Dennis Gager is a writer of all seasons, and styles. His new book “Outlaws Last Stand” has been on the bestseller charts for sometime now, and keeps bringing new fans into the fold. What makes a writer like Gager so successful? I believe it’s the humility he manages to exude at every turn, and the stories he manages to pen with every second he has free. Can a writer ever write too many books? I don’t think so. But a writer has to have good stories, and a writer like Gager has the ideas to make each one of his stories unique.
This interview is about the very essence of what it means to write. I hope you enjoy it… It should be an interesting adventure…
Dennis, let me start by asking why it was important for you to write?
I write because I have all these ideas come to me all at once, and it helps me to focus my thoughts when I write. I enjoy it.
What really drove that ambition?
I like the idea of creating new worlds and characters, and seeing how far I can push my boundaries.
How closely do you try to keep to historical fact?
When I write a story about a location, I try as hard as possible to keep it as close to the historical fact as I can so my story will be believable to the readers.
Which movies influenced your writing the most?
John Wayne films. They’re classics, and they influenced me to write Western tales of heroes like John Wayne was in all his Western films.
What first got you interested in the written word?
My grandma. She always read Western tales to me, told me about Westerns she saw as a kid, and about real outlaws she learned about. That got me into the written word because I loved her stories, and it made me want to do research on the Old West.
Would you ever write a book about the Alamo or other historical events?
Yes, I would love to write a tale about events from the past like that and see how they would unfold through my writing.
Do you believe in the concept of good and bad?
Yes, I do believe in good and bad.
Is that a concept that all who write books should keep in mind?
Every story needs a hero and a villain—they play off each other very well. Without good and evil, there would be no story.
If you could go back to any time period, where would you go?
I’d go back to Tombstone and witness the greatest showdown in Western history—the gunfight at the OK Corral—and see what truly happened there.
Can you describe all of your books in one easy-to-read answer?
Fun, entertaining, mind-blowing adventure.
What will your next book be about?
A bounty hunter in the Old West who is hired to go after a cold-blooded killer.
Do you think it’s important to have a large publisher as an author?
Not at all. I think having a smaller publisher gives you creative control and a better environment to work in.
Is there any kind of book you wouldn’t write, or couldn’t write?
I wouldn’t write erotica. It’s not my cup of tea.
Do you think writers read more books than the average reader—or is that just a myth?
I can’t speak for other writers, but I enjoy reading a ton of books and always look for my next book to read.
How have reviewers treated your books?
Good and bad, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. I’m always open to fresh criticism and to see what reviewers like (and don’t like) so I can write a better story next time.
You can pick up the latest Gager bestsellers by clicking on the covers below.
1 comment
A fellow John Wayne western fan here who, like you, finds inspiration for my own writing in his westerns. As such, I’ll look forward to adding your books to my TBR pile.