Warning. Spoiler Alert. Please Do Not Read The Following Unless You Have Already Read Full Black
Q: Did you essentially begin this plot in Foreign Influence?
A: Yes. The idea for Full Black began when I was brainstorming for Foreign Influence. Both novels are based upon the real-life Unrestricted Warfare white paper. I realized that if implemented in order to create the perfect storm of politics and crises, it could very well help collapse the United States of America.
Q: Do your plots ever keep you up at night, wondering if it might happen?
A: Full Black, in particular, continues to keep me up at night, as it is particularly alarming at this point in time. There are days when I wonder, is this the perfect storm? To be honest, all of my plots are rooted in reality and very factually possible. I have written some fictitious storylines, that later came true. I wrote about an American Airlines hijacking just prior to 9/11, and Abu Nidal was killed while I was writing about him. I believe that if the story drifts too far from realism, it becomes like science fiction.
Q: Where did you find the Oranges and Lemons poem, and what does it mean to you?
A: I had heard it years ago and have always wanted to include it in one of my novels. It’s particularly disturbing and it felt right for Full Black.
Q: Why did you start Full Black in Sweden, of all places?
A: I’m of Swedish descent and have travelled there. It’s a location I’ve always wanted to write about.
Q: Sean Chase appears to be a devotee of Hagakure. Where did you come upon Hagakure, and what does it entail?
A: Hagakure and meditating on death was suggested by a good friend of mine who holds a very similar job to Sean Chase. I think details, rooted in reality, are the bedrock of a good thriller. I wanted to explore what makes Sean Chase tick, so I asked my pal what makes him tick and what goes through his mind when he is on his assignments. A lot of Harvath’s childhood background comes from another good friend of mine in the Special Operations community.
Q: How possible is the idea of a terror attack on movie theaters?
A: I’m sorry to say that it is entirely too possible. Terrorists are always looking for the easiest targets they can find. I used suicide bombers in Full Black, but it would be just as easy for terrorists to get up halfway through a movie and leave a backpack behind laden with explosives. There is almost no security in movie theaters.
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