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If you missed Part 1 of my interview with authors Shane and Tristan Lindsay, click here. In this second part, we talk about their newest book, Funeral Train: A Civil War Action Thriller. This historical novel combines action, history, and suspense—perfect for fans of unique indie fiction.
What inspired the Lindsay Brothers to write “Funeral Train: A Civil War Action Thriller”?
They have had a combination of ideas over the years, and much of their inspiration comes from Indiana Jones type stories. Shane had this particular concept in mind for quite a while after hearing about bounty hunters who went after Lincoln’s funeral train. Also, much of the Lindsay brothers’ lives have been “touched by the legend of Lincoln”, as Shane reminisced. When Lincoln died, the train left Washington, DC and made a 16-city tour before laying him to rest in Illinois. Many of the tour stops overlapped with locations significant to Shane – Columbus, OH where he had previously lived; Lafayette, IN his hometown, and very small town called Medaryville, IN where their grandparents lived. Besides these personal connections, both brothers said, “trains in a story provided great fodder for fun live-actions sequences.”
What surprising historical discoveries did they make during the writing process?
Shane learned that when the train reached New York City, it came in from the New Jersey side and had to cross the Hudson River. Lincoln’s body had to be taken off the train and put on the ferry across the river. Once it was across, a funeral was held before continuing.
Tristan was surprised to learn there actually was an attempt to steal the body of Lincoln. It’s not something that’s covered in history books or well-known in today’s culture. He also learned there were other conspirators in the assassination besides John Wilkes Booth.
How long did it take to complete this book from initial concept to publication?
It was first written as a screenplay and sat in that format for a while. Over the years, they co-wrote other books before eventually deciding they should circle back to the screenplay and re-work it into book form. Shane first had the idea over 20 years ago, and the process of turning it from the screenplay format to book form took about two years.
What do they hope readers will take away from this book?
They hope their readers enjoy the unique concept. They reflected that some books can fall into predictable patterns with similar beats. They always try to come up with unique ideas and hope people enjoy the story.
How would they encourage aspiring authors?
Shane urged people not to get caught up in success as the main goal of writing. He reflected that their first book didn’t do very well on Amazon, and it was discouraging. He shared that it has been helpful to change his mindset as an independent author to write the story he cares about, and he knows that in time, the right audience will find it. He encourages authors to find joy in the story they have to tell versus focusing on making money from it or seeking success as the goal.
Tristan mentioned many authors are told to “write what you know,” but he encourages authors to “write what you got.” He went on to say, “If you have a story you’re dying to write about, you can research the information you don’t know.” He also suggested that authors read a lot to see how others have done it. And for new would-be authors, he recommended that they read up on story structure – how to wrap up a story, how to complete the first draft, etc.
What’s next for the Lindsay Brothers?
Yes! They have two books currently in the works. One is more fantasy/historical in nature and takes place in ancient Greece. Tristan is currently working on this project.
Shane is currently working on the second book, and it is further along in the writing process. It’s a fantasy story, and they hope to release it in the next year.
If you sign up for the newsletter on their website (https://www.lindsaybrothers.com/), you’ll receive updates on future book releases.
Where can people buy “Funeral Train” and other books?
Their books are available on Amazon in print form and on Kindle. They have three books to choose from:
Funeral Train: A Civil War Action Thriller
Arabian Heist: A Glorious Dragon Caper
Castillo del Mar: A Johnny Socko Pirate Adventure
Also, if you subscribe to their email list, you will be sent a link to download their first book for FREE.
How to find out more about Shane and Tristan:
https://www.lindsaybrothers.com/
In closing, Shane and Tristan are very grateful for the opportunity to work and write together as brothers. They said it is a thrill for them to take something from an idea or a thought to the finished book with their names on the cover.
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