Mendoza’s Account

Robert C. Reuter

Type: Beta project
Genre: Historical fiction
Word count: 100,000

By 1565, Spain had spent over fifty years collecting colonies and wealth in the New World. When France establishes a colony in Florida, Spain sends forces to eliminate it, prompting France to dispatch a reinforcing armada to defend it. The resources are gathered, forces launched, and the race begins; collision is unavoidable. Please note: this book is only available in PDF format.

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What’s this?

Told from the point of view of a Spanish Diocesan priest, Mendoza’s Account is a historical fiction manuscript that delves into the intense struggle between France and Spain for control of Florida from August to October 1565. With parallel narratives, the story begins with a high-stakes race: Jean Ribault, departing from France, speeds toward the Florida coast to reinforce the fledgling French colony at Ft. Caroline—territory already claimed by Spain. Meanwhile, Pedro Menendez launches an armada from Spain with explicit orders from his king to defeat and expel all French forces from their claimed land.

The commanders, Ribault and Menendez, appear evenly matched, both confronting profound moral and political dilemmas. As the conflict unfolds, they are forced to endure unexpected suffering, which intertwines themes of resilience, identity, and redemption throughout the narrative. Amidst the chaos of battle, romance emerges, compelling the colonists to make heart-wrenching decisions that shape their destinies.

This is my debut novel. I have completed courses in screenwriting and the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Course. These experiences have strengthened my storytelling skills and broadened my understanding of narrative structure and character development.

I am an active member of the St. Augustine Historical Society, the Florida Historical Society, and the Historical Novel Society. My involvement in these organizations has provided valuable connections and insights, furthering my appreciation for history and its portrayal in literature.

I possess a degree in Chemical Engineering and an MBA. I have worked with NASA as a project manager on the International Space Station Program.

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