ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Writing can be both fulfilling and terrifying. It allows one to create a world as they want it, yet it exposes them to the real world he or she can't control. The process has fired within me a creative passion I didn't know existed.
I started writing my first novel in 2019 when my obsession with thrillers began to go unsatisfied. I just couldn't connect with what I was reading. I liked a little of this plot, and a little of that protagonist. I wanted Author A's style with Author B's substance. Instead of perpetually whining about it, I acted, and the outcome was totally unexpected. I enjoy the process of writing far more than I ever enjoyed reading. Weird.
I'm a mechanical engineer by education, and a business investor and advisor by practice. I live in the Ozarks with my wife of 20+ years and our four children. Like many writers in this genre, I've written a little of myself into my protagonist, Deacon Ross. We're both fans of history, archeology and truth. We're serious guys, but can't hold back our sarcastic selves. We adore the outdoors, and relish any opportunity to spend time there.
I hope you enjoy Deacon's world, and see a little of yourself there too.
The Hero...
DEACON ROSS
When I started down the path of constructing Deacon Ross, I felt the voices of certain iconic espionage and thriller characters scrambling to influence the process. I've always been drawn to the brutal efficiency of Jason Bourne, yet not so much the dark, brooding part of his personality. I'm mesmerized by the intellectualism of Robert Langdon, but he's just kind of, well, a wuss. I love reading about the operational focus of Pike Logan, but he's a real jerk. Deacon is in a class of his own. He's the type of guy you'd want to have a beer with, yet he could provide a dissertation on the history of the beverage. His Delta Force military experience has certainly left its emotional and physical scars, yet his sense of humor and optimism shine through. There is no question he can kick ass, but he prefers other options before dipping into the beast.
I'm a visual guy. I like describing things in terms that can be easily pictured in mind, and like reading authors that do the same. That said, you'll notice my writing style gets specific in certain details to help the reader immerse themselves in the experience. The more senses I can appeal to, the better.
Immersion... isn't that what reading is all about?
intel & insights
MUSEO EGIZIO
Perhaps my favorite location featured in my first novel is the Museo Egizio in Turin, Italy. The museum really has no equal, and should be on anyone's bucket list that's interested in the ancient world. The image below is the artifact that captured Deacon's attention. Click on it to visit the Museo's website.
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