Behind the Scenes: Writing Dark Waters

There's something uniquely captivating about the Arctic – its pristine vastness, the raw power of nature, and the delicate balance of its ecosystem. When I sat down to write "Dark Waters," I found myself drawn into this fascinating environment, and the words seemed to flow as naturally as the currents beneath the ice.

The story gave me an opportunity to explore themes that had been building throughout the series, particularly our relationship with the environment and the lengths some will go to exploit it. EarthWise's illegal methane hydrate extraction operation wasn't just a plot device – it represented the very real challenges we face in balancing resource exploitation with environmental protection.

One of my favourite aspects of writing this book was the research into the Xuelong series of vessels. The Chinese icebreaker program provided inspiration for creating a next-generation Arctic ship that felt both grounded in reality and pushed the boundaries of what's possible. It was particularly satisfying to bring back Mei Lin in this context, a character whose potential I've only begun to explore.

And then there was the polar bear encounter. In a setting like this, it would have felt almost criminal not to include one of these magnificent creatures. The scene served multiple purposes – showcasing the harsh reality of Arctic survival, demonstrating Dave's abilities in a unique context, and highlighting the impact of human activity on wildlife habitats. It's these kinds of moments that allow the story to breathe and the setting to come alive.

What made "Dark Waters" special for me was how it combined the personal with the universal. While Dave and his team work to uncover and stop EarthWise's illegal operation, the story touches on broader themes of corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship, and the hidden costs of our energy demands. The Arctic setting provided the perfect backdrop for these themes – a place where the impact of human activity becomes starkly visible against the pristine white landscape.

<spoiler>The technical aspects of the story required careful attention to detail. From the mechanics of undersea methane extraction to the capabilities of autonomous drones in extreme conditions, each element needed to feel plausible while serving the narrative. The research was fascinating, leading me down countless rabbit holes about Arctic operations, submarine technology, and the science of methane hydrates.</spoiler>

Looking back, "Dark Waters" holds a special place in my heart. Like all authors, I tend to view each of my books as favourite children in their own way, but there's something about this one that resonates particularly strongly. Perhaps it's the way the setting demanded respect, or how the environmental themes aligned with issues I care deeply about. Or maybe it's simply the satisfaction of watching Dave and his team tackle challenges in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

The story continues to build on the ecological and environmental aspects that have become a signature element of Dave's adventures. My hope is that while readers enjoy the action and intrigue, they also come away with a deeper appreciation for our planet's fragile ecosystems and the importance of protecting them.

In the end, "Dark Waters" is more than just another mission for Dave and his team – it's a reminder that some battles are fought not just for immediate survival, but for the future of our planet. And sometimes, the most dangerous waters are the ones we can't see beneath the surface.

PS. No Polar bears were harmed during the making of this book.