Interview with Robert John DeLuca, Author of The Battle For Sam Jacinto

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Battle For Sam Jacinto?

As a former Marine, who has a great concern for the direction our country is headed, the indiscriminate destruction of memorials to our war heroes was troubling. After studying the matter, like my protagonist, Marshall Morris, I came to realize there was much more to these protests than I recognized.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Battle For Sam Jacinto, what would they be?

We used the USMC hymn in the trailer.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love thriller fiction, usually with a business world twist, which is what I write both in full adult and young adult levels.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I am working my way through William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor Series. I also thoroughly enjoy Mark Greaney’s Grayman Series.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the night battle scene when the ancient old vets and teenagers defend the statue with water hoses and paint ball guns against hired thugs bent on destroying it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My wife would say I have dozens of quirky habits. My fifth son, Floyd, a very active yellow Lab, is under my feet most of the time. Each morning when I sit down to write, I have to inspect my desk carefully to see what changes our two cats have made since yesterday. My desk apparently provides the best “Cat TV’ window in our house.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I sincerely try to always be considerate of the other person, and of course, Semper Fidelis.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Being passionate about a cause can be admirable. Just be certain you have thoroughly considered all sides of an issue. Your high school years are a wonderful time of life.