Author Interview with Brianna Campbell

 Today, I'm featuring author Brianna Campbell. Thank you for joining me as we get to know more about this newish author.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author? 

Allison Tebo, her fantasy retellings are so sweet and fun. Very light, comforting, family-friendly reads. Definitely my go-to for that kind of read. 

2) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?   

I am/will be a multi-genre author. However, I generally write stories led by social issues and emotions, which could make most of my writing literary fiction (but I've never read enough to understand it as a genre lol, but I've been told my stories sound like literary fiction and that focusing on social issues and emotion more so than plot is a large part of it) 

I most specifically enjoy simply writing any story that allows me to understand people more. I love the opportunity to write in whatever genre my imagination gravitates to at the time, through stories that let me explore the world through someone else's perspective. I like grappling with how their beliefs influence them, how their struggles may end up mirroring my own, but from such different roots, and how the truth changes people. I love to go through the whole ride of emotions and come out loving more and growing in grace toward people. 

My published book, Moments Late, I generally say is contemporary (ish...it starts over 30 yrs ago...), and my WIP to be published October 2026 is non-magical fantasy. 

I enjoyed writing Moments Late in a normal modern setting, as it made it familiar and easy to navigate the world while I explored many heavy and difficult topics. The truth was simple to implement as it is the truth that already exists in our world. As I write my current WIP, though, I have to explore how this other world works and how God may reveal Himself in this fantasy realm, and what truth this world highlights and how the setting and atmosphere can affect that theme, which are things I didn't consider as much with my contemporary book. 

3) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)? 

In Moments Late, it wasn't given as much thought as my current WIP. Most of it just takes place in each characters' home, with a few outings where I just went with the first thought that fit. Most of the homes are roughly modeled after different houses I lived in throughout my childhood which I didn't even notice till I was done writing lol. 

For my WIP, I knew from the start I wanted to pay more attention to setting, especially with it being non-magical fantasy, the world itself has to have something about it that sets it apart. I knew I loved flowers and generally wanted a landscape filled with life. I saw a picture of a glowing flower on Pinterest, and that started my worldbuilding inspiration. A world where, at night, instead of stars, the fauna and wildlife glow. I wanted it to be part of the rhythm of my world, where this light comes after a period of total darkness that draws people into prayer and rest as they await the light. Then I had to consider if they get light from plants, how might they use that to naturally illuminate their homes rather than use fire (they still use fire for cooking and when necessary, but it's far from a preferred means) so it influenced the way I designed their homes—hobbit like, built into the landscape, and inside the roots are trained into patterns, around or between the stonework and other plants may be planted inside, skylights and windows for daytime illumination, with lots of flowers at the sill. It's been very fun to design.

4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend? 

I have way too many favorite authors...but I'll go with Brian McBride. I love his books. His contemporary works specifically, Every Bright and Broken Thing and Song and the Sea and Everything in Between, helped shape how I handled difficult topics in my own works. 

5) Who is your favorite character in your book? 

That is so hard...cause there are a LOT of characters in Moments Late (being a series of short stories and all lol) and I love them all... but I especially loved writing the characters that grew up throughout the series. There's a few kids that appear and have their own stories. Kathie first appears at 5 years old in her father's story, and she is so sweet. She has her own story when she is 15, and appears in the background of at least one other story in the series as an adult. There's just something more moving about seeing how much one story impacts the other, and loving her through every moment of it, rather than just the moment of her own struggles, and how her life and choices go on to change others. Michael and Milli were also a lot of fun, their banter as kids is adorable, and is part of my favorite scene in the entire series. 

In my WIP, though, it is Deklan. The main character. Who, for the first through drafts, I struggled so much to understand and was really frustrated with, but as he has begun to come to life, and I finally understand what he wants and fears and believes, he makes for a very fascinating combination. He is so kind and gentle, yet fierce. He fights for what he believes, even if that belief seems to destroy him. He has strong ideals, specifically about marriage, which is also one of his greatest fears. He wants nothing to do with it...because of what he believes. At first glance you would wonder, why wouldn't he want to pursue those things if thats what he believes? But as I understood his true fear: that he is incapable of living in the way he believes and that God will reject him when he fails, it makes sense why he would try to run as far away as he can from the idea...and yet when pushed into it, he tries so, so hard to do it right (and constantly finds himself broken by his own inability to live up to it...in his own strength.) 

