I do not consider myself a master craftsman when it comes to writing but more of a Jack of many accomplishments. However back in 1987 an incident occurred that began a ten-year adventure for me, putting together a story that I share with you in Black Alert. Forgive the list but as an overview: I have filmed weddings and seminars long before video tape was available to the public, designed seals for submarine hatch doors, became a sailplane pilot, worked as an Interior Designer, became a Broker in the Futures Industry, employed as a full-time DJ, flew hot-air balloons, taught four different courses as part of a Degree Program at College, and formed my own company, Mountain Video Productions, videoing skiers on the mountain seven days a week to show in the bars in the evenings. For two years I was employed as Director of Creative Services for a large Hotel and Conference Center while my photography has been commissioned for use in company brochures. I was directing five live TV shows a week plus an on-air shift at lunch times at the local radio station, when suddenly I read of a terrible attack. A warship, more specifically, the USS Stark, had been struck with not one but TWO Exocet cruise missiles that resulted in the deaths of 37 members of the United States Navy; (Black Alert is dedicated to those officers and men). The Captain was accused of not having his defense systems turned on and sent home in disgrace even though the Persian Gulf had not even been declared a war zone. That singular event is the only successful cruise missile attack on a U.S. Navy warship in history. Incidentally many ex-naval officers and crew have assisted in the writing of Black Alert. Since then I have worked as a radio Talk Show Host and as editor of the monthly publication After Dark, and, just as my web site was coming on line, my many thanks to Brian and his staff, I was already well into completing the outline of   Novel #2. If you are interested in finding out more from me on any of the subjects listed here and/or Black Alert itself, please drop me a line through my e-mail address located back under the button marked CONTACT on the front page. I will do my best to respond. Thank you for your interest and I do hope you enjoy my story.