so I persuaded him to remove us somewhere away from the fighting. In retrospect, perhaps I should have let him fight it out.

RK: Your husband indicated you have a happy marriage. You must feel very fortunate.

KS: [with raised eyebrows] Oh, of course. What lady would not consider herself blessed to be married to such a man?

RK: He is something of a hero, is he not?

KS: I suppose so. He is certainly committed to his cause.

RK: He has a reputation for ferocity; is there a hidden side of him at home that his troops would be surprised to see?

KS: [smiling enigmatically] At home he is like a puppy in my lap.

RK: How did you meet?

KS: My father arranged it. Daniel came from a well-to-do family with reasonable connections. It was a good match.

RK: You recently had a chance to meet a young Continental officer named Lieutenant Gideon Hawke, who is of interest to my readers. What can you tell us about him?

KS: He is such a delightful young man! He is very eager to please, which I like in men, and very handsome. He seems a bit naïve in social settings, but I have no doubt he is a fearsome on the battlefield as his reputation would suggest.

RK: Have you noted any tension between him and your husband?

KS: There is tension between everyone and my husband. I think dear Gideon is very idealistic. My husband is more pragmatic. I can see how that would lead to the occasional difference of opinion, don’t you?

RK: Quite; especially in a time like this when politics and war have torn families apart. Having been through so much, what words of wisdom would you offer to young ladies in these trying times?

KS: The same advice I offer all young ladies: “Marry a handsome man and you marry trouble.” Those are words to live by.

RK: Yes…well…I was referring to the war. Are you saying that in spite of the war everything revolves around marriage?

KS: What I am saying…and please don’t take me for a hopeless romantic…is that I am a practical woman. I would say that whom she marries is very important for determining how comfortable a young lady will be, and how many options she will have available, especially in times such as these.

RK: I see. The current war has been hard on New Jersey and its population; are you hopeful for the future?

KS: I am absolutely certain I will find a way to manage.

RK: What do you think it will take to heal the wounds left by this war?

KS: I suppose each person will have to find her own way. I will certainly find mine.

RK: Do you think America will win its independence?

KS: I have no idea. The war is not a particular concern of mine, aside from how it affects me directly. I can’t say I care one way or another about the cause.

RK: Kate, thank you very much for your time. This has been truly…informative.

KS: [Placing a hand on my arm] It has been delightful!

You can learn more about Kate Scott in Gideon Hawke #3, A Nest of Hornets!

A Nest of Hornets on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBI511Q/

Character Interview: Lieutenant Colonel “Black Dan” Scott

/ Robert Krenzel / Leave a comment

January 1777; Chatham, NJ. I recently had the opportunity to interview Lieutenant Colonel Daniel “Black Dan” Scott of the New Jersey Militia, who appears in the novel A Nest of Hornets. Below you will find my questions and his answers. (NOTE: his answers were editing to remove profanity)

Robert Krenzel: Lieutenant Colonel Scott, please tell us a little about your background.

Dan Scott: Not much to tell, really. I was born in my family home in 1749. My father was a merchant; some of the ships that called at the Landing near our home came from across the globe, so I learned a fair bit about the world that way. I didn’t care much for school; I suppose you could say I was a bit of a trouble maker. I joined the militia when I was sixteen, and naturally for someone of my upbringing and talents I soon became an officer. When the war started I played quite a role in getting the Middlesex County Militia organized, so in 1775 I was raised to lieutenant colonel.

RK: You join us having already established a fierce reputation. How did you acquire the nickname “Black Dan?”

DS: [with a grin] It’s for my black hair.

RK: I’ve been told it has more to do with your actions than your appearance.

DS: You can’t believe everything you’re told. But…I suppose it’s a black day for him when a tory finds himself my prisoner.

RK: As I understand it, your troops don’t capture many Loyalists.

DS: Capture or bring into prison? There’s a difference. We’ve captured plenty. They just tend to die of their wounds or are killed trying to escape or some such thing. Whatever the cause, they just always seem to die. [Grinning] It’s a pity, that is.

