Today we have Gerald Griffin Author of Good and Evil visiting the blog this week telling us more about him self and his book and with the remarkable reviews he's received so far we're in for a real treat...
About Gerald:
Gerald Griffin was born in Flint, Michigan. After obtaining his AS and BBA degrees in his home town, he received his MA and Ph.D. in psychology from Michigan State University. Upon graduation, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, there joining the private practice of another psychologist. A year later,Gerald set up his own private practice as a consulting psychologist, his professional activities including marriage counseling, psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and executive consultation. During his 18 years in private practice, he was listed in WHO'S WHO in Georgia; Marquis WHO'S WHO in the South and Southwest; Outstanding Atlantans; Personalities of the South; Personalities of America and Notable Americans. Over this same period he wrote the published non-fiction book, THE SILENT MISERY -- WHY MARRIAGES FAIL, followed by the three published novels, THE CORRUPTORS, THE DEATH DISCIPLE and THE LAST COMING. Easing out of private practice to enter writing full-time, Gerald moved to Gainrsville, Georgia, there producing two published ghost written non-fiction books. Then he wrote the published novel OF GOOD AND EVIL. Presently, he is putting the final touches to its sequel, A TIME OF RECKONING.
Interview:
1. What inspired you to become a writer?
I think I was a born writer, with the inspiration to write already in my DNA. Reading books at an early age set this inspiration loose, this becoming evident in the 9th grade. At the time, while reading about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, I said to myself. "I can write like that. And I did. Beginning right then, I wrote a book with a similar theme entitled, "Sir Griffin
and the Fair Princess Velva" --- Velva a girl in my class whom I had a crush on. My teacher found out about the book and read it chapter by chapter to the class, a new chapter each day. She was so surprised by the creativity of the story, my classmates so amazed, that from then on my inspiration to become a writer some day was never in question.
2. Define a great book.
If you're speaking of fiction, assuming the book has intriguing substance, in a nutshell, I'd say a book that is crisp, clean and clear, with vivid and vibrant characters resonating perfectly with a galloping plot without a dull moment so as to keep the reader on edge and glued to the book from start to finish.
3. Where did the inspiration for OF GOOD AND EVIL come from?
Several places. Initially it came from events at home and around the world affecting our national security, especially the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and from the difficulties of returning war veterans to adjust back to normal society because of unresolved combat trauma. These were the inspirational seeds!
But for the book to work also required incorporation of love,friendship and other vital aspects that would give the novel the needed life to round out the hard-hitting theme I wanted. But, as the writing progressed, came the biggest challenge. To pull off the theme's message in a spellbinding manner, I had
to take an approach to good and evil never before attempted, inspiring me to achieve a sense of nobility with the novel going beyond the trappings and cliches of the genre, giving the novel its soul.
4. Can you share a little about your novel with us?
Of Good And Evil is a hard-charging suspense thriller --- vivid characters, harrowing action, international locales, captivating romance. Ron Sheffield, a gifted but troubled Green Beret, is discharged form the army for going "crazy" and is brutally beaten and shot by the Mafia and hospitalized near death. His life is dramatically saved by Amber Ash, a wealthy young woman with "special abilities" similar to Ron's. They fall in love and from there the two are propelled into unending danger, among them battles with mobsters, terrorists and a government cell out to kill them over alarming Iraqi documents Ron possesses from his army service. During these battles, with surprising twists at every turn, Ron is forced by his own mental demons, oddly helped by Amber's estranged billionaire father, to savingly become a specialized hit man for the Mafia. Through this unlikely contact with her father, Amber and Ron are brought to face a powerful and noble secret society with a different mind-set than theirs, and a different type of conflict ensues. Eventually, Ron is faced with the imminent nuclear obliteration of a major American city --- and Amber and the secret society as well --- by a suicidal terrorist cell that only Ron can possibly stop, but finds it impossible to do so. A cliff-hanger ending! Throughout the book the reader is engrossed in humanity, hate, love, villains, friendship, tragedy, sorrow, all intermixed in one enticing conflict keeping the reader on edge and unable to put the book down.
