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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Blog Tour- THE GHOSTS OF SARATOGA by David R. Ossont & David Dampf With An Interview & #Giveaway!



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
Find it: Goodreads, AmazonKindle, B&N, TBD

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
3/10/2020
Excerpt
3/10/2020
Instagram Stop
3/11/2020
Interview
3/12/2020
Review
3/12/2020
Instagram Stop
3/13/2020
Review/Spotlight
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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