Military Fiction
Date Published: October 13, 2023
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
When the People’s Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Naval Commander Bill Watkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy’s backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.
At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power. As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.
Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China’s neighbors, while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestles with the question: What losses are acceptable in order to win?
What is the hardest part of writing
your books?
Not
over-writing. My tendency is to put too much information into the first draft,
whether it’s dialogue or exposition. I also find that while I see the settings
in my mind, I don’t always describe it in the first draft. I have to add
sensory details after the fact.
What songs are most played on your
Ipod?
I can’t write
with music playing. Many of my writer friends have playlists. I’ve tried “mood
music” such as “Peaceful Relaxing Lavender Fields Music“ (YouTube) in the background,
and it’s not bad, but in general, music just doesn’t work for me. I‘m better in
a public place like a coffeeshop. My best place is at home in a comfortable
chair.
Do you have critique partners or beta
readers?
I plan to
find a critique partner. My personal life has been too hectic to commit to one,
unfortunately. I think it will be beneficial to have one. I do have beta
readers. They say don’t use friends or family. I violate that rule, but only
because I have friends I am absolutely certain will tell me the truth. I had
one friend ask me why my supposedly strong female character was “such a ninny.”
Great feedback!
What book are you reading now?
I’m reading Murmurs,
by Michale J. Malone; In the Furnace of Afflication, by Tony Gertner; Slaughterhouse
Five, by Kurt Vonnegut; Echoes Burning, by Lee Child; and re-reading
Foundation, by Isaac Asimov.
How did you start your writing career?
Slowly. I started
writing in seventh grade, but didn’t let anyone see it until I was nearly 30.
Not even my wife. I was inspired by the stories I read as a kid. They let me
disappear to other worlds, and I wanted to do that for other people. I sold a
short story in 1991. My active-duty naval service didn’t leave me much time to
write, so there were long periods of inactivity. When I left active duty, I
started writing more, though seven mobilizations post-9/11 slowed things down,
too.
Tell us about your next release.
I’m nearly half-way
through the first draft of a novel based, loosely, on my father’s and two
uncles’ service during World War II. It will follow three brothers through the
war. One is in the Army infantry serves in North Africa and Italy, two areas
not often covered in fiction. Another is in the Army Air Corps in the
Philippines, and will have to survive more than three years in Japanese prison
camps. The third is in the Navy and will see some of the most brutal fighting
at sea in the Pacific.
About the Author
A Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate, Thomas M. Wing retired after thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. He served in guided missile destroyers and frigates, as well as with destroyer squadron, cruiser destroyer group, numbered fleet, and Joint Task Force staffs, where he planned and executed real-world joint operations at the operational and strategic levels of war. He also participated in naval combat during Operation Praying Mantis in the Middle East in April, 1988. He has taught Coast Guard licensing courses and has held a variety of sailing licenses, including Master and Master of Sailing Vessels, Upon Oceans. As well, he founded and served as Executive Director for the Continental Navy Foundation, which conducted experiential education at sea for young people 13-17 years of age. He also commanded the Foundation's tall ship, the brigantine Megan D.
His novel, Against All Enemies, resulted from a random thought during a period of political tension between China and the U.S. What if that political tension included cruise missiles flying in from the sea to strike the San Diego waterfront? Thomas M. Wing resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter, two cats, and a dog. He still spends whatever free time he has on the water.
Contact Links
Twitter: @thomasmwing1
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