Where's Wardo

I recently had a unique chance to tour the battlefields of Gallipoli. The Gallipoli Campaign took place during World War I, pitting the Ottoman Empire against Britain, France, and Russia. Australia and New Zealand were also part of the “Entente” powers. The campaign ended in a bitter defeat for the Entente forces, and was a formative event for Britain’s First Lord of the Admiralty—none other than Winston Churchill. 

In the accompanying photos, I’m standing near the ANZAC memorial, and also holding a shard of the shrapnel that still litters the area after more than a century.

Ward Recommends: Museums

And speaking of museums . . . 

In the course of my travels, I’ve stumbled on some terrific museums, and few can top our national World War I and World War II exhibitions. 

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is located in downtown Kansas City. I really learned a lot here, and particularly enjoyed an exhibit explaining the world circumstances that brought the conflict to bear. 

The National World War II Museum is in New Orleans, and concentrates on the American Experience in the greatest conflict our world has seen. 

If you get a chance to visit either of these museums, take it—you won’t be disappointed!

Dark Vector Review From Brad Thor

My next book, Dark Vector, will be released on February 4. This book will make a transition to include some new characters in David Slaton’s world.

Thanks to #1 New York Times Bestselling author Brad Thor for the great review of Dark Vector!

One of the challenges in creating contemporary thrillers is to “look ahead,” to predict where the world’s new hot spots are developing. Here are a few of the geopolitical trends that went into the making of Dark Vector.

The New Axis: Military, economic, and political goals are increasingly driving state actors into alliances of convenience. The most striking in recent years is the deepening ties between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. These nations share varied but parallel grievances with the West, and are supporting one another via exchanges of natural resources, military technology, and diplomacy. Dark Vector takes their cooperation to the next level, putting the superiority of Western air power at risk.

Corruption and Kleptocracy: The commonality among New Axis nations are regimes that maintain power through cronyism and the misappropriation of national wealth. This is nothing new for any of these countries, but in Dark Vector I’ve highlighted the complications that arise when upper-level leaders ignore the good of the people in favor of self-preservation.

The Ukraine War: The War in Ukraine has been running for well over two years, and the human cost on both sides has been horrendous. Even if it were to end tomorrow, the effects will be felt for a generation. And as is true for all conflicts, deep personal tragedies, which might otherwise be lost in the greater fog, can sometimes alter the course of world events.

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Where's Wardo

This month I traveled to Nashville for Bouchercon, the annual publishing industry convention. I always enjoy connecting with readers, editors, and other industry professionals. I also get a chance to hang out with my fellow writers. I’m pictured above with good friends Simon Gervais and Taylor Moore. If you’ve ever wanted to meet your favorite thriller authors and have them sign your books, Bouchercon and Thrillerfest are the places to do it.  My publisher even gave away two cases of signed books, including advance copies of Dark Vector which arrives next February. If you didn’t make it to Nashville, stay tuned to my social media for a chance to get a sneak peak at Dark Vector.