6) Is there a specific line or scene from Moments Late that you feel directed the entire book in a specific direction? That is, if it were not in the story, everything would have changed? 

A lot of Moments Late is caught up in the small moments that change everything. It hinges on what appears to be tragedy. And in most cases...none of the series could exist if just one small detail changed. It's hard to actually list any of them cause most would be spoilers lol Their actions tend to have multiple generations of impact. 

So I don't think there is a specific line or scene in Moments Late that in and of itself changed everything (Though I suppose the central story "Before my Eyes" is the story that without it, the second half of the series wouldn't make as much sense. It is what poses the question, and ushers in the second half of the stories.) 

But, there was one significant thing that caused the whole chain of stories in Moments Late to come to life, and it would have been...very, very different without it. Moments Late started with a short story called Dandelion. Dandelion is a tragedy I initially was required to write for a high school literature class. So many people loved that story. But I hated it...cause it was tragic. I loved Clay, and I wanted him to have hope, the hope his daughter had, the hope that would be ripped from him before he could even consider it. 
Then I was told by a friend (now my husband lol), "You're the author, write a different ending." 

So I did. And as I wrote it, other characters that appeared in the story started whispering their own.

And that is how all of Moments Late tumbled into being.

We almost had a single hopeless story...now it is 17 stories all intertwined to tell one truth: there is always hope. Even if it isn't the way we expect it. Even if it doesn't take away the pain or struggle. Even if nothing is changed and the world remains broken...there is a hope stronger than all of that. 

7) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it?  What is a moment in your writing journey that has been impactful? (or something like that idk how to word it? lol)

I'm not the type of writer that adheres to the old saying about writing, "Write what you know." I tend to believe more so, "Write what you are willing to take the time to understand." this often takes me places that are uncomfortable and frustrating at times. 

While writing Moments Late, many of the stories pushed me to learn a lot. But A Future of Lost Lullabies, was especially challenging. Each draft I wrote, I struggled to understand the characters (who had two very different personalities from my own) and to rightly capture the issue they were struggling with. Each time I finished a draft, I prayed for permission to skip the story. I had so many other stories in Moments Late. I didn't need this one. It was very far outside my sphere of knowledge (I didn't have any relatives who struggled with this, and I was unmarried at the time I was writing it. Many people kept saying, why write that? just wait till you're older, and I very much wanted to agree with them.) but every. single. time. God said keep going. In very obvious ways. 

First time I tried to give up, and prayed that He would let me lay it aside for now, all my friends spontaneously started telling me and sharing on social media about their struggles with miscarriage or infant loss. So I drafted again with this new knowledge...and asked again to just let the story go. Then it was National Miscarriage Awareness Month. I drafted again...and was still stuck, so I again prayed to just let me put the story on hold. Then I very randomly stumbled across all these different websites that explained how certain personalities worked together and showed the dynamics of my couple, and just...made them finally make sense...so I drafted again. Things started to actually add up and make sense. And I kept going and getting feedback, until it is now probably my favorite story in the series. If I'd given up on them, the series would be so different. If they didn't exist. One character would have died, and if he died he wouldn't have spoken the truth that another character needed to live. There wouldn't have been help for a different character...and as a result one character would remain in a terrible situation, and another character wouldn't exist and wouldn't impact the two characters she impacts. All the stories intertwine. Even if small. And their story probably has one of the largest ripple effects on the series, affecting nearly every story. And I wanted to give up on it. 

Writing has frequently pushed me to rely more on God, and trust His lead. To grapple with my own beliefs and lies, and go outside of my comfort, and rely on His understanding and faithfulness to bring each thing into completion. Even in things I do understand...there's so much I don't know. Small things can make a situation so different from my own experiences. Even now, as I write my current story, I have to grapple again with the feelings of being incapable of expressing the heart and meaning of this story. I sometimes want to give up on it. But I know that this story is the one I am supposed to be writing right now. Just like I knew it with Lullabies and the rest of Moments Late. Even if I don't understand yet, I know that God will provide the tools and wisdom needed to write the story with the grace and truth and love that it deserves, and make it into something beautiful. 


