Ray Challis

As a construction professional and as someone who is very interested in ancient history, I was privileged to work for an extended period in Egypt and to have had the spare time to appreciate the treasures it houses.

The sites from antiquity have always inspired me to research them in some depth, with a critical eye and no less a curiosity of "how did they build that?" In modern-day terms, it would be impossible to replicate the construction of the Great Pyramid, for example. Cost considerations aside, the sheer magnitude of the enterprise and accuracy of the structure defy logic.

So, being the person I am, I resorted to the more radical ideas suggested by the ancient astronaut theorists. These I wrapped around a story line that such structures had been the work of a parent race, which had predated humankind. As part and parcel of the monuments that race had also left time capsules for us to discover, when the time was right.

The upshot of my imagination is the first book in a trilogy of "Doomsday Books", with messages left to humankind to discover and more poignant than those in the Book of Revelation in the Holy Bible.

Of course, the plots of the books cannot solely feature my fantasies, so I have woven into them the adventure of seeking to find answers to the clues where to find the messages and the action with other agencies being keen to get their hands on the revelations/discoveries. Also, I have blended into the accounts some of my experiences in the construction industry and as an enthusiastic footballer. Having spent a working lifetime in the industry, I have my own thoughts on how it could be improved, especially as an expatriate who has worked in many countries. Furthermore, as an amateur footballer, who respects the heritage of the sport, I believe too much focus is given to the professional game and not enough to the grass-roots of the game enjoyed by so many worldwide.

At my age, I must confess that I write books to amuse myself, thinking how can I produce a book that I like, that I like the subject and I like the words and if I see others enjoy what I have written it would be my pleasure. It has been nice to relive some of the experiences which I have referred to and I would always encourage others to do the same.