Last modified Wed., November 16, 2005 - 07:50 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 17, 2005

Former officer uses sub experience to craft first novel

By Craig Richardson, Periscope editor

After nine years and 20 rewrites, former Navy officer and USS Kentucky crew member John Hindinger (right) is publicizing his novel, ''Rogue Trident.'' The author and business owner has already completed a sequel and copies of his book are now on sale on his Web site.

You never know what sort of crazy ideas can be hatched while standing a watch from midnight to 4 a.m.

For John Hindinger, an idea that came to him while serving aboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) has led him to fulfilling a nine-year goal of completing his first novel.

Hindinger was passing time by talking with others during a mid-watch in the 1990s aboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737). He then found himself kicking around the question, how, if a Sailor lost his marbles, could he steal a submarine? The question made for some good fodder during the watch for his shipmates, but Hindinger took the question further and wrote a book based around the discussion.

Hindinger's book, "Rogue Trident"

''Rogue Trident'' explores the circumstances of naval officer Jake Slate, who survives an explosion on a submarine and finds himself in the middle of a politically motivated blame game. He is soon recruited by a foreign arms dealer to steal the USS Colorado and exact revenge on those who betrayed him.

Writing the book has been a labor of love for Hindinger. He estimates he has written and rewritten the book 20 times over nine years and has benefited from the wisdom of two mentors. Hindinger, who is also a small business owner, worked diligently to be sure the book retained an element of realism for military readers.

''I made a lot of phone calls, asking if 'X-Y-Z' is possible,'' said Hindinger. ''I also wanted to push reality a little bit, otherwise its not any fun. I've taken a few steps that would be unlikely to happen, but these characters are supposed to be achieving big things on their best days. We, as readers, want to see them succeed.''

Following his time on USS Kentucky, Hindinger set about the process of writing the book and initially used it as a way to kill time.

''Writing helped relieve boredom while I was on shore duty,'' said Hindinger. ''I started out writing science fiction and started this book in 1996.''

Though the process for writing ''Rogue Trident'' called for almost an entire decade of work, the author has already completed the book's sequel, which only took two months.

For those wanting to take a look into Hindinger's scenario for what it would take for a Sailor to take such a bold step, visit www.roguetrident.com.