tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78888943287145530032024-02-06T19:06:24.351-08:00Strong ScenesTHE PLACE FOR READERS AND WRITERS TO CONVENE Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-16152286685653513602022-11-15T16:30:00.000-08:002022-11-15T16:30:41.056-08:00DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS FROM AN INDIE AUTHOR<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Many of my longtime readers know me
as an award-winning author of the Nick Bracco thriller series. They may even
know about my two Pushcart Prize nominations. But very few know the real truth
about me: For the past thirty-five years I’ve been a fulltime sales
representative for a national medical supply company.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhs7nMFaFyewkYoooiGc1METSLJ1bnPtyY2vPw5lPZOjXTyHln4-2dCJZNnYnL1XslMKrLgV1X_VKeyMhB9rdEys11Y4E0UJ9HlpNQtMPRzXU-c9f-_4BfFNYR231Jjahb_0L6jdc8pFgLKeVPhoE17ii8lvb9Lc2Z8N9UY0eJoSFziZbWQVKNjAn/s2700/A%20Touch%20of%20Deceit%20NEW%20COVER%20FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="1800" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhs7nMFaFyewkYoooiGc1METSLJ1bnPtyY2vPw5lPZOjXTyHln4-2dCJZNnYnL1XslMKrLgV1X_VKeyMhB9rdEys11Y4E0UJ9HlpNQtMPRzXU-c9f-_4BfFNYR231Jjahb_0L6jdc8pFgLKeVPhoE17ii8lvb9Lc2Z8N9UY0eJoSFziZbWQVKNjAn/w133-h194/A%20Touch%20of%20Deceit%20NEW%20COVER%20FINAL.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Yes, I’ve written seven Nick Bracco
thrillers, one stand alone psychological thriller, one thriller which I
co-authored with Jonas Saul, and numerous short stories, but the bulk of my income
comes from my day job. And I’m not alone. It’s a little-known secret that many
of your favorite Indy authors need another source of income to pay their bills.
In my case, and maybe other authors as well, I’ve kept my day job somewhat of a
secret in order to make my status as a writer seem more authentic somehow. Who
wants to hear that Lee Child sells insurance on the side?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Here's the other side of the story—I
never tell the nurses or doctors I work with that I’m a writer. Seems
counterproductive right? But I don’t want them thinking I do anything but consider
their needs 24/7. As a matter of fact, as I’m writing this post I’ve had to
stop twice to answer phone calls from my customers, and I’m happy to do it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I began this Indy journey after
receiving an award for A Touch of Deceit from the Southwest Writers Contest for
best thriller back in 2008. That attention got me a NY Agent who fancied
himself the Literary Lion. (Those in the literary world know who I’m talking
about.) Anyway, after 18 months of no news, I received an email from one of his
assistants who told me that the Lion was no longer actively pursuing a home for
my book. She had left his office and was working somewhere else now, but she
convinced me that the work was too good to ignore and that I should publish it myself.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">So I did. Creating my own LLC and
naming it JK Publishing, after my two kid’s initials, Jessica and Kyle. And
things went better than I could have imagined. The response for the book took
me by surprise. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Back in December 2010 I sold 10,000
copies of my first book, A Touch of Deceit. In one month. Back when my book
would show up on the front page of Amazon merely because it was popular. Back when
Amazon was more agnostic about which authors sold books. Before the Big 5
publishers finally got onboard the E-book train and forced many Independents out
of the picture. It was the was the wild west. Believe it or not I would outsell
John Grisham on any given month. James Patterson and Stephen King too. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvVZFCWivW_M4EoT0LlQlEpCIcK3bNDiXqmfsIJI-9ZUHLSB9AorhSfYMjSe8mbT7gNRCks_v5IPKZsaMIsR2eazjSIVtetHKizybwzVelmRcBPKUcmUH7qQpebMZZ8Lq7U1Yfe7C7jJErePFIwhTgAdXzLuBqP4UsfxJYbYAoFa5EgeQoNJz46vh/s1279/Jen%20and%20Gary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1279" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvVZFCWivW_M4EoT0LlQlEpCIcK3bNDiXqmfsIJI-9ZUHLSB9AorhSfYMjSe8mbT7gNRCks_v5IPKZsaMIsR2eazjSIVtetHKizybwzVelmRcBPKUcmUH7qQpebMZZ8Lq7U1Yfe7C7jJErePFIwhTgAdXzLuBqP4UsfxJYbYAoFa5EgeQoNJz46vh/w200-h133/Jen%20and%20Gary.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">So here I am living a dual
existence, keeping my day job hidden from my readers, and keeping my customers
unaware of my writing career. It’s been hard to navigate both sides of my
brain, but I can’t complain about the results. I’ve been able to maintain
financial stability while preserving my core group of readers who are very loyal
and email me all the time asking when the next book will be published. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Of course the real question is, why
am I coming clean after all these years? Well, by the end of 2023 I will retire
from my day job and become a fulltime writer. I’m excited what the future holds
for me. I can now focus on trying to get my work in front of some movie
executives like I’ve been planning. I can work on producing audiobooks for Nick
Bracco thrillers 5-7. I can spend time promoting the French and German versions
of A Touch of Deceit. All these are projects I’ve been putting on hold until I
had the wherewithal to put all my chips into the writing pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I want to leave you with these messages:
First, to any newbie writer who is committed to becoming a published author, be
careful. The publishing world is complex and ripe with con artists willing to
take your money to help publish your book, for a fee. Then there are those who
will help you get readers to buy your book, for a fee. At the same time there
are reputable companies and individuals who can assist you with your journey
with a reasonable financial investment. People who can help but are honest
about their limitations. For those of you who are passionate about taking this
arduous trek but don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to me. Please
understand I can’t commit to reading anyone’s work or give blurbs for a book
cover, but I’ll be glad to offer you advice on your decisions. I can also point
you in the right direction should you need help with editing, book covers, or formatting
your work for Amazon. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Secondly, to my readers. Thank you
so much for your patience and support. I get emails weekly asking when my next
book is being published and it only makes me more determined to start the next
chapter of my career very soon. I have so many projects on my desk, including a
new series which I am co-writing with a very well known ex-NBA star who reached
out to me with a terrific idea for a series. You will be pleasantly surprised at
the concept. It’s an underserved market that I know you will enjoy, especially
since I will be doing the lion’s share of the writing and editing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">I hope to have Nick Bracco # 8
published by the first of the year. Working title is A Touch of Regret. I’m excited
for my writing career to flourish in 2023 and can’t wait for someone on the
golf course to ask me what I do for a living. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">All the best,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Gary <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-60889624451213626472021-02-18T10:25:00.004-08:002021-02-18T11:00:43.982-08:00UNDERRATED THRILLERS FROM 2020<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">These are the books I read during the pandemic and felt needed attention to my readers. All of these were enjoyable and more importantly, thrilling. I really like the surprise factor and these four authors did a stupendous job of weaving a tension-filled narrative that kept you turning the pages. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>“American Dirt,” Jeanine Cummins </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujtMb7EbQo2hYA0ryQ21qc6qJolAid1mlyGik5A1Pi2Z0G-AH9D4zCmqAbIVX5rcDkm2jSumb79D7QhLBuokkvgjN-GnZIwILq3XOss3oAAATF32w8JoAo8Pn2X3MXvUYbVS5q_bfgg/s262/American+Dirt+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWujtMb7EbQo2hYA0ryQ21qc6qJolAid1mlyGik5A1Pi2Z0G-AH9D4zCmqAbIVX5rcDkm2jSumb79D7QhLBuokkvgjN-GnZIwILq3XOss3oAAATF32w8JoAo8Pn2X3MXvUYbVS5q_bfgg/s0/American+Dirt+2.jpg" /></a></b></div><p class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to call this book underrated when it spent most of
2020 on the New York Times bestseller list, but this was the best book I’ve read
in a long time. Jeanine Cummins grabs you by the throat from the very first
page and then squeezes it until the very last one. She manipulates your mind to
believe everyone is after the main characters as they attempt to escape a corrupt
and dangerous cartel leader for the hopes of some American dirt. The writing is
impeccable. Such a great experience. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>“The Paradise Piracy,” Claude Bouchard<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When it comes to revenge, Canadian author Claude Bouchard
owns the landscape. His Vigilante series is a refreshing take on what happens
when someone gets what they deserve. He does a masterful job of showing you
what terrible things people can do, then summons up the revenge they deserve.
