The Copper Scroll follows Joshua “Masa” Bennett, a young archaeologist whose quest for ancient secrets in Jordan entangles him in a dangerous struggle of faith, identity, and survival. What first drew you to the legend of the Copper Scroll, and how did it evolve into your novel?

I’ve been deeply immersed in researching Biblical history, from books to Hillsdale College classes. But I realized that my own pursuit of knowledge — while meaningful — would be rather dull to put straight on the page. I wanted to create something that could both entertain and motivate readers to seek truth for themselves. The Copper Scroll itself reads like a treasure map, hinting at hidden items and locations. That inspired me to craft a story where following those clues isn’t just an adventure for the characters, but also a way for readers to encounter deeper truths as the mystery unfolds.

Masa’s search feels both adventurous and personal. How much of his struggle with faith and belonging mirrors your own experiences?

Masa’s journey is very much a reflection of my own. His search for truth mirrors the knowledge I’ve pursued both through study and through life experiences. I spent years crossing the globe in the military, especially throughout the Middle East, and I witnessed how people everywhere chase life, death, faith, and family in unique ways. Those experiences left me with a deep respect for how culture and belief shape identity. In The Copper Scroll, I wanted to bring that perspective to life, connecting the historical events of the Bible with the very human struggles of belonging and purpose that transcend time and place.

The novel is rich with sensory detail, from food to city sounds. How did you research or immerse yourself in those environments?

In the Army, I experienced some of the most extreme environments on the planet. I once spent a night in a snow cave during cold-weather training where the temperature dropped to -59 degrees. Later, in Saudi Arabia, I stood in 125-degree heat with the wind hitting me like the blast of a hair dryer. Those physical extremes stay with you, but so do the everyday details—walking through markets and bazaars, hearing the sounds, smelling the food, seeing the colors and crowds. When I write, I draw directly from those memories. That way, the scenes in The Copper Scroll aren’t just imagined—they’re lived, and I hope readers can feel that authenticity in every setting.

The story balances history, suspense, and emotional resonance. Which of those elements came most naturally to you, and which was the hardest to craft?

The hardest part to capture was the emotion. Some of the feelings in the book come directly from my own experiences or from stories shared among veterans, and others I drew from watching how my wife responds to life’s challenges. Translating those emotions onto the page in a way that feels authentic was a real challenge.

The easiest part was the suspense and action. Writing the clashes between the Templars, ISIS, and Mossad was so much fun that I actually had to pull back at times. I also really wanted to highlight the relationship between the Rabbi and the Priest, showing how mutual respect can remain even while they challenge each other to look deeper into their own beliefs.

My biggest focus, though, was making sure the story stayed entertaining while also being clean and consistent with my values. I worked hard to deliver a thrilling story free of unnecessary profanity or messages that undermine the natural order. A few early readers pointed out places where language slipped through, and I’m grateful for that feedback, it helped me stay true to my promise of writing clean, exciting, and faith-rooted adventure.

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