Author Visit with Mark Redmond

Posted bySusan K. MarlowPosted inAuthor Interviews

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I’m excited to share my recent “visit” with western kids’ and teens writer, Mark Redmond. He randomly emailed me one day, Come to find out, he’s familiar with the Circle C books for his grandkids. When I found out he writes historical adventure too, I knew Mark would be a good fit for the blog. I read his newest book and enjoyed it very much.

This Giveaway Has Ended

The Box M Gang is the first book of Mark Redmond’s newest series. Here he gives readers a quick synopsis of this western adventure.

Life in the Arizona Territory is hard during the 1870s. When the Martin children lose their mother, life becomes even harder. The next two years pull them closer to God and to each other. They know something inside their father broke when their mother passed away, but they didn’t know they would lose him too. Now, they have to fight to keep from losing their ranch–and each other. Read More >>

Buy The Box M Gang (or another book) >>

Interview with Author Mark Redmond

So glad you joined me today, Mark. First of all, we’d like to know when you first became interested in writing. I started writing poetry and short stories when I was in elementary school. By the time I reached high school, I wanted to be a high school English teacher and a writer.

How did you get interested in westerns? As a young boy, I often spent part of my Saturday morning watching television westerns like Wyatt Earp, The Lone Ranger, The Cisco Kid, and Have Gun, Will Travel. The characters in those shows became some of my heroes. I wore cowboy boots and played with cowboy cap guns. As I was growing up, my older sister read a Zane Grey novel to me. I was hooked. In high school I started reading Zane Grey, Max Brand, Louis L’Amour, and a dozen other western authors. I still read at least two westerns each month.

MARK AND A HORSE FRIEND

Do you read in any other genres? I do! I was a high school English teacher for twenty-eight years. During those years I read dozens of classic books, short stories, and poems by authors such as Dickens, Alcott, Poe, Doyle, Cooper, the Bronte sisters, Sir Walter Scott, Hawthorne, and Austen. Outside my classroom I enjoyed the Tarzan series by Edgar Rice Burroughs (I collected all 24 books and read many of them more than once), all of the Sherlock Holmes books and short stories, Agatha Christie’s novels, Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe novels, and literally hundreds of other books outside the western genre.

Have you written anything besides westerns? I have! During the eleven years I waited for some publisher to accept my first Arty Anderson book, I learned something helpful from a writing course I was taking. My instructor said the best way to get a publisher’s attention for your book is to  get as many articles and short stories published as possible. I wrote and sold about twenty (non-western) short stories and an article, all for Christian publications. I wrote another twenty that nobody wanted.  

Where do you get your ideas for your books? I read a lot of old West history.My wife Susie and I travel a lot in Arizona. Everywhere we go, everything we do, everyone we meet provides possible material for my next book. In my study I have a sign that says, “WARNING! NOVELIST AT WORK! BYSTANDERS MAY BE WRITTEN INTO THE STORY!” I think you get the idea.

Do you ever have writer’s block? Never! I create characters, turn them loose, and then write as fast as I can to record what they’re doing.

What is your favorite book you have written? Naming my favorite book to write is like naming my favorite child to raise. Every book I’ve written has been a joy to write.

Do you ever go back and read your own books? When I’m writing a series, I constantly read from previous books to remind me of details I need to keep straight (eye color, age, etc.). I read the entire Arty Anderson series when I self-published the books in ebook format, and I’ll read them again this year when I publish them as audiobooks. I’ve read chapters to some of my readers too.

Other Books by Mark: Nate Landry Bounty Hunter Series

Click on the covers to learn more. These novels are geared for older teens and adults, but I know a lot of you love westerns, like Louis L’amour, so these might interest you.

How much does your wife, Susie, help you with your writing? Susie is the wind beneath my wings. Although she’s not involved in the actual writing of my books, she’s the first one to read (and edit) each book. She’s also my marketing manager. Without her, I would probably just stay in my study and write. She schedules our book signings, encourages me to talk about my books and use my business cards, and tells people about me wherever we go.

What do you like to do when you are not writing books? When I’m not writing, I’m either spending time with Susie (relaxing, exploring museums or historic sites, watching tv, visiting family), reading, or marketing.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?  My favorite part of the writing process is creating plot and characters. I know nearly everything I write is fiction. I achieve one of my main goals when I convince my readers the stories are true and the characters real.

What is your least favorite part of the writing process? My least favorite part of the writing process is dealing with technology. I still have a lot to learn in this area.

