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The Story Behind "Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light

Linda Rooks • Dec 06, 2023

Help me welcome author Linda Rooks as she shares about the story behind her latest release.



When I tell people about my new suspense thriller, Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light, a story in which weapons of mass destruction are found in the country of Tajikistan and an American diplomat is sent there on a mission to save the world from terrorists, I’m often asked if Tajikistan is a real country.


People know about Afghanistan, and may have heard about Uzbekistan, but the tiny country of Tajikistan is off most people’s radar. So why is a major part of Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light set in the little- known country of Tajikistan?


Choosing the best setting for a novel can make a big difference in how effective the story is in achieving the objectives an author intends. In the case of Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light, I wanted to take readers on an exciting adventure where they would experience intrigue, action, romance, the power of family connection, and a deepening discovery of the mystery of God’s unfathomable ways.


Surrounded by the middle-eastern countries of Afghanistan and Uzbekistan on two sides and China and Russia to the east and north, Tajikistan became the perfect setting for a story about a startling discovery of weapons of mass destruction at a future time when WMD seemed to be extinct. It was also a region where terrorist threats from an unknown source would not be surprising.


Intriguing events from history could realistically be woven into the plot as well to deepen the mystery and add to the intrigue.


An important part of the story involves the protagonist’s family connections in both the US and the country where the weapons are found. Since Tajikistan is a small country with a moderate ruling Islamic government, I was able to create family connections with my protagonist based on some of the country’s actual history. Plus, the mountainous geography in the northern part of the country created a great setting for some exciting action and suspense.


Although I never traveled to Tajikistan, my research was extensive, prompting me to probe into the customs, government, politics, religion, geography, architecture, language and even the food so this unfamiliar country could come alive for my readers.


But while Tajikistan is the dramatic location involving WMD and terrorists, over two thirds of Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light takes place in Washington DC, the US seat of power where decisions made by the president catapult the characters into the developing crisis. It’s in DC also, where the protagonist, diplomat Janssen LaMarche, encounters an unexpected personal crisis, which causes him to go back in time where unknown dangers await him.


As Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light unfolds and new twists and turns take the story in unexpected directions, the suspense within the two countries become intertwined, not only through an international, political crisis, but also through the gradual revelation of long forgotten family secrets across two continents.


The little-known country of Tajikistan became the perfect counterpart to DC to bring together the multi-dimensional suspense drama I wanted to tell.


About Linda:

In her debut suspense thriller, award winning author, Linda W. Rooks dives into a futuristic world of international politics and time travel where adventure and mystery reign, but hope remains king. Her newest book, Pieces of Dark, Pieces of Light, is a 2022 ACFW Carol Award Semi-Finalist and an AWSA Golden Scroll Award Finalist. She is best known for her books on marriage and has appeared on numerous TV, radio, and podcast interviews. Over 100 of Linda’s writings have appeared in publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Focus on the Family, HomeLife, and Today’s Christian Woman.


Connecting Online:

Website and blog: http://lindarooks.com

Buy book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Dark-Light-Linda-Rooks/dp/1649496710/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/linda_rooks

 

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