Reading this book will offer you a cathartic release for a pandemic-riddled
world. Book # 16 in the Vigilante series is definitely worth the read. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>“Bone Canyon,” Lee Goldberg </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QQrOnATM3cMeg5iKNcolwIREfb589-RgbHzoT33rCKi8VdLaIEAOKqFQTuxYS2ucW9eKn5NARnzQFMtP6QkzrQvj449WvGBbLEpTW-vqIw7jA-KpWnROYlSVhBu7Epeeh1CzMFL7C-w/s275/Bone+Canyon+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QQrOnATM3cMeg5iKNcolwIREfb589-RgbHzoT33rCKi8VdLaIEAOKqFQTuxYS2ucW9eKn5NARnzQFMtP6QkzrQvj449WvGBbLEpTW-vqIw7jA-KpWnROYlSVhBu7Epeeh1CzMFL7C-w/s0/Bone+Canyon+2.jpg" /></a></b></div><p class="MsoNormal">This is book #2 of the three-book Eve Ronan series. Eve is
the youngest detective in the LA County Sheriff’s Department and constantly feels
the need to prove herself. When a wildfire uncovers some dead bodies, Eve turns
a cold case into a series of decisions which puts her life at risk. If you’ve
never read Lee Goldberg’s work, you’re missing someone who wrote screenplays
for shows like Diagnosis Murder, Spenser for Hire and Monk. Clearly a
professional author and someone who knows how to create tension. Grab the
popcorn and enjoy this thriller. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>“The Last Hunter,” Luke Romyn <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So far I’ve mentioned traditional thrillers and vigilante
thrillers, now it’s time to speak about a fantasy thriller. Luke Romyn is an
Australian author with a penchant for seriously sinister villains. The Last
Hunter is one of a long line of thrillers dating back to The Dark Path, which
is where I first became aware of his writing skills. If you enjoy being scared,
then you’ll want to check this out. True story, while reading A Dark Path on
the couch a stray cat jumped onto my patio table outside and I nearly screamed.
But since this post is about 2020 thrillers, you will not be disappointed in
this recommendation. Luke Romyn will have you reading with the lights on.
Promise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-24446929646396608732020-09-13T10:46:00.003-07:002020-09-13T10:46:44.379-07:005 BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ <p>Yes, I've read each of these books and if you like thrillers, these are some of my favorites. And soon I believe they will be yours as well: </p><p><b>Chase Baker and the Dutch of Diamonds, by Vincent Zandri</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you don’t know who Vincent Zandri is, you’re missing some
great work. He’s a NY Times bestselling author who’s written dozens of books
with tons of praise from writers like Don Winslow, Harlan Coban and many more.
I chose this book out of his collection because I read it a couple of years ago
and loved the whole Indiana Jones feel to it. Oh, and if you didn’t know,
Vincent literally travels the globe to these locations for research. It pays
off. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4YP1VTQfjR1hC122vHo0L6XTwFQqYrCIAFoalQ2hHGlaGVB8WG-4rGdK5Z8PsNyUVxNwLuqE2metnuwROI5DeX87djzxT-4LM3IcfVoQpoa3nxxFgXKu-FpaziSoLcNtifqn5BULxz4/s272/Chase+Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4YP1VTQfjR1hC122vHo0L6XTwFQqYrCIAFoalQ2hHGlaGVB8WG-4rGdK5Z8PsNyUVxNwLuqE2metnuwROI5DeX87djzxT-4LM3IcfVoQpoa3nxxFgXKu-FpaziSoLcNtifqn5BULxz4/s0/Chase+Baker.jpg" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Zeb Carter: A Covert-Ops Suspense Action Novel, by Ty
Patterson<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you like edge-of-your-seat thrillers with a protagonist who
plays the game with a guilt-fueled recklessness, then Zeb Carter is your guy. Carter
is a former Special Forces operative with a conscious. The series is full of
action-packed scenes that are both innovative and satisfying. Just read the
first page of Book 1 and you’ll be hooked right away.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Before the Fall, by Noah Hawley <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes, he’s won and Emmy, PEN, and Golden Globe, but Noah
Hawley is one terrific writer. Before the Fall is about a survivor of a plane
crash and the consequences and coincidences that occur before and after his
fall into the ocean. It’s tense, dramatic and beautifully written. He also
created the Fargo series for TV which is also one of my favorite shows.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Unknown Remains, by Peter Leonard</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuJzwNdBNdCS670d4zGOSWRM0h_TZhxvqRAbncYEFVyBYOprNkp980zUfiMPJWqJsyPB3abk5I_eg78i13lhiekiX5tGcSEuyQXH-RY6hWGkarGTcnLvEoe1z5_2qRtpKkcuTg_XRhAA/s997/Unknown+Remains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuJzwNdBNdCS670d4zGOSWRM0h_TZhxvqRAbncYEFVyBYOprNkp980zUfiMPJWqJsyPB3abk5I_eg78i13lhiekiX5tGcSEuyQXH-RY6hWGkarGTcnLvEoe1z5_2qRtpKkcuTg_XRhAA/s320/Unknown+Remains.jpg" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Yes, he’s Elmore Leonard’s son, which, full disclosure, is
my favorite author, but don’t let that taint your opinion of his skills. This
book has that casual feel of a guy telling you a story with a cigar and a beer and
a glint of fun in his eyes. This book is about a Wall Street broker who owes a
debt to the mob. That’s really all you need to know, right? Great premise with
great execution.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>The Lion’s Game, by Nelson Demille <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite books. It was 700 pages long and I was
left wanting more. John Corey is a wise-guy ex-NYPD cop who joins an FBI task
force to track down a Libyan terrorist. A 747 is heading toward JFK airport
with the terrorist on board and Corey is there to take him into custody. The
problem is—there’s no communication from the pilot or anyone on board. Want to
know what happened? Read it, then want more, just like me. <o:p></o:p></p>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-3230414372478991212020-08-11T21:48:00.001-07:002020-08-11T21:48:40.965-07:005 QUESTIONS FOR THRILLER AUTHOR MIKE RYAN<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>To be honest, author Mike Ryan is a monster when it comes to
producing thrillers. He’s effective,
efficient, and the most prolific writer I have ever known. He’s married with four kids, three dogs and
still manages to publish thrillers practically on a monthly basis. You think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not. I might even be underselling him. His reviews on Amazon are incredible, so the
volume does not diminish the quality of the work. Some writers agonize over every word, but obviously
for Ryan the words flow easily from his mind.
