PHOTO: Author Dave Wickenden, transforming real-world experience into high-stakes fiction.
Ordinary Heroes Facing Extraordinary Stakes
Dave Wickenden draws on a lifetime of frontline service to create authentic, emotionally charged thrillers with relatable characters and thought-provoking themes.
Dave Wickenden brings a compelling blend of real-world experience and bold imagination to the thriller genre. A retired Deputy Fire Chief with a background in the Canadian Armed Forces, Dave channels a lifetime of high-stakes encounters into stories that grip readers with authenticity and emotional depth. His characters—ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances—reflect his core belief that “there’s a hero in each of us.” From tackling radicalisation in Homegrown to exploring justice beyond the law in In Defense of Innocence, Dave’s work does not shy away from complex moral terrain. In this interview, he shares insights into the inspirations behind his novels, the personal experiences that shape his writing, and his passion for crafting stories that resonate with raw emotion and gritty realism.
Wickenden’s stories resonate with heart, intensity, and realism, captivating readers with gripping plots and deeply human characters.
In “The Origami Deception,” what inspired you to pit two small-time journalists against an international cartel attempting a hostile takeover of a Canadian mining company?
I always enjoyed seeing a newbie mixed with a seasoned mentor. It creates a good dynamic and some internal conflict. The fact that Jamie was as smart as Lucas allowed her to hold her own, even as she was learning. The two balanced each other, and of course, there was that sexual attraction.
How did your experience as a firefighter influence the intense and authentic action scenes in “Mad Dog”?
Without giving away a plot twist, fires can consume evidence if done right. I used my experience in fire science to good effect in the story. I have also encountered a ton of grief and devastation during my career, and I was able to touch on that as well. My work-in-progress is my first firefighting story and has an arsonist lighting fires that are designed to kill the first responders.
“Homegrown” explores radicalization and extremism. How did you approach writing this thriller, especially considering recent real-world events?
I had watched a documentary of mothers who had lost their children through radicalization to the fighting in Syria by ISIS. I wondered what a parent would do to protect their child. Using this premise to build my story, I researched the techniques used by extremist groups to recruit their soldiers. I then put my main character in the middle of a bomb plot in America.
In “The Home Front,” I explore the rise of extremism, especially the Nazi movement. The origin of this story stemmed from the 2017 riots in Charlottesville, Va. I wanted to explore what a WWII veteran might think of the rise of the Neo-Nasis, especially after the incredible sacrifice they paid during the 1940s. My hero is 95-years-old veteran who is dying of cancer.
“I researched the techniques used by extremist groups to recruit their soldiers.” – Dave Wickenden
In “In Defense of Innocence,” what challenges did you face in developing a protagonist who seeks vigilante justice, and how did you balance moral ambiguity?
If you were to ask any parent, the laws dealing with crimes against children do little to stop it from happening. Here in Canada, the penalties are a joke. By bringing in a vigilante, I opened that conversation to the extreme. The series which continues in “Deadly Harvest”, with a third in development, has become my best sellers. Obviously, my readers like the idea of justice which the legal system does not offer.
Your novels often feature ordinary individuals in extraordinary situations. How do you develop these characters to maintain relatability and tension?
My brand is “There’s a hero in each of us.” As you mentioned, I enjoy using ordinary people and shoving them into extreme situations. I feel that we all can rise to the task if the stakes mean enough to us. I ask myself, “What would I do if that happened?” My skill set deals with firefighting, so I am limited to what I can offer from that perspective, so I must use my imagination on how to win the day. I think my readers can see themselves in the role of my heroes.
Can you share your research process for crafting the political and technological elements in your thrillers?
I am a pantser, so I research depending on where the story goes. For “The Origami Deception,” my original goal was to take down the superstack, which is located in my hometown and is slated to be dismantled in 2026. It was the reason I started to write this story. Once I decided on who the antagonist was going to be, I had to research all the questionable practices that mining companies use worldwide to make a believable plot that fits with my primary goal. Because we are dealing with a real foreign entity, I did not just rely on Goggle. I read countless news reports and United Nations reports on these issues and incorporated these facts into my story.
How has your involvement in beta reading and critique groups influenced your writing style and storytelling approach?
I am extremely fortunate to be a member of the International Thrillers Association and part of the Alpha Beta Group. We are a group of six thriller authors who meet and critique approximately 4000 words per month per author. We then meet on Zoom to go over our thoughts. Each member works hard to help strengthen the other’s stories and encourage each other. We have become friends and share both our accomplishments and frustrations. I have never left a session without feeling motivated. Each brings so much to the table that it can only help better each of our stories.
What key advice would you offer aspiring authors aiming to write compelling thrillers?
Advice? For beginners, sit down and hammer that 1st draft out on paper. You can’t edit a blank page. Although my stories are serious and deal with complicated and difficult social issues, I never allow myself to get too wrapped up. Writing is supposed to be fun. Yes, it is an insane amount of work, but why do it if you aren’t enjoying the process? When you get repeat sales of your books or a positive review, it makes up for all the sweat and toil. For compelling thrillers, keep it real. Real emotions, real pain, real fear. You want your reader to feel all that and more. Let them feel everything your hero/heroine feels. By using regular people, your readers can easily slip into the story and experience firsthand. That’s why they read thrillers.