Do you have any “wise words” for young authors? While I don’t think of myself as “wise,” I reckon I’m old enough to have learned a few things along the way. To the young writer who wants to pursue a writing dream, I would say, “Start writing. If you have the heart of a writer, you won’t be able to stop.” I would add my belief that one who would be a writer must have thick skin (because of criticism) and patience (because the process takes time and should not be rushed) if he wishes to succeed.

How can readers find your books? You can find my books on Amazon, but the best place to see them all at once would be on my website, MarklRedmond.com.

Comments are closed, since the giveaway has ended.

Published by Susan K. Marlow

I'm the author of the Circle C and Goldtown Adventures series. I blog as "Andi Carter," the main character in the Circle C series. She lives on a huge cattle ranch in 1880s California. These are her adventures.

89 thoughts on “Author Visit with Mark Redmond”

    1. Howdy, Katie!
      I was thirty-five when I finished writing my first book, Arty Goes West, but I wasn’t able to get anyone to publish it until 1999, when I was forty-six! I searched for a publisher for eleven years! During those years, I began writing the second book in the series and published more than twenty short stories and articles.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you! I do my best to include adventure, humor, and a look at life in the old West in each book. I want my readers to know that the kids who lived during that time were a lot like kids today. I also want them to know that God worked in the lives of people back then just as He does today.

      Like

  3. I love western adventure so I would really love to read these books!

    What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever gotten?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Tori!
      Your question is a good one. During the forty or more years I’ve been writing, I’ve received a lot of good advice. I reckon one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is this: “If you have a story inside you, write it. The only story you write that will have no chance of being published is the one you leave in a desk drawer.”

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Sara Grace!
      Although my stories are fiction, everything that occurs in the books either did happen or could have happened. Some of the events are based on things that actually happened. For example, in Arty Goes West, twelve-year-old Arty breaks his pony, Prince. That scene was easy to write because I had experienced it. I probably got bucked off at least twenty times! Thousands of hours of research have gone into keeping my writing authentic because I want my readers to know what life in the old West was really like.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I love reading westerns, and this book looks really exciting!

    As a writer myself, I know that sometimes you like stories more than others. What is your favorite book you have ever written?
    Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you, Micaiah!
      What kind of stories do you write? Your question isn’t an easy one to answer. It’s similar to asking me which of my children is my favorite. I’m working on my twelfth book. I’ve enjoyed writing each one, but I don’t have a favorite. I reckon I could say they’re all my favorite.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hi!
        I enjoy writing all kinds! I just recently published a (sort of) western. I really enjoy writing stories about horses. 🙂 I also like writing faith-based stories. 🙂
        I understand that! Thank you for answering!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Anna!
      I love westerns too. Your search for a new author has led you to an old author this time :). I love writing westerns, and I’m pleased to meet you.

      Like

    1. Thank you, Leah!
      Your question is a good one. I have no idea what inspired me to write this book! I wanted to write another middle grade western fiction series. Since my wife and I live in Arizona, I wanted to make Arizona the setting for the series. I created the Martin kids, and since then I’ve been writing like crazy to keep up with what they’re doing. That’s how writing works for me.

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      1. That’s fun! I love writing too and sometimes I come up with an awesome story plot that leaves me thinking I don’t have enough time to write in one day 😀
        Thanks for answering!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. My pleasure, Grace!
      I taught high school English in a Christian school for 28 years. Teaching was never a job to me; it was a ministry, and I was passionate about teaching. I feel exactly the same way about writing. It really is my pleasure.

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    1. Thank you, Georgia!
      When someone asked Mark Twain if Tom Sawyer was based on a real boy, he responded that Tom was based on several real boys combined. I reckon the same is true of most of my main characters too. The exception would be Arty Anderson in the first book of the series, Arty Goes West. Eleven-year-old Arty was based on my eleven-year-old son Ben. By the time I started the second book, Arty had taken on a life of his own.

      Like

  10. I love western books. I’m working on my own western stories right now.

    Do you always have your plot planned out before you write?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good for you! I’d like to read one of your stories sometime. Writers are generally classified as plotters (those who work from an outline) or pansters (those who just take off writing and see where the story goes). I’m a panster for sure. I usually create characters, turn them loose, and then write down what they do as fast as I can. Sounds a little spooky, doesn’t it?

      Like

  11. I would like to win the book because I love western. I also have several siblings who would be interested in reading them.

    Have you ever been to the Freetown Festival in Indiana?