If you haven’t read his work, make it a point to check it out. You won’t be disappointed. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /> Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems
that you’ve written at least 6 different series and at least 3 standalone
novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t possible count how many
books you’ve written over the past decade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell me about that very first book and what your original goals were.</b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Well my first books were written under a
pen name, and I was basically all over the place. I wrote, I</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryZYtj24HgaBHFVmYye_NpwjJ6Ht6qmm1uAyrb_lNvrza20qUI__xtzJ5NfAKNKNlz_QUIrK9o3kouuiH8J0p5JPTnl4Y0YTcicwtLY2q6H0Q4JoIE2cku1_962igsYZzqNN7r5_zRig/s259/Mike+Ryan+Author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryZYtj24HgaBHFVmYye_NpwjJ6Ht6qmm1uAyrb_lNvrza20qUI__xtzJ5NfAKNKNlz_QUIrK9o3kouuiH8J0p5JPTnl4Y0YTcicwtLY2q6H0Q4JoIE2cku1_962igsYZzqNN7r5_zRig/s0/Mike+Ryan+Author.jpg" /></a></div> think, five or six
books in, like, four genres. It wasn’t until about 2012 when I really got
serious about things and I wrote The Cain Conspiracy. I started writing under
my own name and focused on one genre, which is crime fiction/thrillers, which
is what I love. I had a full-time job at that point, so my goal was basically
just to make some extra money to make car payments, things like that. Obviously
I’ve had some success since then, and now I’m a full-time author, but my
original goal was just to write some things people would like and hopefully pay
a bill or two every month.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2-<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Obviously, you’re extremely
prolific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is your writing schedule
like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With kids and pets and everyday
distractions, how does it work?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">We have four kids between 14 and 2, and
three dogs, so we have a really busy house. Fortunately, my wife is a
stay-at-home mom who takes care of a lot of things during the day, allowing me
to get in a few hours of writing time. Some days are more challenging than
others, and some days the kids are constantly barging into my office, but
generally I get 3-4,000 words done every day, six days a week. It takes some
time to get into a rhythm and figure out what schedule works best, but
generally working in the middle of the day works best for me and is most
productive.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3-<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>At what point during the Silencer series
did you decide you would move on to the Eliminator? <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">I think it first was to just avoid burning
out on the Silencer Series. I didn’t want to just write one series over and
over and over, and then get so tired with the story and characters that I
didn’t want to write them anymore. So I’ve found a good way to mix it up is to switch
books. So I’ll usually write two books at once, so I’ll write the Silencer and
Eliminator at once, then when I’m done with those, I’ll switch over to the
Extractor and Brandon Hall books. I’ve found that’s a good way for me to stay
fresh and not get tired of the characters, because I’m taking time away from
them while I’m working on other things.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">And another reason for switching up series
is because I have so many ideas that if I waited until one series was done, I’d
never get to everything I want to do. And I probably still won’t, because I
have ideas for stories that I probably won’t get to for years because other
things are ahead of them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4-<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What are the challenges with having so
many protagonists swirling around in your head?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are there similarities between Brett Jacobs and Mike Recker, or Luke
Bridge etc? Do you make an effort to adjust their dialogue or any of their
mannerisms?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">I think they’re all pretty similar
characters, but they do have differences. Bridge is more of the wise-ass, can
make a joke at any point, where Jacobs is more straight-laced, with a dry sense
of humor. Recker’s kind of the mix between the two. I do adjust their dialogue
based on the situation and who they’re talking to. The biggest challenge with
doing so many series at once is trying to remember, when you’re working on book
14, what you did back in book 2 so you don’t repeat it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5-<span style="font: 7pt "times new roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b>You have a way of using dialogue to keep
the reader informed and interested without getting overly descriptive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a very appealing recipe and your readers
are extremely loyal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you
compartmentalize your time when it comes to corresponding with readers,
marketing and writing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Yeah, I use dialogue a lot, mostly because
it’s what interests me the most. So I hope that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>other people will like it too. I’m not a big description writer, and a
lot of that is because when I read a lot of description in other books, I tend
to skip it. Unless it’s crucial to a story, I tend not to describe what a desk
or a window looks like. It just bores me. So I’m all about dialogue, story,
moving things along, keeping things rolling at a good pace. That’s what
interests me as a reader, so that’s what I try to provide as a writer too.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Before I start writing for the day, I’ll
check my email, I’ll check my Facebook page, and I’ll<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>answer emails or respond to comments. And I
respond to every single thing I get, no matter what it is. I answer. I let my
readers and fans know I care about their comments, their opinions, their feelings,
all of it. I don’t respond to trolls or hate mail or things like that, but
everyone else, I respond to everything. Once that’s done, then I get my writing
done.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">When my writing’s done, then I focus on
marketing, lining up book promotions, sales, ads, things like that. Or making
sure other things are getting done, books formatted, audiobooks, all of that
stuff. Then I’ll go back and check email or Facebook again, respond to any
other readers comments and questions. I’ve had readers tell me they love how I
interact with them and I don’t just post things and then never respond to
anything. I’ll respond to everything.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Thanks for the questions! I enjoyed them.<o:p></o:p></p>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-60866329332671268182020-08-02T09:59:00.000-07:002020-08-02T09:59:09.818-07:005 QUESTIONS FOR MYSTERY WRITER BILL NOEL<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Apparently there are over 1000 books
released each day on Amazon, so when you’re scrolling through the list of
mysteries, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I think we’ve all stumbled on writers we
weren’t familiar with, yet became fans of their work once they were
discovered. By the look of the reviews
of author Bill Noel’s 17 Folly Beach mysteries, his readers are loyal and
ardent supporters of his stories. Don’t
believe me? Just read a sample of his
first Folly Beach mystery, Folly, like I did, and tell me you weren’t impressed
with his skills.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bill was kind enough to play 5 questions
with me, “As long as the questions weren’t too hard,” he quipped, in his dry
witty way. I hope you enjoy his journey
to publishing and discover a new talent with this post. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzm70qyZ0730BVEkTp2mJHiJJlnn1BEL9V3lKcdRkgRJWfgBR6CvLdH_yZavVQbFtMaVaDDG_RU3NT1RsBNus5MUZDjIwU7J2bHeCH2zY_GE39xDfXRbkr6p_PuAyejj9HQxJxOUm1qM/s750/Bill+Noel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="607" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzm70qyZ0730BVEkTp2mJHiJJlnn1BEL9V3lKcdRkgRJWfgBR6CvLdH_yZavVQbFtMaVaDDG_RU3NT1RsBNus5MUZDjIwU7J2bHeCH2zY_GE39xDfXRbkr6p_PuAyejj9HQxJxOUm1qM/w170-h210/Bill+Noel.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You decided to keep your readers in
suspense until you were 59 when you finally decided to release your first book.
