In this action-packed debut thriller for fans of C. J. Box and Jack Carr, DEA agent Garrett Kohl fights to protect his home on the Texas High Plains when a vicious criminal enterprise comes after his family.
We chat with debut author Taylor Moore about his novel Down Range, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Taylor! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
My all-time favorite thriller novel is Nelson Demille’s The Charm School, and I think it was the one that really set me on the path to becoming a writer. It wasn’t just the fact that it had a great plot, or that it was extremely well written. The book transported me to another world. I remember when and where I was when I read it, and exactly how I felt as it unfolded. I wasn’t just an observer; I was on a journey right alongside the characters. To me, there’s no greater feeling than being swept away in an amazing story.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I’ve always had a wild imagination and a passion for telling stories, so I it wasn’t surprising that I developed a love for writing early on. I wrote my first book over twenty years ago, just to see if I could do it, but never really got serious about it until recently. There’s a wonderful satisfaction in worldbuilding and character creation and now that I’m writing professionally, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Your debut novel, Down Range, is out today! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Author Brad Taylor described it as “a riveting thriller with a family in crisis at the core.” I know that’s more than five words, but I absolutely love that description and can’t think of a better way to describe Down Range.
What can readers expect?
Down Range is largely a character-driven thriller novel and multilayered in the sense that there are many obstacles facing the protagonist. There’s a lot more at stake than just defeating the bad guys. It’s about mending fences with loved ones, coping with painful loss, and the oftentimes difficult process of forgiveness. In short, it’s about family. I think there’s a nice balance of heart along with the action and intrigue.
Where did the inspiration for Down Range come from?
I really dug deep and drew upon my own personal relationships to write Down Range. Probably not surprisingly, a lot of it comes from my upbringing on a farm and ranch in Texas. And a big part of it is built on my experiences at the CIA and doing contract intelligence work with the military, much of which focused on counternarcotics. But I think the greatest influence, at least in terms of character development, came from living and working on the Texas High Plains. Most of the characters are partially based on people I met somewhere along the way.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced along the way and how you were able to overcome them?
One of the hardest parts of the process is finding a literary agent. I received quite a few of those painful rejections letters you hear about, and that’s never easy. But the key to dealing with these challenges is not to let yourself get discouraged. Take the feedback you’re given and use it to become a better writer. You’re going to take some lumps in the process and that’s okay. Never give up and never stop trying to improve your work. You don’t have control of everything in this world but can control the effort you put into improving yourself. Stick with what you can change, and you’ll be better off for it.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My favorite moment in Down Range is in the very first chapter that I ever wrote, which doesn’t appear until about fifty pages into the final book. It’s the one where Garrett sees his father for the first time in years. There’s something about that scene that really struck me in a meaningful way as a writer, and I’ve had quite a few readers who’ve told me the same thing. I mix a little comedy in with the sadness, and somehow it works.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
The road to getting published is a long and difficult one, with a lot of disappointments along the way. The book that ultimately became Down Range went through numerous revisions and rewrites, and that was before it was ever even submitted to my editor. But the truth of the matter is that no endeavor has ever been more rewarding, and despite the difficulties in getting here I wouldn’t change a thing.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The writing community has been nothing but helpful and supportive throughout this process, so I honestly can’t think of any examples of bad advice. Someone once suggested reading The Secrets of Story by Matt Bird, and I’m so glad they did. I highly recommend it for any novelists or screenwriters wanting to improve their writing and learn more about the craft.
What’s next for you?
I just submitted book two in the Garrett Kohl series to my editor, so now on to book three!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
There are so many great options out there it’s hard to narrow it down. But since I’m currently reading The Outside Man, Don Bentley’s follow up to his debut novel Without Sanction, I’d put those two at the top of the list. Of course, I mentioned Nelson Demille’s The Charm School earlier is my all-time favorite, so don’t forget about the thriller genre classics.
Just finished Down Range. What a great read. I can’t wait for book two to hit the bookstore. Awesome work. Thank you.