Thanks for allowing us a chance to get to know you, Brianna.

Thanks for the interview opportunity! 

About the Author:

Brianna Lynn Campbell is an author and artist with a heart that is easily broken by the world around her. Brianna finds she cannot shy away from subjects that are painful and often ignored. Like many, she has wondered how there can be hope when evil and pain run rampant, and she strives to face this darkness with truth.

Brianna lives in Arizona with her husband, Scott Campbell. She enjoys playing board games and cards with her husband and siblings.

Follow her on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BHC22SQR/?ccs_id=30e52d41-4f1c-44a7-8f2a-6f4853b0e77f

Interview with Author Connilyn Cossette

 Enjoy this short Q and A with Connilyn Cossette author of the upcoming Splendor of the Land.

1) As a biblical fiction author, how do you approach filling in historical gaps while staying true to Scripture? 

 My goal is always to lay down a foundation of the biblical narrative before I begin my plotting and then to weave my stories around that skeleton in a way that keeps the historical facts at the center while using the “blank spaces” in the Word to imagine “what if . . . ?” when it comes to what the witnesses of the stories in the Bible might have experienced. There are a lot of gaps in the historical record, especially when it comes to the everyday lives of those who lived during the biblical period, since so much of the organic evidence has disappeared over time. But I do my best to dig deep into the archeological record, align that with what I know about the Late Bronze/Early Iron ages with Scripture, and then let my imagination fill in the missing pieces. 

2) Tell us about your research process for accurately depicting ancient metalworking and goldsmithing.

 

  Honestly, I am the least organized when it comes to my research. I really just love to follow my curiosity, and since I discovered that the Kenites in the Bible were known to be metalworkers, this led me to seek out where the majority of mining took place in the land of Israel and surrounding areas, which in turn led me to Punon, or what is now known as Wadi Feynan. There is evidence of copper mining for thousands of years in this place, so it was the perfect setting for Zahava’s family. I also learned about the ancient art of lost-wax casting, which is a complicated method of creating wax patterns for molding metal, and I watched lots of videos of how this method was achieved with simple tools. The internet is a wealth of information, so I usually just follow whatever rabbit trail pops up along the way and let my curiosity lead me along.

3) Your books often explore the intersection of faith and craft. How does this theme develop in Splendor of the Land?

 As a creative myself, I am drawn to stories that highlight the rich tapestry of ancient craftsmanship and how artisans find deeper purpose in their creative work, whether through developing perfumes, crafting stories, or molding and shaping metalwork. Since I believe that all creativity is a reflection of Yahweh’s own imagination in us, I enjoy exploring different ways my characters can learn about His nature through their own creative talents and experience His presence more fully. My hope is that readers will be inspired to value their own capacity for creativity in whatever avenue they’ve been gifted and use those talents to bless others and worship the Creator.

4) What are you working on next?

 I am juggling two projects at the moment. I am working on another prequel novella, The Hidden Warrior, which will be available for free for those who preorder Splendor of the Land. This novella will revisit the king’s men long before they run off to fight for King Saul. I am also just beginning work on book four of the KING’S MEN series. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I am excited to explore a different setting, meet new characters, and maybe give my faithful readers a few answers to the mystery surrounding a certain lost cousin.

About the Book:

Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette is releasing on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

It is currently available to preorder from Baker Book House at the following link: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/618518

There is also a Goodreads giveaway of 10 paperback copies from July 5 to August 4, 2025, for U.S. readers. Enter here → https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/410214-splendor-of-the-land

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Israel, this exhilarating Old Testament-era tale is threaded with themes of redemption, courage, and sacrifice. This Iron Age story will appeal to readers of biblical fiction, Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, and Angela Hunt.

