Gary McAvoy Interview Published on: 03, Sep 2020
How did you decide on your career? Was it related to your degree, or different?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was ten years old, but survival required that I actually work for a living. While serving in the US Army I was trained in mainframe computers long before the PC made its first appearance, so I’ve naturally been drawn to a career in technology, which has been a good ride.
How did you get a chance to write columns for a small-town weekly newspaper?When I was 29 I was president of the Dana Point (California) Chamber of Commerce, and president of a yacht charter club in Dana Point Harbor. I was invited by the local newspaper to write a weekly column on sailing, which continued for three years.
What's the single best bit of advice you've been given as an entrepreneur?To build a plan, adapt as necessary, keep your eye on the future, and survive through the tough times.
What type of character is the thriller fiction genre missing that you wish to introduce through your books?A person who, when faced with challenges, doesn’t shirk away from them, but finds ways to work through the problems ethically and for the greater good.
What challenges did you face while publishing your first book, “Cracking the New Economy: Business Tools for the Entrepreneur?”Dealing with 70 subject matter experts covering all aspects of entrepreneurship, getting their contributions on deadline was a challenge—then editing the book so that it had a uniform voice throughout.
How much did you research while writing your book, "And Every Word Is True?"That book required six full-time years of research with a collaborator and a diverse team of advisors. It was a tough slog, especially since we were being sued by the State of Kansas who tried to prevent the book from being published (we prevailed in the litigation).
How do you look upon Dr. Jane Goodall, the famous primatologist?It was a privilege working with Jane on this book, and we’ve had lots of good times since meeting in 1996. She is truly a gift to mankind, dedicated to everything meaningful.
What are some tips/life hacks for surviving the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest?The Pacific Northwest gets a bad rap for being rainy. It doesn’t even rank in the top 10 rainiest cities in the US! I happen to love the rain, and the climate in the Northwest is perfect for writers…
What are some of the books that provide detailed information about modern day military/intelligence cryptography and cryptanalysis?There are many, but “The Code Book” by Simon Singh is a great reference book.
If you are in a library which is occupied with all the books that have ever been published and you get to choose one book out of them then which one would it be?George Orwell’s “1984” should be required reading for every citizen of every country. It is a primer on much of what is now happening globally on issues of privacy.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?Currently I am working on the next book in the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers series, continuing the further adventures of Father Michael Dominic and friends as they take on new historical mysteries.
What do you like the most about AllAuthor?The team at All author does great work! You are to be commended for your dedication to supporting indie authors in clever and meaningful ways. It’s a great investment.
