Here is the cover for A Constant Thunder!
Storms, and thunder in particular, appear both literally and metaphorically through this novel. I think the cover points the reader towards the final storms Gideon and his mates must pass through in order to reap the fruits of victory.
Writing is fun. Editing is not.
A critical part of my writing process is reading through the manuscript several times and making edits. I go through it once on the computer making corrections. Then I print it and read it through, marking it up as I go—then I plug in those corrections. It is amazing how much more I catch in print!
The next, and probably biggest step, is sending it off to my editor. I am pleased to report that A Constant Thunder is on its way! Ashlee will be repeating the phenomenal work she did on Times That Try Men’s Souls and A Nest of Hornets.
Ashlee has accepted a position with a publisher, so she will no longer be doing independent editing work. I am delighted for her, but I quail at the thought of finding another editor, especially since I have already written a few snippets of Gideon Hawke #5!
The Breymann Redoubt at the Saratoga Battlefield; scene of the climax in A Constant Thunder.
That, however, is in the future. For now, A Constant Thunder just took a giant leap forward toward publication, and my excitement is growing!
A Constant Thunder page: https://robertkrenzel.com/gideon-hawke-4/
Robert Krenzel Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor/
Gideon Hawke Novels Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/GideonHawkeNovels/
A Nest of Hornets was just selected for the 2017 Kansas Notable Book Award!
Every year the Kansas State Library selects fifteen books which “highlight Kansas people, places, and events” as Kansas Notable Books.
As a Kansas-based author I submitted A Nest of Hornets, and I literally had a jaw-dropping moment a few days ago when I received the notification that it was selected!
The awardees will be recognized at the 2017 Kansas Book Festival on September 9th, 2017 at the State Capitol in Topeka. I have been invited to be one of the presenting authors at the Festival, which needless to say is a tremendous honor! In addition to speaking about A Nest of Hornets, I will do a book signing, have the opportunity to meet some amazing authors and readers, will likely pick up a great book or three, and will definitely partake of the fare offered by some of the many food vendors!
Many thanks to my family, friends, readers, and fellow authors who encouraged me and made this honor possible!
Now, I feel as though I need to step up my game! Given the success of the Gideon Hake Series thus far, I must ensure that Gideon Hawke #4, A Constant Thunder, does not disappoint!
2017 Kansas Notable Book Awardees: https://kslib.info/1318/2017-Notable-Books.
2017 Kansas Book Festival: http://www.kansasbookfestival.com/
Robert Krenzel Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor
Gideon Hawke Novels Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GideonHawkeNovels/
As I strive to complete the first draft of Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder, I am also preparing to visit a few sites to do research for Gideon Hawke #5.
The fifth novel in the Gideon Hawke Series will be set in the first half of 1778. While 1777 was a year of decision, with the fate of the Revolution hanging in the balance, 1778 was a year of rebirth: the Continental Army endured a terrible trial at Valley Forge, but used the time to turn itself into a competent fighting force, finally capable of meeting the British on equal terms. At Monmouth this training would be put to the test as the Continentals went toe-to-toe with the British and exchanged volleys with some of the best troops the Crown could put in the field. While tactically indecisive, at the end of the day the British quit the field. More importantly, after Monmouth both sides well understood that the Continental Army had finally come into its own.
From a strategic perspective 1778 marked a transition in the American War for Independence. No longer would the British attempt to draw Washington into a pitched battle in the Northern States: no longer was a British victory in such a battle assured. Once French troops began arriving in the Americas, the British were at a decided disadvantage. So, they would hunker down in New York, and the focus of the fighting would shift to the south. The British would find some success in the Carolinas, but these were local victories that would not change the strategic balance. Moreover, they were offset by a few incredible American victories. After Monmouth, British prospects would become increasingly bleak.
Before all that could happen though, there would be blood, sweat, and tears; Gideon Hawke will be right in the middle of the action.
So, soon I will be packing up the map case that served me so well in the Army. This time in addition to a compass, binoculars, notebook, pens, and markers, and my map board, it will include maps of Monmouth and Valley Forge. Once again I will walk upon hallowed ground, and try to capture the spirit of the ill-equipped, poorly clothed, determined men and women who made a Nation.
Check for the latest updates on Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder.
Robert Krenzel Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor
Gideon Hawke Novels Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GideonHawkeNovels/
Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder is creeping closer to being a reality!
The other novels in the Gideon Hawke Series have come in at 65,000 to 71,000 words. A Constant Thunder is now at 55,000; more importantly, I only have a few chapters left to write!
The story is coming together nicely. The summer of 1777 is a time of great challenge and change for Gideon Hawke and Ruth Munroe. At the same time the fledgling United States is facing the greatest threat yet to its existence, Gideon and Ruth’s relationship is going through a profound change. They will each face dangers and trials, and will each learn a great deal about themselves and each other.
Each of the Gideon Hawke novels has a unique feel. A Constant Thunder most certainly feels like a journey: a journey of adventure, change, growth, and exploration. At the end, Gideon and Ruth will be older and wiser, and they have learned a bit more about what it means to be themselves, and what it means to be Americans.
Now…back to writing!
Check for the latest updates on Gideon Hawke #4: A Constant Thunder.
Robert Krenzel Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor
Gideon Hawke Novels Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GideonHawkeNovels/
Time. That’s the killer!