Exclusive Interview with Author Claudia Gray

 Today, I pleased to be sharing with you a recent interview I did with author Claudia Gray. We will be discussing her writing and her newest book The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

After you enjoy getting some unique insights into Claudia and her writing check out my Instagram post for a chance to win one of three copies of this book. (US readers only)

If the above link doesn't work copy and paste https://www.instagram.com/p/C8ThzghOzTz/

Exclusive interview with Author Amanda Dykes

 Today, I'm thrilled to share with you my recent interview with author Amanda Dykes, in which we explore her newest book Born of Gilded Mountains and her writing. 

After you enjoy getting to know Amanda be sure to head over to Instagram and enter the 3-book Giveaway that I'm hosting (Open to US residents only). 

Instagram post link is https://www.instagram.com/p/C8TfdSVudzi/

Author Interview with Gillian Bronte Adams

 Today I have the pleasure of sharing an interview I recently did with Gillian Bronte Adams. She is currently in the midst of releasing her newest series The Fireborn Epic. And if you haven't yet picked up the first book Of Fire and Ash, you have a treat in store. And if you hate waiting for the next book Of Sea and Smoke releases next month!

Thank you, Gillian, for taking time from your busy schedule to answer some questions.  If they are like me, I'm sure my followers will enjoy getting to know you and your writing better.

 1) How long have you been working on this series? I don't   just mean the actual writing, but how long has it been a   part of you, growing in your mind?

  Over ten years now, which feels completely wild to me.        This story came together in two distinct pieces, which is      unusual for me. Back then, I started exploring the idea of    writing the story of an aspiring warrior queen, a female      character who desired to follow in her father’s footsteps      and one day lead her people, when her nation is            suddenly plunged into war, her father is killed in    battle, and she now has to step up and do just   that.

  I was interested in her story, but all of my attempts to          build the world fell flat. There was nothing unique or          fascinating about it, and eventually, I set her story aside      until I could dream up something better. Later that        summer, I was serving as the Head Wrangler at a youth camp, which meant that I was spending every day either in the saddle or running alongside kids as they learned to ride. One evening, I pulled out a notebook and started sketching out ideas for horses with magical abilities—horses who could breathe fire, ride the stormwinds, vanish into shadow, etc. I originally envisioned a western story set in that world, which sounded fun to me, but then I started fiddling with the idea of medieval-era warriors riding those horses, which sounded even better.

But the more I built out the world, the more frustrated I became, because I couldn’t settle on a story that would be epic enough to do it justice. So here I was with a story without a world and a world without a story, and it was still months before it occurred to me to try combining the two just to see what would happen, and years before I felt ready to tackle telling such an epic tale.

2) If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared, what would it be -musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), or graphic novel?

I would have to say movie, hands down. I think there’s a part of every author who imagines seeing their story on the big screen since that’s how it often exists in our heads, even though the track records of so many book-to-movie adaptations make the idea slightly terrifying. But I think

the scope of The Fireborn Epic, along with the visuals of the different settings and the various magical warhorses, not to mention the intensity of the action sequences, would translate well to the big screen and make for a truly epic movie.

If done by the right director, I agree The Fireborn Epic would make a fantastic movie, on par with LOTR. I personally would love to see all the Solborn in action.

   

3) What one author, past or present, would you like to mentor you? 

Oh, this is a tough question. I can honestly think of so many authors from whom I would love to glean bits of insight on specific elements of storytelling. But if I narrow it down to just one, I think I would have to say J.R.R. Tolkien because he did something so powerful with The Lord of the Rings that has impacted generations of fantasy writers and readers alike. He managed to create a world that you want to live in, which is something that I think we see less of in fantasy today, as stories lean more gritty or dark and worlds become more oppressive. I don’t dislike gritty or dark stories. But even though there is great evil and darkness in Tolkien’s world, his heroes are not just fighting against something; they are fighting for something, for a vision of beauty and of goodness that they have tasted and long to see survive. And it’s something tangible, both for the characters and for us as readers—it’s the Shire, it’s Rivendell, it’s a glimpse of a star high above a smog-choked place—which makes it especially powerful. I would love to have had the chance to talk to Tolkien about that.

I agree that finding hope, even a glimmer of it just beyond the present is what made Toliken's work so powerful. Those pockets of light made the fight worth it.

4) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)? 

If it’s set in an environment that I have never visited or experienced, I will spend a lot of time searching Google images and videos until I can visualize it in my mind. I’m always looking to pinpoint the specific details that will help ground it in a reader’s senses. The specific sounds associated with a place. The sensations. The scents. The flavor.

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to create something that each reader will be able to visualize with 100% accuracy. I kind of think of it as the difference between realism and abstract art. I’m trying to give splashes of color and flavor and choice details to convey a certain atmosphere and vibe that allows readers to fill in the rest in their minds.

5) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

I would love to share a cup of coffee with a reader who has connected deeply with my books. Someone who found a home away from home in my stories with characters who made him/her feel seen. So much of writing is done in isolation. For so long, as a writer, it’s just you and the story and the characters. Then gradually, the circle grows, and beta readers and editors come in to join you. Then it heads out into the world, and readers get to experience the story. But so much of that happens at a distance, and often by that time, you’re already deep into working on the next thing, so any opportunity that arises to see how your story has touched someone else is honestly such a gift!

6) What's one book would you recommend that everyone read? It can be one of yours or someone else's book.  

Fictional book? 

Oh, that’s hard to answer, because people are all so unique and so I think the stories that speak deeply to each person are equally unique. I do think that there is just so much goodness and beauty in The Lord of the Rings that I’d recommend reading the series at least once in a lifetime, if not more. The films are beautiful and wonderful adaptations, and I will forever love them, but there’s so much to the books and to the characters that the films simply can’t capture in a limited run time—even one as long as all three extended films put together.

If we’re talking about one of my books, I’d recommend starting with Of Fire and Ash, just because it’s my current favorite series!

7) Who is your favorite character in your book? And where did you get your names (Ceridwen, Rafi, Finnian, Jakim, Mindar, etc.)

I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Each one of them is very near and dear to my heart in different ways. I love how Ceridwen makes certain female readers feel seen, including myself. I love Rafi’s sense of humor and the way that he learns to value his own unique strengths. I feel Jakim’s trials and his compassionate heart. Finnian, dear Finnian, don’t we all love him? 

But one of my favorite side characters is Markham. He’s gruff and grumpy and his sarcasm and (sometimes harsh) way of speaking the truth is always a surprising element in scenes. Anytime he joins a conversation, things take an interesting turn. He manages to bring things to light about the other characters that I haven’t anticipated, and he does and says thing that often surprise me as the author, which is just so much fun!

Interestingly enough, all of the main characters originally had different names and were once wildly different people (Ceridwen was Gwen, Rafi was Ronin, etc.) But as I discovered each of them and who they actually needed to be, and the cultures and societies that had shaped them, their true names came along with it.

That is interesting. I have to say the names they now have so suit them. I can't imagine them with another name.  

8) Where did the unique characteristics of the different Solborn come from? Did you take
them from the character traits and personalities of horses you've personally known? I've
known a couple who could almost breathe fire and easily be a Fireborn.

Over the years, I’ve gotten to interact with a wide variety of horses (with a wide variety of
personalities), and for several years, I managed a herd of over twenty horses for a summer camp. So for the different breeds of solborn, I drew characteristics from some of our real-world horse breeds (fireborn share some traits with Arabians, earthhewn share some with Percherons, etc.), and I had lots of fodder from my own personal experience for the individual horses.  

Ceridwen’s fireborn, Mindar, is based on my own horse. He has that fiery personality. He’s quick on the turn, a natural sprinter, always prancing and dancing and excited to go. He is a one-person horse who turns into a grumpy old man in the rain, which is honestly just so apropos for a fireborn. Ghost, Rafi’s seablood, is basically the horse version of my dog, Took. So he has my dog’s personality but horse mannerisms. Markham’s shadower, who you’ll get to meet in Of Sea and Smoke, in one of my personal favorite scenes, definitely takes some personality traits from horses I have had the … pleasure … of working with.

I love how wildly unique each horse that I’ve worked with has been, and I think that’s part of why they can bond with specific riders so well!

9) What one question do you wish you would be asked, and how would you answer it?

