In the competitive world of military thrillers, Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson have emerged as a formidable force, captivating readers with their authentic storytelling and dedication to the veteran community. Known professionally as Andrews & Wilson, this writing duo is not only producing New York Times bestsellers but also making significant contributions to veteran causes and redefining the genre with their unique blend of real-world experience and literary prowess.

From Military to Thriller Writers

Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson bring a wealth of real-world experience to their writing, infusing their novels with an authenticity that sets them apart from their peers. Andrews, a former Navy submarine officer, holds a psychology degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Cornell University. His naval background provides a solid foundation for the technical aspects of their maritime thrillers.

Jeff Wilson’s background reads like a character sheet from one of their novels. He has served as an actor, firefighter, paramedic, jet pilot, and diving instructor. Most significantly, Wilson’s fourteen years in the Navy, including multiple deployments as a combat surgeon with an East Coast-based SEAL Team, bring unparalleled realism to their portrayals of special operations and military medicine,

Supporting The Veteran Community

What truly sets Andrews & Wilson apart in the crowded field of military fiction is their unwavering commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. As veterans themselves, they intimately understand the challenges faced by those transitioning from military to civilian life and the ongoing needs of the veteran community.

They actively support companies like BoneFrog Coffee, a veteran-owned business that produces quality coffee and gives back to military and first responder charities. This partnership allows Andrews & Wilson to promote entrepreneurship within the veteran community while supporting important causes.

Their involvement extends to organizations such as the SEAL Legacy Foundation, which supports Naval Special Warfare families. By leveraging their platform and success, Andrews & Wilson amplify the voices and efforts of fellow veterans, encouraging their readers to get involved and support the military community.

The authors frequently participate in events, book signings, and speaking engagements, highlighting these causes andcreating a bridge between their fictional worlds and the real-life heroes they seek to honor and support.

Hands-On Research

Andrews & Wilson’s commitment to realism is evident in their meticulous research process, which goes beyond simple internet searches or secondhand accounts. Their approach to gathering information and experiences for their books is as adventurous and hands-on as the stories they write.

This dedication to authenticity was particularly evident when they were tasked with writing a successor to Tom Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October.” Recognizing the importance of getting every detail right, they went straight to the source – the U.S. Navy.

Jeff Wilson explains their approach with palpable excitement: “What an honor to write in the Clancy universe at all, but to be able to write that book that celebrates the 40th anniversary and to have been given permission to write… almost an homage to the original. What does submarine warfare look like 40 years later, and what are brilliant sailors and soldiers doing in modern warfare against a Russian adversary?”

The U.S. Navy, recognizing the potential for accurate representation in their work, granted Andrews & Wilson unprecedented access. Brian Andrews elaborates on their experience: “We reached out to the Navy, and they embraced us, saying ‘Hey, we’ll give you guys access to whatever you need.'” This access included tours of Virginia-class submarines, in-depth conversations with naval personnel, and a firsthand look at the cutting-edge technology used in modern naval operations.

Based on his submarine experience, Andrews notes the stark technological advancements: “When I was a submarine officer, we had a periscope… real periscope, with handles and an eyepiece. On a Virginia-class submarine… your periscope is a television screen, your controller is an Xbox video game controller.” This level of detailed observation allows Andrews & Wilson to paint vivid, accurate pictures of modern military operations that entertain and inform their readers.

The Clancy Legacy

Perhaps one of the most significant testaments to Andrews & Wilson’s skill and reputation in the military thriller genre is their selection to continue Tom Clancy’s legacy. This honor places them in the upper echelon of thriller writers. It presents both an exciting opportunity and a daunting challenge.

Their book, “Act of Defiance,” was released on May 21st, 2024—exactly 40 years after “The Hunt for Red October” was published. This timing is not coincidental but a deliberate homage to Clancy’s groundbreaking work, which defined the techno-thriller genre.

Jeff Wilson shares his enthusiasm about the project and connection to Clancy’s seminal work: “It was a blast to write… I think people who loved Hunt for the Red October – and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t – will enjoy the book because there’s just enough of that nostalgia, I hope, with a fresh new twist and a modernization for the new era.”

For Brian Andrews, this opportunity represents a full-circle moment in his career. He reflects on this incredible journey: “Here I am, a submarine officer reading Hunt for Red October on a fast-attack submarine, and then if somebody had told me that I’d be writing the sequel to Hunt for Red October, you know, all these years later, I would have said they were crazy, right?”

To be Continued….

This continuation of Clancy’s work is not just about mimicking a style or recycling old plots. Andrews & Wilson are tasked with bringing Clancy’s world into the present day, addressing modern geopolitical issues and technological advancements while maintaining the core elements that made Clancy’s work so beloved.

Andrews & Wilson represent a new breed of military thriller authors. Their real-world experience, commitment to meticulous research, and dedication to supporting fellow veterans set them apart in the literary world. Through their novels, they not only entertain readers but also educate them about the realities of modern warfare and the ongoing needs of veterans.

As they continue to push the boundaries of military fiction and carry forward the legacy of giants like Tom Clancy, Andrews & Wilson are not just writing about heroes – they’re embodying the spirit of service and excellence they portray in their books. With each new release, they further cement their status as bestselling authors and vital contributors to the literary world and the veteran community.