Online for Authors Episode 3-4-25

Into the Cold: A Tale of Survival Amidst Winter's Wrath with Author Chris Underwood

​My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Chris Underwood, author of the book The Cold Winter. Chris started seriously writing back in 2012 when his concerns of a power grid failure began to creep into his mind. His concerns festered into a storyline that continued to bug him until he got it on paper. He’s heard that good writing is like sharing a good secret. It took five years of honing his craft to get the first book out, but it was fun sharing this secret.

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I'm diving into a pulse-pounding conversation with author Chris Underwood about his gripping disaster fiction series that'll make you want to stock up on emergency supplies. 

Imagine this: The power grid collapses three days before Christmas, a massive snowstorm is rolling in, and survival becomes your only priority. That's the heart-stopping premise of The Cold Winter, a series born from Chris's fascination with real-life power grid failures and a deep dive into preparedness culture.

What I Learned This Week

Chris isn't just an author - he's a true "method writer" who believes in experiencing everything he writes about. Want to write about a Huey helicopter? He'll literally go ride in one. Need details about a naval ship? He'll volunteer and live on board for a week. Talk about commitment to authenticity! 

Behind the Book

Inspired by the massive 2003 power outage, Chris explores a terrifying scenario: What happens when technology fails and communities must rely on their preparedness and each other? His series follows characters navigating a world where survival skills mean everything.

Quick Peek at the Series

• Book 1: The Cold Winter - Power grid collapse
  
• Book 2: Called to Arms
  
• Book 3: First major battle sequence
  
• Book 4 (In Progress): Battle of Niagara Falls

Pro-tip from Chris: Always leave some story fuel in your tank when you stop writing. Hemingway's advice is to end your writing session knowing exactly where you'll pick up next! 

Want to Win a Copy?
Head over to the Novels and Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win a digital copy of The Cold Winter!

P.S. Curious about disaster preparedness? Chris recommends starting small - maybe keep a 15-day emergency supply and get to know your neighbors' skills! 

Purchase The Cold Winter on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Bm02h3
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4enqghQ

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.