I'm honored to have Tom Blubaugh visit my blog today, and to be able to learn more about him and his new book, Night of the Cossack. (Be sure to read the book excerpt at the end of this interview)Welcome, Tom!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a father of six and grandfather of fourteen living in southwest Missouri with my wife Barbara. I’m retired and should have plenty of time, but I stay pretty busy and my days get away from me. An interesting thing about being retired is Monday can come any day of the week without notice (if you know what I mean).
Tell us about your writing journey.
I started writing when I was in grade school—poetry. I stopped after high school and didn’t start until after I became a Christian—age 28. I started writing nonfiction. A lot of my writing is on one of my sites Genesis Project (don’t pay attention to the grammar please). My life has not been pretty, but the Lord has molded me. Night of the Cossack is my first fiction book. I didn’t write to be published in the beginning, but a couple of people who read my story suggested I consider publishing it. I joined a local critique group and they agreed. When the manuscript wa
s nearly finished, a friend and his wife asked me to help them develop a website for an independent publishing company they were starting. The saw the first chapter of my story on my site and read it. They asked to read the manuscript and then asked me if they could publish it. Not your usual publishing story.
Please tell us about your new book , and if it is part of a series let us know about that as well.
Both of my grandfathers died before I was born. I know very little about either of them, however, I know my maternal grandfather was a Russian Cossack soldier. This fascinated me. I had about three other pieces of information about him so I started doing some research? The information I had appeared to be accurate and I started writing. I’m working on the sequel now.
Do you have a favorite scene in your book? Would you care to share and excerpt at the end of this interview.
I haven’t really thought about this, but I suppose one of my favorites is when he proved to the company of Cossacks that he was a good marksman. Sure, I’d be happy to share it with your readers. (The excerpt is posted at the end of the interview.)
What do you like most about your main characters?
Nathan was a victim, but he became a survivor and more. He grew into a man through all the twists and turns of his life. He stayed true to his morals.
Who is your favorite author?
James Scott Bell
What do you enjoy doing when you aren't writing?
Hanging out with my wife and family; reading other Christian fiction writers; playing with my cat, Blacky; socializing with friends; playing horse shoes; and watching movies.
Where can readers buy your books?
Amazon.com; barnesandnoble.com; nightofthecossack.com
Excerpt:
Stepan wondered why he would need Nikolai. He looked toward Vasile, who smiled and winked.
Stepan winked and smiled back. Placing his rifle between his knees, he opened his hunting bag. A noise behind made him jump. Turning, he was surprised to see Ludvig along with what looked to be the entire camp walking out of the woods. His hands shook.
I’m a father of six and grandfather of fourteen living in southwest Missouri with my wife Barbara. I’m retired and should have plenty of time, but I stay pretty busy and my days get away from me. An interesting thing about being retired is Monday can come any day of the week without notice (if you know what I mean).
Tell us about your writing journey.
I started writing when I was in grade school—poetry. I stopped after high school and didn’t start until after I became a Christian—age 28. I started writing nonfiction. A lot of my writing is on one of my sites Genesis Project (don’t pay attention to the grammar please). My life has not been pretty, but the Lord has molded me. Night of the Cossack is my first fiction book. I didn’t write to be published in the beginning, but a couple of people who read my story suggested I consider publishing it. I joined a local critique group and they agreed. When the manuscript wa
s nearly finished, a friend and his wife asked me to help them develop a website for an independent publishing company they were starting. The saw the first chapter of my story on my site and read it. They asked to read the manuscript and then asked me if they could publish it. Not your usual publishing story.Please tell us about your new book , and if it is part of a series let us know about that as well.
Both of my grandfathers died before I was born. I know very little about either of them, however, I know my maternal grandfather was a Russian Cossack soldier. This fascinated me. I had about three other pieces of information about him so I started doing some research? The information I had appeared to be accurate and I started writing. I’m working on the sequel now.
Do you have a favorite scene in your book? Would you care to share and excerpt at the end of this interview.
I haven’t really thought about this, but I suppose one of my favorites is when he proved to the company of Cossacks that he was a good marksman. Sure, I’d be happy to share it with your readers. (The excerpt is posted at the end of the interview.)
