WritersNAuthors had the pleasure of sitting down with author Brad Meslin to explore the thrilling narrative and real-world inspirations behind his gripping geopolitical novel, The Moldavian Gambit. Meslin shares the intricate details behind his story, the research involved, and even some insights into its cinematic potential.
WritersNAuthors: The Moldavian Gambit blends fiction with historical events. Can you share the real-world inspiration behind your novel?
Brad Meslin: Absolutely. A pivotal detail that inspired the novel was the horrific massacre in the Moldavian region of Transnistria, where thousands lost their lives in just one weekend nearly 50 years before the novel’s events. The covert agreements between Hitler and Stalin provided a historical framework that fuels the conspiracy central to the novel.
WritersNAuthors: If this book had been released in the 1990s, how would its storyline have resonated differently?
Brad Meslin: Interestingly, the novel was originally intended to be published in the 1990s. Back then, the premise—nuclear threats emerging from post-Soviet chaos—might have felt disturbingly prescient. Today, against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it still serves as a potent cautionary tale about the dangers of disinformation, nuclear weapons, and imperial ambitions.
WritersNAuthors: Your story is praised for its authenticity. Is there a particular detail readers might overlook?
Brad Meslin: Yes, several technical details reflect deep authenticity, like descriptions of NASA satellites used by the NSA or communication protocols of French nuclear submarines. Those elements bring a credible realism that helps ground the story.
WritersNAuthors: With such complexity, how did you manage all the moving parts of your plot?
Brad Meslin: It was challenging! The story unfolds on multiple levels—tactical and strategic—with numerous plot threads. I relied on carefully placed breadcrumbs throughout early chapters, which were essential for linking the many elements together in the climax. It was like orchestrating a symphony—each piece had to align perfectly.
WritersNAuthors: The characters are fascinating and diverse. Who was the hardest character to write, and who did you enjoy creating most?
Brad Meslin: Lt. Col. Sergei Rostov, the KGB investigator, was challenging due to his inner contradictions and emotional conflicts. Maria Colline, the seductive Soviet sleeper agent, was the most enjoyable—her layers of intrigue and mystery provided endless opportunities for creative exploration.
WritersNAuthors: Your cover is particularly striking. Can you tell us about your design process?
Brad Meslin: I aimed for a cover that immediately communicates the high-stakes, dramatic narrative of the book. Featuring an actual nuclear detonation image was bold, but it perfectly captures the intensity and urgency of the plot.
WritersNAuthors: Your trailer is described as cinematic—how was that experience for you?
Brad Meslin: Crafting the trailer was challenging yet rewarding. Blending visuals, text, music, and narration to encapsulate the heart of the story required meticulous effort, but seeing the result made it worthwhile.
WritersNAuthors: If you could pick any A-list actor to narrate the book trailer, who would it be?
Brad Meslin: George Clooney comes to mind first—his voice perfectly conveys drama, suspense, and authority. It would add a fantastic layer to the cinematic atmosphere we were going for.
WritersNAuthors: Speaking of cinema, who would you cast if your book became a high-budget TV series?
Brad Meslin: Glenn Powell would excel as Peter Grantham, and Jake Gyllenhaal could brilliantly capture the depth of Lt. Col. Sergei Rostov. Stanley Tucci or Clooney himself would make a captivating Dov Ma’alat. Dream casting is always fun!
WritersNAuthors: Finally, any advice or words you’d like readers to take away from the novel?
Brad Meslin: Always be mindful of history’s lessons. The blend of frustrated ambition, misinformation, and nuclear threats presented in The Moldavian Gambit isn’t just fiction—it’s a warning we must continually heed.
Discover the thrilling twists and meticulous details in Brad Meslin’s geopolitical thriller, The Moldavian Gambit—available now! BUY NOW ON AMAZON
