Diane Capri Reveals Grant Blackwood (and James Rollins)

Today, I’m pleased to have in the hot seat my friend and celebrity author Grant Blackwood.

Grant Blackwood

Grant is the author of the Briggs Tanner thriller series, but you probably know him best as Clive Cussler’s co-author on the New York Times bestsellers Spartan Gold, Lost Empire, and Kingdom. Or maybe you caught Grant’s work as Tom Clancy’s co author of Dead or Alive, which spent three weeks at #1 on the New York Times list and three months in the top ten, a super-human feat in today’s market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After writing the equivalent of nine books in four years, you’d think Grant would be taking a well-deserved rest, wouldn’t you? Maybe hanging out in the Florida Keys with his new protagonist, soaking up rum and rays?

Um, no.

Right now, Grant’s working on a top-secret new series of his own while he also collaborates on a second new series with another of my friends, celebrity author James Rollins.

Diane Capri and James Rollins

Grant attracts co-authors like charged steel. So where does this dude get his electrostatic mojo?

Grant is a US Navy veteran. He spent three years aboard a guided-missile frigate as an Operations Specialist and a pilot rescue swimmer.

“So what?” you might ask…

Well, that was one of my questions, too.

Diane Capri:  Grant, readers are dying to know how you connected with these terrific authors. Come on. Spill.

Grant Blackwood: *Laughs* Well, I’d read Clive Cussler for many, many years. He was a mentor at a distance for me. Hell, I got into this business because of Clive. When I was offered the chance to work with him through my editor, it was a dream come true. Creating books I loved to write was a bonus.

Diane Capri:  I’ve met Clive several times. He’s funny and quite the gentleman. It must have been fun to work with him. I always wanted to see his Classic Car Collection, though. I’ve never met Tom Clancy. What’s the straight scoop on that?

Grant Blackwood: I read Hunt for Red October when I was in the navy and I was doing the very work Tom Clancy wrote about. Both Tom and Clive are giants in our genre, and in the industry as a whole. I consider myself lucky to have worked with them.

Diane Capri:  So what’s the bad part?

Grant Blackwood: The schedule was grueling. Writing that many books in that period of time meant I couldn’t look up and take a deep breath. But that’s part of being a writer now-a-days. No writer can control the schedule as much as we’d like to. It is what it is. *Looks at watch.*

Diane Capri:  Would you write another book with Cussler or Clancy?

Grant Blackwood: I’ve learned to never say never, but I wanted to get back out on my own again. I had this urge to write a new solo project and that’s become more insistent; I can’t get it out of my head. I’m really excited about the concept because it’s unlike anything else we’ve seen in a thriller character. *Looks at watch again.*

Diane Capri: Okay, I’ll let you get back to work in a minute. But after that grueling schedule, and your desire to write your solo project, what persuaded you to start collaborating with Jim Rollins?

Grant Blackwood: Well, I didn’t plan to do another co-authored series. But out of the blue, Jim came knocking and I couldn’t say no to that opportunity. I like Jim personally and to work with someone as big as Jim is in the thriller genre was something I couldn’t resist. You know how that is, Diane. You’re acting pretty coy, but Lee Child and Jack Reacher are big names in our business, too.

Diane Capri:  *Grins* Don’t Know Jack has been a lot of fun for me, too. You’re exactly right. Can you give us a little taste of your new project with Jim?

Grant Blackwood: We’re working on a new series starring a very unique character. Details to come in the near future. For now, two books are planned. We don’t have a title yet. But the first one will be out in 2013.

Diane Capri:  We’re all looking forward to  your book with Jim and your top secret new project, Grant. Now, you’re living up there in Colorado mountains, but you’re not alone in a cabin the woods, right?

Grant Blackwood: *Laughs* Not at all. My wife Julie and I have four dogs, a cat, and an ever-growing pile of photography equipment, and an ever-growing stack of must-read books.

Diane Capri:  You’re a photographer, too? Where do you find the time?

Grant Blackwood: Not me. Julie is. She graduated from the New York Institute of Photography and she loves it. We live in a beautiful state, which provides her with landscape subjects. And the dogs never cease to amuse. We also adopted a shelter cat last week. After about 24 hours, he was walking around like he owned the place.

Diane Capri:  Are these Julie’s photos? They’re fabulous! Look at this one:

Grant Blackwood has the experience and expertise to co-author with some of the biggest names in the Thriller genre. When opportunity knocked, he took a chance on his dream come true. Have you ever taken a big risk in pursuit of your dream? How’d it work out?

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26 Responses to Diane Capri Reveals Grant Blackwood (and James Rollins)

  1. Sheila Seabrook February 19, 2012 at 7:41 pm #

    Fabulous interview, Diane and Grant. I admire the dedication behind the writing schedule and am intrigued by the collaborations. Thanks for the terrific interview!

