My Tribute to Tom Clancy April 12, 1947 – October 1, 2013

It doesn’t seem possible, but the world lost another great talent this month. He is more than just a favourite author. He is why I discovered my passion for this genre. And I think a lot of writers could say they owe a great debt to Tom Clancy. He didn’t just tell a great story. He filled every nook and cranny of that story with detail. After reading a Clancy novel, you almost knew how to pilot a submarine, or navigate through the political labyrinth of the Pentagon. I love to learn, and a Clancy novel is a full-on learning experience. It’s like sitting in the front row of your favourite university course, as the professor regales you with facts and anecdotes, completely in his element. Though I haven’t read them all, my favourite is Clear and Present Danger. But the book I most want to read is “Against All Enemies”. I really want to see how he approaches the pairing of Mexican cartels and militant Islamic terrorists. And given my storyline it would be essential reading. I am very grateful to him for the legacy in books he has left us, and wealth of learning he embedded in some truly great stories.