If I could plug a USB cable into my head, I could probably download A Constant Thunder in its entirety. Unfortunately that is not how it works! (Actually, I’m pretty glad it doesn’t work that way. Who knows what weirdness might spill out of my head!)
In my mind’s eye I can see pretty much all of Gideon Hawke #4. The march north from New Jersey, the water journey up the Hudson, Gideon’s first encounter with his native American enemies (OK, I wrote that part already), the skirmishing in the primeval forests, the savage fighting at Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights, etc. But it is so hard to scrape together the time to commit it all to digits! And all the while, my self-imposed deadline races closer and closer.
And you run and you run to catch up with the sun but it’s sinking / Racing around to come up behind you again.*
I know that somehow it will get done. It always does.
I am incredibly excited about this novel, even more so than the first three. Maybe it is because of how the Saratoga Battlefield spoke to me—unlike Boston, the Raritan Crossing, Trenton, or Princeton it has not been developed. Certainly it has changed dramatically in nearly 240 years, but at Saratoga you can peer out from behind a tree and almost see the red coats and gleaming muskets emerging from the Great Ravine. I so want to get this novel written!
Besides that, I have another problem: A Constant Thunder is jostling for room in my head with Gideon Hawke #5 and #6! Yes, in large part I already have them roughly outlined in my head, and I have some brilliant ideas for individual scenes. I have more research to do for each, but before long they will be ready for USB download as well! So much writing to do! So little time! Will I get it all done?
Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time / Plans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled lines*
No. I will not fail. I will bring these novels to life! If nothing else I owe to the characters who live in my head, and to my small but wonderful group of loyal readers!
So…enough blogging. Pink Floyd and I need to get back to writing historical fiction. Until next week!
Robert Krenzel Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor
Gideon Hawke Novels Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GideonHawkeNovels/
* Props to Roger Waters for the lyrics from Time: Poetry at its finest.
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/
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/
As I waited to receive the proof copy of A Nest of Hornets I found myself inevitably drawn to working on Gideon Hawke #4, A Constant Thunder. I have already written several scenes, or at least the shells of those scenes, but I still have a lot of work to do on sketching out the flow of the novel. I had identified the chapters and was trying to flesh one of those chapters out when inspiration struck with a glance at a map.
It is no secret that Gideon Hawke will find himself in Daniel Morgan’s Provisional Rifle Corps, and thus will move north to confront Burgoyne’s “Canadian Army” in late summer of 1777. I had intended to focus one chapter on the movement north. I had a sketchy idea that there were boats involved at some point in that undertaking, but I had not yet tried to envision how that journey looked. So, last week I sat down to try to sort out how Morgan’s Rifle Corps got to the Albany area.
I knew the destination, so the next step was to identify the starting point. In poking around I discovered that Morgan’s headquarters was in the Hackensack, New Jersey area around the time Washington ordered Morgan to join the Northern Department. Having start and end points, I looked at the map and was hit with a blinding flash of the obvious: Hackensack and Albany both lay along the Hudson River. Given the primitive condition of the American road network in the 1770s, the fastest, cheapest, and easiest was to get five hundred men and assorted family members the roughly 130+ miles between these two points would have been to move straight up the Hudson.
The watercraft of choice in late Eighteenth Century America was the bateau: a flat-bottomed, shallow-draft vessel ranging in length from under twenty to over eighty feet in length. These craft carried both passengers and cargo, could maneuver in shallow water, and were relatively easy to transport overland. They could be propelled by sail, pole, or oar, and were critical to commerce and transportation in Colonial and Revolutionary America.
Before this I had never paid much attention to the lowly bateau, even though it features prominently in any discussion of the Saratoga Campaign. But now I find myself rearranging A Constant Thunder to include several chapters describing a bateau journey upstream. Not only will this be a great way to highlight a little understood aspect of life in Revolutionary America, but it will also serve as a metaphor on several levels. Without giving too much away, I am thinking about questions like: Who is in that boat with Gideon? What challenges does such a journey present? What other challenges might Gideon and his fellow characters face? What other life journeys might Gideon be on? What awaits at the end of the journey? What goes through a young man’s mind as he sails (or rows) day after day? Is this journey a trial, a quest, or both?
Writing historical fiction can be full of surprises. Occasionally a seemingly inconsequential bit of research can turn your story on its head. In this case, a glance at a map opened up an entirely new adventure.
Robert Krenzel Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RobertKrenzelAuthor
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At long last I am holding a proof copy of A Nest of Hornets!
After months of researching, writing, rewriting, editing, rewriting some more, and even designing the cover, what was once an idea has become something tangible: a novel.
The next steps? Check, check, and check again! I have a trusted agent (my father-in-law) going through it page-be-page. I also had Ben, my incredible graphic artist, take a look and approve the print quality of his beautiful maps.
Next I get to read my own book, cover to cover: ultimately it is up to me to decide what must be fixed. Does the cover look right? (I love it!) Did I get the width of the spine correct? (No…not quite. I will have to adjust that) Is the interior the way I envisioned? (So far) Does the “cream” colored paper really go easier on the eye and remind the reader of bygone days? (Yes, I think so) Are there typos? (Still checking)
I already found one minor issue, and I am certain I will find a few more things. Hopefully they will be all be quick fixes, and A Nest of Hornets will be available in time to be an excellent stocking stuffer! (Which reminds me…I have to check and make sure the 6” x 9” trim size really does fit in a stocking!)
In the meantime: Happy Thanksgiving!
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Robert Krenzel 