Interview Questions for Carl Nelson, author of "Madam President and the Admiral"
Q&A with Carl Nelson, author of “Madam President and the Admiral”
Q: What drew you to writing in the military thriller genre?
A: It seemed natural to me, because I had a 33-year career in the Navy. As a career senior naval officer, I have Washington D.C. experience as well as tactical and strategic war experience.
Q: Where did you get the idea for Madam President and the Admiral_ and why did you chose a women to play the President of the Unite States in your novel?
A: This is a sequel to my earlier novel, Secret Players where the lead character of Madam President is a well-drawn, natural carry-over.
Q: You’ve been retired from the military for a while and the world changes quickly. Did you need to do any additional research for your novel and if so, how did you go about doing that research?
A: I am familiar with war fighting, but in those instances where I needed help, I went to the Internet and also talked to friends.
Q: How many books have you written? Are any previous novels still in print and if so, what are the titles?
A: I have written 15 books of which only 11 have been published. Of my three novels, all three are still in print and can be purchased from New Century Press. The first was The Advisor (Co-van,) a Vietnam War novel based on my experiences during four tours of duty. The second is Secret Players, an international thriller.
Q: Your publisher is New Century Press. How did you find them? What drew you to choosing New Century over other organizations?
A: I had a very satisfying earlier experience.
Q: Is any part of your novel autobiographical? If so, are you able to share an example with our readers?
A: I can’t think of any instance that this book is autobiographical except some of the locations.
Q: There are many thrillers in bookstores. What do you think sets your book apart from the others?
A: This book is set in the future, a woman president facing World War III sends her Admiral lover to war with China. It is also a love story wrapped in war that crosses genre boundaries, taking the reader to scenes of fierce combat as well as personal and political tragedy on the home front. It is for women and men of any age – those who more easily accept change in American life and are interested in the conduct of a woman president under stress.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to aspiring authors?
A: Get words on paper every day. Keep at it!
Q: Are you working on another book? If so, could you tell us a bit about it and when do you think it will be available for purchase?
A: Yes. I am working on a memoir about a Christian missionary who influenced me when I was 12 years old. Not for purchase for at least another year.
Q: You’ve published Madam President and the Admiral working in conjunction with the experts at New Century Press. Could you give our readers some of the pros and cons of this avenue of publishing where you pay for the costs and they do the distribution?
A: No, I have not published this book by myself. I have had a lot of help from this publisher. In the past I have self-published and found the process risk-taking but stimulating.
Q: Madam President and the Admiral is a sequel to Secret Players. Are they stand- alone books or is it preferable to read Secret Players first?
A: Yes, these books are stand alone, but it is always fun to read them both.
Q: Do you find it helpful, as an author, to have a website for book promotion? If so, why?
A: Yes, I have a website that helps bring new readers to the author’s work. http://www.Carl-A-Nelson.com
Q: What are three of your best book promotional ideas?
A:
Invest in yourself.
Go where the readers are.
Get help.
Thanks, Carl, for such an interesting interview.
See our review: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/madam-president-and-the-admiral