Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Tom Sedar
Book Title: The Gold of St. Croix
Released: 06/25/20
Genre: Adult Mystery
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “The Gold of St. Croix”?
Sedar: I was talking to a friend, John, a local realtor and expert on the history of St. Croix. He mentioned that St. Croix was a common place for pirates to hide because it was off the normal shipping routes. The idea of pirates and pirate treasure on the island was fascinating, and I started looking at places where a small sailing vessel might try to anchor. That little bit of research and further conversations with John gave me the seed and historical background for The Gold of St. Croix.
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
Sedar: Mad Dog Cotton just popped into my head. The character of Mad Dog fits his name; he is laid back most of the time, but when provoked, he can get a little crazy.
Cheri, Mad Dog’s wife, is 100% based on my wife, Charlene, who was a U. S. Marshal on St. Croix.
Ray Jones is based on a good friend of mine on the island who was as interesting and mysterious as the fictional character.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
Sedar: I love writing and sharing my stories. I will go months without writing, then an idea hits me, and I can write every day until the book is done.
If "The Gold of St. Croix" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
Sedar: James Garner.
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
Sedar: I wait until the mood to write or an idea presents itself. I can't force myself to write. Right now, I am at a standstill with The Song of St. Croix. I think, subconsciously, I’m working on the problem, and eventually an idea will hit me, and I’ll get back to work.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
Sedar: Write because you want to, not because you have to.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
Sedar: I like Michael Connelly’s books.
What are you working on next?
Sedar: I am writing the seventh book in the St. Croix Mystery Series, The Song of St. Croix.
Interested in checking out The Gold of St. Croix for yourself?
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