I have frequented the Caribbean many times, so much that it feels as if it is my home. The people, their culture, especially their sense of humor are extraordinary. In the past I have written stories that either take place there or were inspired by this chain of island countries. My many exposures to Voodoo (Vodou) while there has inspired me to orchestrate a new book using this religion as a backdrop.

In Haiti, it is said that the population is 70% Catholic, 30% Protestant, and 100% Vodou. People that practice Vodou often wear silver jewelry that is adorned with abstract symbols, skulls, and serpents. Every time I saw someone wearing such a piece, I would question them, and they would immediately become quiet, and then vanish. I was close to a local man, while in Haiti, and asked him if he could have a Vodou ring made for me. Within a month he presented me with it. Unfortunately, while surfing in North Carolina during the winter months my fingers narrowed in the cold water and, the ring slipped off while I was submerged and rolled up by a large wave.

My interest in the religion did not diminish with the loss of the ring and now I have taken up an in-depth study of it so that I may write a fictional book grounded in fact-based Vodou.