Frequently Asked Questions About Gunnysack Hell
What is Gunnysack Hell?
It’s my debut novel, a psychological thriller that takes place in the California Mojave Desert in 1962.
Is it based on a true story?
It was inspired by a true crime that happened in the late 1950s. As all fiction writers do, I borrowed snippets of characters to accompany pieces of the plot that may, or may not, have come from my life.
Where did you get the inspiration for GH?
Well, the true-crime inspiration carries over from something that happened to my family. However, this is fiction, so not everything in the book is true including some of the characters and events!
Is this novel historically accurate?
Gunnysack Hell is set in 1962, and, to the best of my ability—with a few opinions sneaking in, I’m sure–I’ve tried to portray those aspects of history as accurately as possible. Check out my Flashback Friday blog for historical content about the era of Gunnysack Hell with everything from a look at living off-grid, to cars, popular culture, the new modern kitchen, Marilyn Monroe singing happy birthday to President Kennedy, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and more.
What is a gunnysack, anyway?
It’s a sack made from loosely woven, coarse material (usually of burlap, jute, or hemp) and came in various sizes to fit everything from grains to potatoes to other agricultural products. They’re sometimes large enough for an adult to fit into for a gunnysack race. In my story, the predator uses it as part of his gear.
Are there any reader companions for the book?
Yes, several! I have two free short stories. “Dare to Wish Upon a Star” features ten-year-old Claire before she appears as an adult main character in Gunnysack Hell, and “Flashes From the Rock,” is about how the O’Brien family ends up in the homestead cabin in Apple Valley before Gunnysack Hell begins. In order to receive both of these (one upon joining and one, a little later), sign up to be on my mailing list here, and you’ll also receive my newsletters, blogs, and announcements.
If I want to recommend Gunnysack Hell to my book group, is there a Discussion Guide?
Yes! Contact me, and I’ll send it to you.
Would you be willing to be a guest speaker at our book group?
Yes. During current times, I’d be glad to “Zoom in” as a guest speaker! And we can figure out other ways later. Please contact me at nancy [at] nancybrashear [dot] com.
Where can I stay on top of what’s going on?
The latest current information will go out to my special peeps on my newsletters and blogs. Stay tuned on my author website, connect with me on my Facebook author page, and follow me on Instagram and Twitter! And, of course, you’re welcome to email me at nancy [at] nancybrashear [dot] com.
Are there other ways to participate?
Yes, join my Nancy Brashear Readers Group, where we discuss books of all kinds and other topics of interest!
What are you working on now?
I’m revising my rough draft of Love on the Fly, realistic fiction, whose main character, Misty, was a former flight attendant who believed that “beauty is everything.” After her life changes in a “spark,” she has to come to terms with herself as a scarred and agoraphobic mother raising a young son. Check out my “Works in Progress” to see some of the other projects I’m working on.
Can I contact you directly?
Yes, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me at nancy [at] nancybrashear [dot] com.
