We would like to welcome
Scott McEwen
Author of
Target America
(Sniper Elite #2)
Rad-Reader: Are all the characters on Gil’s team based on
men and women that you have met over the years?
Scott: Yes.
The characters are definitely based mainly on SEALs that I have got to
know personally, and those that I have met through social interactions.
Rad-Reader: Is Gil loosely based on some of the men you
met at the bar in the prologue to “Sniper Elite?”
Scott: Definitely.
Gil is the embodiment of several SEALs I have known-most of whom were
snipers. The individual I described in the beginning of Sniper Elite was
a SEAL that I met in Coronado that had been wounded multiple times in a
firefight and stayed in the battle until medivac'd for treatment. This is
the "Never Quit" attitude that Gil represents.
Rad-Reader: How difficult is it for you to find out about
Black op missions and then change parts for your stories?
Scott: Really
not difficult at all. It adds to the fun of writing the scene, because
the reality of what actually occurred is many times more surreal than the
fiction you are attempting to fill in around it.
Rad-Reader: Why did you come up with Montana as the Place
for Gil and wife Marie to live?
Scott: The
State of Montana was just by chance chosen by my co-author Jim Koloniar and
myself. Although I must admit I know a few very tough SEALs from Montana.
Rad-Reader: How much time do you spend in research for
the book, example weapons? I know there
are guys out there that look for mistakes all the time?
Scott: It
is very important that the weapons, and their capabilities/ballistics, etc. be
accurate. The research is done through various means, including my
discussions with the guys that are snipers. I know the .300 Winchester
Magnum very well, as I grew up hunting and shooting very long distances with
it.
Rad-Reader: Do you worry how close a scenario like the
one you describe can actually happen?
Scott: It is
not a "worry" per se. However, the scenario in Target America
(the second novel in the Sniper Elite series) was meant to give people a wakeup
call in many ways. Our enemies have thought out their methods of attack
in ways we have yet to understand.
Rad-Reader: Was it difficult combining the ideas of SEALs
and Delta Force working together?
Scott: Not
at all. Both are well respected Special Operations troops, which work
together on a regular basis. While they come from different backgrounds
and disciplines, their training and skill-sets overlap. At the end of the
day, they are some of our toughest and most highly trained gun-fighters.
Rad-Reader: Did you already have the history of the
neighbor and mother in law or did you come up with that for the story?
Scott: No,
that was completely made up for the story, although the dog (Oso) was created
based on a Chesapeake Bay Retriever I grew up with.
Rad-Reader: Do you take from some of the other books you
have written (American Sniper & Eyes on Target) and add them to the story?
Scott: I
don't take from the books per se, but I definitely work from the methods of
operating that I learned of in writing those books.
Rad-Reader: How much did those books help you with this
book Sniper Elite #1 & #2?
Scott: The
knowledge I gained of the training, attitudes and methods was extremely
important.
Rad-Reader: Have you thought about doing a book about the
SEALs you met at the bar?
Scott: Definitely.
More to follow....
Rad-Reader: I know you were into hunting, did your
knowledge around weapons make it easier for you to understand the sitting,
wind, direction, etc… when writing about it?
Scott: Certainly.
Marksmanship of any type is really a function of how you use the tool
(rifle or pistol) and understanding the environment you are shooting in.
The bullet will act the same way virtually every time you "launch
it." Your job as the shooter is to understand those characteristics
and ballistics.
Rad-Reader: I enjoyed the book “American Sniper,” did
being friends with Chris Kyle, help you in anyway in talking to other former
SEALs?
Scott: Most
definitely. Because Chris and I were friends, and because Chris and I
trusted each other, it gives me an immense amount of "street cred"
with other SEALs, some of whom personally knew Chris, and others did not.
All SEALs know of Chris' service and his Patriotism.
Rad-Reader: Your book “Eyes on Target,” I liked too. I was really impressed by the last part with,
The Benghazi account.
How
difficult was it to get those papers?
Scott: A lot
of research went into obtaining those papers. Unfortunately, there were a
lot of people that did not want the truth to be told of what took place in
Benghazi. Our focus was to point out the heroic acts of Ty Woods and Glen
Dougherty, both heroes that should be recognized as such.
Rad-Reader: Now that you are into your third book of
“Sniper Elite.” Are the story lines
still easy to come up with or is it starting to be more difficult to keep it
fresh?
Scott: The
enjoyment with Sniper Elite is putting Gil in scenarios that he must use his
skill set to get out of and get his job done. SEALs are expected to use
their skill set, but also to be innovative in overcoming obstacles, and
destroying enemies. This is always fun to write about.
Rad-Reader: Your book “Target America” shows how easy it
is to cross the border. Has anyone
suggested any changes that we could make?
Therefore it would become more difficult?
Scott: We
have the means and the man-power to close that border within a very short
period of time, if the political will existed to do so. It was our
intention to let the reader know that enemies of this country know how easy it
is to get through that border.
Rad-Reader: When is the third book “The Sniper & the
Wolf” expected to be released?
Scott: May,
2015. Already out for pre-sale on Amazon and other electronic sites.
Rad-Reader: Now that my hubby has all his questions I
have a few of my own. Like if your book
“Sniper Elite” was made into a movie who would you want to play Gil and his
wife Marie? (I like to add stars pics if the author gives me names of stars.J)
Scott: Very
good question. The series is now in development with Kevin Misher Films.
Kevin is well known for producing a variety of works, but notably was in
charge of Universal Pictures when they developed the Jason Bourne series.
No actors have been chosen to date, but a director has. I am unable
to disclose the details at the moment, but it will be out soon.
Well, you know I can’t let my girls down so My Hubby did some
brainstorming and this is his pick for Gil & his wife. They are the ones
that would fit those characters the best in his mind’s eye.
Jon Huertas & Yvonne DeLaRosa
Rad-Reader: If you had a theme song for you book “Sniper
Elite” what song would sum it up?
Scott: Expect
No Mercy - Nazareth
Rad-Reader: Where can our readers buy your books?
Scott: Pretty
much anywhere. I have seen the books for sale in airports all over the
world, and they are now in print in over 30 languages.
Rad-Reader: Where can our readers reach you like a site, Facebook,
Instagram, or Twitter?
Scott: Scottmcewen.com
Twitter: @authorsmcewen
On behalf of
1Rad-Reader we would like to thank you for being with us to share a little
about your process in writing your exciting books. My Hubby would really like
to “Thank you!” He enjoyed
reading “American Sniper & Eyes on Target.” He’s looking forward to
your next book. Thanks again,
Char & Pat
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