As an author, I have always believed that the real events that occur in everyday life are usually stranger than those created by fiction writers such as myself. This is the reason why I have attempted to incorporate true events into my fictional works. Although A Question of Time has made the leap from my usual brand of historical fiction writing to science fiction, I have none-the-less attempted to continue the use of factual events and places for this unique story.

I have been very fortunate to have had a professional career that has exposed me to many strange places, events and experiences.  It is these events and experiences that have provided much of the foundational research for this story. In A Question of Time I have called upon my knowledge regarding a closed nuclear missile base not far from my home town of Hampton Bays, New York.  I have also called upon my knowledge of one of the strangest and deadliest places on earth. I recently decided to combine my knowledge of these events and places with a science fiction story that has been building in the back of my mind for a number of years. The result of this union is a story which I believe is both horrifying and challenging to the mind.  

Finally, as I was doing field research on Long Island last year for the fourth volume in my Murder Season in the Hamptons novels, I came across a large marble statue depicting the Arch Angel Michael slaying the Beast. I have posted a photograph of that depiction on the “Images” page of this website. As I examined this statue I began to imagine the evil protagonists in my science fiction story as more than just images from a childhood nightmare. As I was examining this magnificent sculpture, I began to view my science fiction story from the perspective of an unintended, yet very welcomed, metaphor. For those who do wish to explore this further I would suggest a reading of perhaps the most read horror story of all times. That, of course, being the Book of Revelations and its description of the "end of times."  I do hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

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With Warmest Regards,

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 Steven C. Drielak 

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