Author Feature: Orv Cullen

 The Man with a Plan

A native of Wisconsin, Orv Cullen earned a bachelor’s from Northwestern College and a post-graduate degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He spent seventeen years in parish ministry in Illinois and Wisconsin, followed by working in the financial industry near Washington, DC. No Gentle Rain is his debut novel, and he lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his beautiful wife, Lidia.

Orv is currently working on the sequel to his debut novel.

His Debut Novel: No Gentle Rain

No Gentle Rain is set in the new state of Wisconsin after the end of the Civil War, known as the Great Rebellion in the North. When America’s Second Industrial Revolution is in full swing, a successful German brewer will do anything to gain the title Beer Baron for his only son, Jakob.

However, Jakob’s selfish actions decide the destiny of Ania, an innocent Polish immigrant. Although beaten down by circumstances, Ania finds the strength to take matters into her own hands while Jakob, despite great wealth and a marriage, finds no happiness.

The days of bordellos and prostitution running rampant in Milwaukee are the backdrop of this story. In the late 1800s, women had no voice or any decision-making abilities and were treated more like property than individuals. People take advantage of others in many different ways. It is up to us to find the strength to struggle and thrive.

Orv in the Hot Seat:

What made you decide, "Hey, I'll be a writer?  What is your preferred category or genre?

We all are writers we just need the spark to inspire us to get the job done. Historical fiction is where it is at for me. I love reality/a story supported by real life.

What inspired you to write this story?   

I love history and always wanted to write a story which would include the early history of the beer industry in Milwaukee; hops farming where I grew up in Sussex, Wisconsin.  Add a female heroine of character and principle and a difficult time for workers and women in the late 18^th century and a story was born.

Let's dive into some controversial questions. Are you a plotter or pantser?  

Definitely a pantser letting the story evolve in my head as I proceed.

How has the query process gone for you?   

LOUSY, LOUSY, LOUSY – NO MORE COMMENT.

Ouch, touched a nerve there, didn't I? Moving on, what have you learned from your publishing experience?   

Never, never give up.  Persevere to get it in print.  If you and others think your effort is worth printing – make sure it gets published.

Marketing is vital.  What works for you?  

Word of mouth works best for me and is supported by my salesmanship and experience from two previous careers.  I love to speak before a group.

 I've seen him selling in action folks and he's superb. What’s next for you?  

Starting the fourth chapter of a follow-up to NO GENTLE RAIN.

Exciting. Check out Orv's debut novel and follow him for news about his next novel.

Where to Find Orv:

Website

Twitter