Why?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
could attribute it to forty or so years of writer’s block, but that would imply
I’d started writing the book years ago. To be honest, I’d never given thought
to writing fiction until I was in my late fifties. In the academic world where
I’d hung my hat for several decades as a college and university administrator,
I had to write tons of nonfiction, but as most fiction writers know, writing
nonfiction is as similar to writing fiction as an aardvark is to an anvil. Then,
during my first trip to Folly Beach in 2004, my wife and I came across a body
that had washed ashore. (True story.) The police had arrived along with a few curious
bystanders. That sparked the idea that eventually became <i>Folly</i>, the
first book in the Folly Beach Mystery series. I wrote <i>Folly </i>simply to
see if I could. I was then amazed by how many letters, notes, even phone calls
I received from readers who wanted to tell me how much they enjoyed the book. I
never expected that kind of reaction. Now I write for those readers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is a rhythm to writing that is hard to explain but easy to recognize. You
obviously have that rhythm in the cadence of your narrative. Since you were
never an English major in school, where did that come from? And do you believe
it’s partly innate?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
writing style is simple. I write what I like reading. I’m also aware many
readers skip over sections they don’t find interesting, but they don’t skip
over dialog. I try to follow Elmore Leonard’s rules of good writing, especially
rule number ten: <i>Try to leave out the part readers tend to skip.</i> My
books are heavy on dialog, heavy on short paragraphs, and heavy on short
chapters. I want readers to reach the end of a chapter and know the next one
won’t be too long. That way they’ll continue reading. I have fun writing the
books and want readers to do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
addition to being a novelist, I’m a photographer and have been for way more
years than I’ve been a novelist. Many of the principals of composition I
learned and practiced in photography—balance, perspective, framing, angle of
view, repetition—can be applied to writing. In other words, I had a head start
in writing fiction without even knowing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Your mysteries take place in a very real
location of Folly Beach, South Carolina. Now that you’re approaching twenty
books, are you somewhat of a celebrity when you visit there?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
books fall under the genre of amateur detective which means the protagonist has
no formal law enforcement training or experience in solving crimes. That also
means the amateur detective solves crimes police are unable to solve. Folly
Beach is a small, barrier island with a relatively small police force, so I was
wary about how residents and especially the police would feel about me choosing
it as the location of the books. As you know, I live in Louisville, Kentucky,
located 626 miles from Folly, and didn’t know anyone on the island when I wrote
the first book. After it was published, I visited the mayor’s office to
introduce myself and give him a copy of the book. I was relieved and shocked
when the mayor told me he often met with the police chief to discuss the
characters in the book and associated them with Folly’s residents. The
following day, I had lunch with the police chief who gave me a badge and made
me an honorary member of his force. Several restaurants and stores ask me to do
signings at their location when I make my semi-annual visit to their island and
numerous residents claim me as a resident of their small bohemian island. By
the most liberal definition of celebrity, I suppose I could be considered one on
the three-square miles of Folly Beach. But to me, I’m honored and privileged to
be considered a friend of so many of its residents. They’re the true
celebrities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever been interested in writing a
book in a different genre? And what books do you like to read?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
admire writers who can produce successful novels in more than one genre, but
I’ll never be accused of being one of those writers. I have enough trouble
writing in one genre. Those who teach writing tell their students to write what
they know. I suspect (hope) they don’t mean it literally. I’ve never killed
anyone, never caught a murderer, never even had friends who’ve encouraged me to
catch killers, but over the years, I’ve been a fan of mystery novels so I’m
more familiar with that genre than any other. Mysteries fill up most of my
bookshelves, including books by Robert B. Parker, John Sandford, Janet
Evanovich, Dick Francis, Carl Hiaasen, and Lawrence Sanders. I don’t have any
interest in changing genres, but then again, if you’d told me at age 58 that
I’d write a mystery novel, I’d have laughed in your face—figuratively, of
course. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You’ve
had to postpone many of your upcoming appearances. Have you developed an
appetite for online alternatives? Or are you still exploring options?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve
not done a good job of exploring online options. The main reason I love doing
signings and making appearances is they give me a chance to meet and talk with
potential readers and those who have already discovered the series. My signing
opportunities on Folly, numbering approximately a dozen a year, are the
highlight of my writing experiences. I assure you, I miss talking to those
wonderful people more than they miss talking to me. I’ve been able to maintain
some of those contacts through Facebook. There’s even a Bill Noel Fan Club on
Facebook, hard to believe I know. This has been an excellent way to share
stories with the members and for them to share stories, photos, kind words, and
what’s happening in their lives. Beyond that, when it comes to an online
presence, I’m a perfect example of you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bill
Noel<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">August
2, 2020 <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-5831225728555699462020-05-25T11:41:00.000-07:002020-05-25T11:41:02.325-07:00HOW THE MAFIA INFLUENCED MY YOUTH, AND HELPED CREATE NICK BRACCO <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the early 70’s, the Mafia was a prevalent part of New
York society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Mafia understood that
people enjoyed to gamble and they became the conduit for all those who needed
an outlet for their gambling habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
I’m making it sound like they were performing a service to society, it’s the
Sicilian in me that’s talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway,
my father owned a Candy Store/Luncheonette in Brooklyn an hour and a half away
from our home on Long Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had an
apartment in the back of the store, so my father would stay there all week and
drive home on weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was
sixteen, I would meet him halfway to the city on Friday afternoons and he’d
give me the keys to the store and our German Shepherd dog for protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it, I was sixteen years old and
running a business by myself each weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, as you will soon find out, I was never alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kUv_82n-La7SBeOfGJeA6Az5SUAgzF6OhMUOlYKtHsb_9HCUHdy5fewdc-3cTukmY9h3TJfm3AfKF4rnz6-LkC3agwg1PMlRJqkGZvAw_a9gUo-iZ4q845T4ke5MPXX9ke8i0h35JYU/s1600/Ice+Cream+Sign.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kUv_82n-La7SBeOfGJeA6Az5SUAgzF6OhMUOlYKtHsb_9HCUHdy5fewdc-3cTukmY9h3TJfm3AfKF4rnz6-LkC3agwg1PMlRJqkGZvAw_a9gUo-iZ4q845T4ke5MPXX9ke8i0h35JYU/s1600/Ice+Cream+Sign.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, my dad’s Sicilian friends knew that I was working there
all weekend and they would be frequent guests in the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the same time, they would take their daily
bets from our customers for the football game or play the numbers (This was
basically a lottery before the government took over the business.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These gentlemen would linger around and talk
sports with me, or school, or family matters, with great interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course their sense of loyalty and honor
among friends became instrumental in my upbringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In particular, a gentleman named Max would
spend hours telling me about his family and how he was raising his kids to be
better than him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A trait all parents can
relate to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do as I say, not as I
do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, when it came time for me to write a novel, for some
reason I gravitated to a Sicilian FBI Agent whose cousin was in the Mafia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nick Bracco and Tommy are direct reflections
of my experiences with these fine gentlemen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could actually hear Max’s voice coming out of Tommy’s mouth when I sat
down to write a scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no doubt
these formative years had molded me to the person I am today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will leave you with one true story that will reflect the
serious nature in which these men took my status among their tutelage:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a neon Dreyer’s Ice Cream sign that
hung in the front window of our store, something that I could reach from behind
the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sign was always to
remain lit 24 hours a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
reason?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across the street was a popular
hangout for some of the Sicilian boys called Young’s Tavern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was known that if I ever sensed trouble, I
was to turn off the sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, at 10:55
one Friday night, just five minutes before we closed, a teenager came in to buy
a fountain drink. (Yes, I would mix coke syrup in a glass with seltzer water to
create Coca Cola.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sat at the counter
and glanced around the store for a couple of minutes, then asked where my help
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also asked how much cash I would
collect in a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I was just
sixteen, but I wasn’t stupid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
when I decided to turn off the Dreyer’s Ice Cream sign.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After an excruciatingly long two minutes, the front door
opened and three very drunk and large Sicilian men came lumbering into the
