Meet David S Brody Author of Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower, by David S. Brody

What inspired the book?

As a resident of Westford, Massachusetts, I had long known of the legend of the Westford Knight (Scottish explorers visiting Westford in 1398 and carving an effigy in stone in Westford to commemorate the death of a fallen comrade). As I researched the subject further, I realized there is other evidence in New England that corroborates this legend. Further, the legend is consistent with many European sources. This hidden history is a story that needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

The research. It is truly fascinating, almost addictive. The artifacts and sites speak to us from 600 years ago. I feel like I’ve been looking through a window into our hidden history, and now I get to share my findings with the public through my book.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I’m not sure I would use the word, “must.” But I will say that anyone who enjoys historical fiction, anyone who likes books that allow them to learn about history while at the same time being entertained, “should” read this book. Not to belabor the point, but it really does give readers an opportunity to learn about a fascinating, hidden history involving medieval exploration of America.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code really needs to read this, as it turns out the medieval exploration of North America is directly related to the families, themes and sites discussed by Dan Brown in his book. To be specific, I’m talking about the Knights Templar, the Jesus bloodline families, the Freemasons, so-called “paganism” within the Church, Roslyn Chapel—they all play an important part in who came to North America in the late 1300s and why.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

More than anything else, I think passion sparks creativity. Everyone has something they are passionate about, something that will get them up early in the morning or make them take that long walk into the woods. That’s what aspiring authors should write about.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I have a rule: I never let a day go by without working on the book I am writing. If I’m not actually writing, I’m researching or editing, even if for only a half hour. In that way my brain never disengages from the story. It has really helped me avoid writer’s block, helped me avoid putting the project down and then not picking it up for weeks or months at a time.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

For me, my family is big into reading. We always had books in the house, always viewed reading as the best form of entertainment. I think everyone has a creative streak in them—literature was a natural venue in which to express mine.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

My first book, Unlawful Deeds, is a legal thriller that turns on a series of real estate transactions. It has an obvious appeal to real estate attorneys and paralegals. I used to go into the county registries of deeds, where closings were held, and tape promotional flyers on the tables where buyers and sellers transacted the closings. It worked pretty well—the book became a bestseller.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

The characters in the book travel across New England researching and investigating the medieval sites and artifacts much as I did when researching the book. Of course, they do so while being hunted down by enemies trying to keep this hidden history a secret. Nobody was trying to kill me while I was doing my research!

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Both Cameron and Amanda, the hero and heroine in the story, are at sort of a crossroads point in their lives. That makes them open to new ideas and new adventures. And also open to a possible romance.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

There are a couple of different villains in the story, but I’m especially happy the way the Salazar character turned out. He is a hired assassin who between assignments is a doting and loving single father to his young daughter. He has the same dreams and concerns and feelings as any parent—the only difference being he kills people for a living. Despite what he does for work, it’s hard to dislike him.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

As you can probably tell, I’m very passionate about this story! If readers would like to see the sites and artifacts that I talk about in my book, they can go to my blogspot: http://westfordknight.blogspot.com/ . Many so-called experts believe these are all modern-day hoaxes or forgeries. I strongly disagree, and invite readers to reach their own conclusions.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My website is www.davidbrodybooks.com

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is:

www.amazon.com/Cabal-Westford-Knight-Templars-Newport/dp/0977389871/