OLDOGS received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Kip Cassino.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
OLDOGS, published in 2020.
What’s the book’s first line?
Isacc heard the men coming long before they reached his hut.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Due to budget cuts, the CIA decides to action requests from retired citizens, many ex-military, to assist. After training fifty volunteers, teams are selected to provide primary surveillance in various hotspots. Josephine DiVolli and Barney Stack are deployed to Mexico where it becomes apparent that two nuclear devices are being primed to target tourist resorts.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The idea that older people could still play an prominent, active role in a thriller has grown for me since I have gotten older.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
Anyone who wants a thriller with a unique plot, strongly developed characters, and a look inside the CIA should read OLDOGS.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Barney Stack is in his 70’s, but still active and tough. He’s partially modeled on my cousin – Arne Nelson – who was once the Navy’s best helicopter pilot. He’s the bravest man I know.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
I can see Harrison Ford as Barney Stack, and Jamie Lee Curtis as Jo DiVolli.
When did you first decide to become an author?
After my time in the army, while I was between jobs – about forty years ago.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
I have two more published (The Narrow Man, Buddies). I’m now at work on a fourth. This will be sci-fi. Working title is The Gleaners.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I spend time with my wonderful daughter Charlene, and her family. Or, I travel north to see my terrific son Christopher and his family. I moved to the east coast to be near them.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
My goal is to write at least five pages every day. Sometimes that takes the whole day – especially if research is needed.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie is that I’m in charge. The decisions are all mine. That’s the worst part as well – especially when I make a bad choice. There’s nobody else to blame then.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Take advantage of every opportunity you have to sell your book – that is, if you want others to read it. Watch out for scammers. They are everywhere. Check “Writer Beware” every time you get a query.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If the publisher was valid and would help me market, I would jump at the chance. I am not a good marketer – it’s a chore for me. I would check any publisher carefully before negotiating, however. There are a lot of frauds out there.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I have stories I want to tell. Some of them have been in my head for decades. I’d be dishonest if I claimed that book sales and readership are not important to me. I want others to share what I have written, because the books contain powerful messages. I’m retired now, and fairly comfortable – so I’m not looking for wealth. I just want to share my ideas with others.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
John Fowles. His books have the ability to bring out strong emotion. In addition his philosophy is worth studying.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Although I enjoy the writings of others, I don’t covet their thoughts. The only books I want to write are those that come out of my mind. As a vet, I can’t help admiring Joseph Heller, but his work is his own.