store and circled the kid sitting at the counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One guy placed his arm around the teenager
and picked up his drink and drank the remainder of the Coke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kid looked like he was going to
puke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the guy said, “I don’t think
you should ever come back into this store again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teenager was a blur running out the
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my Sicilian friends left, one
of them said to me, "Hey, kid, turn the light back on.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one ever spoke about the incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no need. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, we live in a different world and Tommy’s character has
been modified to represent the world we’re living in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the essence of his loyalty and
respect for the underprivileged shows through in every scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Sicilian friends probably did some
unseemly things back in the day, but their sense of honor was the only side
they showed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as an author, I’m
grateful for their stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-57199665286735694192019-10-17T06:46:00.000-07:002019-10-17T06:46:34.098-07:00WHY THRILLERS ARE SO POPULAR IN TODAY'S POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to the Pew Research center, 26% of those who had
read a book in the past 12 months said that what they enjoyed most was
learning, gaining knowledge, and discovering information, while 12% said they
liked the entertainment value of reading, the drama of good stories, the
suspense of watching a good plot unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was back in 2012 when the world was a simpler place to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suspect that 99% of people buying Jeanine
Pirro’s book, “Liars, Leakers and Liberals,” are conservatives who want
reinforcement on their conservative philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just as 99% of people who bought Michelle Obama’s book, “Becoming,” were
political progressives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately,
people don’t buy books to discover another political point of view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want comfort in knowing their point of
view is the right one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zBawuN2WlJoarBkw0MACA_DiJTAtp5hQ6Jl0JlN1Px9T90zBSFiz4hutMg0is3h-sPDC0ejQY-4Hg3PIUxMd7HF2yhX9xcWT8EsyIWo0I0wKOPjv4oArT1OieKxekCe7ccYVlZS83kA/s1600/Ironman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zBawuN2WlJoarBkw0MACA_DiJTAtp5hQ6Jl0JlN1Px9T90zBSFiz4hutMg0is3h-sPDC0ejQY-4Hg3PIUxMd7HF2yhX9xcWT8EsyIWo0I0wKOPjv4oArT1OieKxekCe7ccYVlZS83kA/s320/Ironman.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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This brings me to people who read thrillers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I truly believe (without research to back me)
that people read thrillers because they want to see justice prevail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is true of conservatives and liberals
alike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone wants to see the hero
overcome obstacles to save the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because our lives have
become so stressful and so unfair and so partisan that we can’t see justice
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That bully at school or work
is not going away and there seems to be no consequences anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where fiction comes in to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A good writer has the ability to get you
invested in the protagonist and watch him or her face challenges, just like
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They face obstacles and bullies and
sinister villains who antagonize them and cause pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can sympathize, even empathize with their
challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all the while we are
convinced the protagonist will get his/her revenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be as simple as overcoming these
obstacles without ever causing harm to the villain, but more times than not,
the bully gets theirs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In today’s political climate, everyone has been affected by
the barrage of media outlets inundating us about the White House and Washington’s
behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Trump supporter will
relate their hero’s retribution as if the villain is a liberal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The resister will see this as an affront to
the Trump presidency. Either way,
thrillers allow us resolution where the real world will not.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The reason why movie theaters are stacked with superheroes
is because we know who will win and yet we still show up to see how it
happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you already know Ironman
will succeed, why bother going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet we
do, don’t we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the same with
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Readers want the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They want our protagonist to face an uphill
battle because it makes the win so much more enjoyable, doesn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives you a sense of justice prevailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something you rarely find on the cable news,
or in newspapers or social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
cathartic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the reasons I’ve never given my Nick Bracco character
a political persuasion is because I don’t want my readers to choose sides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re all on the same team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right versus wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should be as simple as that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why reminder us of our differences when we
could team up against the challenges we face together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Bottom line, people read thrillers for entertainment and to
escape the real world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because right
about now, that’s a really good place to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-78582217169766008332019-03-11T21:32:00.000-07:002019-03-11T21:32:22.542-07:005 QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR PETER LEONARD<br />
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Peter Leonard is a stellar writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, I’ve read five of his books and have
never been disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His work is
taut and tense and humorous, sometimes all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He takes you on a ride and you don’t really
care where it’s going as long as he’s at the helm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the main reason I contacted him for a
quick interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His latest thriller is
titled, “Raylan Goes to Detroit,” where he breathes new life into U.S. Marshall,
Raylan Givens, a character who his father Elmore Leonard created back in the
early ‘90’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the same Raylan Givens
who was the main character of the FX hit series, “Justified.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I mention his famous father with apprehension, because Peter’s
writing acumen is phenomenal all by itself and he deserves more recognition for
his body of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you like gritty
thrillers with realistic characters who speak like real people, then you need
to get one of his books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start anywhere,
they all stand alone by themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
here’s Peter: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
<br />
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1-Raylan Goes to Detroit was so satisfying because Raylan reacts
exactly how you would imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
feel any pressure to keep his voice and actions within the framework of his
past experiences?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I felt very comfortable stepping into Raylan’s boots. He was
like an old friend. And yes, I thought it was important to keep Raylan's sound
and attitude from Elmore's previous novels: Pronto and Riding the Rap and his
short story: Fire in the Hole.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHoMl5ml6GjBUuYmOom4TA1bc4buRinaJb6sG4lXGMDtFtj6tI-h2NBD6LvciQSb0j76419juJxswCYoP9Ec_qfsB_xHOlRmLHP5_MR5QNWrKZhBClEDbFu1gyp-TR6o4SYK6FPna5OM/s1600/Peter+Leonard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="223" data-original-width="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHoMl5ml6GjBUuYmOom4TA1bc4buRinaJb6sG4lXGMDtFtj6tI-h2NBD6LvciQSb0j76419juJxswCYoP9Ec_qfsB_xHOlRmLHP5_MR5QNWrKZhBClEDbFu1gyp-TR6o4SYK6FPna5OM/s1600/Peter+Leonard.jpg" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2- Forgive me if this is too personal, but your novels are so
proficient, your father must’ve been very proud of your accomplishments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was there ever a time that you wished your
last name was Shlotsky? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Being Elmore’s son was a blessing and a curse. Probably more
of a curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every review I received
early on compared my first couple books to his forty-five. It was frustrating
and unfair but that’s the way it is. However, that kind of negativism motivated
me to get better. And now I’m often favorably compared to my father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3-No matter what the plotline, your readers are led through your
stories by interesting characters doing interesting things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are true page-turners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have to know where you’re going?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it all by feel?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I start with a character in a situation and build from
there. I know how the book begins and often where it’s going to end. But I
don’t know how I’m going to get from point A to point B. I try to keep the
reader off balance. I try to create a plot/story that isn’t obvious. If I’m not
surprised the reader won’t be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4-<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I suspect that you would write thrillers
even if you never were paid a dime for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is that a helpful criteria for an effective novelist?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I might have written a couple books without being paid. But