    Like

    1. Howdy, Ruth!
      I love to hear about siblings enjoying my books! This note from a former student last week brightened my day:

      “John (almost 15), Jacob (13), and Jaydyn (12) have all read the [Arty Anderson] series. Jamison (6) will likely finish it over break. Jaxon is five, in preschool, and just starting to sound out words. I’m sure he will run through the series next year! ☺️”

      I never attended the Freetown Festival. I lived in South Bend while I was teaching and later moved to Fremont. I didn’t know about the festival.

      Like

  12. Howdy! I’m Lillian, and I would like to win this book because I love most anything western!
    Mr. Redmond, have you done much research into Oregon history? A lot of people think of the Oregon Trail and settlement in the Willamette Valley along with this state, but I’ve found out some interesting things about Central and Eastern Oregon that are very wild and western!

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Howdy, Lillian!
    I like your user name! While I have read about the Oregon Trail and the Willamette Valley and still have books in my library on the subject, I haven’t researched it much. I’ll have to check out Oregon history. Susie and I want to drive up the Pacific Coast and explore that area.

    Like

    1. If you ever do go to the Pacific Coast you should go to Long Beach. The town has a cool downtown with lots of little shops and a good ice cream shop. My family went a few years ago for my Mom’s birthday.
      We used to live in Centralia, WA, but we moved to North East Texas a year ago.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I would love to win this book because it sounds super interesting and I like books where a whole family is included in the story. (Not just one main character)
      Do you have a least favorite book that you have written?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Howdy, Tori!
        What a good question! You may not believe or understand my answer. Whenever I start a new book, I sit down, turn on my computer, and see who shows up. I watch what the character does, and I write the story. I don’t even pretend to understand how the process works.

        Howdy, R!
        I’m not sure how my response to Tori ended up in my reply to you, but please ignore it. Asking me which of my books is my least favorite is is almost like asking me which of my children I like the least. I don’t have a favorite or a least favorite among my books. I like all of them!

        Like

    2. Howdy, Tori!
      What a good question! You may not believe or understand my answer. Whenever I start a new book, I sit down, turn on my computer, and see who shows up. I watch what the character does, and I write the story. I don’t even pretend to understand how the process works.

      Like

    3. Howdy, Tori!
      What a good question! You may not believe or understand my answer. Whenever I start a new book, I sit down, turn on my computer, and see who shows up. I watch what the character does, and I write the story. I don’t even pretend to understand how the process works.

      Like

  16. I love westerns and my brother Emmett does too! He is currently reading The Nathen T. Riggens series by Stephen Bly. We’re always on the lookout for good Christian westerns!

    Have you ever been to Goldfield Ghost Town in Apache Junction, AZ?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Lyla! Stephen Bly is one of my favorite authors, and I just recommended the Nathan T Riggins series to a mother last week. If you like Stephen’s books, I think you’ll like mine too.

      We live about ten minutes from Goldfield and have been there often. We live in Apache Junction.

      Like

      1. Awesome! We went to Goldfield last year in February with our grandparents. We absolutely loved it! We watched two of the gunfights (that was one of our favorite parts!)

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I had autographed Nathan T. Riggins books from Stephen for my son! I read then too. They are great books. And yes, I agree. If you like Nathan T. Riggins, you will like The Box M Gang!

        Liked by 1 person

  17. This sounds like so much fun! Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity.
    I love western’s and appreciate authors who take the time to write it out for us to enjoy. The Box M Gang sounds very intriguing and I would love to one day have the pleasure of reading it for myself.

    Mr. Redmond, who (or what) first sparked your enthusiasm for writing?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My pleasure, Emma! I hope you get to read the Box M Gang some day too. I’m hoping to publish the second book in the series by the end of January.

      I’ve enjoyed writing poetry and stories since I was in elementary school. As I grew up, I continued to write. By the time I reached tenth grade, I knew I wanted to be an English teacher and a writer. God has allowed me to be both.

      Like

  18. Hi Mr. Redmond! My name is Anne. I think my younger brother would love your books!

    I was wondering, how did you know God wanted you to be a high school English teacher? How did you know God did not want you somewhere else in the field of English teachers or even doing something else entirely?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a lifelong guidepost for me. It says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He’ll direct your path.” Because I wanted God to use my life, I asked Him to guide me. Whenever He opened a door, I went through it. He led me to my teaching career, my first wife, my second wife (after He took the first one home), and my writing ministry. Along the way, God opened many other doors, some to guide me, some to teach me to trust Him. He still opens doors for me as I seek His guidance.

