Author Trevor Anderson takes readers on a thrilling journey through time in The Time Cave – Spanish Main. Combining his lifelong passion for history, adventure, and literacy, Trevor crafts an engaging tale that appeals to children and adults alike. In this interview, he shares the inspirations behind the story, his unique writing process, and his hopes for readers to embark on their own voyage of imagination and discovery.
Inspiration and Background
What inspired you to write “The Time Cave – Spanish Main”?
Can you tell us about your background and how it influenced your writing?
I’m Trevor Anderson, father of two daughters and one son – and grandfather to four granddaughters and one grandson, retired and living in the South-East of England.
Early life, 12 years British Army, seeing action in a number of conflicts, and in between times, seconded from my regiment and having two and half years in a fantastic job as a free-fall (skydiving) parachute instructor at the Army Parachute Association in Wiltshire.
Subsequently, after leaving the Army, I set up and ran my own successful recruitment business that I retired from just before lockdown. I was widowed after 31 years of marriage when my wife died, 16 years ago.
Since childhood, I have always been and still am, an avid reader. I’m passionate about literacy, and love the way books open minds; and how even a fictional story with some historical basis, can stimulate a learning opportunity through curiosity and discovery of the actual background. Writing is something I have always enjoyed. So it has been second nature to write about fascinating subjects, from religion to politics and all else that caught my interest, in between.
The passion for reading and writing led me to the decision some time ago, that I would write a book for children, with the kind of story that I would have enjoyed as a child, packed with adventure, danger and thrills; and a basis in history. I believe I have achieved that with this book, which will suit children from 10 years right up to adults!
Story and Character
The story involves time travel and pirates. What drew you to these themes?
I have always loved history, and England’s buccaneering, sea faring, exploration and discovery, always fascinated me, with the likes of Drake, Hawkins and Raleigh. The Golden Age of Piracy 1650-1730, was a strong theme, especially with Spain and Portugal at the forefront of colonisation and plunder of treasures stolen from anyone and anywhere it appeared available.
How did you come up with the characters Jack and Tom? Are they real people or purely fictional?
The boys are fictional. The only connection is that my grandson is named Jack and my older brother Tom.
What challenges did you face in creating a believable 18th-century world for your young protagonists?
By inventing a time travel fantasy, I could bring two 21st century boys into a deeply troubled time period and am apt geographical location, to create a mystifying excursion back in time, terrifying kidnap, escape, capture, further escape and shipwreck. Along with the constant terror of not knowing if they would get back home in the 21st century.
In this case, because of my foreknowledge of that period and the sort of people involved, I had no real problems. One has a fair bit of licence when stretching reality in a fantasy. I knew however, that emotions such as fear, sorrow, love, hate and guilt have to be portrayed as realistic.
Can you describe your writing process for this book? How long did it take from conception to publication?
I found it quite easy, about three months from start to finish in my spare time, as I was working in my business, as well. It all came out of my head.
What kind of research did you conduct to ensure historical accuracy in your depiction of the 18th-century Spanish Main?
Very little research required.
Themes and Audience
While “The Time Cave – Spanish Main” is primarily a children’s book, it has also resonated with adults. Why do you think it appeals to a broader audience?
I think most people love an exciting adventure, be it in written or film form. As was described by a former British Army, Major General (aged 79) who reviewed my book:
“I found the book great fun – well written, imaginative, and very convincing. There is a wonderful pace to it – the characters are fully rounded, the incidents build on one another, and the author controls them all with humour and understanding.”
What message or themes do you hope young readers take away from Jack and Tom’s adventures?
Reading stimulates the imagination and where the basis of a story is fact, ii can develop a learning experience. Hopefully, it will get them out from in front of a screen.
Reception and Impact
The book has received positive reviews highlighting its pace and historical elements. How do you feel about this reception?
It is confirmation that readers find that the storyline is strong and powerful enough to make them want to turn to the next page; and that the characters are believable – important in any fictional story.
How important is it to you that your book not only entertains but also educates its readers?
I believe that learning something new every day is important for the whole of one’s life; and should be a fundamental maxim for everyone.
Future Projects
The book has been well-received, with readers expressing interest in a sequel. Do you have plans to continue Jack and Tom’s adventures?
Not until I feel I have created some success with this one.
Are there any other genres or historical periods you are interested in exploring in future books?
I’m interested in most historical periods. So, Jack and Tom finding themselves at Hastings during the Norman invasion is a possibility. I’m currently reading about the Islamisation of Europe by Arabs, from around 800 AD onwards. Not something for a fantasy novel these days. However, my mind never stops whirring with ideas.
Reflexions
As a lifelong reader and passionate advocate for literacy, what advice would you give to aspiring authors, particularly those writing for children?
Understand that it is invariably parents who will pay for your book. They have to be convinced it is appropriate in terms of their child’s age group. Buy some books that have a similar subject/theme as yours to get a feel for it. Many parents want a learning effect as well as entertainment.
Re-read every paragraph as you finish them to check for typos and punctuation errors. Editing a whole book after finishing it is one of the most tedious tasks ever. Seek help from family too.
Find a good publisher who will guide you. Publishing is a jungle of unknowns.
How has writing this book fulfilled your long-held dream, and what personal satisfaction have you gained from this achievement?
I have no illusions that this is competing with Harry Potter, however, It is pleasing to have a book chosen for publication and then receiving complimentary 5 Star reviews, however, I won’t feel any satisfaction until I have sold 1000 copies, but that’s just the beginning. If it creates sales success I will attempt to get it accepted for a film script, of say, a six episode series.
Final Thoughts
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey as an author so far?
All the above but I remain cautious. There’s still plenty to do, I am fortunate to have plenty of energy left that I enjoy burning on projects.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about “The Time Cave – Spanish Main” or your upcoming projects?
Only some advice: Read it and find out whether the boys get home in the 21st Century, or are they stuck in 1720 and find themselves in even more difficulty?
Buy it at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006RS6YZE/
Kindle versions of The Time Cave also available.
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