Publishing is tough and monetary success is tougher. Because of this, it is vital that you tell the story you would want to read. If you wouldn’t want to read it, no one else will.
Robert Barlow Jr – 22 March 2018
The Back Flap
To save his presidency and assure re-election, an arrogant, power-hungry president must end his illegal connections with a terrorist leader before that leader follows through on his threat to make public their relationship. Gunnery Sergeant Zach Hinson and Sergeant First Class Jason Jones, sniper team D.O.G., are ordered to assassinate the terrorist leader, but for the president, it is not enough.
Fearful the sniper team will let slip their involvement, the president agrees to the mission to kill the terrorist leader on the condition the two snipers do not return home alive. But, his effort to save his presidency becomes a war when it is learned the man with whom he has dealt with to kill team D.O.G. has failed to act on his agreement.
About the book
What is the book about?
A terrorist leader has threatened to make public his illegal relationship with an arrogant, power-hungry president. Fearful of the public backlash, the president orders the terrorist killed, and sniper team D.O.G, Zach Hinson and Jason Jones, is assigned the mission. But, Zach and J.J. are not aware the president agreed to the mission with one condition, and that he has colluded with another terrorist to complete the unthinkable. When the president’s plan fails, his own mission to save his presidency begins.
When did you start writing the book?
Writing began around 2010, but not being a fulltime writer, completion was delayed due to my day job.
How long did it take you to write it?
The first draft was developed quickly. But, as is the case with my books, my day job slowed rewrites and completion of the final story.
Where did you get the idea from?
Sniper team D.O.G. (the military phonetic Delta Oscar Golf) became a realization following a conversation with a friend, my personal disdain for the power-hungry, elected officials (Notice I do not call them leaders.) residing in Washington, D.C, and the illegal activities with which some are involved and not held to account.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Only the rewrites, but that was due to lack of time.
What came easily?
The entire story was easily developed. Even the details that complete the story seemed to fall into place.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
The characters are fictitious. However, Zach is written as a descendant of Civil War sniper, Jack Hinson, who took up arms against the Union.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I once read a good deal, both fiction and non-fiction, but I once had more time. In recent years, I’ve either worked 12 and 13-hour days, or attended school at night as part of my career change. Both took away my free time, as well as my reading time. Today, I read only my rewrites.
I’ve not been influenced by any authors, and I’ve not written a specific genre. D.O.G.: Executive Order might be considered suspense, but Time Passed reads like a non-fiction memoir.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I don’t outline my stories. When an idea for a plot comes to mind, I start typing and develop the story around it. I tend to begin rewriting as I write. This allows me to ensure I’ve left no plot holes, to add detail and to think ahead for ways to improve it.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go until the manuscript is complete. Upon completion, I rewrite and rewrite. It’s a bit frustrating when, during the rewrite, I must delete a part of the story I really like, but to keep the story flowing and eliminate plot holes, this is sometimes necessary.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Professional editing is important. Unfortunately, I have no budget for it, so I rewrite and rewrite. Friends and family often help with editing, and they are helpful.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I love music. Without it I believe I’d go crazy. However, no music plays when I write. I do not want the distraction.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I sought agency representation, but none I contacted were interested. Writing and publishing is a tough business, and I believe securing agency representation is even tougher. Still, with today’s technology and available options, indie publishing makes telling our stories possible.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?
My goal was agency representation, but when that didn’t work out, I opted to self-publish.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The layout of D.O.G. and the Executive Order paper was my idea, but the cover was created by a professional, who did an exceptional job. I don’t have the talents necessary to create images for a quality cover.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’ve read on marketing indie books and have implemented all I could. I’ve sought reviews, had a giveaway and done all I know on social media. I am hoping this interview will also help spread the word.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Publishing is tough and monetary success is tougher. Because of this, it is vital that you tell the story you would want to read. If you wouldn’t want to read it, no one else will.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Queens, N.Y., the son of a Marine. When I started first grade, dad left the Marines, and my parents moved back to the area of western Kentucky in which they grew up. I lived there until I completed college.
Where do you live now?
When I graduated from college, my career path brought me to middle Tennessee, where I’ve lived ever since. I prefer not to live in Nashville but am glad to live next door. I live in a little bedroom community called Ridgetop, which is a skip and a hop from Nashville. The truth is, I go to Nashville mainly for Predators games. I’m an avid hockey fan, and the Preds are my team.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love America and American history and am forever grateful for the sacrifices of our founders. Without their efforts and genius, I shudder to think the kind of country in which I would have grown up. I only wish Americans that don’t truly understand the disaster that would have been our fate without the founders felt as I.
As a part of this love, I wore our nation’s uniform for 27 years; 20 in the Army National Guard and 7 in the U.S. Army Reserves. In doing so, I served with some of our country’s finest. I am so thankful that America’s military isn’t spat upon as it was when so many returned from Vietnam. Those who returned did not deserve what they experienced. They were sent to Vietnam by their country. They weren’t sent there because they longed to kill.
What are you working on now?
I have two books in the works, but that work has been put on hold. One is a historical fiction set in the 19th century in the territory that will eventually become Wyoming. The other is a supernatural story that will be competed after the historical fiction story.
End of Interview:
Get your copy of D.O.G.: Executive Order from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
