What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Otero County Disclosure?
Gosh, where to start. Well, I suppose three things. Firstly, the New York Times article from December 2017, headlined "Glowing Auras and ‘Black Money’: The Pentagon’s Mysterious U.F.O. Program," which arguably restarted the UFO phenomenon’s renaissance in the public’s imagination—and still, I believe, remains that paper’s most-read online article. Ever.
Secondly, my beloved older brother, who sadly passed away in 2022. He had severe cerebral palsy but a sharp mind. As a kid, he was selected as the guinea pig to trial the tech that later became Professor Stephen Hawking's communication tool.
Finally, the fast-approaching black hole, or bright beacon of hope, is the advent of true artificial intelligence. I was interested in having fun exploring the deepening convergence of science, technology, and the unknown. We’re living through terrifyingly interesting times.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Otero County Disclosure: A novel for our times, what would they be?
That’s an easy one. "Tinseltown in the Rain" by The Blue Nile—perhaps one of the best, yet most criminally underrated pop songs of the ’80s. Also, Noah Kahan’s "Passenger" from his 2018 album Hurt Somebody. You’ll have to read the novel to understand why! No spoilers now...
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Anything and everything. Literary, contemporary, science fiction, and thrillers. And if a book ticks all those boxes, I'm sold.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Too big to namecheck all of them, but I would say my priorities are to finish Eleanor Catton's 'Birnam Wood' and Lue Elizondo's 'Imminent'. Oh, and not forgetting Stephen King's 'Never Flinch'.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
They were all fun! But if I had to pick one, it was several scenes in the final three chapters. My editor told me that, until these, he thought I would fall off the high wire I was walking, in terms of bringing it all together and tying off loose ends. And oh, what a joy to write the big payoffs after building the setup.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
No. I'm strictly a head down, fingers to the keyboard kind of writer. For me, scribing is like old-school deep-sea diving. Once I'm down there, do not tug on my oxygen supply tube and tell me it's time to return.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
'Carpe diem.' It served me well whilst writing the first draft. Oh, and don't look back.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
It's a book that asks a lot of questions. Some are obvious. Others, you have to read between the lines. I'd ask readers to ponder... Is there a grand plan, bigger than all of us?
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