Actual individuals inspired me, but I aimed to avoid creating them in a way that might seem exaggerated or unrealistic. If they recognize themselves positively, I\u2019m delighted.<\/em><\/p>\n Wendy Gee \u2013 12 June 2025<\/p>\n ATF Special Agent Cooper \u201cCoop\u201d Bellamy\u2019s rigid adherence to rules has left his relationship with his 11-year-old daughter in ashes. When Charleston\u2019s fire chief calls him to investigate a series of mysterious nuisance fires ravaging the city, Coop sees a chance to redeem himself as a father and catch a dangerous arsonist. But as the fires turn deadly, he finds himself torn between family and duty.<\/p>\n Enter tenacious TV reporter Sydney Quinn, whose pursuit of justice for a man wrongly convicted of arson puts her on a collision course with a sinister figure known only as the Falcon. As Sydney uncovers a decades-old conspiracy, she receives chilling warnings to back off.<\/p>\n Forced to work together, Coop and Sydney must navigate a labyrinth of lies and corruption. Their investigation ignites a powder keg of danger, testing Coop\u2019s ironclad principles and Sydney\u2019s journalistic integrity. But when danger strikes too close to home, the stakes become personal. With time running out and lives on the line, Coop and Sydney must fight to extinguish the threat before everything they love goes up in smoke.<\/p>\n What is the book about?<\/strong><\/p>\n Fleet Landing<\/em> is about the complexities of human nature and the consequences when well-intentioned individuals find themselves in situations beyond their control. The story explores themes of resilience, moral dilemmas, and the enduring spirit to overcome adversity. As my characters navigate unexpected challenges, they discover inner strengths and forge unbreakable bonds, ultimately revealing what it truly means to be good at heart.<\/p>\n When did you start writing the book?<\/strong><\/p>\n I honestly don\u2019t remember. This is my third, may fourth, attempt at crafting a full manuscript. My first tries were beyond bad. Those copies were shredded and sent to a compost pile so at least something good came from the effort.<\/p>\n How long did it take you to write it?<\/strong><\/p>\n Lots of stops and starts until I found my footing. All in all, I\u2019d say I spent about seven months putting together the first and second drafts. Then, I discovered I needed a third major edit to get the story over the goal line.<\/p>\n Where did you get the idea from?<\/strong><\/p>\n The key elements of the story come from an amalgam of real-world events. I mashed things up to see where that led.<\/p>\n Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?<\/strong><\/p>\n I labor with making each character\u2019s emotion journey authentic without being melodramatic. I hate to admit that\u2019s a weakness I continue to address in subsequent manuscripts. If anyone has a magic potion\u2026I\u2019m open.<\/p>\n What came easily?<\/strong><\/p>\n I love showcasing the city of Charleston. While much of my setting is purposefully fabricated, every building, neighborhood, and location is based on something genuine from that vibrant and wonderful place.<\/p>\n Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?<\/strong><\/p>\n Actual individuals inspired me, but I aimed to avoid creating them in a way that might seem exaggerated or unrealistic. If they recognize themselves positively, I\u2019m delighted. My intention was truly to pay tribute to the professionals who are integral to this story.<\/p>\n We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?<\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many exceptional writers. My aspirational idols include: Janet Evanovich\u2019s humor. I wish to emulate James O. Born\u2019s detail and pacing. Hank Phillippi Ryan\u2019s kindness and technical acumen. And I dream of one day getting Robert Crais\u2019s attention with setting and characterizations that rival his work. I\u2019d be honored to earn their blurbs.<\/p>\n Do you have a target reader? <\/strong><\/p>\n I want to captivate inquisitive readers who delight in the thrill of discovery in their reading experience. These individuals savor stories that not only entertain but also enrich their topical understanding, offering fresh perspectives and insights with every turn of the page. I also hope I can pull that off each time I create a story.<\/p>\n Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m neither a \u201cpantser\u201d nor a \u201cplotter\u201d, though my skill set leans more toward plotting. Therefore, I\u2019d call myself a mapper-outer. I like to envision the macro scene objectives from both the writer\u2019s and POV character\u2019s perspectives. Hopefully, they align. But I am always amused when they don\u2019t.<\/p>\n In terms of physical mapping, I unfurl a roll of paper and plaster it with sticky notes that identify the main ideas and turning points. I move those around before I start writing so I can avoid dead ends.<\/p>\n Do you edit as you go or wait until you\u2019ve finished?<\/strong><\/p>\n I do edit small things as I go, such as people or places name changes. If I waited until the end, I\u2019d go crazy. But the most constructive edit comes once the first draft is completed and I see how the plot or characters have evolved. During that phase, I look for what\u2019s missing or things that I got wrong (so as not to mislead), and what needs embellishment or paring down. I actually enjoy that part of the process.<\/p>\n Did you hire a professional editor?<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, I worked with an exceptional content editor who was amazing at pointing out flaws or places where I\u2019d missed opportunities to tell a better story. My publisher also provided content and line edits for which I am indebted. I value their work and never (almost never) object to their suggestions.<\/p>\n Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?<\/strong><\/p>\n My writing environment is pretty quiet, though I do enjoy working outside where I can enjoy the weather and nature\u2019s ambient sounds.<\/p>\n Did you submit your work to Agents?<\/strong><\/p>\n Oh, my yes. I even had many promising requests for full manuscripts. Sadly, no one put me under contract. I respect their profession and understand their constraints. Thank goodness there are other avenues to publication.<\/p>\n What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process? <\/strong><\/p>\n (See above). Indie is no longer a mere vanity obsession, rather it\u2019s a viable path to get your work in front of readers and listeners. Once, I identified my personal objective and bought into the process, I wish I\u2019d done it sooner.<\/p>\n Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\n My publishing team encouraged me to submit images and ideas. They took those onboard and made it better. A true collaboration.<\/p>\n Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?<\/strong><\/p>\n My Indie publisher is full service. I rely on their expertise and partnership. As an Indie author, I understand I am an entrepreneur for my own work and that is very daunting. But I know I have support.<\/p>\n Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors? <\/strong><\/p>\n Without being presumptuous, let me echo the advice I followed from those I admire: Write your best story. Join a critique\/workshop group. And, listen. In summary, I think new writer\u2019s need to define their personal goals, then take the path that meets what they are striving for. Whether it\u2019s traditional or Indie publication\u2014best of luck!<\/p>\n Where did you grow up?<\/strong><\/p>\n I was born and raised in Michigan.<\/p>\n Where do you live now?<\/strong><\/p>\n In coastal Delaware.<\/p>\n What would you like readers to know about you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m a solidly mediocre pickleball player, but it\u2019s great fun.<\/p>\n What are you working on now?<\/strong><\/p>\n My current work is an art theft story.<\/p>\n End of Interview:<\/strong><\/p>\n Get your copy of Fleet Landing<\/em> from Amazon US<\/a> or Amazon UK<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.theindieview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Fleet-Landing-front-cover.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Back Flap<\/h2>\n
About the book<\/strong><\/h2>\n
About Writing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
About Publishing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
About You<\/strong><\/h2>\n