Mark Redmond of Apache Junction — the author of Western fiction for both children and adults in series such as “The Box M Gang,” “Bounty Hunter—Nate Landry” and “The Adventures of Arty Anderson” — has used Arizona as the setting of four of his books.

A high school English teacher for 28 years, he is the author of 11 books and more than 25 short stories.

His interests and hobbies include reading; writing; Old West history; and single-action shooting, including as part of a competitive club.

“I competed for a year, shooting with the River Bend Rangers. They were a competitive, fun-loving bunch and the most safety-conscious group I’ve known,” he recalls.

“Our matches consisted of stages, and shooters were scored on both time and accuracy. Everyone was dressed in Old West clothes and shot authentic or replica Old West weapons — two six-shooters, a period-correct shotgun and a lever-action rifle,” he said.

As a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, he had a badge number and a name.

“Since Clint Eastwood had already taken ‘High Plains Drifter,’ I chose ‘JP’ — (Just Plain) Drifter,” Redmond said.

Shooting the single-action pistols and other weapons has helped him write about their use in his books, he said.

“I also competed in black-powder matches with both rifle and pistol. I did much of my shooting so that I could write more effectively about the weapons used in my stories. I also shot because I really enjoy shooting,” Redmond said.

As he prepares for his next story, we get to know Redmond better and learn about the author penning the tales of the Old West.

What I do: I write Western fiction for both children and adults

When did you and your wife move to Apache Junction? We moved in November of 2020.

Where are your books available for sale? My books are available at marklredmond.com, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, walmart.com, kobo.com, and many other places online.

Do you sell your books at local fairs and shows? Yes.

Do you have a website? Yes. marklredmond.com

How did you get started as an author? When I was in high school, I wanted to be an English teacher and a writer. I wrote the first book in a six-book middle grade fiction series in 1988, but I didn’t find a publisher until 1999. During the 11 years I was looking for a publisher, I wrote and sold more than 20 short stories.

What do you do in your downtime? My downtime is on weekends when Susie and I visit museums, historic western towns (Florence, Payson, Tombstone, Wickenburg, Cottonwood), Goldfield, etc.

What I like most about doing business here: Arizona is the setting for four of my books.

What am I promoting: My books, interest in the Old West

What I’m excited about and why: Arizona is rich in Old West history.

Favorite community cause and why: Apache Junction Public Library — they’re providing educational programs for kids.

When and why I started my business/employment here: My wife and I moved here.

Where I was before and why I left: I worked at a large resort in Indiana and spent winters in Arizona until a physical problem resulted in our staying here year-round.

My family: My wife Susie and I have six kids and 12 grandkids.

My interests & hobbies: Single-action shooting, reading, writing, Old West history

People who inspire me (and how): My wife makes me want to be the best man I can be. Louis L’Amour, Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert B. Parker inspire me as an author when I read their books.

My guiding philosophy: As I always told my students, “Less than your best is a sin.”

My advice to today’s youth: Follow your dreams, and don’t give up!