What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Frontier Marshal: A Coogan Mystery (Frontier Series Book 3)?
This is the third book in the Coogan Mysteries series. I was inspired to write the series after a lifetime of watching Westerns and feeling a kinship with the West. After a thirty-two-year military career, I retired and finally had time to sit down and create the world of Danny Coogan, Darwin Montana, and the Dead Horse Indian Reservation. I would say that Craig Johnson’s books inspired me, along with the Western screenplays of Taylor Sheridan. Both form elements of my ideas on writing, but I go my own way into deep waters with my voice, and imagination.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Frontier Marshal: A Coogan Mystery (Frontier Series Book 3), what would they be?
“Song of Wyoming” by John Denver. Even though my stories happen in Montana, the song tells the story of the West. The line ‘whiskey, and tobacco, and bitter black coffee’….evokes a feeling unmistakenly Montana.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre is the Western, followed closely by Science Fiction. As I said earlier, I read Craig Johnson, CJ Box, and Tony Hillerman (the Dark Winds television show is based on his Leaphorn and Chee novel series). But I am a huge fan of Frank Herbert, with The Dosadi Experiment being a favorite.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
My pile is stacked pretty high. I have the latest Longmire novel by Craig Johnson. Making my way through the Hillerman books and rereading the Civil War series by Shelby Foote.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved writing the house fire scene and the climax, where Danny does something unexpected. Both scenes reveal the true Danny Coogan, who cannot help but put other people’s lives before his own.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My quirky habit is that when I am stuck or unsure of what direction a scene or plot should take, I get up and do some work. It could be cleaning the house, working with our dogs, mowing the lawn, or going for a run. When I disconnect from the story and let my mind wander, I stumble onto a eureka moment that results in me rushing back to the keyboard.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Saddle up and start riding, nobody else is going to do your work for you.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That duty, honor and sacrifice win out in the end, even if the cost is high sometimes.
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