5. Can you tease us with a short excerpt from your novel?
Certainly. From Chapter 6:
Now Ron stared at the door with a feeling of revulsion. It grew the longer he stared. A loathing of those inside suddenly surfacethen intensified; an overpowering emotion he couldn't control. A powerful hatred etched his face. He had to have catharsis. Blowing up the place wasn't enough.
It has to be eye-to-eye.
Looking at him, Amber knew what he was about to do, and shivered, horrified. "Why are you going in there?"
"Just making sure there's no patrons or innocent staff around," Ron said, cognizant of how lame that sounded.
"That's ridiculous! You know there aren't."
Amber knew there was no stopping him. She watched apprehensively as he opened the passenger door and got out. With an inscrutable smile, he looked at her. "Relax, this has to be done. Keep driving around the block until I come back out."
A shadow clouded her eyes, the pulse beating densely in her throat. "What if you don't?"
"Then you'll know hell has frozen over."
6. If you could use five words to persuade us to read your book, what would they be?
SPELLBINDING ACTION SUSPENSE LOVE NOBILITY
And if I could add two more words to these: UNENDING SURPRISES
7. Since women are a large readership, what's there about your book in particular that will appeal to them?
It's as much a woman's story as a man's tale. To begin, the novel has a beautiful, unusual and captivating love story. One reviewer stated that the love between Amber and Ron is, "...by far the most genuine romance I've ever read about."
Also, the novel has strong, vibrant women characters whom are essential and pivotal to the story's plot.Women readers will be caught up with these female characters, identifying with them, living through their emotions. Several women who have read the novel have let me know that they, "Love it!" The question of what's there about the book appealing to women is thoroughly answered by my New Year's resolution for women who love to read, the latest posting on my blog,
http://geraldggriffin.blogspot.com .
8. What are the most gratifying things that have happened with your book so far?
Tremendous reader feedback --- Powerful reviews --- My novel presently being explored for a movie/TV series
My film representative said of the novel: "You have the best novel I have ever, ever read and had the pleasure to work with and on. I am honored."
Of the reviews, I will quote from three of them:
"Of Good And Evil is the embodiment of what a paranormal thriller should be..It truly boggles my mind the sheer caliber of talent this author possesses. His book is not only the best paranormal thriller I have ever read, but also the best book I have ever read. Of Good and Evil is such a marvelous tale that you don't even have to be a fan of its specific genre to enjoy it, and to me that is the mark of a brilliant story."
Shane Porteous, Author (RASCISS, GRAVE CALLER, HOW GODS BLEED)
"In creating the character of Ron Sheffield, Griffin has proven himself to be a writer of extraordinary skills. Of Good And Evil is a novel that is so finely written, so well plotted and paced, that the reader is instantly drawn into the book from the first page. That Mr. Griffin is able to use mere words to introduce the reader to Ron Sheffield is nothing short of breathtaking. It isn't often a writer can make so complex a character, a person with such internal torments and external gifts, resonate so perfectly with a plot and locations that keep the reader glued to the book from start to finish. A MUST READ!"
Rick Friedman, Founder, The James Mason Community Book Club
"With the real world as his backgroung, Gerald G. Griffin, in his brilliant thriller Of Good And Evil, takes the reader on a wild ride, giving his audience a well-conceived story delivered with the talent of a born writer. Ron Sheffield, Gerald's gifted but tormented main character, has everything a great writer needs to engage a reader on an emotional level. This is the gift of a truly great story-teller, and with this book Gerald has gone that step further that separates writers from great writers. I am honored to be able to tell you about Gerald and his novel..."
Tracey Alley, Author (ERICH'S PLEA, URSULA'S QUEST)
9. What is your website and/or blog?
Website: http://www.authorgeraldgriffin.com
Blog: http://geraldggriffin.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9450054-of-good-and-evil
10. Where can OF GOOD AND EVIL be purchased?
Online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and other online sites, including the publisher.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Of-Good-Evil-Gerald-Griffin/dp/160976014X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Barns & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-good-and-evil-gerald-g-griffin/1024315316
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Of-Good-Evil-Gerald-Griffin/dp/160976014X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1332831972&sr=8-11
Publisher: http://strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/OfGoodAndEvil.html
Thanks Gerald for stopping by and sharing it's been a real joy. I open it up for anyone who has any questions they would like to ask Gerald.
