Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How did you start writing?
2. With a full-time day job, how do you find time to write?
3. I have thought about writing, but I don't have a clue of how to start?
4. Do I need an agent? If so, how do I find the right one?
5. Where do you get the ideas for your books?
6. How long does it take to get a book published?
7. Where do you write?
8. The main character in The Phoenix Seduction, Lieutenant Anod, how do you pronounce her name?
9. Why did you write the book about TWA 800?
10. What are you trying to accomplish with the TWA 800 book?
11. Whose idea was it for the TWA 800 book?
12. Why do you think you know more than the NTSB or the FBI regarding TWA 800?
13. Are you taking a big risk mixing fact and fiction relative to TWA 800?
14. What makes you qualified to speak out regarding TWA 800?
15. What about mechanical failure of TWA 800?
16. Why is your book coming out now, so late in the investigation?
17. Have you reviewed the NTSB data from the public hearings and the FBI public report?
18. What is happening at Commonwealth Publications?
19. How do you do booksignings?
1. How did you start writing?
CAP: My first published work was a rather lengthy letter to the editor of the Marine Corps Gazette in1975. Over the years as a Marine and an experimental test pilot, I wrote numerous technical papers. Cap's technical papers. I started to write a novel about the future of mankind back in 1979, but only managed three chapters before I was distracted. The truth be known, I must give the real credit to my wife, Jeanne. She saw a 1990 advertisement in the local newspapers for a writing contest called the Turner Tomorrow Awards, an effort by Ted Turner to get into the publishing business. At the time, a friend, John Pekkanen, the author of the Reader's Digest article The Man Who Flew Into Hell about Anatoly Grishchenko, was coaxing me to write a book about the Chernobyl pilots. Jeanne persuaded me to write a novel for the Turner Tomorrow Awards, so I did. The title of the modest novel was Cast the First Stone; it did not win the contest. From that experience, I found I actually enjoyed writing -- telling a story -- so, I decided to finish the novel I began in 1979, and that became my first published novel, The Phoenix Seduction. In a strange way, perhaps, writing has a therapeutic value for me.
2. With a full-time day job, how do you find time to write?
CAP: I developed a routine early on that I have stayed with through the years. I rise at 04:30, exercise while I watch CNN Headline News, run, then while I cool off, I write. I have found that, while it is still dark outside, the house is very quiet and my mind is fresh, I can write for an hour or so. I manage more time on the weekends.
3. I have thought about writing, but I don't have a clue of how to start?
CAP: There is only one way...just jump in. Take an idea from any source -- dreams, nightmares, visions, news stories, whatever -- sketch some characters, the environment, and the plot. There are many helpful writing guides in almost any bookstore and definitely in the virtual bookstores. I found Writer's Digest, a monthly magazine for writers, routinely has valuable information for story development, characterization, background, and so much more. They say an author must write a million words before he reaches his groove. I'm still a bit short of a million words, but I keep going. I also think it is attitude, desire and persistence...write one word, one sentence, one paragraph at a time. Simply put, you just have to decide it is something you are going to do and it is important to you. I am not saying it is easy, just possible. As in most endeavors, it is a question of will...do you really want to do it?
4. Do I need an agent? If so, how do I find the right one?
CAP: My friend, John Pekkanen, told me the only way to become published is to convince an agent your work is worth her attention and effort. I certainly have no reason to doubt John's advice. Every author probably has their own story and approach. I started with John Pekkanen's agent, but that didn't work. I then went through every agent in the Writer's Market. I looked for agents who accepted new authors and my genre. I sent out 20 letters per the agent's instructions, received letters of interest from eight, and made submissions per their instructions. I received a contract offer from two. In hindsight, neither of the agencies would receive a beneficial recommendation from me. I am currently looking for a long term, high integrity, business relationship with an exceptional and engaging agent. Once I find the correct relationship, I will update this Q.
5. Where do you get the ideas for your books?
CAP: I keep a journal of ideas -- all sorts of odd & strange things. There are stories all around us everyday. In the 70's, we were worried about the future of mankind and America; that led to The Phoenix Seduction. I have always been fascinated by Spitfires, and my kids did not appreciate the importance of the Battle of Britain, so that led to TO SO FEW, both The Prelude and The Trial. SACRIFICE grew from my experience with Soviet test pilots and hearing about the heroic feats of the pilots over the burning reactor No.4 at Chernobyl. Other ideas have come from nightmares, dreams, philosophical discussions, the newspaper, almost any source. I particularly like Discover and National Geographic magazines as idea sources. Ray.Bradbury said, WITNESS [the magnificence of life] and CELEBRATE [life's glory]...an appropriate challenge to all of us. Ideas are everywhere.
