Interview with B.G. Cousins, author of The Great Celt

What can you tell us about your new release, The Great Celt?

The Great Celt is my second novel. When I was writing my first book, I didn’t envision it to be the beginning of a series, but as it progressed, i continued to add things that indicated some interesting history I could write stories around. Once the Locket was finished, I had to decide whether to write a sequel or delve into some of the historical points and go back in time. I started to read extensively about Ivan the Great and it turns out he was a very fascinating guy in a time of petty princes who didn’t have as much power as kings back in western Europe had. Plopping my Rainey character and his sword down into that was exciting as the beginnings of the nation of Russia was just starting to form.

What’s the last book you read?

I’m currently reading two books. One is called “Luther’s Fortress” by James Reston Jr., about Martin Luther and the beginnings of the Reformation in the early 16th Century. The second book is “The Brothers” by Stephen Kinzer, about Foster and Allan Dulles and their effects on American foreign policy during and after the Second World War. Both books are research for future books I’ll be writing. Historical accuracy is very important to me.

What fictional literary world would you most like to visit?

Oh, I’d be more inclined to visit a real historical world, such as the Scottish Highlands during the ’45 or during Robert the Bruce’s time. England after the Roman legions left would also be fascinating.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask them?

I think I’d like to interview Bernard Cornwell. I’d want to ask how he translates his historical research into such fine stories.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

Letting my imagination wander. I write in scenes and linking the scenes together into a coherent story can be so exciting, even when it really goes off the rails and I have to stop myself and go back.

BAM. You’re a superhero. What’s your superpower?

Time travel, for sure 🙂

What scene in The Great Celt was your favorite to write?

I think it was when Ludmilla first goes after the Chergins. She’s been trained to handle herself by Connor Rainey and she arrives in Novgorod to find assassins attacking her brother’s home. She decides to retaliate and discovers that a woman is not paid too much attention, allowing her to get past guards. It is where she invents the legend of Ruslan Tripensky.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

The world will continue to throw you curve balls, but if you stay positive and true to yourself, you can accomplish great things.

B.G. Cousins is the author of the new book The Great Celt.

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