      Like

      1. Was there ever a time when there seemed to be no open doors available or when there seemed to be too many open doors? Did you ever have to choose between which profession you wanted more, a high school English teacher or a writer? Also, how did you know if an open door was from God or not? Sorry for the barrage of questions.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. There’s no need to apologize for your questions, Anne. Years ago, a wise man taught me to move in the direction I believe God wants me to go, asking Him to close the door I’ve chosen if I’m wrong. This practice has never failed me. Finding no open doors has always been a sign for me to stay where I am. Choosing between teaching high school English or working as an author was an easy decision. While the salary for a Christian school teacher was barely above poverty level, the money earned by an unknown author wouldn’t even have paid for groceries.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That is so true, Mark! The first few years of being a published author, I subsidized my marketing and writing hobby by substitute teaching! Lol
        Luckily, my husband had a full time school administrator job so we could eat.

        Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Kyra!

      Because I’ve read thousands of books, your question isn’t a easy one to answer. Among my favorite books are The Three Musketeers, the entire Tarzan series, any book by Louis L’Amour, and any book by Stephen Bly. These books are just the tip of the iceberg.

      Like

    2. By the way, Kyra, the most influential, life-changing book I’ve ever read is, of course, the Bible. It’s in a class by itself, above all other books.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I was eleven when I got my first (and only) pony. I continued working with the horses and ponies on our farm for several years.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. This is great! I am always thrilled to hear about a new Christian Western author, as it seems I’ve read all the books I know of! My brothers would also be excited to read these.
    I was amazed that you had the perseverance to stick with the same story and keep trying for eleven years!
    Do you have any marketing suggestions for young authors?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Carissa!

      I always tell young writers the two main character qualities required for success are a thick skin and perseverance. Without them, a writer will fail. An editor’s response to a manuscript is one person’s opinion. An author can’t let that opinion discourage him. He just needs to send the manuscript out again, after making sure it’s the best it can be.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Hi!
    I really look up to writers that entwine Gods love in their storys! We need them!
    I also love your cover designs, they are very well done.
    Really appreciate your time in doing the interview! It was awesome.
    Now for my question. When you are writing a story, where do you usually find the inspiration?

    Liked by 1 person

      1. But we still don’t know your email address so we can contact you if you win the drawing. The blog post shows how you can comment and leave your name and email address and it is not made public, so I suggest you do that if you want to be part of the book giveaway. Thanks!

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you, Andrea! I’m not sure about what you mean by “find the inspiration.” If you’re asking where I get the idea for a story, I can’t explain it beyond saying that I constantly read history and observe what happens around me. When I get ready to write, the idea is there. I’ve always had an active imagination.

      Like

  24. Hi! I’m Abby (commenting a little bit late) but I love westerns, and I’m always looking for new books to read and enjoy, as well as hopefully passing good books to read down to my younger siblings, especially those written by Christian authors 🙂 I have a few questions (I’m not sure if other people have asked them):
    1) What characters do you have the most fun writing about in your books?
    2) How long does it generally take you to write/finish a book?
    Thanks for sharing about you and your books!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Abby!

      No apology is needed! I have fun writing about all of my characters! I don’t have any favorites for the same reason I don’t have any favorites among my children; they’re all mine!

      Now that I’m writing full time, I can usually publish two books each year. I’m almost finished with the second Box M Gang book, so I’m hoping to publish three this year.

      Like

  25. Hi! I love reading and am always looking for good books, especially those by Christian authors. As a parent of four, I wish to pass my love of reading to my kids and want them to read wholesome books that encourage them to live for God. Thus, I love that you desire to show, through your writing, that God worked in kids in the past the same as He does now. For this reason, I would love to win a book.
    You mentioned that some of your children live in Michigan. We live in Michigan, too. At one point in our nation’s history, Michigan was the West (specifically the Northwest). Have you ever considered writing with Michigan and that time period as a setting?
    Thank you!
    Amy

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for your comment, Amy! You’re right about Michigan being considered the West at on point in our history. The West was re-defined a number of times as our country expanded. Perhaps at some point I’ll use Michigan as a setting for a short story. Keep those kids reading!

      Like

  26. Thanks for doing this interview! We hadn’t heard of these books and I love finding new (to us) Christian authors!

    Mark, do you, and if you do, how do you incorporate faith and Jesus into your characters?

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Howdy, Anastasha!

