Tom Blubaugh, The Night of the Cossack, plus Giveaway

Today's guest, Tom Blubaugh, is offering a print copy of his book to a commenter from the US or an electronic copy to a commenter outside the US.  Be sure to leave your contact information so Tom can contact you if you're the lucky winner.

AUTHOR:   Tom Blubaugh                 

BOOK TITLE:  The Night of the Cossack                 

PUBLISHER:  Bound by Faith Publishers

BUY LINK:  http://tomblubaugh.com signed copy w/FREE shipping to USA address.

GIVEAWAY?: Yes—paperback within USA or PDF formatted copy outside.

Tell me a little about your book.

A young man in Georgia, Russia is kidnapped by a Cossack soldier. Needless his life changes dramatically.  The story is about his trying to adapt to his new life and his emotions.

What gave you the idea for this particular story?

Both of my grandfathers died before I was born. I know very little about either of them. I did know my mother’s father was a Cossack soldier from Russia. This captured my imagination.

Are you a full-time writer or part-time, and how do you organize your writing time?

If you are asking if  my writing supplies me with a full time income, the answer would be no. However, I am retired and I spend most of my time writing articles, blogging, writing stories, etc. In this sense I’m full-time. Organizing my writing time is not always easy in regard to my novel writing. I spend a considerable amount of time marketing. I try to get in two to three hours of writing beyond the blog interviews and articles.

When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing poetry when I was about fourteen. Mostly poems to girls because I was shy. This was in 1956 and rock and roll was coming onto the scene. I thought some of my poems might be converted to song lyrics, but that didn’t happen. I didn’t write much for the next ten years. I then started writing nonfiction for denominational and business magazines. When I had some articles published I considered myself to be a writer.

What do you hope readers will take from your writing?

Since I’m writing about my grandfather at this time and I’m dealing with how little information about my heritage has been passed down to me—I hope my readers will consider their own heritage and get their ancestors stories before they’re gone.

Which genres do you write, which do you prefer, and why?

At this time I’m writing historical fiction. I didn’t like history as a child, but after researching Russian and European history for my novel, I’m fascinated.

What is the toughest part about being a writer and how do you get past it?

The toughest part that actually has to do with writing is ‘show don’t tell.’  I didn’t have to deal with this when writing nonfiction. My critique group is my best tool for getting past this.  The toughest part that’s not attached to writing in marketing my book and making a name for myself.

Is there anything in your story based upon a real life event? If so, tell me about it.

Part of the story takes place in the early 20^th century in Russia during the industrial revolution. Workers were trying to unionize and the czar sent his troops to stop them on what is known as “Bloody Sunday.” The writing about the Cossack soldiers is real. There is a lot of history in my novel, but the only character that is real is the protagonist, my grandfather.

How much is your protagonist like you? How different?

He is a lot like me since I have, for the most part, created him.  I’m not a horseman or a hunter.

What kind of research did you do for this type of story?

I did a lot of online research about Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Italy and France. I studied maps from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I researched the industrial revolution to determine what inventions were available. It took five years to write this novel because of the research.

Do writing violent or highly sexual scenes bother you? Why or why not?

They would so I don’t write them. First, I am a Christian; second, I was sexually molested when I was twelve.

What about your book makes it special?

It’s special to me because it’s about my grandfather. It’s special because a retired teacher asked to write a ten day lesson plan for it.  It amazed me what she pulled from the book in math, social studies, science, language arts and moral dilemmas.

What is your marketing plan?

I'm heavily involved in social marketing on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN and Pinterest. I have a blog and swap interviews and blog posts. I speak to homeschool, public school, library, writing and other groups. I also have done radio interviews.

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

On my website http://tomblubaugh.com .

Any tips for new writers hoping to write in the genre of your book?

Interview your grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles and be amazed at the stories they can tell you. If this isn’t possible, interview the elderly in your community, visit homeless shelters—there a interesting stories every where.

What’s in the future for you?

I’m writing a sequel to Night of the Cossack. I think there will be at least two more novels. I have a very creative marketing mind after spending most of my life being in business for myself.

SYNOPSIS:

Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure by Tom Blubaugh about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield faces many life or death situations during his saga.

Join Nathan on his exhilarating journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss the adventure and suspense in the riveting story, Night of the Cossack.

BIO:

Tom Blubaugh was raised in a small town in southeast KS. He began writing poetry at age fourteen. Tom has written nonfiction writer most of his adult life. He self-published his first book Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry in 1974.  Tom wrote articles for denominational and business magazines  from 1975 through 1995. He co-wrote The Great Adventure for Barbour Publishing Co. in 2009. Bound by Faith Publishers published his first fiction Night of the Cossack in April, 2011. Tom is married to Barbara. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Both are retired. Tom has been public speaker for 40 years. He was a self-employed entrepreneur  from1973 to 1995. Tom retired in 2004 and has devoted most of his time to writing and volunteer work.