John Gilstrap is a well-known American author, celebrated for his thriller and mystery novels. Although he has always been passionate about writing, his journey to becoming a successful author was not straightforward. Gilstrap's professional background is diverse, having worked as a managing editor, volunteer firefighter, and engineer, and he is also an expert in explosives.
Gilstrap's love for writing began at a young age when he would write short stories. He later became the editor of his high school newspaper, the Valor Dictus, but his tenure was short-lived due to a disagreement regarding a first amendment law. Initially, Gilstrap aspired to become a journalist, inspired by the works of Bernstein and Woodward. However, after struggling to find a job as a journalist, he settled for a position as a managing editor at a trade journal serving the construction industry.
Despite his day job, Gilstrap continued to write, keeping his artistic dreams a secret from his colleagues. His first novel, Nathan's Run, was actually his fourth novel, and its success marked a turning point in his career. The novel sold big, and Warner Bros. bought the movie rights, leading Gilstrap to become a full-time writer. He has since written numerous novels, including the Jonathan Grave series, and several screenplays.
Gilstrap's career as a writer has had its ups and downs. After a period of success, his writing career appeared to be dead, but he made a comeback. His presentation, "Dare to Dream," tells the story of his triumphs, disappointments, and eventual success. Gilstrap is also a renowned safety expert, with extensive knowledge of explosives, hazardous materials, and fire behavior. He continues to write and inspire other writers, and his YouTube channel, "A Writer's View of Writing and Publishing," has over 1,700 subscribers.