New York, snow-capped mountains and black bears.
04 May 2011I've been planting trees instead of finishing my latest novel - but who can ignore a Spring like this? My new house looks across the valley - a long view - that allows me to see the weather scuttling in from the coast, which meant I had to spend a lot of time sitting in the sunshine deciding where exactly these trees should be put so they could survive the prevaling winds. Now, I'm off to two of my favourite cities - New York and Seattle. I'm meeting my USA publisher who has some brand new cover designs for the Danger Zone series, and I'll also be catching up with old friends in the Big Apple. Then, after a few days, it's across that vast continent to the Pacific North West - a magnificent part of the world. I'll kayak in the fjords and go up to Hurricane Ridge - the last time I was there I had a brief encounter with a large black bear. So, now the trees are bedded down, - Birch for shade, Acer for beauty, Rowan for its Celtic mythology and food for the birds - it's back to the novel as I trundle across the sky. I doubt my tree planting is going to offset my carbon footprint - I'll plant more when I return.
Comments
Kind regards,
One of your biggest fans.
David Gilman responded:
It's always a pleasure to hear from Max Gordon's fans and I very much appreciate your comments. A complex character like Max is drawn from many facets of a writer's observation, reflection and imagination. They're the most energetic of books that I have written so far, and it's good to know that they are appreciated by, what is, a very broad audience. I think you've identified the the sense of urgency in the Danger Zone series. I wanted my readers to be right there in the heart of his vivid adventures, to take them into the core of his world and their own imagination.
I spend a lot of time researching, and travelling to, these far-flung places so I can give my readers an authentic feel for the locations. That, combined with my own past experiences, blend to create the strong sense of reality in the books.
It's good to know you feel he's more than a fictional character. He had to be believable for me to write him that way, so his vulnerability was a key issue. Having been scared a few times myself I knew how important it was for him to find a way of overcoming his fear. I think you're right - there is probably a real Max Gordon out there somewhere. And I bet he lurks inside us all, just wanting to escape! I have other challenges lined up for Max in the Danger Zone, but there are no plans to continue the series in the foreseeable future.
It was good of you to take the time to write and for your support for Max Gordon. We both thank you!