Monday, February 27, 2012

Interview with Author Thomas Blubaugh

Tom resides with his wife, Barbara, in the Ozark hills of southwest Missouri. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. Tom started writing poetry when he was fourteen. He had hopes that his poems would be turned into songs for Elvis and other popular artists. This dream didn’t develop, but he continued writing. Tom has written nonfiction most of his adult life. He has published Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry (1974), written articles for denominational magazines and business publications, co-written a devotional journal The Great Adventure (2009), and his first novel Night of the Cossack was published by Bound by Faith Publishers (2011).

This book can only be described as a rare gem. Truly a work of art! I couldn't put it down. You won't find another book like it on the shelf these days.” -- Salena Stormo

Hello Tom! Night of the Cossack is a compelling adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up rather quickly. Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

It’s a story about my maternal grandfather who died before I was born. I had a little information about him, one being he was a Cossack soldier in Russia. I researched enough to know the information I had was factual and I began writing about him for myself. It was very important to me since both of my grandfathers were gone before I came on the scene. I always wanted to have a grandfather. I didn’t really think about it being published until sometime after I started the project.

This is so awesome. As some of you know, I fly throughout the U.S., teaching people how to write the stories of their ancestors. This subject is very dear to me. So… what is a Cossack?

Cossacks were members of several peasant groups of Russian and Polish descent. They lived in autonomous communal settlements, especially in the Ukraine, until the early 20th century. In return for special privileges, they served in the cavalry under the czars. They were well known for their horsemanship. They raided villages for supplies, women, and young men to increase or replenish their ranks. Eventually they became a part of the Russian army.

What age group would appreciate Night of the Cossack?

I have received correspondence from readers age twelve through eighty-six telling me how much they enjoyed my book. It’s classified as a YA novel, but I think of it as a historical fiction for all ages.

What kind of research did you have to do for this novel?

This was very interesting. I was not fond of history as a student, but I found the study of Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Italy, France and the Cossacks to be fascinating. I used our local library, the Internet, a travel agency in Ukraine Geneology.com and the museum at Ellis Island as sources of historical information. I also used the map department of Missouri State University to review actual maps of the time of my novel. I also talked with a Russian History professor at MSU and interviewed students from Russia and Ukraine and an elderly Jewish lady from Poland.

That must have been so interesting to interview everyone. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

As a result of a series of events I became homeless in 1998. Although it seemed tragic at the time, God used it for good. After years of being self-employed, I found myself free to pursue writing and volunteer work and for the first time in years—I had time to smell the roses.

Ahhhhh! To smell the roses! How wonderful! Now we know the inspiration behind your novel: Your Grandfather! Thank you, Tom, for taking the time to talk about your book. My dear readers, I just wanted you to know that the first page of Tom’s book grabs you right away. Read it and see what I mean. 

Chapter 1

Nathan’s eyes flew open. Sounds, screams and gunshots penetrated the cold air of his upstairs bedroom. The pungent smell of smoke invaded his nose. He coughed. Am I having a nightmare? Shadows danced wildly across the ceiling and down the walls. Heart pounding, he threw off his covers, jumped out of bed, and rushed to the window. His little brother, Israel, followed. Its real!

“What is it, Nathan?” Israel whispered.

Nathan pulled his brother against the wall behind him.

“Hey! I want to see!”

“Shush, Israel.” Nathan looked through the window at the valley below, his heart racing. Men in long coats and fur hats were running through the village brandishing swords and raising rifles. Cossacks!

16 comments:

apple blossom said...

love to be entered thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Cheryl said...

This sounds like a fascinating book.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Cheryl

ccmal(at)charter(dot)net

Unknown said...

Thanks, Linda for the novel you sent me...Melinda and the Wild West. Have not had a chance to start it yet. This interview was interesting. i love to read about others' history, as mine was rich in stories. Not book length, just snippets. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Marianne dot wanham at gmail dot com

Tom Blubaugh, Night of the Cossack said...

Linda, thanks for interviewing me.

Blessings,

Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
http://nightofthecossack.com

Unknown said...

name: Dominika Couf
email: xo-domissek-xo@seznam.cz

ohh, nice interview. this author is one of my favorites. i'm glad to see this answers :D

IdentitySeeker said...

Wow1 I had no idea what a Cossack was and I don't believe I've ever heard of the term. I expect that this tale of adventure based on your grandfather's experiences will be an extremely enjoyable and informative read. Thank you for this lovely interview and for the chance to win this book.

Sarah Bibi Setar

sarah.setar@gmail.com

momma8385 said...

Thank you for this awesome giveaway.
:) Jeanne, jeannebates_t@yahoo.com

Amy S. said...

This interview was so intriguing. I have always been intersted in Russian/Soviet Union history. I've read several novels about it, and this one sounds like another that I would like. Thanks for the chance to win! ( amy dot swihart at gmail dot com )

Filia Oktarina said...

This interview was so intriguing. Love to be entered thanks

filiafantasy(at)gmail(dot)com

Vinci said...

Sounds like a unique and interesting
read. Like that part of history.
dayleb at telus dot net

DMS said...

What a fascinating interview. I love that the author got the idea from his grandfather's life. How cool! The book sound so interesting. I am going to recommend it to my co-author's husband (he is half Polish). Thanks for the chance to enter.

email: haightjess at gmail dot com

My blog is participating in the hop, too. Swing on by to enter for a chance to win a gift card and a book. :)
~Jess

Ruth said...

This sounds absolutely phenomenal and something I must read! Please enter me.
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

bn100 said...

I enjoyed reading about the inspiration to the book. The book sounds very interesting.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Amy! You are the winner of this wonderful book. I know you'll enjoy it. Please stop by often, everyone, and check out the weekly giveaways.

Tom Blubaugh, Night of the Cossack said...

Thank you for all the comments. I hope those of you who didn't win will stop by Amazon and pick up my book. It has 58 reviews with a 5 star rating. You can purchase a signed paper back copy on my website with free shipping to a USA address.

Blessings,

Tom Blubaugh, Author
Night of the Cossack
http://nightofthecossack.com

Amy S. said...

Yay, I'm so happy I won! I've already downloaded it and am looking forward to starting it tonight. Thanks!!