6. How long does it take to get a book published?
CAP: The answer undoubtedly varies with every author. I'm fairly certain it does not take Tom Clancy or Stephen King very long; as I recall, they are practically published before they've written the book, just because of who they are or more appropriately their success in the marketplace. So, using The Phoenix Seduction as a measure, I'd say six years. I started writing the first draft 22.December.1990, and completed it 12.April.1992. I went through numerous reviews and edits. The OK-I-think-I'm-ready manuscript (5th draft) was completed 15.July.1994. A rework was requested; it was too long for a novice author. The really-ready manuscript was finished 8.January.1995. I received a contract for publication from Commonwealth Publications on 22.November.1995. I reviewed the page proofs for the book in mid-November, 1996; and the book was in bookstores in May, 1997. It took me nearly 3 years to research and about a year each to write both The Prelude and The Trial. Since The Phoenix Seduction is my first published novel, I don't have a good metric. Numerous articles in Writer's Digest say the process takes years, and you must be patient; I can definitely say patience is a divine virtue when it comes to the publishing business. So, after all this drivel, I'd say the actual writing of a first draft takes me about a year, plus or minus a few months. I know I could do much better as a full-time writer.
7. Where do you write?
CAP: This question comes in many forms, but seems to be the essence. We have dedicated a room that Jeanne & I use as a study with a broad common oak table and his & hers 'puters. There are distractions; however, on the whole, this arrangement is pretty good. It certainly works for me.
8. Regaring the main character in The Phoenix Seduction, Lieutenant Anod, how do you pronounce her name?
CAP: I suppose I should have picked a name that did not raise so many questions. I thought it was simple, direct and appropriately symbolic. Nonetheless, her name is pronounced -- an'-odd -- like 'an odd' thing happened on the way to the future.
9. Why did you write the book about TWA 800?
CAP: There are many reasons. Most notable is probably the persistent, popular image of a government conspiracy and cover-up of a US Navy 'friendly fire' accident. Not only do we NOT believe this popular conjecture, we present a variety of counter-arguments as well as a more plausible cause. We do not believe the government agencies are hiding anything; they are withholding information, most probably due to its sensitivity and the implications of that information. The NTSB and FBI investigators are being meticulous, not conspiratorial. As you will see in our book, TWA 800 - Accident or Incident?, there are probably several other Federal departments with specific related knowledge, e.g., the Departments of State and Defense, and of course, the Central Intelligence Agency.
10. What are you trying to accomplish with the TWA 800 book?
CAP: We are trying to present a plausible hypothesis that draws together and connects all the known public facts associated with the incident. With all the energy being expended trying to hang the cause on the US Navy, we wanted to bring other facts into the discussion. Neither of us believe the US Navy is culpable for this tragedy. We simple want the scope of the investigation to be large enough to include all those with the means, the will and the motive to do such a thing.
11. Whose idea was it for this book?
CAP: Kevin deserves all the credit for the concept and approach. Both authors share the commitment to the hypothesis. Kevin called Cap in mid-January.1997 with the concept for the project, just after the Salinger accusations. They shared views of the incident, and found they had many of the same opinions regarding the tragedy.
12. Why do you think you know more than the NTSB or the FBI?
CAP: We are not suggesting we know more than the investigators. Both authors remain concerned about the paucity of detailed information regarding some aspects of the events prior to the ignition of the center fuel tank, and the continuing penchant of many to believe there is a government conspiracy and cover-up of a 'friendly fire' accident. We wanted to widen the horizon quite a bit and propose a serious hypothesis the authors suspect is the most likely cause of the tragedy. We can speak out; the government investigators can not.
