Eleven Arrows follows an archaeologist in 1850 AD who discovers an ancient manuscript that could change what the world knows about history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The ancient manuscript idea came later. I have always been fascinated by ancient history and the origin of our world, but the inspiration for this story was more to do with writing an adventure story. In my first trip overseas, as I’m sure many can relate, I experienced an awakening to new experiences and cultures. This awakening brought back my early desire to be an author. The story I started writing was about a boy who grew up in an ancient village of guides. I liked the idea of this happening at a time when you could load what you belonged on a horse or camel and venture into the unknown to find your place in the world. The antagonists for the story were immediately obvious—anyone or thing that would prevent peaceful travel or new settlement. The antagonism needs to grow in a good story and I chose an antagonist in the form of one who stopped people from living wherever they liked, a ruler. I did not know who this ruler was or the exact setting when I started writing. Before I began my research, I created my protagonist, a boy who wanted to discover the world and learn everything. The inclusion of the Archaeologist, Fred Baker, came after I had realised I was not writing a simple story. I had set my story in the ancient past and research was required. The real setup came in the research phase. People didn’t write stories back then, or did they? I wanted to know of the oldest story ever written.

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

I knew I had a journey of research ahead of me before I continued my protagonist’s journey. When I returned to Australia, I was distracted from my tertiary studies by the story I had started. I shared the idea for my story with my cousins and a girlfriend of a cousin, they are now married, was interested. She was also studying and worked part time at the Museum. Her assistance was invaluable in my research phase. We spent several days at the University of Queensland library. Margaret (acknowledged in all my books) would search the shelves and bring texts to my desk. Through this process, the Akkadian period, the world’s first empire, was identified as an ideal setting. What also grabbed my attention was repeated mention of a tree of life. This initial research allowed me an entry to the greater story. Ongoing research continued for the next decade. With the advent of the Internet, research became easier. One of my most common searches was etymology. I also researched religious stories and their origins.

The themes I was exploring became clearer to me through a cyclical journey of write, read, research and write again. I enjoyed the process. I’m not one to rush what I care about. The great Library of Alexandria grabbed my attention. Stories from all over the world were recorded there and the demise of the library is still debatable. My character, Fred Baker, was introduced as a means to authenticate the narrative. With his introduction, I was able to label the time and set the scene. Fred, disliked by some readers, has a journey of his own to complete. 1850, an age of discovery and a time when bandages from mummified people was exported as kindle is not to be ignored.

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

The most important theme to me was meaning, the meaning for life. It is still my first question, often phrased as why? Familial bonds, friendship, truth, duty, destiny, death and change all play a role. In high school I was fascinated by the introduction to the Sumerians and the Egyptians and then it quickly moved to the Romans and Greeks. I understand why education does not dwell on early civilizations. We don’t know enough. The Akkadians were the world’s first Empire and I‘m glad Margaret told me to publish. So many don’t know about this period of history. I might not have either if I didn’t dive into the rabbit hole. And it’s a free dive. My editors might have questioned some content but only in relation to historical accuracy and grammar. More detail has been added in revisions before publication. Would the same story have been told if it went through a publishing house? Enjoy. The ultimate question is answered.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Eleven Arrows is the first book in the trilogy. Enter the Bull’s Burrow was released in 2021. End of Morrow has been released recently. Readers can expect visceral settings and real characters from an ancient past. Book 1 establishes Kar and his journey as a Guardian. Book 2 sees Guardians head west and Kar make life-changing decisions. Book 3 has Kar and the Guardians face the greatest test.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

2300 BC. The Akkadians have blazed a trail of death and destruction through the Sumerian city-states as they carve out the first empire the world has ever seen. Barbarian raids and bandit attacks plague the outskirts of the burgeoning empire. From the chaos, a tribe emerges and establishes their reputation as Guardians — protectors of innocent traders. When an Akkadian army crosses the mighty Zagros Mountains, to forge a stronghold in the East, only the Guardians stand in their way.

Millennia later, in 1850 AD, English archaeologist, Fred Baker, becomes embroiled in this ancient past when he learns of a manuscript that survived the fall of the Great Library of Alexandria. His authentication of the text could challenge written history but he must also tread carefully or risk losing more than his reputation.