Crafting High Stakes Adventures with Jack McTavish

In this episode, host Sabrina Thatcher sits down with retired U.S. Army Colonel turned author Jack McTavish to talk about his debut action-adventure novel Royal Diamonds and the long, often humbling road to publication. Drawing on a 36-year military career and a love of high-stakes storytelling, Jack shares how he evolved from writing a shelved romance novel to crafting a fast-paced Caribbean treasure hunt filled with pirates, family legacies, and dangerous secrets. He dives into his writing process—from structuring stories around “commander’s intent” to balancing action with character—along with candid insights on rejection, indie publishing, and learning the craft through persistence. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at building a story (and a writing career) that prioritizes adventure, escapism, and just plain fun.