Also be sure to follow my Blog for a chance to win a Autographed Copy of Shadows of my Past.
Earn another entry by leaving a comment below.
Earn another entry for following Gerald's Blog...be sure to post up your user name so I can confirm with Gerald that you have followed his blog...
Thanks and Good Luck to Everyone!!!
Gerald Griffin was born in Flint, Michigan. After obtaining his AS and BBA degrees in his home town, he received his MA and Ph.D. in psychology from Michigan State University. Upon graduation, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, there joining the private practice of another psychologist. A year later,Gerald set up his own private practice as a consulting psychologist, his professional activities including marriage counseling, psychotherapy, psychological evaluations and executive consultation. During his 18 years in private practice, he was listed in WHO'S WHO in Georgia; Marquis WHO'S WHO in the South and Southwest; Outstanding Atlantans; Personalities of the South; Personalities of America and Notable Americans. Over this same period he wrote the published non-fiction book, THE SILENT MISERY -- WHY MARRIAGES FAIL, followed by the three published novels, THE CORRUPTORS, THE DEATH DISCIPLE and THE LAST COMING. Easing out of private practice to enter writing full-time, Gerald moved to Gainrsville, Georgia, there producing two published ghost written non-fiction books. Then he wrote the published novel OF GOOD AND EVIL. Presently, he is putting the final touches to its sequel, A TIME OF RECKONING.
Interview:
1. What inspired you to become a writer?
I think I was a born writer, with the inspiration to write already in my DNA. Reading books at an early age set this inspiration loose, this becoming evident in the 9th grade. At the time, while reading about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, I said to myself. "I can write like that. And I did. Beginning right then, I wrote a book with a similar theme entitled, "Sir Griffin
and the Fair Princess Velva" --- Velva a girl in my class whom I had a crush on. My teacher found out about the book and read it chapter by chapter to the class, a new chapter each day. She was so surprised by the creativity of the story, my classmates so amazed, that from then on my inspiration to become a writer some day was never in question.
2. Define a great book.
If you're speaking of fiction, assuming the book has intriguing substance, in a nutshell, I'd say a book that is crisp, clean and clear, with vivid and vibrant characters resonating perfectly with a galloping plot without a dull moment so as to keep the reader on edge and glued to the book from start to finish.
3. Where did the inspiration for OF GOOD AND EVIL come from?
Several places. Initially it came from events at home and around the world affecting our national security, especially the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and from the difficulties of returning war veterans to adjust back to normal society because of unresolved combat trauma. These were the inspirational seeds!
But for the book to work also required incorporation of love,friendship and other vital aspects that would give the novel the needed life to round out the hard-hitting theme I wanted. But, as the writing progressed, came the biggest challenge. To pull off the theme's message in a spellbinding manner, I had
to take an approach to good and evil never before attempted, inspiring me to achieve a sense of nobility with the novel going beyond the trappings and cliches of the genre, giving the novel its soul.
4. Can you share a little about your novel with us?
Of Good And Evil is a hard-charging suspense thriller --- vivid characters, harrowing action, international locales, captivating romance. Ron Sheffield, a gifted but troubled Green Beret, is discharged form the army for going "crazy" and is brutally beaten and shot by the Mafia and hospitalized near death. His life is dramatically saved by Amber Ash, a wealthy young woman with "special abilities" similar to Ron's. They fall in love and from there the two are propelled into unending danger, among them battles with mobsters, terrorists and a government cell out to kill them over alarming Iraqi documents Ron possesses from his army service. During these battles, with surprising twists at every turn, Ron is forced by his own mental demons, oddly helped by Amber's estranged billionaire father, to savingly become a specialized hit man for the Mafia. Through this unlikely contact with her father, Amber and Ron are brought to face a powerful and noble secret society with a different mind-set than theirs, and a different type of conflict ensues. Eventually, Ron is faced with the imminent nuclear obliteration of a major American city --- and Amber and the secret society as well --- by a suicidal terrorist cell that only Ron can possibly stop, but finds it impossible to do so. A cliff-hanger ending! Throughout the book the reader is engrossed in humanity, hate, love, villains, friendship, tragedy, sorrow, all intermixed in one enticing conflict keeping the reader on edge and unable to put the book down.
