The Pulitzer Prize–winning, New York Times–bestselling author describes how he created his popular veteran sniper.

Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt. Bob Lee Swagger debuted in Stephen Hunter’s military action thriller Point of Impact in 1993. The book was the first of many adventures for the fictional sniper and inspired a hit-movie, as well as a television series. But what led to the invention of such a character?

In this quick read, Hunter shares how “the Nailer” came to his kitchen table and subsequently sprang to life. Hunter discusses the real-life hero who served as his inspiration for Swagger, the development of his first villains, and the influence the television show Dragnet had on his writing. He also details how research helped shaped Swagger’s world, and explains what keeps him writing adventure after adventure.

Praise for the Bob Lee Swagger Novels

“Nobody writes action better than Stephen Hunter and Black Light is one of his best. . . . [The] action scenes play like a movie, the plot is intriguing and the writing is top-notch.” —Phillip Margolin, author of The Burning Man

“Stephen Hunter is in a class by himself. Time to Hunt is as vivid and haunting as a moving target in the crosshairs of a sniper scope.” —Nelson Demille, author of Mayday

“The best straight-up thriller writer at work today.” —Rocky Mountain News

“Thrilling in the manner of ancient storytellers, with battles fierce enough for a war and characters crazy enough to fight them to the death.” —New York Times Book Review

“A thinking man’s Rambo.” —Publishers Weekly