Author name: Ken Cruickshank

One of my favorite authors, Ken Follett, believes prospective novelists must have a keen imagination, be stubborn, and possess technical writing skills. I was born with the first two traits and work tirelessly to master the third. MS and an accident put me in a wheelchair during my tech career, but I discovered my passion for writing, and here I am. My goals are to write unique and consuming fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, and nonfiction. Eagle Bay, my debut psychological thriller, was released on June 1, 2023. The Emerald Cross, a thriller pitting an ex-Green Beret hero against a Mexican drug lord, is scheduled for release on November 1, 2023. I published my memoir: Stand Up, a memoir of disease, family, faith & hope in 2018.

Mine is a writer’s life: It is wedding time!

It is difficult for young people to understand how fleeting life is. That isn’t meant to be a downer at all – life can be grand, adventurous, and full of love and blessings. But it moves quickly, something that isn’t fully realized until one has reached middle age. Yet even I, a 60-ish-year-old, am looking …

Mine is a writer’s life: It is wedding time! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Reviews for Eagle Bay

Writing is a lonely pursuit at times! Even though many don’t admit it, we writers do appreciate validation along our journey. Here are a few editorial reviews for my debut novel, Eagle Bay: Eagle Bay by Ken Cruickshank is a psychological murder thriller with infinite twists and turns. [The story] is an intriguing and deep …

Mine is a writer’s life: Reviews for Eagle Bay Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: It’s all about family, and I’m back to writing and editing.

. I often tell young people, “Family is everything.” An oversimplistic view of life and relationships? Perhaps, but I’ll stick by it. The last two weeks exemplified the message, as the matriarch of my wife’s family was stricken by an unexpected serious intestinal ailment that quickly worsened, led to hospice care, and she peacefully left …

Mine is a writer’s life: It’s all about family, and I’m back to writing and editing. Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Granddaughters, road trips, writing and editing!

I write and edit every day and can honestly say I thoroughly relish the process! That includes editing, even if author friends challenge my zeal! If I can fix or improve a single sentence, then it was an effort well spent. I hope I never lose that passion for creating stories and improving manuscripts – …

Mine is a writer’s life: Granddaughters, road trips, writing and editing! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Balancing book and manuscript to-dos with vacation time!

People have asked: Since you self-published Eagle Bay through your imprint, is that what you’ll do with all your books in the future? That is the plan with The Emerald Cross this winter, but my long-term goal is still to find an agent who is enthused by my work and interested in partnering long-term. In …

Mine is a writer’s life: Balancing book and manuscript to-dos with vacation time! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Writing!

I spent most of the last week adding to a generational novel that begins in 1972; I will reveal the title when I get to 50,000 words, which should be in late August. Many would advise sticking to one genre as an author trying to break through, and I get that – it’s difficult enough breaking writing, say, only thrillers. But there are too many different stories I …

Mine is a writer’s life: Writing! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Setting priorities!

Approximately 350 copies of Eagle Bay have sold since my June launch in combined e-book, paperback, and hardcopy versions. Not a runaway hit, but I am pleased with the numbers and the reviews that are rolling in. As I have said before, authoring is a lonely and challenging pursuit – but I absolutely love it! My current priorities: …

Mine is a writer’s life: Setting priorities! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Family, entertaining dog, and the 4th!

Our future son-in-law and daughter drove across baking Southwestern deserts from Austin, Texas, to join us for a few days over the 4th! They brought Olie, a goldendoodle – I think that’s what he is. Dogs are such soothing souls, aren’t they? Enchiladas and margaritas for dinner last night, my wife’s signature filet mignon tonight! …

Mine is a writer’s life: Family, entertaining dog, and the 4th! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Authoring is a juggling act!

IndieReader selected Eagle Bay as one of their top-reviewed books for the month of June. https://mailchi.mp/indiereader/check-out-irs-best-reviewed-books-of-april23-615197?e=8b8339112e Marketing Eagle Bay, final editing The Emerald Cross, while completing two other manuscripts is a lot for this young(ish) man! https://mailchi.mp/indiereader/check-out-irs-best-reviewed-books-of-april23-615197?e=8b8339112e If you’re game for an intriguing, dark, unguessable generational thriller with compelling backstories, consider giving Eagle Bay a …

Mine is a writer’s life: Authoring is a juggling act! Read More »

Mine is a writer’s life: Needed a break from launching Eagle Bay and started a new novel!

I think I have the title, but I’m going to wait until I’m 50,000 words in before revealing it. Still needs editing, of course, but here’s how it starts: Chapter 1 There were eleven residences on half-acre lots lining Doheny Drive, a dead-end street with a large cul-de-sac. Eucalyptus trees towered above many of the …

Mine is a writer’s life: Needed a break from launching Eagle Bay and started a new novel! Read More »