David Wood is the author of the thrillers Dourado and the forthcoming Cibola, which will be released this week. David took time to chat with us about his current book, and his work in general.
How would you describe Cibola to someone who is not familiar with it or your previous work?
Cibola is a modern-day adventure story about the search for the “true” story behind the legendary Seven Cities of gold. There’s a bit of mystery, archaeology, biblical lore, legend, a few cryptids, and lots of action.
Your “bad guys” in this book are a sect of militant Mormons. Where did that idea come from?
Almost all of the story takes place in the American Southwest, much of it in Utah, so it was a nice fit. Plus, it wasn’t something I’d seen before.
Are you concerned about backlash?
Not from people who actually read the book. Aside from the fact it’s a work of fiction, I make it clear in one of the later chapters that the sect is not affiliated with the LDS church, but is a breakaway group of zealots.
What was your inspiration for Cibola?
It began with an article I read about a Utah rancher who concealed the presence of untouched Fremont ruins for decades. Then along came a story about the discovery of a Spanish outpost in Argentina. Something about those two stories sparked an idea and away I went. Somewhere along the way I connected it to the Bible, Egyptian history, Anasazi ruins, cryptozoology, and the legend of the Seven Cities of Gold.
Cibola includes a very controversial slant on a well-known biblical character. Any potential problems for you there, considering you’re also a pastor?
It’s an exercise in imagination. Anyone who reads the “From the Author Notes” and understands the concept of fiction shouldn’t have a problem with it. Besides, people who have seen me in the pulpit sort of expect me to do and say things that are... edgy.
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