Tom, welcome to Hardcover Feedback! Would you tell us a little about yourself?
I am a 70 year old retired grandfather of fourteen. Barbara, my wife and best friend, and I live in southwest Missouri north of Branson. I mention Branson because most people know where it is or at least have heard of it. I have been a public speaker for 40 years and I have written nonfiction most of my adult life. Night of the Cossack is my first fiction and I hope there will be more.
What or who made the biggest influence on you wanting to become a writer?
My mother was an unpublished freelance writer. I don’t actually remember her encouraging me to read or write, but I’m sure I was influenced by her writing. I have always found it easier to express my ideas and feelings in writing, even deep prayers.
My mother was an unpublished freelance writer. I don’t actually remember her encouraging me to read or write, but I’m sure I was influenced by her writing. I have always found it easier to express my ideas and feelings in writing, even deep prayers.
What was the first book you ever wrote about and was it ever published?
My first book was a self-published nonfiction titled The Scenes Behind the Bus Ministry. At the time I was holding seminars in churches on how to establish a bus ministry. This was back in the 1970’s.
Do you have any writing habits that people might find unusual?
I don’t know about my habits being unusual, but I don’t write every day on items I hope to be published. When an idea develops in my mind, I let it grow until I feel compelled to put it on paper. Usually, at that time, I sit down at my computer, close my eyes and type without concern for errors.
Do you have a favorite character or one that is especially close to your heart?
My grandfather Nathan. He is the subject of my novel Night of the Cossack.
What is the best gift you have ever received and who gave it to you?
A gold pocket watch that belonged to an uncle. When he passed away, my aunt gave it to me.
What is something that you have always wanted to do, but just haven't gotten around to it yet?
Take a cruise to Alaska.
What is your all-time favorite book?
The Bible. After that it’s actually the four book Homelander series by Andrew Klavan.
Other than yourself, who is your favorite author?
Ha! I don’t know that I’m my favorite. At this time it’s Andrew Klavan.
If a TV show was based on your life, what would the theme song be and why?
Wow! You’re really stretching my mind, Megan. I think Flight of the Bumble Bee. Early scientists believed that the Bumble Bee should not be able to fly due to its build and short wings, but of course we know it can. I love macro photography and I’m fascinated with how intricate and beautiful God created insects. When I load images of them on my computer and examine their structure, I’m amazed at how fearfully and wonderfully they are made. The same God made me with all of the gifts and talents he wanted me to have. I feel, at times, that I shouldn’t be a published writer, but I am.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time is rare. Yes, I’m retired, but my time is spent with Barbara, my wife, family, writing, marketing my book and volunteer work. I am a movie fan and I do manage to get a few of those worked into my schedule.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl. I hate to see the day come to an end.
What is your favorite TV show and/or movie?
TV show is Castle. Movie? There are so many. The Magnificent Seven would be up there.
If you had the opportunity to go anywhere you wanted, at anytime in history, where would you go and why?
Russia during the Russian Revolution. My maternal grandmother and grandfather were from Poland and Russia respectively. I would like to see where they came from and what they had to live through that caused them to be so secretive about their family and their past.
If you were throwing a dinner party and you could invite five people (fictional or real, dead or alive) who would you invite?
Jesus, my maternal grandfather Nathan Hertzfield, Abraham Lincoln, Corrie ten Boom and Mother Teresa.
What are you currently working on?
A sequel to Night of the Cossack.
Where can people connect with you online?
Thank you so much Tom for being on Hardcover Feedback!
Thank you for having me, Megan.
About Night of the Cossack:
The author's maternal grandfather died a year before the author, Tom Blubaugh was born. Years later, the author asked family members about his grandfather and they agreed on four facts. Mr. Blubaugh wrote Night of the Cossack based on these four facts. The story is set in Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield is a compelling young man and he is faced with many life or death situations and moral dilemmas. Mr. Blubaugh does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the character. The first chapter ends with a cliffhanger and it's off to the races. Join Nathan on his suspenseful and intriguing journey. Try to picture what you would have done facing the same decisions.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Night of the Cossack:
The author's maternal grandfather died a year before the author, Tom Blubaugh was born. Years later, the author asked family members about his grandfather and they agreed on four facts. Mr. Blubaugh wrote Night of the Cossack based on these four facts. The story is set in Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. The main character, Nathan Hertzfield is a compelling young man and he is faced with many life or death situations and moral dilemmas. Mr. Blubaugh does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the character. The first chapter ends with a cliffhanger and it's off to the races. Join Nathan on his suspenseful and intriguing journey. Try to picture what you would have done facing the same decisions.
GIVEAWAY:
Tom is giving away a copy of Night of the Cossack by Tom Blubaugh. If the winner is from the United States they may choose either a pdf or a printed copy of the book. If the winner is not from the United States they will receive a pdf copy of the book.
To enter, all you have to do is complete the mandatory entry, follow this blog in at least one way and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. If you are not familiar with how to use Rafflecopter HERE is a link to a how-to video. The giveaway ends June 24h at 11:59p.m. (e.s.t.) - Good luck!
To enter, all you have to do is complete the mandatory entry, follow this blog in at least one way and then complete whichever extra entries you want in the Rafflecopter form below. If you are not familiar with how to use Rafflecopter HERE is a link to a how-to video. The giveaway ends June 24h at 11:59p.m. (e.s.t.) - Good luck!
Love your review and can't wait to read. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
ReplyDeletemisskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
This may be duplicate as I was interrupted by dog. lol
ReplyDeleteNight of the Cossack sounds like an excellent book and I would love to read. Adding to wish list.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com