    • Diane Capri February 19, 2012 at 9:22 pm #

      Glad you enjoyed meeting Grant, Sheila. He’s a man with a strong work ethic, to be sure. Thanks for stopping by.

  2. Coleen Patrick February 20, 2012 at 10:22 am #

    Great interview–and I love that photograph. That’s a hobby I’d like to get into one of these days!

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 11:19 am #

      Thanks for the kind words, Coleen. Photography is something I’d love to have a talent for, but alas, I’ve tried. Usually, I cut off people’s heads and put my thumb in front of the lens! 🙂

  3. Debra Eve | Later Bloomer February 20, 2012 at 11:51 am #

    Fun interview, Diane. A friend is an ex-policewoman with a Belgian she took into retirement with her. Gorgeous, amazing dog. You forgot to ask Grant if he ever sleeps 🙂

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 12:07 pm #

      Good question, Debra! I’m guessing the answer has got to be “once a year, whether I need sleep or not,” right?

  4. Louise Behiel February 20, 2012 at 12:30 pm #

    Great interview, Diane. I didn’t realize I was hanging around with a celebrity. You know the coolest people. Grant, I can’t imagine your writing schedule. My hat’s off to you

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 12:32 pm #

      I do know the coolest people, Louise, including you! But I’m not a celebrity, I just know a few. 🙂

  5. Lynette M Burrows February 20, 2012 at 12:49 pm #

    Very nice interview. I wonder how long it took Grant to get from struggling writer to the place where he had his first celebrity collaboration? Care to dish, Grant?

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 3:09 pm #

      I don’t know how many years Grant’s been writing, Lynette. Maybe he will stop by and tell us. I do know he’d published at least three books before he co-authored with Clive Cussler and Tom Clancy.

    • Grant February 20, 2012 at 3:48 pm #

      Lynette, I’ve been at this a while — this year will mark my 25th year writing fiction. Of course, like most authors, it took me well over a decade to get published (2001). It’s been a long, rewarding road.

      • Lynette M Burrows February 20, 2012 at 7:19 pm #

        Thanks, Grant. I appreciate the information. It confirms my understanding of what ‘overnight success’ really means – lots of hard work. 🙂

  6. Karen McFarland February 20, 2012 at 2:18 pm #

    Hi Diane!

    Another fabulous interview! I did peak at your site last night, but I was so tired I could form a coherent comment. LOL. So I’m back. Diane, I can tell you are quite the gal around town. You’ve got some interesting connections girl. I love it. I love that you had him looking at his watch. Mr. Blackwood is a very busy man. How does he do it and have a life? Does he come up for air? I can’t wait Diane for your next interview. Hmm. Who will it be? You’ve got our attention now Diane. 🙂

    • Karen McFarland February 20, 2012 at 2:20 pm #

      Well I still can’t form a coherent sentence! LOL! As in peeked instead of peaked. And couldn’t instead of could. I’m going back to bed! LOL! 🙂

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 3:15 pm #

      Thank you for your kind words, Karen. Fortunately, most authors are very generous with their time. They spend so much time cooped up with a keyboard that they enjoy socializing with readers and colleagues from time to time. Before the advent of social media, we’d meet in person at conferences and appearances. I’ve indeed met some amazing people that way and always been very grateful for their friendship.

  7. Debra Kristi February 20, 2012 at 2:40 pm #

    Fantastic interview, Diane and Grant. I am in awe at how he does it all. Wonderful! You know some pretty fabulous people there, Ms. Diane.  The photograph is wonderful. I have always wanted to take pictures like that. We would have to buy some better cameras first.

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 3:16 pm #

      Thank you, Debra. That photograph knocked my socks off, too. I can tell you, we don’t have anything that looks like that here in the Sunshine State!

  8. Jennette Marie Powell February 20, 2012 at 8:41 pm #

    What a fun interview, Diane! You know some of the most fascinating people. I was wondering the same thing Lynnette was – thanks for sharing, Grant!

    • Diane Capri February 20, 2012 at 11:50 pm #

      Glad you enjoyed the interview, Jenn, and thanks!

  9. August McLaughlin February 21, 2012 at 6:53 pm #

    Ooh… I love it when fantastic authors join forces. What a wonderful interview, Diane. And I second the praise of that photograph. WOW. Perhaps Julie can create your next book cover! 😉

    • Diane Capri February 22, 2012 at 5:05 pm #

      Thanks for the kind words, August, and we’re glad you enjoyed the interview. Julie’s work is amazing, isn’t it?

  10. Janelle Madigan February 23, 2012 at 10:53 am #

    Great Q&A, Diane. Grant, thanks for sharing your story. Frame-worthy photo as well! Lots of talent packed in this post.

    • Diane Capri February 23, 2012 at 12:51 pm #

      Thanks for reading, Janelle!

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