Since the manuscript was first completed April.1997 and updated as late as July.1998, the vast preponderence of concern has focused on what happened after fuel vapors in the center fuel tank ignited. There are numerous credible witnesses who reported a small streak of light rising from the water. Even more troubling, it was reported by the NY Times News Service on 10.December.1997, during the NTSB public hearings: "Last week, in meetings with the NTSB and in a letter to NTSB Chairman James Hall, the FBI said that it wanted no public discussion or publication of the interviews conducted with witnesses to the crash, no presentation of the video simulation of the crash created for the FBI by the CIA, and no reference to the search for residue of explosives on the wreckage.' Now, if this is not fuel & fodder for the conspiracists, I don't know what is. The public knows there was a major search for explosives early in the investigation, and yet, now, the FBI wants to pretend that effort did not happen. Undoubtedly, a huge amount of time, effort and money was expended to investigate the bomb or missile theory, and yet there is not one sliver of evidence on the results? What's wrong with this picture? If there are sensitive means & methods or even sources involved, there are procedures for protecting such information. What is unconscionable is the assumption the public does not need to know about that aspect of the investigation. The best way to quiet the 'shoot-down' or explosives conspiracists is to face the question directly -- not ignore it.
13. Are you taking a big risk mixing fact and fiction?
CAP: No. In fact, we are careful to identify the created elements. Like a court case involving circumstantial evidence, we have connected many dots of fact filled in with supposition to develop a clear picture that ties together many related bits of information. While mechanical failure is still possible, it is not likely. Major airliners, or any commercial aircraft for that matter, are designed with fail-safe upon fail-safe elements. This airliner was maintained, to the best of our knowledge, by a major air carrier in accordance with the manufacturer's as well as the FAA's approved procedures; this aircraft type has millions of safe operating hours behind it. As in any circumstantial evidence case, you take what facts you have, eliminate those elements that can be disproved, then try to paint a picture. If a criminal cause remains, who had the motive, the means, the will, the publically-professed objective, to accomplish such an act of international terrorism. We want readers to understand why we believe our hypothesis is the most plausible. We want the investigation to have a broad enough scope to evaluate the possibility of perpetrators beyond our shores using sophisticated means within their control.
14. What makes you qualified to speak out regarding TWA 800?
CAP: Both authors have various experiences with surface ships, submarines, aircraft and anti-aircraft missiles. Furthermore, Kevin speaks Arabic and Russian, and has excellent knowledge of the Iranian government and the terrorist group, HizbAllah International. We also collected and present information beyond the aircraft associated facts that we believe are related. More information about the authors can be found on
Kevin's Bio Page and
Cap's Bio Page.
15. What about mechanical failure of TWA 800?
CAP: We are well aware of the letter from NTSB Chairman Jim Hall published in the 11.April.1997 edition of The Wall Street Journal. Mr. Hall, by his letter, has ignored the significant number of 'missile-like' observations with the statement: "...we have found no physical evidence that a bomb or missile was involved." If Mr. Hall feels the cause is mechanical failure, why hasn't he disproved or eliminated all the missile observations. Given the FBI's prohibition of any public discourse regarding missile evidence, explosives or eye witness information (as indicated above), it will be very difficult to eliminate the missile hypothesis.
While this mechanical scenario is plausible, it ignores the missile observations. The most popular, NTSB, mechanical, failure scenario revolves around the failure of some electrical wiring or components in the center fuel tank which is possible although improbable, and again, ignores the missile observations. The NTSB public hearings conducted in December, 1997, lead one to point toward a series of electrical malfunctions inside the center fuel tank. As the NTSB investigators have pointed out, the design and physical evidence indicate it would take at least two or three coincident, associated electrical failures to cause ignition of the fuel vapors. Still possible, but also unlikely.
The lack of 'physical evidence' as Mr. Hall states is a rather loose term. We have had no discussion about the No.3 engine which could have been destroyed by a small missile. A small, shoulder fired, IR missile like Stinger would have it's rocket motor fuel nearly spent at that altitude, although it would still have a high velocity and therefore momentum. The warhead would not have to detonate for serious damage to be done. The Flight Data Recorder traces as well as Cockpit Voice Recorder data do not appear to show any deviation of the No.3 engine (or any other engine) prior to break-up There are a variety of combinations of involvement between the fuselage, the center fuel tank, the No.3 engine that could be related. We continue to believe a small, shoulder fired, missile launched from a submarine is the only scenario that connects ALL the observations and facts.
16. Why is your book coming out now, so late in the investigation?
CAP: The manuscript was completed on 7.April.1997, and was based on information available until that time. The page proofs as well as cover art were completed on 24.May.1997. The original title was: TWA 800 - The Ayatollah's Retribution; although the publisher made several attempts to publish the book as late as February.1998, the original publisher went belly up prior to release. The copyright was acquired by Saint Gaudens Press under a new title and ISBN for TWA 800 - Accident or Incident? were issued, and the book released for distribution on 22.October.1998. While both Kevin and I did our part to get the book to press, the publication process does take a rather long time. Timing is always a risk with a current events book. We did the best we could given all the constraints.