RK: I see. So…you are married, are you not?

DS: Yes, of course! To my beloved Kate! We married in 1774, and she’s the best thing that ever happened to me!

RK: How did you meet?

DS: At a gala in New Brunswick. Our fathers arranged it, but for me it was love at first sight. We were married not long afterward. She is a fine, cultured woman with impeccable taste and good connections. We lived quite a happy life. Until the [multiple expletives] British came, that is.

RK: You used to reside in New Brunswick, but now you are in Chatham. Why is that?

DS: [turning red in the face] Because a [expletive] regiment of Hessian [expletives] is quartered in my [expletive] house right now! If I’d stayed there, the [expletives] would have hung me from the nearest tree and left me for the ravens. We had no choice but to leave. Fortunately our current residence was conveniently vacated.

RK: Your current home actually belongs to a Loyalist family, does it not?

DS: Yes. And I’m caring for it a lot better than my house is being looked after, I promise you that. Besides, I doubt they’ll be coming back for it.

RK: Have you heard from the current owners?

DS: No, and I don’t care to. May they rot in hell.

RK: The current war has been hard on New Jersey and its population; are you hopeful for the future?

DS: Oh, yes! Very much so! Some doubted our prospects, but I have never waivered in my belief in the Cause. Now, after Trenton and Princeton, it is fashionable to be optimistic, but I have always believed that we would come through this war stronger and more unified.

RK: What do you think it will take to heal the wounds left by this war?

DS: Two things: First, we beat the British and their craven, beef-witted, Hessian lackeys. Then, we hunt down every [expletive] Loyalist [expletive] who darkens this land with his filthy shadow: we hang each and every one from a tree and stretch his neck but good. Once that is done, everything else should sort itself out.

RK: Lieutenant Colonel Scott, thank you very much for your time. This has been truly…informative.

DS: Any time.

You can learn more about “Black Dan” Scott in Gideon Hawke #3, A Nest of Hornets!

A Nest of Hornets on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBI511Q/

Author Interview: P. Wish

/ Robert Krenzel / Leave a comment

I recently had the opportunity to interview author and blogger P. Wish. Here are my questions with her responses:

You wrote your first “official novel” when you were seven years old; tell us how that came about.

P-minI’ve always loved to write. I used to read a lot of fantasy when I was seven. I started writing my own fantasy story in a diary. I wrote one page per day. Over time, it became a book.

On your blog you recommend aspiring writers act out what their characters experience; what has doing so done to enhance your writing? Has that led you into any awkward or memorable situations?

My characters have personalities that are very different from mine. 3colorsHowever, I always manage to find something in common between us. I use that as the starting point to impersonate the character. Then, I think, ‘what would I say in this situation?’ I think that has helped me write better dialogue.

I seem to have developed a habit of talking to myself. I talk to myself in the character’s voice. Sometimes, I do it on the street without realizing what I’m doing. That does invite a few stares.

Where do you get the inspiration for your characters?

Everywhere! I find inspiration mainly in fictional characters. Sometimes people around me influence me too.

Your books have amazing covers! What is your secret?

Thank you so much. I create them myself using Canva. I might hire a cover designer in the future but for now, I’m happy doing it myself.

Where do you turn for inspiration?

I have a habit of writing down ideas when they come to me. That has resulted in many unfinished manuscripts on my computer. When I need inspiration, I read my old work. I put a twist on it and it works. Sometimes, I use the basic idea and create a completely different story around it.

I find inspiration in movies, as well. I’m a visual person. I relate to images easily. Sometimes when I watch a good movie or read a good book, I think ‘I have to write something like that.’. That’s how it usually starts.

If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what would it be and why?

I think I would be a whale. A blue whale. I don’t know why but I’ve always thought of myself as a whale. I like whales because they’re big and mysterious.

LightDo you have any new projects in the works?

I’m currently working on a science-fiction thriller. It should be out early next year. I’m done with the first draft and am revising it. I’ll have some updates on my page soon.

