When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?
At age 14 I wrote my first frictional story and read three novels. I was hooked. I have been writing for journals, magazines, newspaper columns and books since college days.
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Five. Equally, The Third Mississippi Regiment, CSA, and The Greatest American. All are different genre. Code: Team Zebra is the first suspense and might be my favorite.
“Sell” your latest book in 120 characters – Tweet style
My military and civilian clandestine operations are reflected in Code: Team Zebra—fiction and fact. The reader decides. Check the reviews.
The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?
I have a tentative outline for a sequel on Code: Team Zebra. I also have manuscripts intended for publication shortly: “The Night of the Winter Kill” and its sequel “Capricorn.” The latter two involve clandestine operations of the European powers during America’s colonial period. Like Code: Team Zebra, they all have complex, fast paced plots.
When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?
Hmmm? Kevin Kostner, Ben Aflek, Mat Dameon, Mark Wahlberg, Brad Pit and two of Hollywood’s finest actresses–one as a witness protector and the other as a witness’ pretty wife. Then there are the low-lives.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
In this book, Zebra, and the three to follow, the reader will be cognizant of drug-cartels taking control of our streets, the weakness in our judicial system, and the probability of special operations people secretly targeting the problem—the fine line between reality and fiction,
Do you have a new book coming out soon?
The Night of the Winter Kill is next because it is ready for publication. Its sequel (Capricorn) is also ready. Then the sequel to Zebra should be finished and ready for publication. All are the same genre: Fast-paced thrillers (according to reviews of Zebra).
Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?
Ludlum, Clancy, Dubois. Oh, and Lamour and Gutherie. But, the influence from others were there much earlier. First were the western authors. Eventually the espionage and special operations penmen. Still, the inspiration included my own life and military experiences around the world, especially the States.
List your favorite quotation or words you live by.
Military: “Death before Dishonor.” On the way to Eagle in the Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared.” An old man once told me, “Every animal has a heart and soul.”
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Of course. Read Code: Team Zebra with an open mind an opinion. The story will influence your thinking about the clandestine world around you–regardless of your place in society. They are watching, and our own are watching them. Don’t believe it isn’t so. Be careful–very careful. And stay prepared. Dale
You can purchase Code: Team Zebra through our bookstore.
You can read our book spotlight on Code: Team Zebra this Thursday.