www.lewiscrowauthor.com
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
I may take a brief break and jot down some things on the new idea, but I like to finish what I've started before beginning a completely new project.
Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?
I try to outline the entire story, including all major plot points, before I start writing. I need to know where I'm going.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Alastair MacLean.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?
Getting the story on paper to exactly match the story in my head. Also, for everything to come across as authentic and plausible, even if it's not actually possible in real life.
Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I think I share the main character's inquisitive nature and need for credible answers/closure.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
"All the Presidents Men" meets "The Hunt for Red October"
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
To ask themselves how they feel about issues like government secrecy, truth, and honesty. To be okay with the ambiguity of history, but always try for closure.
To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
The second story arc climax in "The Lone Captain." I had to kill a character I was so enamored with. It broke my writer's heart, but I knew it had to happen that way.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Listen to music. I'm a big 70s and 80s rock fan.
Was there anything you had to research for the book?
The loss of the USS Scorpion, which was the inspiration for the story, has fascinated me since I was a child. I did a lot of research into it before writing the novel.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
I chose everything from the font to the illustration elements. I wanted them to reflect bits of the story in an artistic and symbolic way.
What can we anticipate from you moving forward?
I've got a slightly futuristic novella almost done, and I've begun writing a sequel to "A Cold and Secret Death," something which was not originally planned.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I've wanted to write since I was a kid. Along the way I wanted to be an astronaut or a famous DJ.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Believe it or not, about 36-37 years. I did the first draft circa 1987/88, but I didn't start revising it until 2023.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
No. I used to, but I found I got too distracted. I try to write in silence or with some white noise to drown out what else is going on in the house.
What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Model building, listening to music, LEGO.
www.lewiscrowauthor.com
When you're working on a book and a new idea pops up, should you pursue it immediately (also known as 'UP syndrome') or finish your current project first? What do you think is the best course of action?
I may take a brief break and jot down some things on the new idea, but I like to finish what I've started before beginning a completely new project.
Can you explain your writing process? Do you prefer to create an outline and plan beforehand, or do you prefer to write more spontaneously and organically?
I try to outline the entire story, including all major plot points, before I start writing. I need to know where I'm going.
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Tom Clancy, Clive Cussler, Alastair MacLean.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing in [genre]?
Getting the story on paper to exactly match the story in my head. Also, for everything to come across as authentic and plausible, even if it's not actually possible in real life.
Do you identify with your main character or did you create a character that is your opposite?
I think I share the main character's inquisitive nature and need for credible answers/closure.
Describe the [book/series] in 10 words or less for people who are just learning about it.
"All the Presidents Men" meets "The Hunt for Red October"
Would you like readers to have any specific takeaway from your book?
To ask themselves how they feel about issues like government secrecy, truth, and honesty. To be okay with the ambiguity of history, but always try for closure.
To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
The second story arc climax in "The Lone Captain." I had to kill a character I was so enamored with. It broke my writer's heart, but I knew it had to happen that way.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Listen to music. I'm a big 70s and 80s rock fan.
Was there anything you had to research for the book?
The loss of the USS Scorpion, which was the inspiration for the story, has fascinated me since I was a child. I did a lot of research into it before writing the novel.
Did you have any say in the cover design?
I chose everything from the font to the illustration elements. I wanted them to reflect bits of the story in an artistic and symbolic way.
What can we anticipate from you moving forward?
I've got a slightly futuristic novella almost done, and I've begun writing a sequel to "A Cold and Secret Death," something which was not originally planned.
Did you always want to be an author? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I've wanted to write since I was a kid. Along the way I wanted to be an astronaut or a famous DJ.
How long did it take you to write this book?
Believe it or not, about 36-37 years. I did the first draft circa 1987/88, but I didn't start revising it until 2023.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what kind of music do you like to listen to?
No. I used to, but I found I got too distracted. I try to write in silence or with some white noise to drown out what else is going on in the house.
What other hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Model building, listening to music, LEGO.