Sometimes readers ask where is the best place to buy my books to support me as an author, which is just so sweet of them. I’m honestly so happy wherever readers buy my books, whether that’s through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ordering through their local bookstore, or requesting that their library buy them. (I love my library so much!) But nothing gets me quite so excited as getting to sign and personalize books for readers. In the past, this was generally only possible at events, which tend to be few and far between. But this year, I made the leap and opened up an online shop on my website where I can offer signed books and a variety of merch options (like t-shirts and mugs) to readers all year long! It’s been so fun to see orders coming in and to get to package up books to ship out to readers.

I know I got one of the Solborn mugs (Stormer) earlier this year and I just loved the graphic. I had planned on gifting it but decided I needed it instead. I can always get another one to gift at Christmas.

Spotlight ~ The Time Patriot - Hail Mary Pass with Author Q & A and Excerpt

Today, I'm spotlighting Episode 1 from The Time Patriot. Hail Mary Pass 

About the Book:

A Hail Mary Pass - that's what the President of the United States called it.
What are the chances Marc McKnight's time travel team can convince George Washington to
leave his home and travel with them to the year 2037?

Another bloody civil war is imminent in the United States. Political parties are hopelessly divided
and fanning the embers of war. Can the war be prevented if George Washington tells modern
America what the Founding Fathers were trying to achieve?

A Hail Mary Pass. 

A long shot. 

But it's worth a try.

About the Author:

Kim Megahee is a writer, a musician, and a retired IT consultant. His background includes playing in rock bands, teaching high school, and having experience in computer programming,
security, and consulting.

He lives in Gainesville, Georgia, with his soulmate wife Martha and Leo, an incredibly smart and stubborn red-headed toy poodle. In addition to writing, he enjoys reading, playing live music,
and socializing with friends.

Website: https://www.authorkimmegahee.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.kmega

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3OdX8xE

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65138146-the-time-patriot

Excerpt from Chapter Five of
The Time Patriot: Episode 1 – Hail Mary Pass

Before Washington could speak, McKnight and Tyler stepped out of the trees with their sidearms in their hands.

The robbers turned to them as McKnight spoke.

“Release him or you’ll answer to us. This gentleman is our companion and under our protection.”

The robbers spread out and raised their rifles.

“Just the two of you, then?” the leader said. “Not very good odds.”

McKnight whistled, and the rest of the team stepped out of the bushes, weapons trained on the robbers. “I won’t ask again. Lay down your weapons if you want to live.”

The bandits laid down their weapons, but the one named Sam drew a knife, leaped toward Washington, and held the blade to his throat. 

“I think you are the ones who should lie down your weapons. Else, I’ll slice your benefactor’s throat. Your choice.”

McKnight didn’t blink. 

“Hatcher?” he said.

“No shot, sir, I’ll hit the General.”

“Cutty?” 

“I have him, sir. Say the word and I’ll blow his head off.”

“Wait, now wait!” David cried out and stepped forward with his hands out. 

“Hold, Sam!” he said, and pointed at Washington. “Did you call him General? Who is he?” 

Tyler spoke. “That’s General Washington. Did you fight with him during the war?”

Sam stepped away from Washington and dropped his knife.  

“I did,” he said. “I’m sorry, sir.”

The other robbers hung their heads. 

“We all did, sir,” David said, dropping Washington’s sword. “We wouldn’t have attacked if we’d known it was you, sir. We’d sooner starve than hurt you.” 

Several of the others nodded.

Hatcher bounded over and cut the ropes that bound Washington and Lee to the tree, then went to secure the horses.

The general shrugged off the rope fragments, rubbed his wrists and, after a long look at Hatcher, he approached McKnight and Tyler. 

“Sirs, I beg you, please release these men. Their primary crime is being hungry, a common plight in this part of the country. Three of them have already paid with their lives.”

Before they could reply, Washington did a double-take and stared at Tyler’s face.

“Colonel Tyler, isn’t it?” he said. “You look different.” 

Tyler glanced at McKnight and winked with a smile. 

McKnight could almost read his friend’s mind and sense his humor. “I’m a colonel, too.”

