Had I written this only a decade before, the story would have seemed too fantastic. Now, I’m afraid it is altogether plausible.
David R. Schoorens – 20 January 2024
The Back Flap
A national election broken by once unthinkable laws and political violence. Tens of millions of fearful Americans demanded safety and security. The new far right president obliged, using the crisis as a pretext to declare a national emergency and pass sweeping laws that targeted political opponents and dissenters as domestic terrorists. The United States of America falls into one-party autocracy.
Democracy was not lost to invasion or natural catastrophe. There was no economic collapse or military coup. Instead, out of fear or vengeance, or ignorance, or apathy, voters abandoned their always imperfect democracy for promises of a return to the mythical glories of the past.
In Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, American dissidents hoped to start a new life. Mike and Debbie Whynot, both retired U.S. Air Force officers and leaders of the expatriates, now face threats from the new U.S. government. They will pay dearly for their continued fight for democracy.
Across the Saint Croix River in Maine, others remain in service to the United States government. A few will find the moral burden unendurable.
This is a story of a few who must find an answer to what a President long ago asked of all Americans for all time,
“. . . and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
This is a story of our near future that is no longer fanciful. It is possible. Even probable.
About the book
What is the book about?
Out of fear and hopelessness, American dissidents have fled the United States in reaction to the election of an extremist right-wing government. One community they’ve formed is in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. They watch from Canada as political violence continues to tear apart civil order in their former homeland. A short distance away and across the border, a U.S. Coast Guard officer assumes command of a Coast Guard station in Eastport, Maine. The characters on both sides of the border must find a way to deal with their new realities. As I’ve said to readers, I take a beautiful and peaceful place and bring conflict.
Had I written this only a decade before, the story would have seemed too fantastic. Now, I’m afraid it is altogether plausible.
The genre is best described as a political thriller. I like to call it political horror.
When did you start writing the book?
In the depth of the pandemic, I found myself with time, opportunity and motivation to write. I suppose many new authors found themselves in the same situation.
How long did it take you to write it?
Roughly a year and a half, from first keystroke to final publication in November, 2022.
Where did you get the idea from?
I didn’t have to look any further than the news.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The editing perhaps. I paired the story down by about 30,000 words. Otherwise, I really enjoyed writing the novel.
What came easily?
Researching the plot’s technical aspects. Let me give you an example. Back in the 1980s, I served as a junior officer in the U.S. Coast Guard. I was familiar with the operation of a typical small boat station and search and rescue protocols. The fun part was learning how much things had changed in terms of technology. Just amazing! The Coast Guard today is far better equipped, trained, and organized than when I was serving.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
A few are entirely fictitious. For example, the character LeClerc of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, was entirely made up. I do not know anyone in the civilian intelligence world; however, I tried to give him certain human qualities of honor and integrity I’d seen in other people. Another fictitious character is the Old Man. I’ve known a few Vietnam veterans, but never a professional fisherman. It turns out, he is my favorite character. If you read the novel, I think you’ll know why.
The main characters, like Mike Whynot, was inspired by a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer I once knew. Part of me went into him also. His wife, Dr. Deborah Whynot, was inspired by my wife who served as an Air Force physician. They match each other in strength and determination.
Another character, U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Douglas Miles, is based on some of my experiences, but mostly from an officer I knew. When you met my friend, even when he was only a junior officer, you just knew he was headed up in the ranks. He was that good.
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?
I used to read a lot of Tom Clancy when he first made of splash with The Hunt for Red October and Cardinal in the Kremlin. Techno-thrillers I think they were called. I met him one time and advised him on Coast Guard matters.
I also favor the Alan Furst spy novels. So richly detailed, I feel I’m back in Europe. (I lived in Germany for seven years and travelled widely.)
Do you have a target reader?
Adult readers.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I’d say my process is still evolving. On a day-to-day basis, I prefer to go to the gym in the early morning. I think that helps clear my mind. Often, ideas spring to mind.
Then it’s a couple hours at the laptop, a break, and then a couple of hours just before dinner.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Any outline I create is very bare bones. I guess I’d qualify as a “pantser.” I’ll set up the basic sequences of events, put in a few headings, and start writing.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
A combination of both. Right now, I’m editing a second novel. Working title is CAPTIVE. I’ve completed a first draft which I changed and edited along the way. Now I’m starting from page one, trying to spot plot inconsistencies, typos, redundancies, and just plain dumb ideas. And of course, new ideas keep coming to mind.
Did you hire a professional editor?
Refuge: A Novel of Lost Democracy is my debut novel. Being a first timer and of sometimes doubtful confidence, I wanted a professional editor to look it over. Although it cost me a bit, in the end it was worth the money. I learned a lot.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I like it silent when I’m writing. No music or background television. What gets my fingers tapping? Coffee.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did not use a literary agent. I guess I was in a hurry. Instead, I found a reputable publishing services firm in Rhode Island, Stillwater River Publications of West Warwick, Rhode Island. All I can say is they delivered on everything they promised. On time and on target.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
When I was writing Refuge, I should have also planned publication and marketing in far greater detail. Any detail for that matter. That was I think a significant error on my part. These days, I’m learning as I go along. I’ll have a good plan ready to go when CAPTIVE publishes.
So, I’d say it was a gradual process.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
My brother-in-law is a well-regarded professional artist around here. He was kind enough to put together the book cover. With the melding of the Canadian and U.S. flags, visually it jumps off a bookshelf.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
As I said, the marketing plan for refuge has matured over time. Press releases, podcasts, book expos, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Over the course of time, I’ve tried almost anything. I do have a regular routine of posting promos across many author Facebook groups. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Just write the damn thing. Smash it out on your laptop and worry about the details later. While you’re doing that, look around for any writing clubs or author associations. The public libraries sometimes try to put together author clubs. Your friends and family are useful in critiquing your work, but only to a point. Consider an unbiased professional at some point.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Bedford, Massachusetts.
Where do you live now?
Rhode Island.
What would you like readers to know about you?
Interesting question. I don’t regard myself as a man of any special talents. However, I have been extraordinarily lucky. Married to my wife for now 44 years. Three adult children, all living well and accomplished. A large extended family that brings so much joy. Like I said, just lucky.
What are you working on now?
Another thriller novel. Here’s the draft blurb:
Victor Holt made a very bad mistake. He wrote a novel. More to the point, he wrote a novel that sent a great many people into a fury. People who now call him un-American and unpatriotic. Who call him a traitor. Who threaten to harm him.
To kill him.
A wounded and decorated combat veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Vic is alone and on the cusp of old age, facing new enemies hiding amongst his fellow countrymen. Doxed, harassed, threatened, stalked, vandalized and assaulted, Vic faces mortal danger from enemy who does not stop. His fight to save himself will drive him to the edge of his sanity.
How can one man cope with a furious mob?
Yet Vic’s greatest crisis will not come from a mob, but from only one man.
End of Interview:
For more from David R. Schoorens, visit his website.
