I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE
GHOSTS OF SARATOGA by David R. Ossont & David Dampf Blog Tour hosted
by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About The Book:
Title: THE
GHOSTS OF SARATOGA
Author: David R. Ossont & David Dampf
Pub. Date: July 21, 2019
Publisher: Milford House Press
Formats:
Paperback, eBook
Pages: 159
In 1777, seventeen-year-old Roland McCaffrey
joins the American Revolution. He is part of the army trying to stop the
invasion force of British general John Burgoyne. Fighting alongside his sergeant
and mentor, Roland becomes a skilled rifleman. He feels guilty for killing but
plays an important role in the American strategy. At the Battles of Saratoga,
Roland engages in combat under Benedict Arnold.
Interview:
Hey David and David!! First I want to say welcome to Two
Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat! THE GHOSTS OF SARATOGA sounds
like a really interesting read and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
For the readers:
can you tell us a little bit about THE GHOSTS OF SARATOGA?
Well, first off, it’s not a
ghost story, although ghosts do play an important but small part. It’s the
story of a young colonial scout who joins the army during the Revolutionary War.
He’s idealistic about the cause, but comes to realize, somewhat to his dismay
that he has a “talent” for killing. He’s drawn into the events surrounding the
Battle of Saratoga, often considered the turning point of the Revolution.
What are you
working on now?
Nothing concrete. We’re
actually taking a look in both directions. We’re particularly interested in
some of the lesser-known actions of the Revolution. Before Saratoga there was
the famous crossing the Delaware. But less known was the equally important
Battle of Princeton that happened just a few days after the crossing and
Trenton. In the other direction, chronologically, we like the story of the
Battle of Cowpens, one of the last really big battles. So we’re thinking on
both of those and starting to gather some details.
Was Roland a real
person or someone you made up?
Roland and Caleb are
fictional. In some respects they are composites of description and writings of
real people. Many of the characters they interact with are real, Daniel Morgan,
Benedict
Arnold, Tim Murphy.
Who was your
favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?
Ooh, unfair! Asking an
author that is like asking a parent which is the favored child. Here’s probably
the best I can answer. Roland was certainly the most complex character. He
changes the most over the course of the story and carries the inner turmoil of
the fog of war. Caleb is the most fun, he’s larger than life. But without
question the most fascinating character is Benedict Arnold. He’s forever known
to history at the epitome of treason, but at the time our story he was probably
the best general the rebels had. He’s arrogant, impetuous, brilliant,
charismatic and brave.
Rather than “least favorite”
I prefer to think of it as “most difficult.” We didn’t want our “villians” to
be caricatures. It’s not easy to keep them human and a bit sympathetic when
they’re trying to kill your protagonist.
What is your
favorite passages/scenes in THE GHOSTS OF SARATOGA?
I like the opposites. When
Roland is experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of his surroundings it’s a
reminder that at heart he is a woodsman. He understands the natural world. In
contrast, I like the chaos of the battle scenes- soldiers running in every
which direction, officers trying to rein and organize troops largely made of
citizen-soldiers.
What kind of
research did you have to do for the story?
It was extensive. We wanted
things to be historically accurate. From the equipment, to the weapons, food,
music and clothing. Sometimes we were even able to use the actual words of some
of the historical figures from writings of time.
What inspired you
to write a YA historical book?
Ah, easiest question and
most obvious answer. We’re both longtime middle school teachers. We took our
love of history and our familiarity with our clientele and combined them.
Lightning Round Questions
What are you
reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?
Believe it or not, Ulysses.
Next on my list is the Age of Anxiety by rock star Pete Townsend. How’s that
for eclectic?
What Hogwarts
House would the Sorting Hat place you in?
Hmm, I guess Ravenclaw.
Twitter or
Facebook?
Facebook
Favorite
Superhero?
Spiderman
Favorite TV show?
I’m rather partial to
Masterpiece Mysteries. And Mystery Science Theater 3000
Sweet or Salty?
Salty
Any Phobias?
Politicians. They give me
the heebie-jeebies.
Song you can’t get
enough of right now?
Sounds odd I know, but I’ve
been listening to Rod Stewart singing “Ooh, La La.”
2020 Movie you’re
most looking forward to?
Quiet Place Part 2
Thanks so much David and David for answering my questions! I
can’t wait for everyone to read THE GHOSTS OF SARATOGA!
About
The Authors:
David R. Ossont has worked as a
musician, a Fish and Wildlife Technician and for nearly three decades taught science
to seventh and eighth graders. He received his college education from several
colleges of the State University of New York. He has two children, Kyle and
Hayley and lives with his wife Pam in upstate New York, not far from where the
events of Ghosts of Saratoga take place.
David Dampf has been a
middle school social studies teacher for the past 28 years. He has a
Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam with a major in history and secondary
education and a Master’s degree in reading from SUNY Cortland. Since he
believes that understanding history is essential to being an educated,
thoughtful adult, he has spent his life telling stories that make history come
alive. He lives in Oneida, New York, with his family.
Giveaway Details:
One winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC,
International.
Ten winners will win signed bookmarks, International.
Tour
Schedule:
Week
One:
3/9/2020
|
Spotlight
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3/10/2020
|
Excerpt
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3/10/2020
|
Instagram Stop
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3/11/2020
|
Interview
|
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3/12/2020
|
Review
|
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3/12/2020
|
Instagram Stop
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|
3/13/2020
|
Review/Spotlight
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|
3/13/2020
|
Instagram Stop
|
Week
Two:
3/16/2020
|
Excerpt
|
|
3/16/2020
|
Instagram Stop
|
|
3/17/2020
|
Interview
|
|
3/17/2020
|
Instagram Stop
|
|
3/18/2020
|
Review
|
|
3/19/2020
|
Review
|
|
3/20/2020
|
Review
|
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