Two Trees, Two More Miles

Yesterday, I posted the first chapter of Columbia for readers to get a sneak preview of the book. Today, I have posted an analysis of that chapter . One of the most common questions that I am asked is how the novel takes shape: how are the characters established, how do I choose the places that they inhabit, and why are other specific choices made? Why do readers need to know what kind of tobacco or whiskey Seymour prefers? I hope I will answer some of those questions, and interest you with some other comments on the structure and framing of this first chapter. Take a look at the redlined chapter analysis here .

My debut novel, Columbia,  is available for pre-order now on Publishizer .  The pre-order campaign lasts thirty days, and during that time, I am going to use my blog to post responses to frequently asked questions about the book, its inspiration and its development. Please click SUBSCRIBE on the campaign page to get updates sent automatically about each new post. ========== Day One - #WhoisTomTinker Columbia is a spy thriller based on my own experience working in intelligence and counter-terrorism between 2001 and 2006. But, you may not realize that Columbia's  earliest historical inspiration reaches much farther into history. In  Columbia ,  Sami is an off-the-books intelligence operative who is pulled into an investigation that implicates his estranged grandfather, a well-known DC-area imam. Sami quickly realized that while his grandfather may be involved, the operation has all the hallmarks of a false flag being run by a mysterious per...