The Vulnerable follows a renowned climate activist who moves to Florida after being targeted by extremist groups, and his dreams of a quiet life are destroyed when his family faces one crisis after another. What inspired the setup of your story?

Great opening question. First, it was important for readers to know that Dick DeCosta was determined to do his part to protect the environment but not at the cost of jeopardizing the safety and welfare of his family. Next, I intentionally thrust the flawed characters into vulnerable and suspenseful situations, dealing with crimes, betrayal, family wounds, and secrets, against a backdrop of worldwide crises.  

Unlike most thrillers, there are no macho superheroes or hideous villains; just ordinary people and their families confronted with emotionally crushing setbacks, leaving them vulnerable. How each one reacts to their situation is why there are multiple storylines and the latitude to touch on many social issues, including the existential crisis of our time, climate change.

My objective was to develop relatable characters that readers could sympathize with and keep reading to learn about their outcomes, while exploring social issues without belaboring them. I’m pleased that the Literary Titan and other editorial praise consistently echoed that, as did the following Amazon reader’s summation. “Customers find this book to be a compelling read with complex characters. They appreciate the storytelling, with one customer noting how it weaves family drama with broader societal issues.”

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction? 

Capitalizing on the gamut of human emotions, introspection, or philosophical perspectives is essential to producing entertaining fiction and creative nonfiction. We’re human, not infallible. We make mistakes, we have regrets, and most of us learn from them or make more bad choices.

I’ve discovered that creating interesting stories with relatable people will evoke emotions and inner thoughts about your characters, so you can trust where they will grow and lead you next. Intricate plotting and foreshadowing are necessary and fun, too, but you have to feel for your characters or your readers will be disenchanted quickly. It may be old school and requires substantially longer stories, but I prefer writing from an omniscient third-person point of view over the typical first-person drama. I want the readers to know and feel what the characters are going through, but not know what lies around the bend.  

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

As noted by your Literary Titan’s book reviewer, I did not shy away from tough topics: domestic abuse, opioids, political extremism, and corporate corruption. But I focused more on the vulnerable characters who endured: betrayal, loneliness, love, loss, grieving, and family loyalty. It was also essential to recognize the health issues that seniors often face, and how the vulnerable were affected by the pandemic, and how everyone is affected by climate change.

What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?

I’ve been compiling a short story collection for a memoir, Simpler Times in The Spindle City. It’s set in my hometown during the sixties and early seventies, which ranges from the wonder years to the Vietnam War and the counter-culture. I planned to publish it by the end of the year, but book signings, tours, and marketing commitments for The Vulnerable may delay that and the start of a follow-up thriller.  

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