What do you like most about your main characters?
Nathan was a victim, but he became a survivor and more. He grew into a man through all the twists and turns of his life. He stayed true to his morals.
Who is your favorite author?
James Scott Bell
What do you enjoy doing when you aren't writing?
Hanging out with my wife and family; reading other Christian fiction writers; playing with my cat, Blacky; socializing with friends; playing horse shoes; and watching movies.
Where can readers buy your books?
Amazon.com; barnesandnoble.com; nightofthecossack.com
Excerpt:
Stepan wondered why he would need Nikolai. He looked toward Vasile, who smiled and winked.
Stepan winked and smiled back. Placing his rifle between his knees, he opened his hunting bag. A noise behind made him jump. Turning, he was surprised to see Ludvig along with what looked to be the entire camp walking out of the woods. His hands shook.
Vasile stepped close to Stepan. “Don’t worry. You’ve shot in front of an audience many times. Pretend you’re back in the village.”
Stepan relaxed. Closing his eyes he imagined he was back in Gagra. All his friends were there. Smiling to himself, he turned his attention back to his rifle. It was unloaded and working properly. Pulling the hammer back halfway, he examined the nipple. Clean. Wiping his forehead, he checked the wind. He poured some powder into his hand. Dry. Using a brass measure, he scooped it up, transferring it to the barrel. He pulled a cloth patch from his pouch, placed it over the end of the barrel, and put a lead ball on it. He trimmed the excess cloth and rammed the patch and ball down the barrel. The mark on the ramrod showed they were solidly placed.
“How’re you feeling?” asked Vasile.
“A little nervous.”
“You can do this. You’ve made more difficult shots.”
“I know, but it’s not the same.” A bead of sweat rolled down his nose and dripped onto his hand.
“You won’t miss. Now focus on our village.”
Stepan turned his thoughts back to the village.
Kirill returned. “It’s on a boulder, about a meter off the ground.” He pointed.
Stepan followed Krill’s finger and saw his target.
Nikolai stepped close to Stepan. “This is the moment of truth, little man. Are you ready to show us what a marksman you are?”
Stepan nodded. He tilted his head back. Closing his eyes, he felt the sun. The breeze cooled his face. He drew three deep breaths. Relax. The water lapped the shore, the birds sang, and the branches rustled. There were no other sounds. Slowly opening his eyes, he let them find his target.
He reached in his bag. His fingers found a percussion cap. He fixed the cap on the nipple. A young White Birch tree grew to his right. He placed the barrel in a fork of the tree that was chin high. He positioned the barrel, balanced the gun, and set the butt of the rifle against his right shoulder. He settled his feet and dug the soles of his boots into the dirt. He looked again to find his target. Slowly, he cocked the hammer. Closing his eyes, he whispered, “God, help me.”
He took a deep breath, looked down the long barrel across the sight, and found his mark. His right eye focused on the bottle. The barrel moved slightly above and to the right of the object. Closing his left eye, he checked the sight. He took a deep breath, held it, and slowly squeezed the trigger.
He took a deep breath, looked down the long barrel across the sight, and found his mark. His right eye focused on the bottle. The barrel moved slightly above and to the right of the object. Closing his left eye, he checked the sight. He took a deep breath, held it, and slowly squeezed the trigger.
The gun roared, the bottle disintegrated, and the men’s cheers filled the air.
“Thank you, God,” he whispered.
He brought the rifle to half cock, removed what was left of the cap, and blew through the vent of the nipple. Then he wiped down the barrel. Looking at Vasile, he smiled. Nikolai stepped forward and slapped him on the back.
“Not bad,” said Nikolai. Shaking his head, he repeated, “Not bad.”
***
For more about Tom please visit:
or check out his facebook page
Just purchased Night of the Cossack for my Kindle. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
Richies,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the purchas. If your enjoy it, I'd appreciate a review on Amazon.com.
Blessings,
Tom Blubaugh
Night of the Cossack
Shawna,
ReplyDeleteThanks for interviewing me. I greatly appreciate you.
Blessings,
Tom Blubaugh
Night of the Cossack
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