George Vassallo FAQ

Q: What inspires your writing?
A: Current events. What issues people are dealing with in their
everyday lives. Years ago, Charles Dickens wrote novels about the
social issues of his day. I'm writing about today's issues.

Q: When do you do your writing?
A: I am a creature of habit. For me, that means getting up at 2 or 3
AM and going downstairs to the computer. I like for the writing
environment to be as quiet as possible. I'll write for an hour or so
then hit the Save button. Follow the same ritual every day until the
book is finished. That gives the writing a firm continuity.

Q: What makes for a good book?
A: You need characters that the reader can identify with. A story that
grabs the reader immediatly. The plot should be believable.

Q: How does the modern writer operate in this computer world we
live in?
A: I do all the writing. I have a miniscule knowledge of computer
functions. Fortunately, my wife, Carol was a computer professional.
She handles all the technical stuff, including the production of my
"Confederate Gold" podcasts. My website is 95% Carol. Guess who is
the 5%?

Q: What kind of writing turns you on?
A: People's reading time is very limited. Their lives are full of many
other things that eat up most of the day. Ilike writing that stimulates
the reader from the get-go. None of this reading 100 pages and
nothing has happened yet. A good helping of humor and topical
references is also a plus.

Q: Is Rob Nelson based on a real person?
A: No. Rob is an everyman. He does share a lot of my personal views.
But Rob is very much his own person.

Q: How about Richard L. Cornwell?
A: Richard is definitely based on a real person. When he was alive, he
was larger than life and amusing as hell.

Q: Will Nelson and Jeri ever get married?
A: I'm not sure. They may not find it necessary.

Q: What is it about the American South that inspired you to write
"Confederate Gold"?
A: The South is my home. I've lived in five Southern states and
travelled all over the South. It is a vibrant region. The story of the lost
Confederate gold is a lot like the Holy Grail. It is perfect material for a
modern day adventure tale.

Q: Your voice is great! Have you ever thought about going into
broadcasting?
A: I majored in Broadcasting at the University of Mississppi, Ole Miss.
But the Vietnam War got in the way of making a career of it. It's fun to
tape the books.