Mutiny /ˈmjuːtɪni/
~ an open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by sailors against their officers. A mutiny by those in control could trigger a global war ~
This preface to MUTINY fits the plot well, but it also suits the-plot. MUTINY has more than one ‘rebellion against the proper authorities’ as our protagonist faces his failure and the demise of a thankless career. You see, as age creeps up on us all there is a greater need for affirmation. MUTINY takes place around the Christmas season – a time of reflection, sharing and rejoicing. But, it can be a lonely time too. I remember just a few Christmas’s ago, when feeling a bit down, I received a very kind note from a student I had taught many years before. His email thanked me for being an inspiration for his learning and hoped I was doing well. You can imagine my joy at the encouragement? Sir Christopher Jenson – the protagonist in MUTINY – may be my alter-ego? Perhaps, though Sir Christopher is single and I am married. Though, I admit, it was easy to write MUTINY from Sir Christopher’s POV – we are of similar age and we have both been to most of the locations that crop up in MUTINY. Furthermore, while writing MUTINY, I could identify with Sir Christopher’s character – at times, he became an extension of myself. Yet, he retained his own fears and faults and eventually retired into obscurity with a new name, new future and, it appears, a new passion. My alter-ego may yet be revived in a follow-up thriller, so watch this space.