Interview with Author Blake Crutchfield

April 21, 2025

Interview with Author Blake Crutchfield

Talking more with author Blake Crutchfield

1.)What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired to write this back after gentle encouragement from a former coworker. They had self-published their own novel and invited me to an online workshop they had made to assist other writers. It had been several years since I had attempted to write anything and after doing very well with the workshop I decided to tackle my first novel.

2.) how did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?

I chose the title that I did because the concept was fascinating to me and tells a story in and of itself. Zero Sum – be it in athletic competitions, game theory, etc – means that there will be a definitive winner AND loser, there’s no gray area. I felt that this would be a perfect title for my work and from the offset raises the stakes very high.

3.) can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?

Sure! When working on a project I typically will write for an hour or hour and a half for a four or five day run, and then will take 3-4 days off depending on how things go. I began the manuscript for Zero Sum last year in May of 2024 and officially completed it in January this year. I outdid myself!

4.) were there any challenges that you faced while writing it?

Regarding challenges, the biggest one I faced regarded developing my story. When I was writing the first quarter of the novel I didn’t have a central antagonist in mind or an official ending to the story. However, I trusted my process, the inspiration came to me one day and BOOM – I was all set.

5.) how do you feel about sharing your book with the world?

I am thrilled to unleash Zero Sum upon the world. There’s a mix of both butterflies in the stomach and confidence that I have created a potent piece of work here. It’s a surreal and wicked cool feeling realizing your work is gradually taking on a life of its own as you steer the ship.

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6. are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?

Oh man. So many of the characters are small composites of myself so there’s definitely flesh-and-blood reality seared into them. I won’t spoil anything but there were some pivotal moments throughout the novel that I had a BLAST creating alongside those lives-in characters.

7.) what do you hope readers will take a way from your book?

I hope that readers will enjoy the story and get their minds blown by the full-throttle ride they’re about to embark on. There’s also many relevant and timely themes/messages regarding my characters and elements in the story that I hope people will put some deep thought into as well.

8.) did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?

I have had more memorable moments with this book than I recall in one conversation, ha! From verifying parts of my work with contacts within the law enforcement and defense communities to having “aha!” moments where a really cool sequence would come to mind that kicks the story into higher gear – I could talk all day! It was a blast creating Zero Sum.

9.) what surprised you the most about the publishing journey?

I have been pleasantly surprised at how simplified the self-publishing process is. What once was an alien mystery and dreadful process for many creatives has turned into a rewarding and streamlined system and I’ve enjoyed learning about how things play out.

10.) do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?

Oh I certainly do! I have enough material and ideas for at least two more books as we speak. Writing this book put me 110% back into creative mode and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon!

All about author Blake Crutchfield

A Mississippi native living in East Providence, Rhode Island Blake Crutchfield enjoys writing hard-hitting thrillers that delve into the shadowy realm of blurred morality, paramilitary operations, and character-driven action. He is 33 years old and has worked in a multitude of professions including a brief stint in the Marines as a late teen, corporate finance, retail, manufacturing and security. Zero Sum is his debut offering after a lifetime spent honing his craft and passion for writing