Ask the Author: J.K. Brandau
Answered Questions (6)
J.K. Brandau
It is like any skill or craft. One may dabble and have fun with words. Then comes the moments when the words come together with originality to convey precisely what one thinks, feels, and to know it is right, such art is absolutely electrifying.
J.K. Brandau
"Lions of the Dan" was forty years of gathering bits and pieces and ten years of fitting the puzzle together. It was a second career interrupted by writing "Murder At Green Springs." I may occasionally write a research paper, a Bible study/exegesis, or personal account, but only something extraordinary compels me to write a book.
J.K. Brandau
As the line goes from the movie "Throw Momma from the Train," . . .A writer writes always. Before my books, I wrote monographs for my own pleasure and to share. I'd submit articles to historical societies, newsletters, magazines. Writing lab reports that were understandable to laymen definitely honed my writing skills and vice versa. I was never a think-on-my-feet type person and grew up with a severe stutter. That all help me best communicate by writing.
J.K. Brandau
Writer's block is like any other block. One can either chip away at it or let it naturally erode. The former may take months, the latter years or eons. The route depends on how much time one has. No one else had access to the resources dumped into my lap. It was write "Murder At Green Springs" or the story would be lost forever if I died. With "Lions of the Dan," the information was scattered in archives and in private collections
. Someone, someday would have eventually put those pieces together.
. Someone, someday would have eventually put those pieces together.
J.K. Brandau
Stumbling upon never-before published, covered-up, or overlooked information compelled writing both "Murder At Green Springs" and "Lions of the Dan." Such opportunities are rare. I never expected either.
J.K. Brandau
It began with interest in an ancestor 40 years ago. Interest spread to his brothers, his company, his regiment, then his entire brigade. "Lost Cause" emphasis on Pickett and Armistead totally eclipsed the deed of better men they commanded.
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