I’ve always worked for money. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And writing a book, although satisfying and entertaining,
takes a lot of time and effort.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5- What future projects do you have lined up?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve just finished a novel called Sweet Dreams. The main
character, Kate McGraw is a US marshal and the lone female on the alpha male
fugitive task force in Detroit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The character
is based on a female marshal I rode with for a few days. I think it’s my best work
to date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-74061292911684129422019-02-11T15:41:00.000-08:002019-02-11T15:41:18.000-08:00BEST THRILLER SCENES- PART 2<br />
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<b>This is the end of one of my favorite books, "The Lion's Game," by Nelson Demille, so if you have any intention of reading it, stop right now. Basically it just confirms that the good guys survive. So, anyway, after 900 pages of thrilling drama, the protagonists John Cory and Kate Mayfield finally escape a harrowing encounter with a viscous Libyan assassin, nicknamed the Lion. Here is the final scene where they set up the sequel very well: </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Gene pointed to the distant
treeline and said, “We found fifty-two shell casings on the ground.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I’ve never heard of so many shots fired by a
sniper at two people.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">That guys really
wanted what he couldn’t have.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I think he was telling us that the
game wasn’t over.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The treeline was making me a little
nervous, so we moved on. Gene showed us where Ted Nash had been found on a
riding trail, less that a hundred meters from the VORTAC, with a single round
through his forehead. I have no idea where
Ted was going, or what he was doing there in the first place, and we’d never
know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpd7aFhxhg_2j2Df8poGqMU6OAU9sf9zNwwx61IlIOc7aFqMVn5jVfhHQVMvQ3Icy3lWJ20aJww4kbh9HRg6InFEOV00WgbKXv1k_gs431HS30NZKxt8Xzi4HWJZgtCFt3oQ1fb3aGkI/s1600/The+Lion%2527s+Gane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpd7aFhxhg_2j2Df8poGqMU6OAU9sf9zNwwx61IlIOc7aFqMVn5jVfhHQVMvQ3Icy3lWJ20aJww4kbh9HRg6InFEOV00WgbKXv1k_gs431HS30NZKxt8Xzi4HWJZgtCFt3oQ1fb3aGkI/s320/The+Lion%2527s+Gane.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Considering we were on our honeymoon,
I’d suggested we’d seen enough, and we went back to the ranch house, had a
Coke, ate a few jelly beans, and moved on to points north. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
We had left Kate’s cell phone back
in New York, not wanting any calls from friends or assassins on our
honeymoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just as a precaution, we
both brought our guns along.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
You never know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-23531819504338931812019-02-07T08:34:00.000-08:002019-02-07T08:34:49.633-08:00BEST THRILLER SCENES--PART 1<br />
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<b>I'm going to update this blog regularly with classic thriller scenes. These are scenes that are either tense, funny, or in the case below, both. I may even begin a poll with my readers voting on their favorites. You can leave comments with suggestions and I'll definitely add them to the mix.</b></div>
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<b>Below is a scene from the opening chapter of Elmore Leonard's Freaky Deaky. Chris and Jerry are bomb technicians who were called to the house of a known mobster who's sitting on a chair with a bomb underneath. Chris and Jerry left the mobster alone inside, screaming at them to fix his problem. They're walking to get their equipment to diffuse the bomb, when they strike up a conversation about Chris's wife. Enjoy: </b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">“What it is,” Chris said, “Phyllis
says things even some guys would like to but don’t have the nerve.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Yeah, ‘cause she’s a woman,” Jerry
said, “she doesn’t have to worry about getting hit in the mouth.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chris shook his head. “I don’t mean
putting anybody down or being insulting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like, we’re at a restaurant, one of those trendy places the waiter
introduces himself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This twinkie comes
up to the table, he goes, ‘Hi, I’m Wally. I’m going to be your waitperson this
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I get you a cocktail?’
Phyllis goes, ‘Wally, when we’ve finished dinner, you gonna take us out and introduce
us to the dishwasher?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She goes, ‘We
really don’t care what your name is as long as you’re here when we want
something.’” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Jerry grinned, adjusting his Tiger
baseball cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s good, I can appreciate
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those guys kill me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
They drew on their cigarettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris looked at his, about to say something,
working the butt between his thumb and second finger to flick it away, and the
French Doors and some of the windows on this side of the house exploded out in
a billow of gray smoke tinged yellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They stood looking at the shattered doorway, at the smoke and dust
thinning, settling over glass and wood fragments, shreds of blackened
green-and-white debris on the patio, silence ringing in their ears now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few moments they started down the drive,
let the people waiting in front know they were okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Chris said, “Yeah, the twink comes
up to the table, says he’s gonna be our waitperson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you have to understand, Phyllis wasn’t
trying to be funny, she was serious. That’s the way she is.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-44537445381749983902018-11-26T21:20:00.002-08:002018-11-28T20:03:35.421-08:00A TOUCH OF TERROR--CHAPTER 1 <br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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A Touch of Terror<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chapter 1<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Every time
the bomb rattled in Dane Kanter’s trunk, icy neurons fired through his
bloodstream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With each sharp turn in the road, his heart stuttered with
anticipation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He winced at every creak
from the back of his Honda Accord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d
been gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his arms ached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was pure greed that had put him in this situation,
driving up the Pacific Coast Highway at five in the morning, heading toward Los
Angeles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A college dorm prank that
turned into the scariest drive of his life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why had he ever considered taking the envelope from that
stranger in Tijuana?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Traffic was
light on this portion of the winding road, but his brain throbbed with
every<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean waves peeked out of the morning fog
to his left as the sun seeped through the tree line to his right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A fine mist
was spitting on his windshield as he manually engaged his wipers every thirty
or forty seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road glistened and
he felt his tires hydroplane on the sharp turns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything seemed to conspire against
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the city planning wouldn’t
cooperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His gas gauge had been on
empty for twenty miles, but this stretch of quiet road lacked a gas
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just trees and asphalt and the continuous threat of an
explosion to keep him company. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dane kept
imagining ways to rectify the situation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t abandon the car,
the Mexican had made sure of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
detonation device was strapped to his chest and the bomb would explode should
he move even thirty feet from the driver’s seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A code-locked keypad secured the chest strap
and only one person knew the proper code to detach the strap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One wrong sequence of numbers and Dane’s
worries would disintegrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with
Dane.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The ”low
gas” warning light blinked on and he almost<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>puked at the sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was being
monitored with a GPS device and a miniature camera was attached to his
dashboard for surveillance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A gas stop
might be tolerated, but a prolonged stoppage like running out of gas on the
side of the road would only expedite the explosion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Plus there
was the deadline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’d been given eight
hours to get to his destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
eight hours and one minute he became extinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There had to be a way of getting rid of this device without exploring
the next world, but nerves and rain and wet roads kept him focused on just one
thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get to the drop and have the
detonator removed safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He wiped a
patch of sweat from his forehead, then squinted as the road curved around a
sharp bend and he saw flashing lights swirl against the trees to his right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Shit,” he
muttered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than a mile ahead was a
road block, with white and green SUV’s parked on each side of a single-lane
bottleneck of cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He thought about turning,
but saw it was Border Patrol vehicles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was rare to see a road block this far north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Dane was a pasty white teenager with