“Yes, General Washington. It’s me. May I present—”

“I know,” Washington said. “Colonel McKnight, I presume?”

McKnight was stunned. “How…?”

Washington looked him up and down. 

“You’re not what I expected, sir. I look forward to talking with you, but we have an immediate situation to resolve. What should we do with these men?”

David spoke up. “General Washington, you have our humblest apologies. We’ll accept any punishment you demand. We deserve it.”

Washington looked at McKnight, who gave a slight nod.

“When we were at war,” Washington said, “I had men flogged for stealing.” 

He sighed. 

“The war is over, and I’m a businessman now. I’m not inclined to punish these men. What about you, Colonel McKnight?”

“I’ll leave it to you, General. It’s to your discretion.”

Washington nodded and turned back to the robbers. He walked to David and picked up his sword. He looked him in the eye, then stepped back to address all the bandits.

“I am releasing you to go back to your homes. If I learn you are waylaying people on this trail again, I shall raise a force and come looking for you. I won’t be merciful the second time.”

He approached the leader David again. The man stared at the ground.

Washington spoke in a low voice. 

“Look at me, sir.” 

David raised his face to Washington. Tears flowed down his cheeks.

“These men respect you, David,” Washington said. “You have influence over them. I’m counting on you to keep them on a Christian path. Don’t let them stray.” 

“I will, sir,” he said. “I swear before God I will.”

“Good. Pick up your weapons and go home. Find a better way to survive if you can. If not, come see me at Mount Vernon. Together, we will find a solution.”

David’s men picked up their long guns and walked back uphill to the trail. 

Washington turned his back to them and walked back to McKnight and Tyler. 

McKnight glanced at Wheeler, who nodded and slipped into the brush after the robbers. 

Washington looked at Tyler again. He touched Tyler’s hat and said, “May I?”

“Yes, sir,” Tyler said, and Washington reached forward and lifted his hat from his head. 

“I’ve known you for twenty years now, Colonel, and the last time I saw you, your hairline was receding. Now your hair is full again and the wrinkles on your face are gone. How is this possible?”

“It’s part of a plan, sir,” Tyler said. “It’s what brought us here to this time and place.”

“A plan?” Washington said. “Clearly, there’s more here than I perceive.”

He turned to McKnight.

“So, tell me, Colonel McKnight, what army are you in? What brings you and your men…” He stopped and scanned the faces before him, his eyes resting on Hatcher and Lagunas. “… Your men and women… to these woods?”

“We represent the Army of the United States, sir, and we came here looking for you.”

Washington nodded. “It appears you have found me, Colonel. What can I do for you?”

McKnight laughed. “That we have, sir. We need your help, and if you’ll allow me a few minutes of your time, I’ll explain.” 

Washington looked around and spread out his arms.

“I am at your disposal, Colonel. How can I help?”

Author Q/A

Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?

The hardest was George Washington—How do you do justice to an American Icon, but show

him as a man with faults like everyone else? The easiest was Marc McKnight, because he’s

partly me and this is my fifth book with him in the lead role.

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Mostly from things around me. For example, we recently vacationed in San Antonio and visited

the Alamo. I got an idea for a story about Davy Crockett.

There are many books out there about time travel.... What makes yours different?

Most time travel stories have no limits on the capability of time travel. In my stories, you can

only visit times that are a multiple of 25 years (give or take a week) from the current date. To

me, this adds a bit of urgency to the stories—you have limited time to make things happen. I

think having unlimited possibilities is less interesting.

What advice would you give budding writers?

Write a little every day and read books (or podcasts or videos) about the writing craft.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing around the year 2006, but I wasn’t serious about it. I’d write a few pages every

month or so. There was no urgency and no strong commitment to getting it done. Somewhere

around 2012, I decided to stop fooling around and get it done.

What genre do you write and why?

Science Fiction Time Travel. I’ve always been interested in “what if” stories, alternative history,

or stories that change history.

How are you similar to or different from your lead character?

Marc McKnight is my lead character. We are a lot alike in that we both want to do right things

and we both suffer from self-doubt and spending too much time in hindsight. Other than that,

we’re pretty different.