Part of writing is research.
Like finding Easter eggs in each novel, I include unique places the reader probably has not visited, adventures my reader most likely has not experienced, and unique facts about our zany world that were not in our text books.
In military suspense novel, with just enough romance, Chasing Sunrise, I take the reader scuba diving along the wall off the coast of St. Croix. Much like an elevator shaft, the majestic formation drops some 3000 feet below the ocean surface.
With the island as the setting, I included the historic sugar mills, rum production, the seven flags that flew over St. Croix, World War II sonobuoys, sea glass, how to crack open a fresh coconut, mocho jumbies, Alexander Hamilton, and crab races.
Tree of Not So Good
Native to the island, the manchineel tree is deadly to everyone except a species of land crabs. St. Croix is the only United States-owned soil where Columbus landed. During his short visit, he quickly discovered the danger of the manchineel after several of his men ate the fruit and died.
Here’s an excerpt from Chasing Sunrise when our hero is blistered by the sap.
Michael examined the extent of the damage. “If it’s so dangerous, why not get rid of the tree?”
“That’s just as dangerous.” Jake shook his head. “Maybe more. Standing beneath the tree during rain may cause blistering. Cutting the tree gets the poisonous sap everywhere. Burning the tree causes blindness if the smoke reaches the eyes. Inhaling the smoke blisters the nose, mouth, and respiratory system.”
“Nuisance,” Michael groused.
Island Visits
During my two trips to the island, one pre-Hurricane Hugo and a second post-Hurricane Hugo, I discovered the tree and its parts contain strong toxins. What’s an author to do? Of course, I let our military pararescueman leverage the tree as a weapon against the unsavory bad guys.
Exploring, learning, and researching are perks of being an author. The fun is multiplied by sharing the adventures, discoveries, and places with my readers.
Chasing Sunrise is the prequel to the Marc Wayne action adventure series. Get the set HERE.
