Retired businessman, Navy navigator publishes moving debut novel
Brooklyn BookBeat: Author To Speak in Cobble Hill
James Whitfield Thomson was not always on the path to becoming a novelist. A former sales executive and U.S. Navy navigator in Vietnam, he recently published his first novel, “Lies You Wanted to Hear,” at the age of 68. Though he didn’t begin writing until his mid-40s, Thomson has published several short stories, one of which won a national prize. Still, he never had much luck with his novel manuscripts. In fact, he says he’s probably been rejected about 250 times for three novels, a memoir, and a book of short stories – all submitted through prestigious agents.
But his perseverance has paid off; “Lies You Wanted to Hear” is a stunning debut that deftly considers how seemingly good people can talk themselves into making terrible choices. Already receiving widespread praise, the author will appear in Brooklyn on Nov. 19 to celebrate the launch of his novel at Cobble Hill’s BookCourt.
“Lies You Wanted to Hear” follows the story of Lucy, who is still immersed in grief seven years after her two young children vanished with her ex-husband. Alone in an empty house, she tries to imagine their lives, forever tortured by her role in their tragic disappearance. While she used to be an edgy, sexy woman whom men found irresistible, she has been unable to retain her confidence and appeal.