Blog Archives
Do What You Love
On Wahoo Reef follows a PR executive from Atlanta who quits his job to open a scuba diving operation in the Caribbean. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In twenty-plus years of working as a scuba instructor and boat captain in the Caribbean, I’ve met a lot of visiting divers who fantasize about doing just that, without realizing how much hard work goes into running a small business in the tropics. Something’s always breaking. Something’s always going wrong. Nothing works the way it should. Getting parts from the hardware store isn’t an option when there is no hardware store. The pretty beaches, palm trees, and hammocks are for tourists.
Many readers will be able to identify with Wally. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Some of Wally’s predicaments are so close to real life, I winced as I wrote them. The dread of opening the boat’s engine compartment every morning to see what broke overnight. Will we be able to cover payroll at the end of the week? It costs how much to repair that? But there are good memories, too, the reasons you stay in spite of all that. I drew on those for the scuba diving scenes, for the nightlife scenes, and for making the island itself a character in the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Do what you love, and keep doing it no matter what obstacles pop up to complicate things. Every job has complications and negative aspects, but if you’re doing what you love, they’re worth the trouble.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
In a Sandy Lie’s protagonist is an unqualified land surveyor sent to Blacktip Island to scout land, on the sly, for golf course construction. He discovers the island is geologically useless for golf, but sends back glowing, bogus reports while using the company expense account to have an extended stay in the tropics. It’s a small island, so the locals know he’s hiding something, and concoct all kinds of wild rumors to explain his motives and doings. More comic misadventure in the same vein as On Wahoo Reef. It will be available as soon as I can get it finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Wally Breight’s a miserable-in-his-job P.R. executive who dreams of escaping to happily-ever-after in the Caribbean. When he stumbles across a run-down scuba diving operation for sale on Blacktip Island, he snaps it up and settles into paradise. But paradise has other ideas. His dive boat’s a lemon. His business partner proves the age of piracy isn’t dead. Scuba guests are scarce. And a free-spirited dive mistress might party him into an early grave. If Wally can’t get a handle on paradise, pronto, he’ll be leaving Blacktip Island faster than a coconut in a hurricane.
On Wahoo Reef – a Blacktip Island novel
On Wahoo Reef by Tim W. Jackson is an inspiring tale about Wally, a man who leaves his job in Atlanta to follow his passion for scuba diving on the beautiful island of Blacktip. With high hopes and determination, he aims to establish his own diving business. However, his dream faces numerous challenges, including a shady partner, financial struggles, and difficulties in finding reliable staff. Just when things seem bleak, he meets Val, a kind and supportive friend who helps him navigate these obstacles. Will Wally’s perseverance and Val’s encouragement be enough to turn his dream into a success?
This story celebrates authenticity, courage, and resilience, reminding us that our dreams and values are worth fighting for. Through Wally, who embodies this spirit, Jackson illustrates that staying true to oneself can lead to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. The author skillfully crafts a narrative that is both uplifting and realistic, making it easy to become invested in Wally’s journey. The character’s struggles and triumphs feel genuine, allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level. The conversations are natural and engaging, while the characters themselves are well-developed and easy to root for. Jackson’s expertise in scuba diving, likely gained through personal experience or extensive research, is brilliantly showcased throughout the book. The seamless integration of this knowledge adds depth and authenticity to the story.
On Wahoo Reef by Tim W. Jackson is as close to perfection as a book can get. The story is wholesome and realistic, the dialogue is engaging, and the characters are lifelike and relatable. I wholeheartedly recommend this gem to readers of all ages—it’s a true treasure that will leave a lasting impression!
Pages: 249 | ASIN : B0CW1HM6H6
LITERARY TITAN 