Writ Reveal follows a diplomat that heads to assignment in Kuwait, where he discovers ancient Islamic writings and is thrown into a conspiracy that puts his life in danger. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

My inspiration for Writ Reveal essentially started with my research of reports of 1972 findings by German scientists of palimpsests, re-purposed Quranic writings, purported to pre-date the life of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, an ‘incendiary’ discovery, if true. I found these reports to be a fascinating overlay to another historic event, that of the 1258 razing of the great city of Baghdad by the Mongols. I connected them to real exhumations of Iraqi war dead from the 1990 Iraqi invasion of and subsequent expulsion from Kuwait. All this provided a convenient and terrifying backdrop for protagonist Clayton Haley, fresh off his survival of plots, conspiracies, and terror in prequel Messianic Reveal!

What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

I intentionally keep my protagonist credible, not heroic. He does not seek conflict, yet responds to it with the best of his ability when he faces it. He’s driven by his intellectual curiosity and his concern for his colleagues and friends, which gives him the courage to face the growing threats he encounters. He resents being characterized as a ‘glory hound’ yet is compelled to keep pulling threads of mystery and conspiracy as the hunt for his primary antagonist comes into focus.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

It’s essential that Writ Reveal, like its prequel Messianic Reveal, seems plausible. I love it when readers ask if these stories are true! Most incredible aspects in both books are indeed either true, or widely believed in the Middle East. I also like to explore how religions of good people are often exploited or manipulated by power hungry individuals. I expose much of this exploitation in my books while ensuring faiths and the people themselves are not denigrated.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I’m very pleased to note that Babylon Reveal is in production and will soon be edited. I anticipate a release in early 2023, followed by Prophecy Reveal in 2024! Both will continue Clayton Haley’s journey into historical intrigue, clash of belief systems, and terror.

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