    What a good question! I don’t write sermons; but because my wife and I find that our faith permeates all areas of our lives, my writing is no exception. My main characters are believers. I want my readers to see that God worked in people’s lives in the old West the same way He does today. My faith shows in my books.

    Like

  28. Hi! My name is Lelah. Thanks for doing this interview. I would love to win this book because I enjoy reading westerns and your book sounds like a very fun one to read!
    Whenever you’re re-reading some of the books that you’ve published do you ever wish you could change how you wrote a certain chapter or paragraph?

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Howdy, Lelah!

    You asked a good question. I can’t recall ever having wished I could change any part of a book after I published it. I reckon that’s true because I’ve usually read each manuscript between eight and ten times before I publish it.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Hi, my name is Kinsey. I’d be interested in the book because I read the Arty series a number of years ago and enjoyed it. Do you have a favorite age range to read? Just curious because I’m in my 20’s, and most of my favorite fiction books are written for around the 10-14 range. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Howdy, Kinsey!

      I understand your enjoyment of reading middle grade books. I’ve always believed that a good story is a good story regardless of the age group for which it was written. I’ve had parents, grandparents, and even people with no children read and enjoy both the Arty Anderson series and The Box M Gang. I read middle grade fiction often because some of what I write is middle grade fiction. Most of the books I read, however, are written for more mature readers.

      Like

  31. Thanks for the interview, Mrs. M, and Mr. Redmond! I enjoyed it. I’m Sophie. And I would like to get this book as a birthday gift for my friend. We are both huge fans of the Andi Carter series, and it looks really good!

    Liked by 1 person

  32. We love Westerns! My children are involved in Western Heritage project through 4H and the 1800s are their favorite! I am looking for a new series for my son to read. My son loved Goldtown Adventures and is itching for something new.

    Here’s the questions from my children:
    1. What type of horse do you like to give you characters (both heroes and villains)?
    2. If you were a gun slinger in the 1800s what would your name be?
    3. Did you have siblings? If so how did you work when they distracted you?
    4. Who is your all time favorite movie character from Westerns?
    5. Who Is your all time favorite book character from this time period?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Howdy, Amanda!

      You folks sound like my kind of people! Your son might enjoy the Arty Anderson books as well as The Box M Gang. I’m nearly finished with the second Box M Gang book. Let me see if I can answer these questions.

      Whether a good or bad character is involved, I try to make sure he (or she) ins mounted on a reliable horse. A lot of the horses in my stories are mustangs.

      If I were an old West gunslinger, and I could choose my own name, I might choose Clint Branden. I just like the sound of it.

      I was the second of six children, the oldest boy. When you grow up with that many children in your family, you learn to ignore distractions when you’re working.

      I have several favorite characters from western movies, but the Sackett brothers (Tell, Orin, and Tyrell) top the list. They were played by actors Sam Elliott, Tom Selleck, and Jeff Osterhage) in a miniseries that aired in the late 1970’s.

      I have several favorite characters from western books as well, but one who has been near the top of my list for the longest time is Shane, the main character in a book by Jack Schaefer that I first read when I was in junior high school.

      Like

  33. Thanks for answering all of their questions! We enjoy the Sacketts as well! My son that asked about distractions is also the second of six children too! I can’t wait to tell him your answer! We’ll look into the Arty Anderson books as well. Thanks for the reply.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. Howdy, Grace!

    I played a trumpet from fifth grade through my senior year in high school. My wife and I played dulcimers for a while. We need to dust them off put new strings on them, and start playing again. I played a guitar for a while in high school and college, but I never got serious about playing.

    Do you play any instruments?

    Liked by 1 person

  37. I would like this book, bc I’m always looking for good Christian books. It sounds so interesting!

    What/Who inspired you to start your writing career?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Hope!

      You asked a good question. I started writing stories and poetry when I was in elementary school. When I discovered how much I enjoyed creative writing, I began to think about becoming a writer. After I had graduated from college, married, and started teaching, I had a desire to write that wouldn’t go away. I believe God put that desire in my heart, and it’s still there.

      Like

  38. I would like to win this book because it sounds very intriguing and sounds similar to books my sister and I have and like.

    This is my question:

    When (or if) you get stuck when writing, what is it that you do to get back to writing again?

    Thank you very much,

    Fallyn.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Howdy, Fallyn!

      Your question is an easy one for me to answer. I’ve been writing for more than forty years, but I’ve never been stuck. Writer’s block is never a problem for me.

      Like

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