Ask the Author: Russ Snyder

“I firmly believe in as much direct communication as possible with my readers, via responding to every review; good or bad, and answering as many questions as possible.” Russ Snyder

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Russ Snyder 'No Mercy Given', the third in the Sgt. Styles Assignments, and the first two installments of my 'The Jonathan Steele Adventures'; 'Black Kayak' is the debut in the series followed up by 'Relentless Pursuit' which delves into the sex trafficking world. Reviews claim how I was able to take such a horrid subject and make a captivating tale out of it.... very kind of them to say so. Thank you for your time in asking....
Russ Snyder I was deeply engrossed in watching a suspense movie on TV when there was a firm knocking on my front door. Answering it, two gentlemen dressed in black suits simply stated, "We're from the IRS." (lol)
Russ Snyder The sequel is 'Dead Water' which is available on Amazon, etc. and the third in the series, 'No Mercy Given' went to the publisher last week. If you liked TPW... you will love Dead Water.... thanks for the follow up, appreciate your time and the fact you enjoyed my story...
Russ Snyder Probably back to David Eddings 'Sparhawk Series' which consisted of six books, the original Elenium trilogy, followed by the Tamuli sequel trilogy. Though not a great fan of sci-fi, I absolutely ate those books up. Mr. Eddings writing drew me in so far that I felt I was actually there. I have tried reading other series in the same vein, but have found them severely lacking to Mr. Eddings work. When Sparkhawk's squire, Kurik, was killed in the climax of The Sapphire, I actually teared up. It was that moving.... Thank you for the time to ask your question.
Russ Snyder Interesting question indeed. Actually, the first book, 'Black Kayak', in my Jonathan Steele Series, set to debut this summer, is loosely based on my experience with my wife as an Innkeeper in coastal Maine. The location, setting, and many of the details in the story are based upon our own actual experiences. Also, the protagonists best friend and partner, George Wilson, is also my real life best friend. So part of your question has already not only been answered, but written of. Keep an eye out for the debut of Jonathan Patrick Steele in the summer of 2017, followed closely by the sequel, 'Relentless Pursuit'. The stories feature very strong humorous bantering between Jonathan and George as they "learn on the fly" how to be detectives in trying to solve what Jonathan suspects as foul play with regard to his niece's death. An announcement will be made when the release date is set. For a peek at the opening chapter/prologue of both books visit my website at: www.russellsnyderjr.com and click on books at the top, then just scroll down. Thank you.
Russ Snyder Robert B. Parker's characters, Spenser, and his girlfriend Susan. Their journey spans good times, bad times, separation, and a 'get back together' when Spenser rescues her. When Spenser almost gets killed, she gathers his 'partner', Hawk, and together take him out west to rehabilitate him. Parker is my all time favorite author and Spenser my favorite series. Everything about his writing just hits 'home' with me. Thank you.
Russ Snyder I don't worry about it. I approach writing a bit differently than most. I subscribe to the "Either it's there, or it's not there" attitude. I find I can't force myself to write. When I sit down and start, I know in 30 seconds if I'm 'in the groove' so to say. That seems to work best for me.
Russ Snyder The comments from my readers; knowing my writing has made a difference to them, particularly when a readers really 'gets it'. My storyline has some strong underlying storylines that are not always picked up. When someone does, I feel like I did a great job, at least to that reader.
Russ Snyder Never give up. It's okay to be frustrated, but don't allow yourself to get discouraged. It took me 9 long years to get my first work, The President's Weapon', published. It was worth every second. Also, look at your 'competition' and try to conceive your own 'angle' for any particular subject you may be writing about.
Russ Snyder Writing the fourth installment of the Sgt. Marvin Styles Adventures. The first three; The President's Weapon, Dead Water, and No Mercy Given have genuinely been received beyond my expectations. I've published the first two books in the Jonathan Steele Adventures; Black Kayak and Relentless Pursuit. I personally feel that Relentless Pursuit is my best 'overall' work. It runs the full circle of emotions and this book really draws the reader inside the covers. The third installment of that series will follow my current project.
Russ Snyder Hard to answer. Probably by reading my entire life, especially Robert B. Parker's 'Spenser series'. I LOVED the dialogue between Hawk and him. I love creating my own characters and placing them in scenarios.
Russ Snyder I'm trying to address what I consider, real life concerns in our fight against terrorism. I try to formulate scenarios from the terrorist's perspective.

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