The Climb follows a grieving attorney and an international missionary team whose journey into a politically unstable nation becomes increasingly dangerous and deadly. What inspired the idea behind The Climb and the larger series you’re beginning with this novel?

I joined a mission trip to South America in 2018. That trip was preceded by several years of court work as a lawyer, along with the experiences of my early life. Together, these influences sparked the idea behind The Climb. However, while they shaped the framework of the story, their role provides more context than consequence. The real mission trip was very different from the one portrayed in the novel, and although the main character borrows elements from my life, many aspects diverge—such as the death of Sarah.

The true driving forces behind The Climb and its plot were several, including, inter alia, a human‑trafficking seminar I attended in 2017 and various influences from film, music, literature, and news. The motivational tone of the novel grew out of two long‑standing aspects of my personality: motivation and faith. I have always viewed hardship as a platform for growth. But the only way to truly achieve that is through Christ, and the best way to show that to others is by using the talents He has given me.

My walk with God has been far from perfect. Very often, it feels as though the things I want to do, I do not. Interestingly, that struggle became a thread stitching pieces of the novel together. Many of the characters in The Climb reflect that reality. They come from imperfect backgrounds and lead imperfect lives. Their struggles mirror my own walk with God.

The novel explores trust on several levels, including trust in other people, leaders, institutions, and God. Why was trust such an important theme for this story?

Trust is something many overlook, yet it can have tremendous impact. When attempting a difficult journey, misplaced trust can derail us and prevent us from completing it. Sometimes that comes from an overreliance on others or on things. Other times, it comes from the overconfidence we place in our own abilities. The book uses this theme to remind us whom we should truly trust. We are imperfect creatures—failing even ourselves. How could we expect others not to fail us?

What do you hope readers take from the idea that faith doesn’t necessarily prevent hardship but can influence how someone moves through it?

“Faith doesn’t prevent hardship” is a takeaway in and of itself. Faith is one of many approaches a person can take when facing difficulty. Some always run. Some place trust in themselves. Others place trust in things or people. Choosing faith ensures God is present when hardship comes. However, no matter what choice we make, life quickly teaches us—we must choose.

Will future books continue exploring Santiago and its political and criminal conflicts, or will the series broaden into other settings and challenges?

The story will remain rooted in Santiago. However, the geographical settings continue to change as the narrative moves forward, and new challenges will emerge.

At the conclusion of The Climb, the characters aren’t necessarily safe. Many events in the book carry deeper significance than readers may initially realize. The origins of certain characters—and the reasons they find themselves in this dangerous situation—take on greater meaning as the larger narrative unfolds.

As for timing, I can’t yet say when the next installment will be released. I only write when I’m able to, and I take my time, because writing should be enjoyable.

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