What’s West About, erm, about?
In 1519 – with “modern” science indicating a world much smaller than it actually is –  the reckless and daring Ferdinand Magellan launched a fleet of five derelict, under-stocked ships from the Spanish city of Sevilla. Three years later, a single vessel faltered back into the port; it was manned by less than 20 of the original 210 sailors who’d set out.

West About tells Magellan’s story from the first person account of his real-life slave, Henrique the Black…and from the perspective of 20th century archaeologist, Dale Brentford, who makes surprising personal and scientific discoveries as he excavates under the waters of the Adriatic. Brentford’s problems – though more contemporary and less dramatic than those of his 16th century counterparts – could translate to any era: not only is he on the bottom rung of his profession, all is not well with his relationships either.

As Brentford works to right his personal life, he finds himself off the Yugoslav coast, solving riddles of an ancient Mediterranean shipwreck. Henrique and his master Magellan, meanwhile, find themselves essentially forgotten by history – yet forever remembered for one of the most significant accomplishments man has ever achieved.

What genre is it?
Historical fiction.

What kind of readers will it appeal to?
Anyone who is interested in discovery, adventure, man’s ability to overcome preposterous odds – and, of course, history – will enjoy West About.

Complete this sentence for us: if you like _________________, you’ll love West About.
James Michener‘s work.

How would you like the reader to feel as they read the last word of your book?
West About closes with satisfaction on behalf of Dr. Brentford, along with feelings of relief for Henrique. But any good feelings are tempered by an understanding of the costs that were exacted by Magellan’s inconceivable, rash, and inspired undertaking.

Sounds really interesting. Have you written any other books that we can read when we’ve finished this one?
The Time Pieces trilogy: Vessel of Fire, Vessel of Strength, and Vessel of Hope.

Near East archaeologist, Lem Ford, doesn’t just unearth pottery shards.

In Vessel of Fire – the first of the Time Pieces trilogy – Ford finds his way into the 2nd century world of Tamar, a young female potter. caught up in one of history’s enduring mysteries. But as Ford appraises the Israeli artifacts – these pieces of time – he’s also forced to examine the path of his own life, a process that continues in Vessel of Strength and later in Vessel of Hope.

Vessel of Strength finds Ford in Palestine’s West Bank at the foot of an enormous Roman column that’s slated for demolition. As the excavation unearths the unsettled world of master craftsman, Ladan, Ford struggles with his own desire for meaning and direction.

Finally, in Vessel of Hope, Ford finds himself unearthing artifacts in the fertile Jezreel Valley. As times change for Mother Noah – a lonely 1st century physician – Ford confronts unwelcome truths about his own future, and in doing so is able to embrace everything that lies ahead.

In the end, the uncertainties, fears, and spiritual questions of the Time Pieces world are not so different from those of Lem Ford – a modern-day archaeologist who struggles to understand who he is…and why his life matters.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m an award-winning writer of a small Texas newspaper who also happens to married to a Near East archaeologist. My own limited excavation experience is reflected in my writing… but most importantly I describe the flame for history and archaeological discovery that has fueled my husband’s career.

I grew up overseas, have traveled considerably, and have lived more of my life outside of the U.S. than within. However, our household (husband, four mostly-grown kids, three dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and a vegetable garden) consider the Texas Hill Country as “home” – at least for the time being.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
I don’t!

Can we connect with you using social media then?
facebook.com/WestAbout.

What’s next?
I’m not sure!