'Bullseye!'

'Targets of Deception' (Variance Publishing) is a riveting thriller that moves from one fast-paced action scene to the next in a story that emphasizes the dangerous world we live in.

Readers try to guess the true identity of the lead character in Jeffrey Stephens’ spellbinding tale of espionage - written as fiction but based on fact.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Jeffrey Stephens about his debut book, 'Targets of Deception,' and first wondered, being that this is his first book, knowing that it was written as fiction, but is actually based on fact, could he explain that more, perhaps? "YES, THE VILLAIN IS BASED ON A ROGUE CIA AGENT WHO SOLD OUT THIS COUNTRY."

When creating a lead character, Jordan Sandor, what creative thoughts went into his persona, and importantly, his actual character name? "I WILL NOT DISCLOSE ANYTHING ABOUT THE SOURCE OF THE MAIN CHARACTER’S NAME. SUFFICE IT TO SAY, HE IS BASED ON A REAL SPECIAL OPS AGENT."

What was one of the hardest parts of this tale to tell, of a chapter in this book to write - and why? "THIS WAS NOT A DIFFICULT BOOK TO WRITE BECAUSE THE STORY FELT EXTREMELY TRUE-TO-LIFE TO ME, AND THE ACTION MOVED ME FORWARD JUST AS IT WILL HOPEFULLY DO FOR MY READERS."

You are also donating 'substantial amounts' of the books royalties to an organization that provides assistance to surviving children of fallen Special Ops personnel. When did you first become aware of such an organization - before, during, or after writing the book? "I BECAME AWARE OF THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIORS FUND, OF TAMPA, FL, DURING THE WRITING OF THE BOOK. A FORMER OPERATIVE WITH WHOM I AM ACQUAINTED MADE ME AWARE OF THEIR GOOD WORK. I CHECKED OUT THE CHARITY—IT RECEIVES HIGHEST MARKS FROM THE WATCHDOG GROUPS THAT RATE CHARITIES—AND IT WAS ALSO GIVEN A THUMBS UP BY A.J.TATA, RETIRED BRIGADIER GENERAL AND NOW AN AUTHOR HIMSELF. SOWF IS RECEIVING HALF OF THE ROYTALTIES EARNED ON THE BOOK."

Finally, being that this book is now written and published, what is your next book going to be about - and, as we are called Exclusive Magazine after all, has it got a title yet, perhaps? "THE SEQUEL, 'TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY,' HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WILL BE RELEASED LATE THIS YEAR. IT WILL AGAIN FEATURE JORDAN SANDOR AND, GIVEN THE EARLY REACTION, SANDOR’S FANS WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

Interviewed by: Russell A. Trunk

www.jeffreysstephens.com

Book Purchase link