Achilles is dead. Helen has vanished. Zeus still reigns. How did it come to this?
That’s the question Justin I. Paquette explores in his debut thriller, Operation Trojan War. Blending Greek mythology with modern espionage and told through the unique format of classified debriefing transcripts, the novel offers a fresh take on ancient legends while asking what happens when power, loyalty, and truth collide.
Justin I. Paquette’s Writing Process
Every author has a different process, and for Justin I. Paquette, writing starts with something simple: a pen and a notebook.
“I always write my first draft using pen and paper,” he says. “I feel more connected to my writing doing it this way instead of typing on a keyboard.”
That hands-on approach has shaped Operation Trojan War, a thriller that reimagines Greek mythology through the lens of modern espionage. Told entirely through classified debriefing transcripts, the novel invites readers to uncover the truth one conversation at a time.
“I wanted my readers to feel like they were reviewing a classified document or maybe following along to an audio transcript,” Justin explains. “I just let the dialogue tell the story and allowed both characters to play off one another. The tension and emotion comes through during conversation.”
The Inspiration Behind Operation Trojan War
Although the novel is his debut, the idea has been with him for years.
“This idea has been in my head for the past decade,” he says. “I have always loved the history and mythology of ancient Greece, but I wanted to modernize the story for today’s audience. There are still lessons that can be learned from antiquity.”
The decision to finally write it came during an incredibly personal moment.
“I sat down and began my first draft the day my father-in-law died. I realized that it was now or never for me to write a novel. Death has a strange way of giving life and putting things in crystal clear focus.”
How Justin Combats Writer’s Block
Justin also has a straightforward philosophy when it comes to writer’s block.
“I subscribe to Steven Pressfield’s theory that writer’s block doesn’t exist because it doesn’t exist in other professions,” he says. “There is no such thing as doctor’s block or truck driver’s block. Sit down and do the work.”
Outside of writing, he relies on a few routines to keep his creativity alive. Rucking with his dogs gives him time to think through ideas, reading for pleasure reminds him why he loves storytelling, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu keeps him present.
“It keeps me humble and grounded and my ego in check,” he says. “It’s after I get off the mats that my mind begins to recalibrate and open up to new ideas.”
A Piece of Writing Advice
One piece of writing advice he’s happy to leave behind is the obsession with word counts.
“Just write,” Justin says. “It doesn’t matter if you can only write for five minutes one day and five hours the next. It all adds up. Don’t worry about word count. Worry about telling the best possible story you can.”
Whether he’s drawing inspiration from mythology, law enforcement, or everyday discipline, Justin’s focus remains the same: Tell an unforgettable story. Readers can experience that firsthand in Operation Trojan War, where ancient legends meet modern warfare in a suspenseful and completely unique format.
