Dale Morton on The Return of the Flying Boat: Aviation, Obsession, and a 25-Year Writing Journey

On this episode of the Big Time Talker Podcast, host Burke Allen welcomes first-time author Dale Morton, whose novel The Return of the Flying Boat has been more than two decades in the making. Set in 1999 and inspired by the legendary Howard Hughes Spruce Goose, the book blends aviation history, high-stakes adventure, and imaginative what-if storytelling into a gripping aviation thriller. Recorded from sunny St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, this conversation dives into Dale’s long road to publication, from writing drafts on legal pads and typewriters to navigating years of agent rejections before finally landing a deal with Headline Books. Dale shares what first sparked his fascination with the Spruce Goose, why flying boats may have a future again, and how deep research helped turn a passion project into a fully realized novel. You will also hear about the psychology of pilots, the allure of flight, and how Dale’s creative life as a professional mascot sculptor influences his storytelling. This is a thoughtful, inspiring episode for writers, aviation fans, and anyone who believes big ideas are worth sticking with, no matter how long they take.