blond surfer hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He should be of no
interest to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless he acted
suspicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He tried to
control his breathing as he approached the line of cars waiting for
inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the morning chill,
his hands were clammy around the steering wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were three cars ahead of him; the first
was waved through by the green-uniformed Border Patrol Officer after he bent to
inspect the contents of the small sedan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The line crept forward as each car received a quick glance and a wave of
an arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Finally, it
was Dane’s turn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With his window open, he rolled the car forward, expecting
the officer to wave him through without stopping. But the guy held up a hand
and Dane nearly dropped a load in his pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s when he looked at his side view mirror and spotted the German
Shepherd sniffing at the back of his car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another officer was pulling on the leash to restrain the dog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Are you
carrying any weapons with you?” the officer asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The
question surprised Dane and he stammered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“N-no, of course not.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The dog was
sniffing so hard Dane could hear him puffing at the base of his car. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Would you please pull the car over
to the side of the road?” the officer asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That was
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no chance he could survive
an inspection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Mexican was
hearing everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could detonate the bomb remotely at any
moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dane’s heart pounded like a jackhammer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There was
no choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>He slammed
on the accelerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-40823845304372417812018-08-16T22:01:00.000-07:002018-08-16T22:03:31.841-07:00DAVID BALDACCI IS AHEAD OF HIS TIME<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
David Baldacci is a tireless advocate for adult
literacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and his wife Michelle have
raised millions for the cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard
to imagine anyone so devoted, but it makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Amos Decker and Will Robie series are the
epitome of literature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, he’s a
thriller writer, but the cadence in which he writes is very rhythmic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can get lost in his stories and almost
forget there’s a plot to pay attention to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR7WHwCD9mk_Ez3PfIZjIgAMs46yEGMZnH22JBZ1t5bmrOo4m0zQ_QR2eqbEYD40l0RLothHLXyVKa4rj4m8oGV-n3Bsjj_JltRpSeUzp5lqPyIpFyuRa02vonRgyfrXZwO-s6byg8eg/s1600/David+Baldacci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR7WHwCD9mk_Ez3PfIZjIgAMs46yEGMZnH22JBZ1t5bmrOo4m0zQ_QR2eqbEYD40l0RLothHLXyVKa4rj4m8oGV-n3Bsjj_JltRpSeUzp5lqPyIpFyuRa02vonRgyfrXZwO-s6byg8eg/s320/David+Baldacci.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Baldacci was also way ahead of his time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His 2009 thriller, The Whole Truth,
foreshadows the fact that the Internet has made it possible for disinformation
to sound so convincing and to spread so fast that facts become irrelevant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a decade ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It's ironic,” Baldacci told Bookpage Magazine. “I think we
have less truth today than we had 50 years ago," he says, adding,
"You can go onto social media and throw out percentages and figures and
they can be a total lie, but people believe them."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In The Whole Truth, Nicholas Creel is the head of the
world's largest defense contractor and he hires a "perception
management" company—the so-called PMers don't just spin facts, they make
stuff up—to re-ignite Cold War fears about the Red Menace, driving nations
toward the edge of WWIII.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten years ago
this could’ve been considered farcical had a master writer like Baldacci not
delivered the story with a deft touch. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2vv71swhOAA-aWAFZd8aC-P-4wy6fVXr5Z_-iUuazbMkkUKV7mX_GLQRluUmOPmHJA5q4ONjGo1_1WjJxgdNIrGjKL-xUsFy29zMo-g4qms8t4eevwwXwKDTZROxoGBx8AFMh4nlYcU/s1600/The+Whole+Truth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="247" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2vv71swhOAA-aWAFZd8aC-P-4wy6fVXr5Z_-iUuazbMkkUKV7mX_GLQRluUmOPmHJA5q4ONjGo1_1WjJxgdNIrGjKL-xUsFy29zMo-g4qms8t4eevwwXwKDTZROxoGBx8AFMh4nlYcU/s320/The+Whole+Truth.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The disinformation campaign that propels The Whole Truth
begins with the release of a grainy amateur video showing a Russian man
recounting the horrors that he and his countrymen are suffering at the hands of
the Secret Russian Federation police. By the way, that man is an actor. The entire
world buy it—and nations buy trillions of dollars worth of Creel's weapons. The
scenario is not far-fetched, insists Baldacci, who says he got the idea for the
book by talking to real people in the perception management business.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Politically, Baldacci considers himself an Independent, but
he pays attention to the news and decides to use his fiction to mold his
thoughts into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing just how
much he got right a decade ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
only hope that his 2017 release, The End Game is not nearly as accurate as The
Whole Truth was, otherwise I’m staying under my bed at least until the Midterms.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-38230930237600047302018-01-19T11:31:00.002-08:002018-01-19T23:01:53.959-08:00WHY INDIE AUTHORS ARE THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE<div class="MsoNormal">
Different is bad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you seen the new models of cars that came out for
2018? Look similar to last year’s
models? Of course. Have you noticed the plethora of sequels in
your local movie theater? Of course. The
reason is partly capitalism at it’s finest.
Feed the masses a familiar theme and they will flock to the store for
it. It’s why there’s a Starbucks on
every corner of the globe. Think about
it, when you’re traveling and there’s a coffee shop nearby, do you opt for Benny’s
Cafe, or Starbucks? My guess, you’re
going to Starbucks. Why? Familiarity.
You know exactly what you’re going to get and who knows what’s available
at Benny’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This theme can easily be transferred to books. You want a thriller, James Patterson. You want a legal thriller, John Grisham. But increasingly the most creative stories
are being told by independent authors with independent thoughts and no Big 5 Publisher
to tell them how to change their story to make it more appealing. That’s code for more cliché. More familiar to readers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDgEPhEwdqHIRgAn8uvd_shFSg2daNAV6JJLEyGQ6bUZsjBpq709gP6rv3ghLEKT-3Nbs_ByEQ-C9reukFetHG257qcBLl6Su0wsLEi-gEmKXj8rSp-X3jftePCa9TCaARM7t6wzjN_8/s1600/Wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDgEPhEwdqHIRgAn8uvd_shFSg2daNAV6JJLEyGQ6bUZsjBpq709gP6rv3ghLEKT-3Nbs_ByEQ-C9reukFetHG257qcBLl6Su0wsLEi-gEmKXj8rSp-X3jftePCa9TCaARM7t6wzjN_8/s1600/Wool.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that may seem like a huge generalization, but not so
fast. If you’ve heard the accomplishments
of people like Hugh Howey, Andy Weir, EL James, Amanda Hocking, or John Locke,
you’ll realize publishers weren’t knocking down their door for their
novels. Their stories were different,
edgy, in EL James’s case, pushing the envelope between romantic thriller and pornography. But it was different. And when different becomes popular, it
becomes mainstream and it changes the landscape in good way.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in the early ‘80’s I was living in Seattle when a friend
of mine invited me to go see this band called REM. They were playing in a bar in front of 300
people. I loved it. I’d never heard this type of music
before. It was hard to characterize. It was different. Outside of the fact that Michael Stipe spent
the entire concert with his back to the audience, it was great. And maybe REM had a record contract, but it was
with a small record company that left them alone to do whatever they
wanted. The results were magnificent. There are dozens of bands who’ve gone on to
imitate Peter Buck’s jangly guitar from Gin Blossoms to Nirvana. It changed everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of these examples come from creative people who were
unbridled to do whatever their hearts desired.
Hugh Howey imagined a post-apocalyptic society living one-hundred and
forty stories below the surface of the earth.
Creative. John Locke created an
anti-hero in Donovan Creed. A quirky Ex-CIA
hitman who straddles both sides of the law to accomplish his goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where is the future of creative fiction coming from? I don’t know, but I’ll bet an Indie author is
working on it as we speak. <o:p></o:p></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-67257199225284942712017-12-03T12:06:00.002-08:002017-12-03T12:07:25.734-08:005 QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR ROBERT BIDINOTTO<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b> 1- Would
you still write if you were never paid for your work?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i> Shhhh! </i>Please
don’t tell my readers, agent, or foreign and audio publishers: I’d continue to write even if I weren’t
compensated. Not only <i>would </i>I; in many
years, I <i>have. </i>Writing has been my
life since I was a kid. It’s not something I do; it’s what I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemtOQnoUpuu91ESV4hwr6m7W7db-RnCT19v3i2w_O7FijVfQ8ODdEnF_4GKBWVfjJmCwyojj6-WOVJU-eMzkD1s_wefazL-Jf-JhOtHaLIyK18uCWHdKXwPIQSFi2s-Zz1VAWsbxmWeA/s1600/Robert+Bidinotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemtOQnoUpuu91ESV4hwr6m7W7db-RnCT19v3i2w_O7FijVfQ8ODdEnF_4GKBWVfjJmCwyojj6-WOVJU-eMzkD1s_wefazL-Jf-JhOtHaLIyK18uCWHdKXwPIQSFi2s-Zz1VAWsbxmWeA/s1600/Robert+Bidinotto.jpg" /></a><b> 2- How
much of your day is spent writing, or on the business of writing?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I’m in the planning stages, probably 4-6 hours.
