Just Indie Art recently got a chance to interview GC Brown in regard to his book SNIFF. We got insights into his book, his source of inspiration and much more!
Q. Welcome to Just Indie Art! Your new book is now available on Amazon. How did the writing process for this book affect you emotionally?
SNIFF: Book 1 of The SNIFF, SMOKE, SHOOT Series isn’t just my first release—it’s a piece of me, raw and unfiltered. Writing this book was like walking through fire. It’s not your typical crime thriller; it’s a gritty, high-stakes plunge into the life of Bank Robbin’ Dave, where every decision is a tightrope walk between survival and destruction.
But it’s more than the adrenaline—it’s about the human struggle. Trust, betrayal, fragile loyalties, and the possibility of redemption—all wrapped up in a tangle of consequences that hit harder than any heist. Emotionally, this book pushed me to dig deep into my own scars, my own choices, and wrestle with what it means to fight for a second chance.
This isn’t just a story; it’s a reflection of the chaos, the grit, and the hope that life throws at us. SNIFF doesn’t hold back, and neither did I. It’s as heart-pounding as it is soul-punching, and it’s a journey I hope readers won’t just read—but feel.
Q. What daily routines or habits keep your creativity flowing?
Resilience, authenticity, and mindset are my non-negotiables. I don’t believe your past defines you—it’s just the opening act. Every day, I’m balancing life as a father, husband, entrepreneur, and author. It’s a lot, but staying focused on long-term goals and surrounding myself with a solid team keeps me grounded and driven.
My day kicks off in chaos and love—waking up at 2:00 AM to feed and change our newborn twins. From there, it’s all about fueling the grind with UpCup Koffee, a functional mushroom coffee that keeps me sharp. Then it’s workouts to clear the mind, followed by writing, where the ideas I’ve been marinating on all night hit the page. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
Q. Are there other themes you hope to explore in future projects?
Absolutely. The themes in SNIFF—betrayal, deceit, blackmail—are just the beginning. Life is messy, complicated, and full of those moments where you’re either pulling yourself out of the mud or deciding to sink in deeper. Future projects will explore redemption, revenge, and the lengths people will go to survive in a world that’s stacked against them.
But I also want to delve into the quiet struggles—addiction, identity, forgiveness. It’s not always about the big heists or the life-and-death moments; sometimes, it’s the battle within that’s the most gripping story. I’ve lived it. I’ve seen it. And trust me, there’s plenty more to write about.
Q. Any words of advice for aspiring writers?
Write like your life depends on it—because in a way, it does. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike or for the stars to align. Just sit down, write the damn words, and don’t overthink it. You’ll learn more from finishing something messy than starting a hundred “perfect” ideas.
Be honest. The world doesn’t need another cookie-cutter story. Pour yourself into your work—the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s where the magic is. And if anyone tells you you’re crazy for chasing this dream, smile, nod, and keep writing. Prove them wrong one page at a time.
Q. Finally, as we ask all our guests on Just Indie Art, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
Your past isn’t your prison; it’s just the opening chapter. What matters is what comes next—the story you decide to write. Believe me, I’ve hit rock bottom so hard it left a crater. But you know what? That crater makes one hell of a foundation for a comeback.
Wherever you are right now—drowning in regret, stuck in the wreckage of bad decisions, or just spinning your wheels—you can turn it around. Redemption isn’t some handout. Growth doesn’t come wrapped in a bow. You’ve got to fight for it, bleed for it, and choose it every damn day.
So stop waiting for the universe to send you a sign. Be your own sign. Chase what lights you up, and don’t let fear, failure, or anyone else’s small-minded opinions keep you in neutral. You’ve got one life, so grab the wheel and floor it. Make it a story worth telling.
About the author: From a farm in small-town Indiana to the diamond fields of Africa to federal prison back in the States and everywhere in between, GC Brown has surfed some big waves in the ocean of life’s adventures. Now, from his home in California, where he lives with his wife, two sons, and their brand-spanking-new identical twin boys, he’s balancing babies, books, and business. SNIFF: Book 1 in The SNIFF, SMOKE, SHOOT Series is his debut novel. Taken by Storm: Book 1 in The Mason Storm Series, about a champion MMA fighter turned West Palm Beach homicide detective, is due out in March of ’25.
SNIFF (The SNIFF, SMOKE, SHOOT Series Book 1) is now available on Amazon.
For more details visit: https://gcbrownbooks.com/