5. Can you tease us with a short excerpt from your novel?
Certainly. From Chapter 6:
Now Ron stared at the door with a feeling of revulsion. It grew the longer he stared. A loathing of those inside suddenly surfacethen intensified; an overpowering emotion he couldn't control. A powerful hatred etched his face. He had to have catharsis. Blowing up the place wasn't enough.
It has to be eye-to-eye.
Looking at him, Amber knew what he was about to do, and shivered, horrified. "Why are you going in there?"
"Just making sure there's no patrons or innocent staff around," Ron said, cognizant of how lame that sounded.
"That's ridiculous! You know there aren't."
Amber knew there was no stopping him. She watched apprehensively as he opened the passenger door and got out. With an inscrutable smile, he looked at her. "Relax, this has to be done. Keep driving around the block until I come back out."
A shadow clouded her eyes, the pulse beating densely in her throat. "What if you don't?"
"Then you'll know hell has frozen over."
6. If you could use five words to persuade us to read your book, what would they be?
SPELLBINDING ACTION SUSPENSE LOVE NOBILITY
And if I could add two more words to these: UNENDING SURPRISES
7. Since women are a large readership, what's there about your book in particular that will appeal to them?
It's as much a woman's story as a man's tale. To begin, the novel has a beautiful, unusual and captivating love story. One reviewer stated that the love between Amber and Ron is, "...by far the most genuine romance I've ever read about."
Also, the novel has strong, vibrant women characters whom are essential and pivotal to the story's plot.Women readers will be caught up with these female characters, identifying with them, living through their emotions. Several women who have read the novel have let me know that they, "Love it!" The question of what's there about the book appealing to women is thoroughly answered by my New Year's resolution for women who love to read, the latest posting on my blog,
http://geraldggriffin.blogspot.com .
8. What are the most gratifying things that have happened with your book so far?
Tremendous reader feedback --- Powerful reviews --- My novel presently being explored for a movie/TV series
My film representative said of the novel: "You have the best novel I have ever, ever read and had the pleasure to work with and on. I am honored."
Of the reviews, I will quote from three of them:
"Of Good And Evil is the embodiment of what a paranormal thriller should be..It truly boggles my mind the sheer caliber of talent this author possesses. His book is not only the best paranormal thriller I have ever read, but also the best book I have ever read. Of Good and Evil is such a marvelous tale that you don't even have to be a fan of its specific genre to enjoy it, and to me that is the mark of a brilliant story."
Shane Porteous, Author (RASCISS, GRAVE CALLER, HOW GODS BLEED)
"In creating the character of Ron Sheffield, Griffin has proven himself to be a writer of extraordinary skills. Of Good And Evil is a novel that is so finely written, so well plotted and paced, that the reader is instantly drawn into the book from the first page. That Mr. Griffin is able to use mere words to introduce the reader to Ron Sheffield is nothing short of breathtaking. It isn't often a writer can make so complex a character, a person with such internal torments and external gifts, resonate so perfectly with a plot and locations that keep the reader glued to the book from start to finish. A MUST READ!"
Rick Friedman, Founder, The James Mason Community Book Club
"With the real world as his backgroung, Gerald G. Griffin, in his brilliant thriller Of Good And Evil, takes the reader on a wild ride, giving his audience a well-conceived story delivered with the talent of a born writer. Ron Sheffield, Gerald's gifted but tormented main character, has everything a great writer needs to engage a reader on an emotional level. This is the gift of a truly great story-teller, and with this book Gerald has gone that step further that separates writers from great writers. I am honored to be able to tell you about Gerald and his novel..."