Thank you for doing this interview with me. I enjoyed answering your well-researched questions.

Thank you for your answers!

 

You can learn more about P. Wish at the links below.

P. Wish interviews me:  http://www.pwish.net/blog/author-interview-robert-krenzel

Twitter username: @authorpwish

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorpwish

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PWish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PWish?gvnc=1

Blog RSS Feed: http://www.pwish.net/1/feed

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13852944.P_Wish

Link to Kindle Store (US): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WEZRM7I?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/pub/p-wish/105/347/68b

Author Interview: Justin Bienvenue

/ Robert Krenzel / Leave a comment

I recently had the opportunity to interview “The Plasmatic Writer,” Justin Bienvenue. Here is our Q&A:

On your website you mention that when you were young your friends and family said you had quite an imagination. Do any particular incidents stand out?

There are a few in my mind that stand out. I remember my mother telling me that my teacher told her I was rambling on about a story in great detail. She told my mother I had quite an imagination and if he could write down what he can tell out loud that I could be quite the storyteller. I also remember telling my mom a story in the car once about animals and super powers if my memory serves correct and she asked me where on earth I came up with such an idea. I told her I made it up the night before and I just kept thinking of stuff. Back then as a kid I’m sure I made nothing of it but now when my imagination kicks into gear I embrace and make the most of it.

Crime and horror are recurring themes in your work. To what do you attribute that dark influence?

One thing I will note is that horror and crime are two of the most popular themes in our society today when it comes to reading and watching television. I see this and I make good on it since it’s popular. As to where I get my dark side? I’d say Edgar Allan Poe for one. I always mention him or bring him up but truly it’s hard not to mention the father of gothic poetry and macabre story telling. I have read several of his works and his sinister style just reaches me in such a way that I cannot help but try my own dark tales. As for crime that I’m not really sure, I’d say given all the crime shows and psychological books that have been on over the years I’ve taken a good sure of mental notes and used them for myself. It’s always good to take mental notes when you’re a writer as you never know when inspiration will strike.

Evil Eye PDHow did you come to write your novel Opium Warfare? What drew you to that place and time?

I had the idea for Opium already in mind and I knew I wanted it to have a warfare like effect in the sense that it was used to bring down a city or group. The title itself came to me after I came across the word Guerilla Warfare and for reasons I will never know opium popped into my head to which I then added warfare to it and a title was born. I knew briefly that China was associated with opium so as I did a little research and decided to go with China as my place. I didn’t want it to be too far back but felt that the twenties would serve as the perfect time period for the book. I picked Shanghai and it wasn’t until I did research after that I found that Shanghai was known for and is still known widely for opium. It all really worked out quite well.

How would you compare/contrast writing poetry versus writing fiction?

With poetry I feel there’s freedom, feeling and expression.  With poetry you can write it in many different ways and in any way you want. You can put your feelings into it and put your emotions into it and you can express yourself in such a way that it can define you or let people know your deep and meaningful. With fiction you have to do a lot of research and you really have to go in and do your work and think what you want to write before you write it whereas poetry I myself can write on the spot. I feel poetry is more flowing and not connected compared to fiction where you have to think as to whether or not an idea you have has already been done, you have to make it your own. With poetry it is your own right from the start.

If you could visit any one place in the world you have not already been, where would it be?

Well there’s a lot of places I haven’t been but I would say Rome or Egypt. I enjoy history and I love Egyptian history and I would love to see the Coliseum in Rome. I would really enjoy taking in all the history and learning more about the culture and times and it would more than likely spark ideas for some new novels.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m focused on promoting Opium Warfare and some of my other works. I know the saying goes a writer can help promote and market by writing that next work but Opium Warfare took a lot of work and it took a bit out of me. I am going to focus on marketing the books around the holidays and I will likely have some fresh ideas ready to go for next year.

