Follow Here To Purchase Hunter's Escape

Author: J.C. Hager

Publisher: Greenstone Publishing

ISBN: 978-09797546-3-0

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, J.C. Hager author of Hunter's Choice, Hunter's Secret and his most recent tome, Hunter's Escape.

Good day J.C. And thanks for participating once again in our interview

Norm:

What is the one thing other people always seem to get wrong about you?

J.C.

Hard question for the first pitch! Most of my friends know me fairly well- the good and the bad. Only a few know I carry an insult or criticism longer than I should.

Norm:

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be? How would it change you?

J.C.

We need universal Christian love. If we loved one another we wouldn't need so many laws, lawyers, politicians and military. Think about what a few terrorists have done to this country and our lives. 

Norm:

What is your philosophy of writing? As a follow up, what is your creative process like when writing your novels? What happens before sitting down to write?

J.C.

I try to write what I like to read. I like a story to flow from chapter to chapter, not skip around in places, time and characters. I research 20 or 30 pages for every one that I write. I have the story in my head before I type. I work at being technically correct within the story. As an example I have tide, sun and moon charts for every day of the story. I use Google Earth to look down at the story location. The internet is a powerful aid to a writer. I interview many people for story points.

Norm:

Do you believe you have already found “your voice” or is that something one is always searching for?

J.C.

Voice is an ongoing concern. I corresponded with fellow Michigander Elmore Leonard. He typed me a personal letter of encouragement and offered a "voice" tip- suggesting I check out the works from the '50 of Richard Bissell. I found two of Bissell's novels- 7 1/2 Cents and Say Darling- Bissell wrote in the first person, I write in the third- so far. Bissell had great dialogue, a lot like Leonard- few adverbs, little "hooptedoodle" to use a Leonard word for information not useful to the story.

I'm still a rookie. I am 2/3 through Stieg Larsson's second novel-The Girl Who Played With FIre, A bestseller- but way too much pointless information and too many characters for me. I'm reading it to learn or maybe try to understaand what makes it popular. Ken Follett says to only have five or six characters- Stieg must have 20. He changes scenes and people with only a paragraph break.  I make a very clear break either with a new chapter or a little symbol when people or scenes change. But yes, I'm still searching for a better voice and better writing techniques.

Norm:

What discipline do you imposed on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc? As a follow up, what do you surround yourself with in your work area to help you concentrate?

J.C.

I write in my heated garage- with a large window looking out on our beach and Little Bay de Noc- I see deer, ducks, geese, eagles, rabbits and more.  I have background music or maybe a TV with the sound off- Usually early or late in the day is when I write. I write more in bad weather when I can't be outside.  I have several file cabinettes, many reference books, I make files on major subject areas- like, "Cuban Prisons."

Norm:

How much research went into crafting your latest novel, Hunter's Escape and where did it come from?

J.C.

Lots and lots of research. Most people can see it in the novel. My web site explains my connections with Cubans that helped form the book. I dedicated the novel to a Cuban escapee- Luis Ruiz.  I'm honored to call him a friend. He was a major inspiration for the third Hunter novel.

Norm:

Did you know the end of Hunter's Escape at the beginning?

J.C.

Yes, the Cubans would end- "foot dry ." They would be welcomed into the arms of freedom.

Norm:

What is the most favorite part of Hunter's Escape?

J.C. 

I like the two sea battles, the escape from Cuba, and the ending. I wouldn't write anything I didn't like. Tanya in prison might be my favorite part- it was hard to be a woman in a cell.

Norm:

What has been the best part about being published?

J.C

When the novels bring pleasure to people.  I've had people say they are the best books they have read- and some say they are the ONLY books thay have read completely.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about and your latest novel, Hunter's Escape?

J.C.

Follow Here - My Web site. Lots of information, internet sites, my views and backgrounds on the subjects and backgound.  There are also links to Amazon, B&N, Apple- hard copy and e-books. Pay Pal links to me, I sign the books and mail them back- it works very well.

Norm:

What is next for J.C. Hager and is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

J.C.

I want to make the next book back in the woods of the Upper Peninsula- maybe dealing with Native Americans.

Norm

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

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