Art Center Book Talk “Makin’ Waves”

The Marco Island Center for the Arts welcomed back author G. Bradley Davis on March 19th to discuss his newest book, Makin’ Waves. As in his previous appearance from last year’s book talk, all proceeds from the book talk were donated to the Center for the Arts. 

Makin’ Waves attracted a full house of enthusiastic readers who wanted to learn more about the adventures of Calvin, who was first introduced in Davis’ first novel, Bellamy. Now Calvin is off to join the Navy where adventure, mystery, and romance await him.

Hyla Crane, Executive Director for the Marco Island Center for the Arts, had a list of questions prepared for Davis. Crane noted that the book was “dedicated to our noble men and women in uniform, past, present, and future.” She shared that her dad served in the Navy and her father-in-law.

Makin’ Waves is Davis’ second novel, following his highly praised debut with Bellamy. The book contains many parallels to Davis’ real life, as he has worn many hats – Navy veteran, corporate CEO, ordained pastor, competitive athlete, husband, father, grandfather, and a gifted storyteller. When not writing, Davis can be found playing senior softball for his seventh consecutive year at the Winterberry Athletic Field as part of the Marco Island Senior Softball League.

When asked if there are any parallels in Makin’ Waves with his actual life experiences, Davis said, “Yes, Calvin was working in electronic warfare and served in the Intelligence Division of the Navy, which I did. I performed some missions in the Black Sea and some of the work I did in the Navy was classified.”

Another question keyed into the writing process and asked if there were any rituals Davis performed as an author. “Yes, I am an early morning person and get up at 5:00 AM to walk my dog. The best writing is early mornings with no distractions. As a habit, I try to write something every day. Some mornings, I can only write two sentences and some mornings, it might be four or five paragraphs – if I don’t make that discipline, it will be five years before I write another book.”

Reading is important to writing, and Davis was asked what he was reading now.

“I just finished an older book by John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meany,” Davis said. “I love books that think outside the box.”

When asked what he wants his writing to be known for, Davis said “My objective when I write is to build new worlds for the readers’ mind…something they may not have considered or knew about before they read my book.

“Everyone has a story,” Davis answered when asked if he had a piece of advice for aspiring writers. “Get the story that you want to express down in front of you and add characters, starting with the general like a big wide open funnel, and as the story progresses – you can bring the audience into the plot and direct them into more specific places.”

“Carolyn, my wife, is the greatest supporter and encourager,” Davis shared when asked how important his family has been. “An English teacher for many years, her suggestions and insights are invaluable. She is the first to read my finished draft and provides outstanding advice. Bayley, my oldest daughter, is the second person to read my first draft. She also designed the cover and insets for the books, just to name a few.

Davis gave special thanks to his editor and friend, Marco resident, Rick Marsico, “Whose attention to detail and invaluable time, patience and perspective made this book a much better read.”

According to Davis, he has been invited to appear on Logan Crawford’s The Spotlight Network “to discuss my work.”  It will be aired on Amazon Prime and Roku channels. Filming is scheduled for June 17th, but no date has been set for airing yet.

This book is a page-turner, according to Crane, and “You will stay up all night just to get to the ending.” Makin’ Waves is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and at www.GBradleydavis.com.