Links:

Website: http://jbienvenue.webs.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ThePlasmaticWriter
Twitter: @JustinBienvenue
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/JustinBienvenue

Opium Warfare is available on Amazon @ http://smarturl.it/OpiumWarfare
It is also available on Createspace, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Scrbid and iBook

Justin’s interview with me: http://bookblogs.ning.com/group/iat-indie-author-tactics/forum/topics/interview-with-robert-krenzel

Author Interview: Bob Gorman

/ Robert Krenzel / 2 Comments
On this page I have interviewed several people whom I know because they are authors. It is a rare privilege to be able to interview Bob Gorman, who I knew BEFORE he published his new novel, “Newsmaker.” Bob is a friend, a talented newspaper editor, a non-profit executive, a church leader, and a pillar of the community; and it turns out he has quite a talent for plot twists and character development! So here is my interview with new indie author Bob Gorman:

Bob, tell us a little about your novel, “Newsmaker.” newsmaker

“Newsmaker” is my effort to give insight in to small town politics in the South during the 1980s when two historic trends were unfolding — the rise of black political power and the rise of the Republican Party. I do that through the lens of journalism, which is my background.

What inspired you to write “Newsmaker?”

I wish I had a better answer than this: in March 1994 I moved from South Carolina to New York and my family didn’t follow until that summer after my kids were finished with the school year. I had a lot of idle time on my hands. But I also had a lot of memories in my head of a complex region of our country that defies simple explanations of what black and white means. The fact I waited 20 years to finish the last 10 percent of the book says something about my dedication to my profession, family life, church, etc. But in some ways it says something about my inability to figure out how to get a book published.

How autobiographical is your novel? Is any of you hidden in those pages?

Authors should write what they know and I certainly know small-town journalism and politics. But the editor in the novel — Ted Forrester — isn’t close to me in his personal life. On the other hand, there are certainly a lot of his world views that mirror mine. “The Constitution guarantees a free press yet it doesn’t guarantee that every town will have a great newspaper. But it should.” Ted Forrester and I both believe that.

I am always interested in how characters come to be; in Newsmaker I was especially fascinated by “Big Jimmie” Morris, the corrupt, incompetent, overweight, Harley-riding sheriff. What inspired that character?

An actual South Carolina sheriff who fit that description, up to a point. He was featured in the New York Times in September 1982 for being under legal and political attack for his alleged incompetence. But after that, there is nothing in common with that sheriff and Big Jimmie.

How would you compare and contrast publishing newspapers versus publishing your own book?

Well, in my book, I am trying to explain “truths” rather than trying to write something that is true. I have much more of an agenda in my book than I ever did with my newspapers… and that is the challenge for journalists. How do you write about what has happened and what it means without narrowing your focus so much so that you end up supporting one view over another. I am old school on this, which is why I can’t stand to watch Fox or MSNBC. I really think an informed public will ultimately — sometimes after an election or two — get it right. Beating the public over the head with a political agenda every day is nothing more than holding the public in contempt.

Shifting gears…you have two hours to spend at any location on earth, sharing conversation and the beverage of your choice with any author, living or dead. Who is the author, what is the beverage, what is the location, and why?

The easy part is Scotch and the Carolina coast. After that I would be wrestling with choosing either Stephen Ambrose or David McCullough. I guess that pretty much narrows down the kind of books I find interesting. Of course, when I read Laura Hillenbrand I then think, “OK, that’s the best writer going.” They all have the ability to look at history through its nuances and tell a greater story. And they do it in simple language. I wish I were that good. Maybe I need to ease up on the Scotch.

What’s next? Is there another novel in your future?

Yes, but I wouldn’t even start it if “Newsmaker” doesn’t strike a chord. (Spoiler alert: The best murder weapon is an icicle — just make sure it melts soon after…) I would certainly be able to crank out the story more quickly because in writing Newsmaker I learned about the discipline necessary to think through the ramifications of what one character says and does and how that affects other characters 10 and 15 chapters later.
Thanks, Bob! I look forward to finding out more about that icicle!

You can learn more about, and buy, “Newsmaker” on Amazon at: Newsmaker by Bob Gorman