Taking Over The Whole Nation: An Interview with New Western Contender Seth Nation

Nation Pub Photo

If you are asked about a man named Seth Nation—you may not instantly recognize his name. Yet, Seth Nation, is one of the true contenders for the top spot. Why? Because he’s a very talented author. He is one of the true embodiment’s of Western writing.

This interview is with Seth Nation. It’s his first, but won’t be his last. Snuggle up against your horse and learn about one of the best new writers on the scene. Before the end of this little lecture you will be heading on over to Amazon, and clicking the buy button.

***UPDATE***

Nation is currently sitting at #45 on the bestseller lists. Download your copy right here.

 

 

How are you doing today, Seth?

I’m doing very well, thank you!

How do you feel about the success of your first book “The Devils Brand?”

It’s doing very, very well. I’m very proud of the progress the book is making. I just hope readers enjoy it!

Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

The audience I like to think would enjoy this book are folks who love the Old West and the genre of Westerns. I like to write with the idea of what would it be like if Quentin Tarantino directed a John Wayne movie—a little of the old meets the new, so to speak.

Why do you think Westerns are still so popular?

I think it’s only natural that people enjoy the history of our great nation. Who wouldn’t want to read about one of the most exciting times ever?

How did you come up with such a great title?

It came to me while I was writing, and describing the scar on Ethan Brody’s cheek, it seemed like a good fit. Gideon Pratt, the antagonist in the series, is sort of a devil in my mind, so I am sure that the word “Devil” will work its way into the title of future books in the series.

Who is your favorite character from “The Devils Brand” and why?

Oliver Kingston Dukes. I like the idea of everyone in your whole life thinking you are no good and only in it for yourself, but in the end, you prove them wrong.

How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

Martin Katy. He is just a weasel of a character with no backbone.

If you could change just a single thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

I might shorten the prologue up some. The backstory in itself could be its own book. But in writing about the character of Ethan Brody, I wanted to focus on what he did later in his life after the incident, not what he did when he was younger in the immediate aftermath, so I inserted flashbacks to cover some of the bases.

Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series.

The first name Dave, from the character “Dave Cutler,” is named after a childhood friend of mine who unfortunately passed away many years ago. When I first started writing this book and I had a few chapters down, he was one of the first to read it and really gave me some inspiration to move forward and think about writing this. Also, there are a few references to “King’s Hill” in the book; it is the hill overlooking the town of Adobe Wells where the mine is located. In real life, “King’s Hill” was the party hangout back in high school, but alas that once wide open hill is now covered in suburban housing.

Which other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

I really liked the Outlaw Josey Wales. I suppose some of that was in mind when I wrote this book.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I love to fish and camp, play golf, watch baseball, and spend time with my wife and kids. I guess I am unique in that when one of my friends said, “You should turn that into a book,” I did.

How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

In the very near future, you can contact me through my author’s website: sethnationbooks.com. You can also contact me via my publicist at Nick@nickwale.org.

What do you do in regards to promotion?

I publicise as much as I can—but I do leave it to my publisher and publicist. As a writer my job is to write—their job is to sell.

What can we expect from you in the future?

One more story at least involving the characters from “The Devil’s Brand,” perhaps two. I also am sketching out some ideas for a serial about a vigilante named Tom Henry Dutch.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Tell your friends, share it on social media, and leave reviews!

Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Just follow your gut. You’ll never have a perfect story, you’ll have plenty of things you want to change, but just stick to it

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks to anyone who has taken the time to read the book. I would appreciate any and all reviews. Thanks to my dad for Sunday mornings with the Duke growing up.

And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Ethan was shocked. Who in their right mind could just watch that and leave? The two men sat in silence for quite a while.

“Marshal, you’ve been right helpful. I sincerely appreciate it. I reckon I’m going to be gone a bit. I’ll ask the Poes to watch my pa’s land. Until I return, I give them full rights to any decisions that need to be made. Ol’ Mr. Poe has done a right fine job so far. But I want one favor, Marshal Carver,“ Ethan said.

“Name it, son. If I can do it within the confines of the law, I will.”

“I want these sons of bitches running scared. I want them to feel every bit as terrified as my Abby did, and my ma. I want posts going out looking for a man named Pratt and any associates he might have. I want posters up. I want everyone for two states to know that I’m coming. I’m coming, and I’m riding hard. Hell has a rider, and I’m opening the gates. I won’t rest until I have my retribution. I want them to know Death is coming, and it wears a Union hat. It has a name, and that name is Ethan Brody. You do that for me Marshal, and I’d be much obliged.”

The marshal felt for the young man. He really did. “If that’s what you want, I will see to it,” was all he could muster. The lump in his throat was keeping him from answering any more.

Ethan went to the man and shook his hand. The firmness of the grip was all they needed to sign the bounty. An unspeakable moment passed, and they both were in agreement. Ethan turned to the door.

“Ethan, one other thing,” the marshal said. “That Indian, the one who had your mother’s tea set, his name is Two Birds, Johnny Two Birds. He’s in jail over in Salina. Might be a good place to start.”

All the marshal saw was the man’s back and a cloud of dust as he rode off.

Do you want to read one of the best western novels of today? Try “The Devil’s Brand” by Seth Nation. He’s heading on up to #1… Get your copy right here

seth nation photo