Welcome Today's Featured Author
Gerrit Steenhagen!!
Red Rider
A grieving father –
known to the reader only as Teacher – takes on a new identity after the brutal
murder of his teenaged son. Masquerading as a substitute teacher, he tracks
down the killer – a high school senior – and methodically builds a web to
entrap him. Teacher does not desire simple justice or death for the killer; he
wants the killer to endure what his son endured. But Teacher’s plan takes a
life-shattering turn when he must save his son’s former girlfriend from the clutches
of the brutal MS-13 gang.
A taut, suspenseful
thriller, Red Rider explores the
depths of revenge and the strength of human bonds.
About Gerrit Steenhagen:
I was born in San Diego, California. I wrote, produced, and directed the indie drama If Tomorrow Comes. I currently reside in Los Angeles.
My website is http://www.gerritsteenhagen.com
Interview With Gerrit Steenhagen:
1. Can you tell us a little about your book?
Red Rider is about a grieving father – known to the reader only as
Teacher – who takes on a new identity after the brutal murder of his teenaged
son. Masquerading as a substitute teacher, he tracks down the killer – a high
school senior – and methodically builds a web to entrap him. Teacher does not
desire simple justice or death for the killer; he wants the killer to endure
what his son endured. But Teacher’s plan takes a life-shattering turn when he
must save his son’s former girlfriend from the clutches of the brutal MS-13
gang.
2. What inspires you to write?
I would become envious
when a book or movie made me cry. I took that jealously as inspiration to
write. But now I am at a point where I need to write every day and inspiration
is no longer necessary. Writing has become an addiction. When I write I am able
to function. Writing relieves stress and keeps me balanced.
3. When did you know you wanted to write a book?
I was writing stories as
early as 3rd grade. In 3rd grade my teacher gave an assignment
to write a story. I ended up writing a fifteen page story called Ernie Eraser and the Chalk People. The
story was about an evil Eraser who kept erasing the Chalk People. I have been
writing off and on since then, but did not have the structure or patience that
was required. That started in college when I had to write term papers. I decided I wanted to write a book about six
years ago. I started off just writing an
hour a day then I started rearranging my schedule so I could spend more time
writing. I have tried several variations
on time spent writing and the best that worked for me is five hours. Writing
for five hours is my maximum.
4. Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I write long hand in the
early morning (about 5 a.m.) until about 8 a.m. I take an hour break to
exercise. At 10 a.m. I type what I wrote long hand. When that is finished I go
back and clean up what I typed. I take a break around 12, which usually means
falling asleep for about 30 minutes. Then I start jotting down ideas and
outlining what I am going to write tomorrow. By 2 p.m. my mind is done and I
can’t write any more.
5. Do you have a favorite food or drink you must have nearby when writing?
In the mornings, I always
write long hand on the couch in the living room. When I start typing I always
work on a laptop at the kitchen table. I
also always write long hand lying down.
6. Do you have a favorite spot to write?
Unfortunately when I write
I do not have an appetite. I am too consumed in what I am doing. I literally
have to make myself drink water. I start
feeling hungry after 2 p.m. when I know I am done writing.
7. If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
If I could have a
superpower it would be to travel back in time to watch my children grow up
again.
8. What are writing projects are you currently working on?
I am currently writing The Weatherman, a science fiction novel
about a man in police custody who claims to be the sun.
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