George Steger

Before writing the Sebastian series, I had already experienced two careers, one in the Army and one in academia, both almost equally long. The military experience animated much of the action in Sebastian’s adventures, and the academic career as a professor of history inspired the soft side of Sebastian, his idealism, unique vision and romantic character.

When my much treasured wife, Mary Jo, got Stage Four breast cancer. I retired to take care of her and started to write about the mythical Sebastian just for a little relief. She had a five year illness, so I was home most of the time. That’s why I never felt the need to hurry. It was just something to do to keep me sane. I had no real plans for the book. When my lady passed on, I just went ahead and finished the book because by then I had gotten wrapped up in it. Now I’ve gotten to be a little proud of the story, though its course has been like water running downhill.

I do have plans for after the Sebastian series, one, a prequel about Attalus, Sebastian’s father from the first book, and maybe another about Harun al Rashid from the second book whom I find quite fascinating. Finding time to write is the tough part at this stage since marketing has to be done at the same time one is trying to write. And I have lots of activities, like a serious charitable project, a weekly fellowship in a local state prison that I have been doing for 26 years, and a demanding book club.

I also need to make time to keep up with my five talented and busy children, who seen to be as adventurous as Sebastian. At any given time, they might be in Peru, Ukraine, or Indochina. When they are in the States, they are spread out everywhere except here in Kansas. I have to travel a lot to see them. But I feel so lucky to have them, and they, along with Sebastian, are what fill up my life at this point.