Interview with short story writer Kevin Scott Olson

Author Kevin Scott Olson is here today to chat with me about his thriller, action-adventure short story, “Paradise”.

Bio:

Kevin Scott Olson is an American the author of thriller, action-adventure works. He is the author of the Amazon best-selling novel Night of the Bonfire and of several short stories, including “Breakout”, “Roseblood”, and his newest, “Paradise”. He is a member of International Thriller Writers.

Please share a little bit about your newest short story, “Paradise”.

Michael Quinn is in harm’s way, having stumbled upon a sinister plot while trying to escape a storm. At 40 pages, this short fast-paced read is sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

On a desolate stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway, ex-Navy SEAL Michael Quinn stops at the Paradise Motor Court to escape a raging storm. At the bar, Quinn accidentally meets a treasured mentor from his past, and makes a new friend, an attractive Stanford graduate student. Unexpected events, however, turn the pleasant evening into a violent nightmare, fraught with danger. Countless lives hang in the balance, and only Quinn can prevent the carnage and destruction before daylight breaks

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

The ability to place the action and intrigue of a full-length novel into the convenient, one-hour reading format of the short story.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

Paradise, the latest, is my favorite. A close runner-up would be Breakout, which received a very large, positive response from readers.

The protagonist in all of the stories is Michael Quinn, a former Navy SEAL who now works as an independent contractor for the CIA. He tends to be given assignments that, for a variety of reasons, must be kept off-the-books. As a consequence, his exploits take him around the world, and far beyond the usual boundaries of the spy thriller story. There is a high level of intrigue and action.

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

Thriller, action-adventure. It has long been my favorite.

What exciting story are you working on next?

The next Michael Quinn short story, Baltic Dance.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

3-4 years ago.

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

I don’t’ do market research.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Once I start writing, it is difficult to stop, until I am done.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The young, fifties Elvis. Or a track athlete, I loved to run.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

If any reader would like a complimentary copy of a Michael Quinn short story, we are happy to provide one. Please email us at kevin@kevinscottolson.com and my staff will send you one.

Thanks for being here today, Kevin.

Thank you, Lisa!