The Birth of a Gunfighter

I was exchanging messages with a dear friend the other day, and they asked me about the inspiration for the characters in my story; or more specifically, what was behind the character of Reed Cooper, the pilot with the gunfighter eyes in "The Desolation Trilogy."

The Desolation Trilogy second edition. J.R. Winton

To be honest, Reed Cooper sprang from a number of different sources. I've mentioned my grandfather and my father a number of times in other blogs, as the strong influence both men had upon my life, each contributed qualities to Cooper.

Cooper has my father's gray eyes and quick reflexes. My father was a Navy fighter pilot who had flown combat missions in both World War II and Korea, and his eyes could go cold and hard when he was riled. I dreamed of following in his footsteps and becoming a pilot myself. Unfortunately I ended up being myopic. Being forced to wear glasses killed that aspiration. I've always been fascinated by flying. Which was part of what made me decide that Cooper would be a pilot. If I couldn't be a pilot, then dang it, I would write about a guy who could!

Grumman F6F Hellcat

Cooper's personality was drawn mostly from my grandfather. He had been a law enforcement officer in the southwest back when it was still a lawless place, and he had seen a lot of violence in his 40 years in uniform. He'd faced men in real gunfights, had killed men, and this created a hardness in him that was sometimes palpable. He could be generous, loyal, and loving to his family; but when pressed he could turn into one of the most intimidating men I've ever known. He had no fear in him; just a cold certainty that he could handle any situation thrust upon him. I heard stories of how this unflinching, deadly confidence could make even the meanest hardcases quail at the thought of challenging him. His toughness and courage, combined with his devotion to his family and friends, very much informed Cooper's actions throughout the story.

One of the first books I ever read for myself was a book by Louis L'amour, titled "Flint". A story about a man who was forced into a gunfight as a young man, and it inspires a legend about a "Kid" with astonishing skill with weapons. I was heavily influenced by L'amour as a writer when I was young, and I wanted to pay homage to him; so that element became part of Cooper's past.

I've spoken about the Clint Eastwood Movie "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and how a chance pausing of a VHS tape of the movie triggered the thoughts and ideas that ultimately became The Desolation Trilogy. The Scar Josey wears after an attack by Missouri Redlegs that kills his family became part of Coopers character.

In the end, all these factors came together to create the framework upon the character; but the story often changed my preconceived notions about him. Cooper surprised me in his reactions and decisions as I wrote the story. In many ways, Reed became far more than the sum of his parts; a man who is, in his own way, a very real person to me.

He really is a good guy; once you get past his prickly demeanor, or course...

Clint Eastwood as The Outlaw Josey Wales.

J.R. Winton