Crime thriller author Peter T. Pontsa chats with me about his new novel, Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure.
Bio:
During the years Peter Thomas Pontsa operated his dental supply business, he shared his knowledge by writing dental articles that appeared in many dental journals. He was president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program, and was an associate publisher for a denturist magazine. He is an avid British sports car enthusiast and while president of the Headwaters British Car Club, wrote numerous stories about cars in the club’s newsletter, “British Driven.” Peter spent two seasons racing with Jagged Edgers Motorsports and is a student of Taekwondo. He belongs to the Wordsmiths and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada. Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee, where he combines his passions—gardening, British cars, and writing.
Please tell us about your current release.
Outfoxed is a globe trotting adventure that involves RCMP Inspector William Fox, an FBI agent, Patrick Reilly, chasing the Foo Dog Triad operating in Hong Kong and in New York City. They have kidnapped Tracy Jordan, an archaeologist, who’s on the trail of a treasure left behind by 15th century explorer Admiral Zheng He.
What inspired you to write this book?
My friend Christopher gave me a book by Gavin Menzies called 1421 The Year China Discovered the World which outlines the voyages of Admiral Zheng He. He was my inspiration to write this book.
Excerpt from Outfoxed:
“We’ve got bigger trouble on the other side of the waterway. Philip, take the radio and get our response team from the marine division over to the seaway ASAP.”
William depressed both throttles and braced his deck shoes into the billet footrests. He aimed the powerful cigarette boat toward the southern tip of Île Saint Hélène and allowed his body to move with the boat’s action as it pitched and rolled under wide-open throttle. The whine of the engines was unsettling, and the propellers raised a significant plume that followed the boat like a moving fountain. The boat covered the distance rapidly and redlined as it rounded the island, container ships now in view.
Within a few minutes, the Midnight Fox approached the seaway locks on the south side of the river near Longueuil. William stopped his boat in front of the line of boats spread across the seaway’s opening.
William picked up and switched on the bullhorn.
“This is William Fox from the RCMP.” All captains and owners hear this. You are contravening Maritime Law by refusing free passage in an international waterway. I am politely asking you all to disband. If you resist, you will be arrested, and your boats confiscated. I am giving you five minutes to leave; police officers have been summoned and will arrive within minutes.” Infuriated outbursts resounded like a high-voltage charge.
Far from the middle of the assembled boats, William saw a figure raise a bullhorn.
What exciting project are you working on next?
I’m writing the sequel called Silicon Fox. William Fox helps his old Taekwondo master, Mr. Kim, try to repatriate his sister from a Communist regime. Running concurrently is an adjoining story plot about a murdered diplomat, microchips, and the theft of classified technology.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In my career I wrote many dental articles. But until I wrote my first novel and read the first review other than a friend or family. That’s when I knew I was a serious writer.
Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I write when I can as life is complicated. Sometimes I write hours on end. Every year I take a writing vacation, I spend my mornings writing and part of the time enjoying walks on the beach with an occasional plunge in the pool. Often, you’ll find me in Costa Rica during the month of February and March on a writing vacation.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I tend to over research and find myself heading down rabbit holes. Often not using everything I find but being fulfilled with my journey.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A businessman. My father’s friend often would visit and arrive in his big Cadillac. As a kid, I thought that was so cool. I found out that he was well respected and provided jobs for countless people. And that’s what I decided to become. First by becoming a Registered Dental Technologist, then starting a few dental laboratories along the way and finally a dental supply company with my wife as partner. We ran it successfully for twenty-three years before selling out to our competitors and retiring to authorship.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I have always been a firm believer in investing in myself and benefitted from motivational speakers such as Bob Proctor and Anthony Robbins. Years ago, I jumped at the chance to attend a weekend seminar by Robbins which culminated in my successful completion of the Fire walk. This accomplishment showed me that I could achieve my goals. To believe in oneself, or have faith is something all human beings should embrace. With this inner conviction one can accomplish anything.