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Interview with Harrison Neese

Published 2015-02-02.
Why did you write your latest work?
Since my early teens, I've been an avid student of 18th and 19th century American history. Last year, I learned that more battles and skirmishes were fought on South Carolina soil over the eight years of the Revolutionary War than in any other of the thirteen colonies. This sounded like there was a novel waiting to be written around this fact, and so I did.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
For me, it was the idea that I would be in control of the content, its design, the cover design, setting the price, and even deciding when and with whom to publish my work. Self-publishing means I can make changes at any point in the process, or back out entirely—it’s my decision.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have no favorite to speak of, but the following writers have given me many hours of entertainment and enlightenment. In no particular order of preference I like: Mark Twain, C.S. Lewis, John Grisham, Ernest Hemingway, Jack London, and Michael Crichton.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
Since I read ebooks from my kindle, Amazon is my goto source.
When do you write? Is it easier to write in the morning or at night?
Generally, I start my writing day around 4 o'clock a.m. It seems the quietness of the pre-dawn hours plus a steaming cup of coffee energizes the creative processes of the inner me. But I'm not bound to that time of day, sometimes late in the evening the story spills out of my thoughts faster than my fingers can tap the keyboard.
What's the most important thing readers will learn from 1780, A Time to Live Free or Die?
I want the readers of this book to understand the gift of liberty and freedom we so casually appreciate was bought at great sacrifice, and unless we guard it and defend it, we will lose it.
What is the most difficult part of writing fiction for you?
Picking up at the point where I stopped previously and continuing seamlessly with the storyline, plot, or dialogue. Although, I find the whole process of taking an idea and turning it into something the reader will believe actually happened can be an overwhelming challenge.
How did you come up with the title of your book
The title came from the story itself. The year 1780 was pivotal for the outcome of the American War of Independence. Patriots throughout the thirteen colonies were exhausted physically and emotionally, ready to accept defeat. After five years of struggle, they just went home to pick up the broken pieces of their lives. Yet, there remained a remnant of people scattered throughout the colony-states who would not quit.
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Books by This Author

River of Dreams by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 108,210. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » USA
In 1841 Alabama, Ethan Hayes worked long days hammering red-hot iron. He was good at it, and he knew he was good, but his heart wasn’t in it. With the passing of each day, part of him died; it was only a matter of time before he walked away from the forge and left it all behind. The death of his mentor sets in motion events that propel him toward his dream . . .
1780: A Time to Live Free or Die by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 103,910. Language: American English. Published: January 31, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Historical » USA
It was their darkest hour . . . when the British captured Charleston, South Carolina and with it, the entire southern American Army. Patriots everywhere gave up, ready to accept defeat and the cold winds of tyranny blew hard against the flickering flame of Liberty. Yet, there remained small bands of patriots—men and women—who would not quit . . .