Intrepid Spirit follows a modern-day Navy Commander who is sent to “Old Ironside” for a PR cruise that turns into a battle with terrorists using antiquated weaponry. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for the story was the events of 9/11. It was a reminder that, in effect, the Barbary Coast war of the early 1800’s never really ended. That war prominently featured U.S.S. Constitution, “Old Ironsides” a ship I read about extensively as a boy when I was fascinated by the age of sail. Research revealed that the ship is the oldest ship in the world and, significantly, still a US commissioned war ship. Readers of the book will learn how important that factor is to the plot.

What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?

The main character, Captain Moses Redding, was a challenge. Motivated by politics, the treatment he received from the navy over what most would consider a heroic action ignites a bitterness in him. His transfer to command of Constitution on a PR cruise is purgatory for this man of action. The difficulty for me was in showing expressions of that bitterness without allowing it to overwhelm the character. I needed to show him to be a complex character that includes very likeable traits and a depth that is key to the transformation in his character arc.

What research did you do for this novel to ensure that you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

Intrepid Spirit was heavily researched in every aspect of the plot down to the smallest details. They included specifics regarding the US Navy now and in the age of sail, modern day and historic Islamic influences around the world, the Qur’an itself, Muslim beliefs, geographic, astrological, flora, fauna and meteorological details, miscellaneous historic points and every detail of the ship herself, including her reputation as a haunted vessel, which prompted a key element of the plot.

What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?

Not currently working on another book, but have compiled notes on another military action novel that I believe will share the kind of elements that make Intrepid Spirit distinct in the genre.

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In an ironic twist of fate, past and present cross swords. USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, must foil a world-wide jihadist plot by the descendants her historic foes, the Barbary Coast pirates in this multiple-award-winning, swashbuckling and cinematically explosive blend of action, history, romance, humor and the supernatural.