An Interview with Dave Pratt

 

I'm thrilled to welcome Dave Pratt to Suspense Sisters. Let's dive right in!

Robin: Welcome, Dave. How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

Dave: After college, as a new lieutenant in the army, I was advised that I was a horrible writer and needed to fix that or fail as a person and professional. Took a Writer’s Digest Institute short story course and got hooked. I write Christian Suspense/Mystery.

Robin: One of my favorite genres. What has being published taught you?

Dave: Write for yourself, first, and feel free to write badly the first time through. Then, do the work to make the story publishable.

Robin: That's good advice! What is your favorite thing about writing? Least favorite?

Dave: I just love writing. My characters live in me. There is no least favorite aspect of it for me.

Robin: Lucky you. I definitely have "least favorite" parts, though they tend to change from day to day. So, are you a panster or a plotter?

Dave: Plotter, for sure.

Robin: Me too! What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?  

Dave: Grandkids top the list, but also anything out of doors. I also love martial arts and have studied it for the last 40 years. That and my faith help keep me young.

Robin: Sounds like you manage to keep busy. Does writing energize or exhaust you? 

Dave: Energizes me, for sure.

Robin: What have you researched that makes you think the FBI might be interested in you? 

Dave: Nothing. Hope that doesn’t make me too boring.

Robin: Nah, I think the FBI would find me pretty dull as well. Would you tell us about your current book release?

Dave: Sure. Major Sam Anthem is at the peak of his career as an operator for the State Department’s Extreme Operations Group. Despite all his accomplishments and love for his work, he comes to realize that his life needs to be about something more than just work. When Sam rescues Consuelo Zamora, a female missionary healthcare worker, during an operation in Mexico, and then fights his way through cartel gangs, corrupt government officials, and threats to those he holds close, he turns his life around. He finds his faith through Jesus Christ, and arises as a more fulfilled person and better operative.

Robin: That sounds great! What would you like readers to know about your characters?

Dave: They are as real as it gets, but with special talents for battling evil and overcoming difficult challenges. I have worked and lived with people like those I write about at various times in my career and relate to their challenges, hopes and concerns.

Robin: I love that you have personal experience in this. I'm sure it makes your stories more authentic. Would you share with us what you are working on now?

Dave: The second installment of The Home Team series: HT2 (Home Team 2).

In HT2, El, a female law enforcement officer and army veteran, goes it alone to battle human trafficking and ends up being taken in the process. She escapes with the help of an Army Ranger on a similar personal quest and the Home Team, a covert operations group reporting to the State Department. As a result of her breaking policy and going it alone, El is suspended from the Washington State Patrol but is invited to train with the Home Team. Not used to working as part of a team, she becomes a reluctant member of a new extension, Home Team 2. There, she reunites with the Ranger who came to her aid and continues her personal battle against human trafficking. In that process, El finds a home with a team of likeminded people committed to justice and God’s mission, and ignites her own faith in God.

Robin: That sounds amazing. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

Dave: Never give up; never stop trying.

Robin: Well said. What’s next from you? 

Dave: HT2 is with the publisher. I am currently working on the third book in the Home Team Series, Finding Home, which focuses on another member of the team and his struggles with faith, the increasingly demanding, dangerous deployments to serve his country and protect the lives of innocents, and how his life appears to be crumbling around him.

Robin: I bet that's going to be fabulous! Thanks for joining us on Suspense Sisters today! 

Friends, comment below to win a copy of Dave's book. 

 

Sam Anthem has always been a team player, leading his Home Team on secret missions around the world and chasing down bad guys for the U.S. government. But Sam has never had a place to call home or someone to go home to. 

 

Consuelo Zamora has been serving as a missionary nurse, but her work has led her to be forced to work with some South American drug lords in order to provide medicine for the common people. After being rescued by Sam and his Home Team, Consuelo settles into a new position in Olympia, Washington, to work with a community center there. But somehow, trouble always follows her, and Sam Anthem seems to always be nearby to save the day. 

 

When Sam is forced on a two-month vacation, he is introduced to a former covert ops soldier-turned pastor. But the vacation takes a turn when the Home Team comes under attack. As the team fights to stay alive against an unknown adversary, Sam begins to wonder if there is more to life than just the job. With his life on the line, Sam must decide between the job or his newfound faith and possible love.

 

Dave Pratt is a native of most of the U.S. west coast, from Bakersfield, California to Anchorage, Alaska.  A retired U.S. Army officer and private sector project management consultant, he spends his time living and exploring the Pacific Northwest and Tennessee with his wife and family, including two amazing grandkids. Dave is an adjunct instructor for South Puget Sound Community College’s Corporate and Continuing Education Program, which keeps him stimulated and in touch with hs reading audience. Dave has published numerous articles and short stories in a regional and national magazines and journals, as wells as six additional fiction and nonfiction books. Ambassador International released The Home Team (November 2022), the first of Mr. Pratt’s 5-part Home Team Series. Book 2 of the series is scheduled for release in October 2023.  Dave’s guiding light is Our Lord Jesus Christ and glorifying God in all he does. He considers his wife, family, friends, and the chance to share His message through suspenseful stories as some of God’s greatest blessings in his life.