I get an idea in my head and run with it. My best writing tends to come out that way.

John Etterlee – 31 July 2021

The Back Flap

Rob Walker has served in countless operations in combat zones across the globe. Now, his mission is personal.

After returning home from a combat mission in Afghanistan, US Army Special Forces sniper Rob Walker is in a race for time to rescue his kidnapped sister from the clutches of a Mexican drug cartel.

About the book

What is the book about?

This is the first book in a new thriller series.

The book is about a US Army Special Forces sniper who returns home to NYC after a combat mission in Afghanistan. He finds that his younger sister, Marianne is constantly getting into trouble and running with a rough crowd. Their mother has difficulty controlling her rebellious nature,

She’s into drugs and hanging out with a local drug dealer that Rob knows from high school. One night, she runs away and stumbles in on a botched drug deal going down on the Brooklyn streets and is snatched up by members of a Mexican Cartel.

Rob heads south on a mission to find her, bring her home at all costs, and leave a brutal message for her captors.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book about a month after the release of my last one, in May 2020.

How long did it take you to write it?

Not counting revisions and editing, it took me about eight months to write.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea just popped in my head one day. I have been told that my writing is very cinematic. And, the book would be something I’d like to see on the big screen.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The only part of the book where I struggled some was getting some of the details about the police right. Luckily, I have a friend, a guy from my Army unit who works for the NYPD who helped me with it.

What came easily?

As an Army Veteran, the military details (weapons, military jargon, locations) came really easy for me. As a retired combat Veteran, there is very little military research involved for me, which cuts down on the time it takes me to get words on the page.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The characters are mostly fictitious. But, I did use some people I know from the Army to shape characters’ personalities and skill sets. Certain aspects of the main character are modeled after a sniper I know from my Army unit.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Nobody has really influenced how I write. But, a few authors who have influenced me in other ways are Jack Carr, John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and Brad Thor.

Do you have a target reader?

My target reader is really anyone who likes fast-paced military thrillers and crime fiction. Also, a lot of my readers are military and former military.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I just write. I get an idea in my head and run with it. My best writing tends to come out that way.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

No, I don’t outline at all. I am definitely a pantser.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

If I see something that needs to be changed, I change it. Otherwise, I wait until the first draft is finished.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I always hire a professional editor. I think that anyone who wants his or her writing taken seriously needs an editor, even if they think they don’t. Most authors can’t see their own work objectively. Having other eyes on it is always a good idea.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do. I’m not one of those people who likes complete silence while I write. That actually annoys me. I listen to rock music like Breaking Benjamin, Seether, Shinedown, and older stuff like Def Leppard.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I do. But I won’t wait months for something to happen. If it happens that’s great. But I don’t put all of my thought and energy into it.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

The control aspect. I like having full control over the final product, whether that be the details of the book itself or having control over the publishing. It took me tons of reading and research. But I have become good at it. And, I don’t know if I’d trust a small press to do the same. If I were contacted by a big publisher, that might be a different story.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I always have my covers professionally designed. I think that is very important since indie authors compete against publishers who have their own designers.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

The book released on May 31, 2021. I had a Bookbub feature on June 8, as well as doing other types of email promotions, Bookbub ads, and my own mailing list.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Do a ton of research, ask questions, and listen to those who were successful before you. There is a lot to learn in indie publishing. But, if you do your due diligence, it can be worth it and then some.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up near Augusta, Georgia. But, I left home for good after I joined the Army in 2001.

Where do you live now?

My wife and I live in High Point, North Carolina.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I medically retired from the Army in 2013. I had originally planned to make a career out of it. But, an injury forced me to come up with other plans. Since I can no longer be a Soldier, I decided I would put my knowledge to work in other ways by writing about it.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am starting on the sequel to my latest thriller, The Messenger.

End of Interview:

For more from John Etterlee, visit his website, like his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Get your copy of The Messenger from Amazon US or Amazon UK.