This week I’m speaking with Samuel Marquis, author of twelve books that cross genres, including American nonfiction-history, historical fiction, and suspense books. Samuel’s newest book, “Captain Kidd: A True Story of Treasure and Betrayal” comes out in May and is about Samuel’s ninth great grandfather, legendary pirate Captain William Kidd. His other books include “Blackbeard: Birth of America,” a Kirkus Reviews Book of the Year, “Soldiers of Freedom,” and “Lions of the Desert.” All told, his books have over 25,000 Amazon and Goodreads reviews.
By day, Samuel is a hydrogeologist and has served as an expert witness in several multimillion-dollar class action litigation cases about groundwater contamination.
We covered:
- Building what he calls a “hybrid career” out of multiple interests (science, history, and writing)
- The similarities between science writing and literary historical writing
- Letting your early work stink
- Developing your own voice
- The importance of resilience, because building a writing career is like “climbing mountain after mountain”
- Really fascinating insight on how geology and history are intertwined, and how having a scientific mind helps write history
- Infusing historical writing with character development
- Making time for everything when you have two jobs and a family (“I’m just always busy”
- Finding inspiration in your family tree
Connect with Samuel at samuelmarquisbooks.com.
For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.
Thank you for listening!
And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

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