Book 1 of The Sea Hawkes Chronicles
Historical Fiction/Nautical Fiction
Date Published: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
The man who fights for his family is far more dangerous than the one who
fights for his king.
Colonial sea captain Jonas Hawke returns home to Norfolk after a year-long
voyage only to have his ship and its valuable cargo seized by the British
Royal Navy. As the royal governor further tightens the noose on trade, Jonas
is thrust into the chaos of a growing rebellion. Desperate to support his
family, he sets out to find work. When he is denied a commission with the
newly formed Continental Navy, he outfits his own vessel as a private
ship-of-war and voyages to the Caribbean in search of enemy merchant ships
he can capture and friends he can trust.
But dangers multiply on the unforgiving sea. The Royal Navy reacts
mercilessly to the threat posed by privateers like Jonas. How will Jonas
fare now that he has boldly defied the King of Britain to preserve his
family? And what will happen to his loved ones while he is away, engulfed in
a war to oppose tyranny in the name of freedom?
Interview
Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
A: Both my books have a variant of the same lesson: life requires one to take risks, and make choices. Even not choosing sides is a choice, and every choice has consequences. The stories also reflect that life leads to loss that must be faced, and how we react to it determines our path forward.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
A: Finding time to sit down and focus! Life can be chaotic, and at my age, with older relatives and a daughter starting college, it seems at its most chaotic now. I know that’s not true, of course, but perception colors reality. Once I’m sat down, the story usually flows. Occasionally, like the other day, I’ll write several hundred words for a scene or two or three, and realize the next day that I have to cut them entirely. That the end result of the scene is the only useful thing to come out of it. But the words aren’t wasted. They allow me to find that result that will later move the story forward. And I can always reward readers with a deleted scene/chapter!
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
A: I’ve completed two; am actively writing a third, which is about a third done; and have the first quarter of a fourth. The one I’m writing is always my favorite. The one most recently published is always my least favorite, as I’ve read it too many times! I’ve read In Harm’s Way now at least twenty times, between revisions, editing with my editor, reviewing copy edits and proof reader inputs, and reviewing proofs. Too much!
If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
A: Callum Turner. I was very impressed with his performance in Masters of the Air, and I think he would bring that stoicism coupled with the ability to let the viewer glimpse the hidden emotions to the role of Jonas Hawke.
When did you begin writing?
A: Telling myself stories or writing? I started telling myself stories in grade school, probably fifth grade or so. Writing them down, seriously writing them, after graduation from the Naval Academy. Showing them and getting feedback? Not until 2010-ish. I waited WAY too long!
How long did it take to complete your first book?
A: The first book I completed was what is now In Harm’s Way. I began putting it on “paper” in 1995, while stationed in Norfolk. I completed it in 2015, so twenty years. I revised it several times between 2015 and when I had an editor look it over in 2019, then it wasn’t published until this year. So thirty years to truly complete.
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
A: There wasn’t just one. I was inspired by C. S. Forester, Patrick O’Brian, Herman Wouk, and Isaac Azimov.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Coming back to the manuscript after having put it aside for several weeks or months, and reading parts that lead me to say “darn, this is actually pretty good.”
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
A: This is difficult! “Meaningful life means risk.”
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
A: Jonas will return to sea in the second book of the trilogy, along with his son, William. He will be angry and bent on vengeance, intending to take the war to the British Isles. How will that work out for him, though? The third book in the trilogy will see him in the Continental Navy, supporting the French Navy as it battles the British Royal Navy. But intrigue will make it a more difficult task than face value suggests. After that, I’ll be visiting World War II in a story loosely (VERY loosely!) based on my father’s and two uncles’ service during that conflict.
About the Author
Naval Academy and Naval War College graduate Thomas M. Wing retired after
thirty-two years as a Navy Surface Warfare officer. He served more than ten
years at sea and twenty-two years ashore in increasingly important tactical
and operational billets. A dedicated sailor for half a century, he created
the Continental Navy Foundation, served as its executive director, and
commanded its brigantine, Megan D.
He wrote In Harm’s Way from a desire to explore the topic of
America’s early sea warriors and how they struck fear into the hearts
of British shippers around the globe. Thomas’s award-winning first
novel, Against All Enemies, was released in 2023 by Acorn Publishing. He
resides in San Diego with his wife and daughter and a cat and a dog.
Whatever free time he has is spent on the water.
Contact Links
Website
Facebook
Twitter: @thomasmwing1
Goodreads
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Amazon
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