Tracey Alley, Author (ERICH'S PLEA, URSULA'S QUEST)
9. What is your website and/or blog?
Website: http://www.authorgeraldgriffin.com
Blog: http://geraldggriffin.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9450054-of-good-and-evil
10. Where can OF GOOD AND EVIL be purchased?
Online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and other online sites, including the publisher.
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Of-Good-Evil-Gerald-Griffin/dp/160976014X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Barns & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-good-and-evil-gerald-g-griffin/1024315316
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Of-Good-Evil-Gerald-Griffin/dp/160976014X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1332831972&sr=8-11
Publisher: http://strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/OfGoodAndEvil.html
Thanks Gerald for stopping by and sharing it's been a real joy. I open it up for anyone who has any questions they would like to ask Gerald.
Also be sure to follow my Blog for a chance to win a Autographed Copy of Shadows of my Past.
Earn another entry by leaving a comment below.
Earn another entry for following Gerald's Blog...be sure to post up your user name so I can confirm with Gerald that you have followed his blog...
Thanks and Good Luck to Everyone!!!
Tremendous presentation, Leigh. Harmonious, clear and well-balanced. Couldn't be more pleased! Many thanks, with my deepest gratitude.
ReplyDeleteGerald
Want a chance to win a copy of Shadows of my Past ...then be sure to follow my blog for one entry .... earn another entry for leaving a comment.... earn another entry by following Gerald's blog and leave me a comment letting me know that you are now following his blog as well....That's 3 chances of winning...Good luck will post up winners after midnight.
ReplyDeleteBlessed Be
Leigh Savage
It looks exciting and well-written. I'll be adding it to my to-read list, for sure! Does Gerald or any of his family memebers have a background with the US military or is 9/11 the main inspiration for bringing this story to us? Is this something close to his heart and does he plan on writing more about these types of storylines? Thanks! ~Vicki
ReplyDeleteThanks Vicki. While in practice as a psychologist, I had several patients in or who been in the U.S. Military retuning from combat with unresolved trauma. This in part inspired me to write "Of Good And Evil. Other military people I knew, as well as 9/11, were inspiration as well. This novel indeed is very close to my heart and the storyline continues in the sequel, "A Time Of Reckoning," not yet published.
DeleteYou may be inerested to know that "Of Good And Evil" is being explored for the screen.
I love my paranormal and have just started reading some thrillers. Can't wait to add this book to my list. I went over to Gerald's blog and signed up. I should be under Romance Reader Enthusiast or by:
ReplyDeleteLynn A. Reynolds
lareynolds0316@gmail.com
"Of Good And Evil" has a captivating love story which should grab you along with the mystery and suspence, and he vibrant characters and paranormal overtones.
DeleteThanks for adding the novel to your list and becoming a fan. You won't be disappointed.
I'd like to Thank everyone who stopped by the blog...Now the winner of the March Blog contest is ....Romance Reader Enthusiast Congratulations and thanks again to everyone...a special Thank You to Author Gerald G. Griffin for being a part of my blog...Next weeks Featured Author is Paige Tyler.
ReplyDeleteVicki thanks for your question. This is Gerald's answer.
ReplyDeleteI feel very close to the military. Many on both sides of my family have served in the U.S. Military, as well as close friends, a couple in Special Forces. In addition, while a psychologist in private practice, I had in psychotherapy several returning military veterans having difficulty adjusting to normal society because of continuing combat trauma. I was presented first hand what they had unhappily endured, as though I was there with them in combat. This background with the military --- very close to my heart, in addition to the 9/11 terrorists attacks and other factors of national security, are what prompted me to write the story of my novel. This type of storyline in OF GOOD AND EVIL, with some of the same characters, is continued in the novel's sequel, A TIME OF RECKONING. In spite of my novel Of Good And Evil receiving powerful reviews and presently being explored for the screen, it is lacking in sales one would expect from such a powerful book. It is ironic and unfortunate that it may take a movie to bring this captivating novel to a broader range of readers and the literary world. Whatever can be done to spread the word of the novel, before a possible movie is made based upon it, would be a great contribution to that world.
Hi nice readiing your post
ReplyDelete