Legend has, at least in my opinion, a fantastic historical prologue, similar in technique to that of Clive Cussler. Do you read his work?
Clive Cussler has always had a fan in me. I started the same way most of his fans did with the release of Raise the Titanic early in his career. The way he structures a story should be a blueprint for any action-oriented author. I remain an admirer of Mr. Cussler’s and wish someday to have Dirk Pitt make a cameo in an Event Group adventure. I think he and Jack Collins would make a formidable team.
What in the world inspired to you combine Little Bighorn with El Dorado? (Not that it wasn't cool.)
Arrogance I guess. I have always been a very devoted follower of the Battle at the Little Bighorn. I believe it is one of the most defining moments in American history for the single reason we began at that time to have a conscience as a nation of the world. Although our sympathies came too late to save a wondrous way of life for the American Indian, it started the United States on the road to self-evaluation. Do we have a long way to go still? Certainly. We have yet to make amends to the Indian Nations of this country. As for your question, I always try to place into Event Group stories significant historical events that pique readers' curiosities. Sometimes doing so is a dramatic way to bring to the forefront important stories that should always be remembered. The correlation between the two that some readers don’t understand and is easily overlooked is the fact that ‘Discovery’ for the most part is a harsh and violent endeavor, and what better example is there than the Little Bighorn and the invasion by Spain of the Americas?
The character "Chief" is my absolute favorite. Is he modeled after anyone in particular?
When I set out to write Legend, I knew from the outset that a strong-willed individual would have to be the creator of the advanced river craft USS Teacher. The character of Master Chief Jenks, while a fictional character, is a conglomeration of every sergeant and chief in the American military (at least the ones I’ve known). Many have heard the saying that the real commanders are the non-commissioned officers — this is the truest statement to ever come out of the military. Chief Jenks is a character very close to my heart and I suspect the old and gruff seaman will be back very soon in another Event Group story and undoubtedly chewing on someone’s rear-end for something he deemed offensive.
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