17. Have you reviewed the NTSB data from the public hearings and the FBI public report?
CAP: Yes. I have reviewed the information available from both the NTSB and the FBI on the Web. I have also obtained a CD-ROM copy of the NTSB data. I should note all this information was published late in 1997, months after the page proofs for the books were reviewed and signed off. The NTSB focused on what happened to the B747 from the ignition of the fuel vapors in the center fuel tank through the retrieval and reconstruction of the remains; none of the NTSB data addresses non-mechanical potential causal factors. It is quite apparent the NTSB has focused on mechanical causes for initiation of the disaster. The FBI public report available on their Website does address the criminal investigation, but only in a most circumspect manner...'no evidence found.' What is strange, however, is the avoidance of the results of the missile and/or explosives investigatory effort other than a perfunctory 'no evidence found' especially after all the public discourse for months after the incident.
More troubling was the NY Times News Service report dated 10.December.1997: "Last week, in meetings with the NTSB and in a letter to NTSB Chairman James Hall, the FBI said that it wanted no public discussion or publication of the interviews conducted with witnesses to the crash, no presentation of the video simulation of the crash created for the FBI by the CIA, and no reference to the search for residue of explosives on the wreckage." This rather innocuous paragraph at the end of an article about the NTSB public hearings does not convey candor. While we must acknowledge the FBI has probably used sensitive sources, methods & means in their invesigation, there are also procedures for 'scrubbing' information to protect sensitive sources. The FBI position as stated in the NY Times News Service article surely suggests 'stonewalling' the public, put in the best light; the conspiracists among us probably see it as much worse than that.
While the original motivation as addressed in Question 9 above was to counter the friendly fire accusations, the underlying premise remains valid. We are simply asking readers to take a much larger view of the world and to ask the hard questions regarding the possibility of state-sponsored terrorism being the root cause of this tragedy. Until the missile hypothesis is dealt with to the same degree of thoroughness as the NTSB has dealt with the break-up of the aircraft, the questions will persist.
18. What is happening at Commonwealth Publications?
CAP: Commonwealth Publications went out of business in February/March.1998. The rights to my books were acquired by Saint Gaudens Press. While the Commonwealth experience was a really unfortunate episode in my writing career, I am glad to have it behind me. End of story!
19. How do you do booksignings?
CAP: Many authors have asked me about doing booksignings. It can be a very intimidating part of having a book published. In October, 1997, I wrote a short article for a newsletter Kevin.Ready put together for Commonwealth Publications in an effort to improve communications with their authors. Some of the information is slightly dated, but several authors asked for the article, anyway. So, here it is: newsletter article.
The article is, as it states at the conclusion, an opener. There is much more to booksignings as other authors who have done public engagements can attest. I have found the key is to act as a quest in someone's home. While there is a mutual benefit to be gained, you should not act like a superstar until you have achieved that status. I have heard more than one bookstore owner or manager tell me their bad experiences with finicky, demanding authors expecting to be treated like they generate multimillion dollar sales. While many managers will offer you drinks, do not expect them, and do not be offended if you do not receive at gratis drink. Furthermore, I have found it quite helpful to have a soda handy to sooth your throat if you are doing quite a bit of talking (the carbonation helps).
Some stores produce their own flyers, posters or other advertising materials, but it is always a good idea to have your own. I carry and use a plastic framed poster of my book cover on a simple large easel. I also have a metal sign that I hang on the horizontal of the easel that says, MEET - CAP PARLIER - AUTHOR. It may seem rather redundant or superfulous, but as a new and unknown author, you will find most patrons do not know whether you are an employee, a pollster or some other sort of salesperson. Once I started using the author sign, people seemed more willing to stop and ask more. I also try to sit near the entrance or other high traffic area of the store and greet each person that passes within earshot with a 'good afternoon,' 'how are you,' or 'have a great day.' Be friendly and approachable. It is my opinion that for new authors the objective is getting a bookstore patron to stop and ask just one question. Many will not ask more and many will not buy your book, but I can tell you a friendly, cordial thank you to a curious patron has eventually turned into a book sale more than a few times. Treat every person with the courtesy you would expect, and you will sell more books. Remember, most people will not want to read your book. Do not be offended!
Hope this helps. Any other questions, zap me at the eMail address below. Enjoy! :-)
