An Interview with Camden Mays: Author of Shattered Shield

Camden Mays is the author of the Cameron Cole thriller series. He finds the most fascinating stories to be those where an everyday person is placed in extraordinary circumstances and rises to the challenge. He loves aviation, football, and good music – just don’t ask him to dance.

Tell us about your book.

It’s the story of a disillusioned CIA officer contemplating his future as he gets swept up working to stop terrorists’ attacks with the help of an interagency team. Along the way he falls for the FBI liaison agent. However, as the team pursues their enemy, they come to know the gravity of their mission, as the threats are much broader and deeper than imagined.

Why did you want to write a book?

I’ve always loved good stories and especially stories where I connect with the lead character on some level. I wanted to share share some of my feelings, thoughts, observations and even mannerisms in an artistic way.

Would you self-publish again?

Yes.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

Editing! Oh my gosh. Writing, then rewriting and rewriting. Still missed a lot in th editing. I’ve taken the feedback from reviews and worked with a professional for my second book.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

Vince Flynn. Several years ago I was reading one of his novels at an airport and a gentleman nest to me asked if I had ever read “Term Limits?” He replied, “You ought to read that one.” Only as he got to leave did I realize the gentleman was Vince Flynn.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

After learning from the process with this first book, I used friends and family as beta readers with the second book. They really helped me work through the the story and spot gaps.

What are your plans now your book is published?

I just finished the second book in the series and plan to release that soon.