Ask the Author: Tom Young
Answered Questions (12)
Tom Young
My grandfather served with the Eighth Air Force during World War II. I grew up hearing his stories from the war, and I was captivated. His unit, the 94th Bomb Group, endured some of the toughest air combat over Europe. My own military service also helped inspire my latest novel, SILVER WINGS, IRON CROSS. Aircrews in harm's way form bonds that last a lifetime.
Tom Young
Hi, Samuel. Many thanks for the support; I'm delighted that you enjoyed reading Sand and Fire. The inspiration for the Chartier character was one of my favorite writers--Antoine de St. Exupery. He was a French aviator and author who wrote classics such as Wind, Sand, and Stars. Sadly, he was killed while on a recon flight during World War II. If he had lived during the present day, I think he would have been much like Chartier.
Tom Young
Hi, Naomi. Many thanks for asking. Not sure if there will be more Parson and Gold books, though I'd never say never. But I've just finished something different. It's a historical novel set in WWII. Will keep you posted. All the best….
Tom Young
Winston Churchill's history of the Second World War. (Wish me luck. It's six volumes.)
Tom Young
You bet. In my novel "Sand and Fire," which was released in paperback this year, Gunny Blount takes center stage. I'm glad you like that character, because I do, too. As you know, he started as a minor character in my third novel, "The Renegades." But I got so much positive reader response about him, and because I enjoyed writing him so much, I decided to give him a star turn in his own novel.
Tom Young
Hi, John. Thanks for asking. Actually, Trash Hauler's Ball probably won't come out in Kindle. That's a novel I self-published several years ago.
Tom Young
Great question; thanks for asking. To tell you the truth, I never started with a goal for a certain number of books. When I wrote the first in the series, "The Mullah's Storm," I really didn't think beyond that book. Same with each following book. At the moment, Parson and Gold are standing by and waiting for orders. Right now I'm working on a historical novel set in WWII.
Tom Young
Many thanks, Dan. I certainly appreciate that! Will let you know when I'm in Florida again. All the best….
Tom Young
At the moment, I'm finishing The Hunters, the latest Parson and Gold adventure, which comes to bookstores in July 2015.
Tom Young
Hi, James! Thanks for the question. Apart from Parson and Gold, my favorite character to write has been Gunnery Sergeant Blount. He started as a minor character in my third novel, The Renegades. But I enjoyed writing him so much that I gave him a star turn in his own novel, Sand and Fire. Blount and I share a Carolina farm background, so it's easy for me to write flashback scenes from Blount's childhood.
Tom Young
Every day I tell myself I have to write at least one page. Even on a bad day, you can push through to get one page. That keeps your momentum going, and if you do that every day for a year, you wind up with a book-length manuscript. Just don't let writer's block happen. Wrestle it to the ground and stomp on it!
Tom Young
Read and write as often as you can. Like any other skill, your writing gets better with practice. Also, attend as many writers' conferences and workshops as your schedule and wallet will allow. In the workshops, you'll continue to hone your skills, and in the conferences you'll network with people who can help you.
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Apr 25, 2020 07:31AM
Apr 25, 2020 09:13AM