TG Brown has firsthand experience with both the best and worst of humanity. As a tribal police officer in Grand Ronde, his debut novel Tribal Honor delves into these contrasting experiences and what happens when the two collide. Set against the backdrop of Oregon’s rich landscapes, Brown weaves a gripping mystery that explores the darker sides of life, infused with the authenticity of his personal and professional journey.
Local Roots & Authenticity
Brown’s decision to set Tribal Honor near Dallas Oregon was deeply personal for the author. Despite suggestions to use larger, more recognizable settings, Brown kept his story grounded in the Dallas-Salem area. For readers familiar with Oregon, the local references add a layer of familiarity and connection that sets his work apart from mainstream thrillers. “I love Oregon,” Brown said, emphasizing how important it was for him to reflect his home state in his writing.
In particular, his work as a tribal police officer for Grand Ronde gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to portray both the beauty and challenges of the region. By drawing from his life in law enforcement, Brown adds a layer of authenticity to the mystery elements of Tribal Honor, making the story feel real and grounded.
Building Relatable Characters
Brown’s protagonist, Warren Lawson, is a reflection of both his personal and professional life. As a tribal police officer and CrossFit enthusiast, Warren mirrors many of Brown’s passions, but with a twist—he’s more heroic. Brown aimed to create a character readers could look up to while keeping him grounded in his flaws. “I wanted him to give hope in a world that’s not very hopeful,” Brown said, reflecting on how Warren’s struggles make him relatable.
Through Warren, Brown explores themes of justice, family, and redemption, drawing heavily on his own experiences as a police officer in Grand Ronde. His approach to character development has been influenced by authors like Stephen King, who taught him that strong, relatable characters can engage readers even in genres they may not typically enjoy.
The Therapeutic Power of Writing
For Brown, writing is more than just a creative outlet—it’s therapy. His work as a police officer exposes him to some of the darker sides of life, and writing allows him to process those experiences. “Even though it’s fiction, it’s still cathartic,” Brown said. His wife, a therapist, has found it difficult to read his work at times, knowing how much of his personal pain is reflected in the story. Yet, for Brown, it’s necessary to infuse these real emotions into his writing to make it feel genuine.
Initially, Brown wrote from the heart, with little structure or planning. However, after struggling with writer’s block during his second novel, he adopted a more structured approach. He now outlines his books thoroughly, ensuring his stories are cohesive and his character arcs well-developed.
Expanding Horizons: Exploring New Genres
While Tribal Honor is rooted in crime and mystery, Brown has ambitious plans to branch out. He’s currently workin
g on a supernatural thriller inspired by his wife’s love for Stephen King and plans to write a Western dedicated to his father. Brown is excited to challenge himself by exploring different genres, believing that stepping outside his comfort zone will make him a better writer.
Overcoming the Challenges of Self-Publishing
As a first-time author, Brown faced the uphill battle of getting Tribal Honor published. After numerous rejections from traditional publishers, he found success with a publishing consultant who guided him through the self-publishing process. The consultant helped Brown design his book cover, publish through platforms like Amazon, and even market his work.
Reviews have played a critical role in Tribal Honor’s success. Brown emphasized how crucial it is for new authors to receive feedback on platforms like Amazon, as it helps build credibility and visibility. “Reviews literally put food on the table,” Brown said, urging readers to leave honest reviews to support indie authors like himself.
The Future of Warren Lawson
Brown’s next book, a sequel to Tribal Honor, is set to release in the summer and takes place during the 2020 Oregon wildfires. The fast-paced story will follow Warren Lawson over a 24-hour period as he navigates a series of challenges amid the wildfires. Brown’s goal is to build on the world he established in his first book, creating a deeper connection with the characters while introducing new ones.
Final Thoughts
TG Brown’s journey from a tribal police officer in Grand Ronde to a published author is one of perseverance, passion, and deep community ties. His commitment to authenticity, both in setting and character development, has earned him a loyal readership in Oregon and beyond.
With new projects on the horizon, TG Brown’s work continues to shine a light on the rich cultural landscape of Oregon. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Tribal Honor and support this rising local talent.
Listen to the Full Podcast
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