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’m delighted.

Wendy Gee – 12 June 2025

The Back Flap

ATF Special Agent Cooper “Coop” Bellamy’s rigid adherence to rules has left his relationship with his 11-year-old daughter in ashes. When Charleston’s 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.

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.

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’s ironclad principles and Sydney’s 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.

About the book

What is the book about?

Fleet Landing 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.

When did you start writing the book?

I honestly don’t 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.

How long did it take you to write it?

Lots of stops and starts until I found my footing. All in all, I’d 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.

Where did you get the idea from?

The key elements of the story come from an amalgam of real-world events. I mashed things up to see where that led.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I labor with making each character’s emotion journey authentic without being melodramatic. I hate to admit that’s a weakness I continue to address in subsequent manuscripts. If anyone has a magic potion…I’m open.

What came easily?

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.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

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’m delighted. My intention was truly to pay tribute to the professionals who are integral to this story.

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?

There are so many exceptional writers. My aspirational idols include: Janet Evanovich’s humor. I wish to emulate James O. Born’s detail and pacing. Hank Phillippi Ryan’s kindness and technical acumen. And I dream of one day getting Robert Crais’s attention with setting and characterizations that rival his work. I’d be honored to earn their blurbs.

Do you have a target reader?

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.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?

I’m neither a “pantser” nor a “plotter”, though my skill set leans more toward plotting. Therefore, I’d call myself a mapper-outer. I like to envision the macro scene objectives from both the writer’s and POV character’s perspectives. Hopefully, they align. But I am always amused when they don’t.

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.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I do edit small things as I go, such as people or places name changes. If I waited until the end, I’d 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’s 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.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I worked with an exceptional content editor who was amazing at pointing out flaws or places where I’d 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.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

My writing environment is pretty quiet, though I do enjoy working outside where I can enjoy the weather and nature’s ambient sounds.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

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.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

(See above). Indie is no longer a mere vanity obsession, rather it’s 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’d done it sooner.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

My publishing team encouraged me to submit images and ideas. They took those onboard and made it better. A true collaboration.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

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.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

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’s need to define their personal goals, then take the path that meets what they are striving for. Whether it’s traditional or Indie publication—best of luck!

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Michigan.

Where do you live now?

In coastal Delaware.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a solidly mediocre pickleball player, but it’s great fun.

What are you working on now?

My current work is an art theft story.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of Fleet Landing from Amazon US or Amazon UK.