Meet Author Drew Thorn
Author Drew Thorn
I had a chance to interview fellow author and member of the Springfield, MO Writer’s Guild, Drew Thorn. I have read one of his books in the Sandy Powell Series, “The Pinnacle Club”. I will talk about the book later, but first, let’s get to the interview with Drew.
Q: “Tell me about your background. I know you grew up on a Dairy Farm, but tell me how you got from Dairy Farm to published author?”
A: “My life from dairy farm 10 miles from Vermont to published author in Springfield, MO is winding path generously dosed with luck and opportunity. When I was 16 my father wisely told me if you don’t like milking cows don’t be a dairy farmer. I always liked farm equipment mechanical things and computers. During college I started my first company assembling farm equipment for John Deere dealers, mostly in the Midwest. I continued in the farm equipment business until I struck out in the nascent computer software business – managing sales and marketing for a farm accounting software company. By chance, I transitioned to another startup making public phones and utilizing the new technology of smart cards. I then ran the International division of a phone company and began to travel the world. My next step was to manage the new global smart card division of MasterCard and continue my world travels. Together with other people I am responsible for the chip in billions of payment and identity cards across the world. I was involved in developing X509, the foundation for HTTPS – secure Internet. I continued my security work in cyber space and IT. My wife found her dream job at Missouri State, and we left the Washington, DC area, making the move. And here I am.”
Q: “Could you tell the readers what the books in your Sandy Powell Series are about, and where the main character is heading?”
A: “Sandy is a powerful, yet quiet leader who is a former SEAL and biology teacher who rediscovered his grandfather’s invention to create cheap hydrogen gas. He falls in love with a patent attorney and together they battle against a secret monopoly of oil barons trying to stop competitive technology.”
Q: “What other works do you have available or what are you working on, Drew?”
A: “The second book in the series is finished and being edited and will be available in the spring. The main characters are again Sandy and Morgan as they work to launch the company and battle new adversaries.”
Q: “Who are some of your favorite authors you enjoy reading?”
A: “There are too many to name a few; Dan Brown, Steve Berry, David Baldacci, James Clavell, Clive Cussler, John Grisham, Cleo Coyle, James Michener, they are well known. I equally love the writing Malcolm Tanner, Antim Straus, J.C Fields, and Eli Pope. They are all amazing.”
Q: “What advice would you give to authors just getting started?”
A: “I am a plotter, so I create an outline and then just write. When I hit a slow spot, I go to the outline and it helps me thru that slow spot. The important thing is when in the spirit, just write and let it flow. Worry later about punctuation and structure don’t let technical details stop the imagination getting on the paper.”
Q: “What are your most and least favorite things about writing?”
A: “My writing in the past was technical; specifications, proposals, white papers. What I love about writing a novel is that it is whatever you imagine – complete freedom. Least like the punctuation and cleaning up the words you should not use.
Q: “Amen to that! What’s next for Drew Thorn?”
A: The next book in the series is The Oligarch and book three is being outlined now
Q: “What sites, links, and contact information can you give our readers? Web site, Facebook, Twitter, Book links, or wherever else readers can learn more?”
A:
Website: https://www.thornebrook.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drew.thorn.9615
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThornebrookLlc
Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735261203
As you can see, Andy has some interesting background and much experience in technical writing. He is now delving into writing fiction and did a great job on “The Pinnacle Club”, that I highly recommend to readers. It had my interest from beginning to end. I felt engaged the whole way, always rooting for Sandy and Morgan to overcome the adversity they faced. Below is the book description:
A riveting conspiracy thriller with characters you will love and others you will hate. Surprises around the corner; murder, secret codes, torture and two people falling in love. Plus, a Golden Retriever!!!
Former Navy SEAL, Sandy Powell discovers clues left by his grandfather, Dick Powell, which could save the environment and upend the global oil industry. A decades-old secret and illegal oil monopoly, The Pinnacle Club, conspires to stop Powell at all cost putting himself, his girlfriend, and his trusty golden retriever in harm’s way.
At the same time, the CIA and FBI uncover plots to murder government officials and global price-fixing by the Club.
I found this description to be true as there were some characters I disliked and some that I rooted for all the way, especially Sandy’s Australian friend.
The action is non-stop, and the conspiracy plot was a race against time. I liked the way Drew put the characters in position to conquer their adversity but left you with a feeling that they were always in danger while doing so.
A real conspiracy thriller that will have you on needles and pins until the fast-paced conclusion. Get you a copy of “The Pinnacle Club” on the link above. It is well worth your time.
It was my pleasure to write about Drew and his life experiences. I know he will be a successful writer as he takes time to work on details and is a highly organized person. He has stories to tell and I can’t wait to read book two in the series when it comes out!
