While conducting genealogical research, I discovered a couple of ancestors whose stories I found compelling—Clément Gosselin and Gabriel Gosselin. Both were directly impacted by the British incursion into Acadia in 1755, and Clément played a significant role throughout the American Revolution. Their experiences sparked my imagination, leading me to write Pawn to King's End.
I've been writing in one way or another all of my life, but only the last year have I decided to actually put my thoughts down into a manuscript and publish.
The book required extensive historical research to ensure the fiction remained closely aligned with historical facts, but make no mistake—this is no history book. It’s a story driven by real events, but brought to life through narrative and character. To find out how their journey unfolds, you’ll have to read the book!
If I were to change genres, I would choose fictional murder mysteries. There’s something compelling about the puzzle—unraveling motives, following the clues, and keeping readers guessing until the very end. I enjoy historical research, and murder mysteries often require a similar level of detail, ensuring every piece of the story fits together seamlessly. Plus, the genre allows for deep character exploration, intricate plotting, and the thrill of suspense—elements I already enjoy weaving into my writing.
When I’m writing, my schedule is simple—I write from the moment I wake up until I go to sleep at night. It’s an all-consuming process, and once I’m deep into a story, I don’t like to break my momentum. Of course, I do make time to say hello to my wife for lunch, but beyond that, my focus stays on the writing. When inspiration strikes, I follow it, whether it’s refining historical details, developing characters, or crafting the next twist in the story.
A good cover and title are essential because they create the first impression of a book. The title should intrigue and hint at the story’s deeper themes, while the cover needs to visually capture the book’s tone and essence, drawing readers in before they even turn the first page.
For Pawn to King's End, the title suggests strategy, sacrifice, and an inevitable conclusion—fitting for a historical novel shaped by war, loyalty, and survival. The cover, featuring the silhouette of a rider on a copper-colored horse in front of a barn engulfed in flames, is designed to evoke mystery, danger, and urgency. It visually signals that this is a story of high stakes, historical turmoil, and personal battles. A strong cover and title work together to set expectations and invite the reader into the world you’ve created.
Yeah, I do read my book reviews. It’s always interesting to see how readers respond to the story—what they love, what surprises them, and sometimes what doesn’t quite work for them. The good reviews are, of course, great to read. It’s rewarding to know that people connected with the characters and the historical details I worked hard to get right.
The bad ones? Well, the first impact is a bit of a gut punch, but they’re part of the deal. Not every book is for every reader, and that’s okay. If there’s constructive feedback, I take that very serious and act on it quickly depending on when the review is received. Before publishing, negative constructive feedback is welcomed the most. It’s just a matter of taste, I don’t let it get to me. At the end of the day, I write the stories I want to tell, and I know they’ll find the right audience.
