Truth is stranger than fiction (or is it?)

Writing Seeing Double has been an adventure. Replete with double entendres, the novel  explores the Middle East while pondering the realities and irrationalities of ‘Truth,’ as it is seen, defined and acted upon from various perspectives. From the moment Ari enters Elisabeth’s office, the parameters of the plot are anchored. As each character unfolds, additional layers of communal ‘Truth’ emerge. These ‘Truths’ weave their way through families, countries and terrorist groups, crossing borders, creating boundaries and declaring themselves ‘The Absolute’; the One and Only, Single, Solitary, Absolutely Perfect, Unquestionable ‘Truth.’ These ‘Truths’ stake out their turf, take over lands and demand total unwavering loyalty from their followers. Disloyalty is treason, and we all know what happens to traitors.

The problem with these unquestionable, demanding ‘Truths’ is that there are a lot of them and while in some ways they are unalterably contradictory, in other ways they are identical. Certain common themes apply to all of these ‘Truths,’ but because the theological power is attained through isolation, discrimination and elevation, their commonalities are distorted, rejected and denied. These ‘Truths,’ like the religions to which they are inextricably linked, are trans-generational, connected to the soil, traditions and embedded lifestyles. These ‘Truths’ are as simple and as complex as the religious beliefs from which they evolved.

In Seeing Double, you will encounter intricate moral, nationalistic and territorial dilemmas as seen through the eyes of ‘flesh and blood’ characters. You will witness those characters struggle with personal conflicts, family dynamics and understand how culture and beliefs influence behavior. As I wrote Seeing Double, a new cast of characters emerged, each bearing a unique role, vision and cluster of needs. Every step they took made them more real and viable. As they made decisions, confronted and survived life-threatening challenges the plot deepened, shining new light on some of the most dangerous conflicts plaguing the world today.

I hope you enjoy reading Seeing Double as much as I enjoyed writing it. I look forward to hearing your questions and reading your comments as they will inform and enlighten my forward path.

Seeing Double is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. We are delighted to report that the audiobook is currently being recorded and you will soon be able to enjoy it. And because we’re so excited about the book’s release, we’re giving away several copies of both Seeing Double and Relentless – including signed paperbacks! Head over to our Facebook page for more details.