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William Beck... |
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It is not often one has the opportunity to scribe the events of their life for others to read. So many times words are spit out, copied, and brought to life through the hands of someone else. In this case I felt it appropriate to pen these words myself and hopefully provide a deeper meaning to them.
William Beck was born in Jefferson, Ohio near the shores of Lake Erie. My folks grew weary of the long winters and decided to move to more southern climes. So a vast majority of my life was spent in Bradenton, Florida, growing up along what used to be the ‘sleepy’ Gulf coast. |
| After completing college I volunteered for service in the U.S. Army during the later years of the Vietnam War. Those experiences changed my life and left memories that were indelibly inscribed upon me, aiding greatly in the writing of this novel. It was shortly after this time I came to a crossroads in my life. With my decision made, I left military service, and went on to study for my calling in the medical field. The work which I have accomplished has been both challenging and rewarding. It has been an experience that although difficult at times, has brought immeasurable pleasure in just knowing I helped make a difference in another’s life. |
| Hard work also brought on the need to relax. The lure of the sea, songs of pirates and lower latitudes, tropical breezes and steel drums beckoned me to find what brought on my love and fascination of the ocean. After my first venture scuba diving in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, I found the secret of the ocean’s compelling mystery, and what so strongly called me to explore her depths. I soon developed a taste for photography, and have spent countless hours capturing memories in the ‘silent world.’ After diving in numerous spots in many parts of the globe, I find I never tire of the beauty that lies beneath the waves. It is a part of my soul. |
 Through my work I met my lovely wife, Rebecca, a registered nurse, who continually leaves me in awe of her skills and talents. She is and will be the greatest gift I ever receive. We have two lovely children who continue to fascinate me with their adaptability to life and their strengths. It was because of them the first call to write came about. I remember blurting out to Rebecca one day that I wanted to write children’s literature. In her delightful way of nurturing my spirit, she replied, “Great. Find a way to do it.”
The task began and after completion of my education in this area, I soon found there were not enough hours in the day to be able to write. I was disappointed, yet that calling still tugged at me. I struggled with patience, but in my mind, I continued to write and come up with numerous ideas.
A few years later, I found myself in Atlanta at the behest of an anesthesia group I was working for. We had to inform the other participants of something about ourselves which no one else knew anything of. When my turn came, I blurted out that I would write a book. Three months later an article about the HAARP project was given to me. When the realization struck me that this was what I was meant to write about, the pursuit began in earnest. |
| A long lesson in faith and patience carried me on a journey fraught with pitfalls; the death of my father and a close friend, our home burglarized, employment dilemmas, the drama of rebellious teenage years, and the list goes on. Still I did not waver through all this. Working nearly full time and meeting the demands of family life narrowed the writing opportunities. In the late summer of 1999, the book was finished. |
| Even more daunting than writing the book, the task of finding an agent began the next phase of the journey. Countless rejections, an agent of dubious qualities, a move from Florida to Vermont, followed by another move to Nashville, finally brought an end to finding a way into the published realm. |
| Fortunately, I never wavered from the wisdom of God’s plan for my life. A child’s story is a far cry from novels the caliber of H.A.A.R.P.’S FURY and RED 7. Yet, in all the events that formed this work; toils, tears, joys, and smiles, it has come to pass. I am thankful. |
| I am currently at work on the next in the Bryson McGann series, CARIBBEAN AGENDA. McGann is back along with “T.C.” Canton, Ashlyn Sanders and a list of characters with some very interesting personalities. Another suspenseful tale of mystery and intrigue awaits. |
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| William Beck’s is a PADI certified scuba diver and underwater photographer. Beck is also an accomplished practitioner of the martial arts in Go Ju style karate and holds the rank of Sho Dan. Pistol marksman is another talent Beck possess and enjoys occupying his time with. Beck’s father was a master baker, and Beck acquired much of his culinary skills observing his parents practicing their talents as he was growing up. The latest aspiration for William Beck is studying to be a pilot. It has been a desire of his for many years and he looks forward to receiving his ‘wings.’ Beck enjoys spending his time between Florida and New England with family and friends when he is not in the Nashville, Tennessee area writing. |
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If you have questions or would like information about upcoming book signing events, you can email William Beck at williambeck@booksbybeck.com
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