However, once I’m really “in the zone” and writing the story, the clock and
calendar disappear. I often go 9 to 12 hours. During the final stages, racing to
complete a book, my marathon sessions regularly become all-nighters. I once
worked two-and-a-half days straight while writing my just-published thriller <i>WINNER TAKES ALL</i>. (Yeah, I know: I need
a shrink.)<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3- Tell us about your latest Hunter thriller?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </b><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">WINNER
TAKES ALL</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> is
the third book in my opening Dylan Hunter thriller trilogy. It’s a big,
fast-paced, deviously complex political thriller that touches on just about
everything in today’s headlines.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Dylan
Hunter is a journalist with a hidden past. Secretly, he’s also a justice-seeking
vigilante who targets corrupt, untouchable elites. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> In
this one, Hunter has promised Annie Woods, his fiancée, he’ll stop his violent
activities. </span><em><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;">But an investigative reporter probing the source of illegal campaign
funds is murdered. A visionary presidential candidate is targeted for personal
destruction. Then, unspeakable terrorism rocks Washington, D.C.</span></em><em><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<em><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal;"> On the trail of the culprits, Hunter finds himself the target of a
treasonous, power-hungry billionaire and his hired assassin. He faces an
agonizing choice: a future with the woman he loves—or waging a one-man war
against a deadly conspiracy poised to install its puppet in the White House. <o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4- In
your writing world, what would you consider success?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
a. Making enough money each year to continue to write
full-time. b. Having readers continue to tell me the ways my books have enriched
their lives. That never gets old.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5- What
made you decide to get involved with Thriller Firsts? And what do you hope to
accomplish?</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
How could I possibly turn down an invitation to have <i>HUNTER </i>share space, within a single
volume, with debut thrillers by iconic authors whom I revere? I hope its place
in this collection introduces many more thriller fans to my bestselling Dylan
Hunter vigilante-justice thrillers. With the opening trilogy in the series—<i>HUNTER, BAD DEEDS, </i>and now <i>WINNER TAKES ALL</i>—finally complete, I’d be
delighted if thousands of readers who love action, suspense, mystery, and
nail-biting thrills will find a new hero to love, and a new author to follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-22552127730972100322017-11-28T16:10:00.001-08:002017-11-28T16:13:02.880-08:005 QUESTIONS FOR AUTHOR CHERYL BRADSHAW<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">There's been a secret project brewing for a little while that hasn't been announced yet. Big names in the industry coming together to offer their first book in their series for practically nothing. One of the participants is Cheryl Bradshaw, the NY Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sloane Monroe series of thrillers. She was kind enough to break away from her busy schedule for a quick visit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>1-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Would you still write if you were
never paid for your work?</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfxXM5xs6xPmpi4f_gRAakBqRNEhBpba_YRESBj9hqnoKgIVQq7BtJEFTzl1Obox8K7fd4Ilz0XjkItlLYrkBr6k-rcByKh1emfP3socHa9FSWokKHzTzSgWXjZKQ0ijogNogwKm03B4/s1600/Cheryl+Bradshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfxXM5xs6xPmpi4f_gRAakBqRNEhBpba_YRESBj9hqnoKgIVQq7BtJEFTzl1Obox8K7fd4Ilz0XjkItlLYrkBr6k-rcByKh1emfP3socHa9FSWokKHzTzSgWXjZKQ0ijogNogwKm03B4/s320/Cheryl+Bradshaw.jpg" width="212" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I plan to continue writing and publishing books for the rest of my life.
For me it’s more than just a career. It’s something I’m passionate about.
Whenever I take a break from writing I always look forward to getting back to
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">2-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>How much of your day is spent
writing, or the business of writing?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Between writing and overseeing all aspects of my brand, I estimate I work
around sixty hours a week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">3-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Do you have a preferred method of
corresponding with your readers?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Any social media outlet where I can interact with fans is something I
enjoy. Facebook seems to be the biggest gathering place, and I try to check in
every day and engage with my readers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">4-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>In your writing world, what would you
consider success?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I finished my first book and published it, I considered myself a
success because it took me until I was in my late thirties to do it. Since then
I’ve achieved so many things I never knew I would, and it all goes back to
finishing that first book and getting it out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">5-<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>What made you decide to get involved
with Thriller Firsts? And what do you hope to accomplish? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I couldn’t ask for a better group of writers to be involved
with, so it was easy for me to take part. My goal is to reach new readers who
have never read my books before. </span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-14701388096125255562017-09-21T23:29:00.000-07:002017-09-21T23:30:16.558-07:00TOP 10 THRILLERS OF THE '90S<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously every top ten list is subjective, however, the
‘90s was the decade that introduced some great authors who went on to wild
success in their genre. Lee Child and
John Grisham just to name a couple. The
other aspect of this list is that I’ve read each one of these books so there’s
no guessing as to the validity of their worth. I’m not just going by sales
figures or popularity, although most of these books were bestsellers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here now is my list, in no particular order: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Firm—John Grisham<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPQLDDRGwghhIwb4wWWG0yaFFS3ouGQaTFVL74HiGMYrCHLCaKSXajdSOko2DfJP8a3WwkP79MU3Sr4zAP2xJBegmKkqe7eR3h6G5yN3uWoFVBETlUvrZ6DHImj8gY10GKO97MbhyphenhyphenlEU/s1600/The+Firm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPQLDDRGwghhIwb4wWWG0yaFFS3ouGQaTFVL74HiGMYrCHLCaKSXajdSOko2DfJP8a3WwkP79MU3Sr4zAP2xJBegmKkqe7eR3h6G5yN3uWoFVBETlUvrZ6DHImj8gY10GKO97MbhyphenhyphenlEU/s1600/The+Firm.jpg" /></a>Yes, technically this was his second book, but we all know
this was the one which got him noticed.
There were courtroom dramas before this thriller, but Grisham took you
out of the courtroom and into the family room.
He brought crime to an unsuspecting and naïve lawyer who had everything
to lose. The tension is taught all the
way through and it’s a relief when it’s finally over.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jurassic Park—Michael
Crichton<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a mixture of pure entertainment and wildly
imaginative scenarios. Crichton’s
narrative is subtle and his explanations for the recreation of dinosaurs is so
believable that you never have to suspend disbelief. This was really a pure joy to submerge
yourself into a world where humans become corrupt and animals behave like
animals.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gone Baby Gone—Dennis
Lehane <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was a deeply twisted storyline that kept you guessing
all the way through. At one point I
thought I had it figured out, but was completely wrong. It’s a Good versus Morally Correct scenario
and Lehane is a master at bringing the complexities of the human condition to
the forefront of the narrative. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Black
Echo—Michael Connelly <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The very first in the Harry Bosch series. This also won the Edgar Award for mystery
novel. At its heart this is a mystery,
but there are thriller elements to the narrative that can’t be dismissed. Harry Bosch is a complicated character and
Connelly spent painstaking time delivering that element to the reader. Of course there’s a twist ending, but Bosch’s
troubles are always on his shirtsleeve.
A fine debut. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Killing Floor—Lee
Child <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a no-brainer.
Our introduction to Jack Reacher.
The first time I read this book I was taken back how the prose was so
sparse, yet so detailed at the same time.
It seemed that Child would draw you into Reacher’s mind with such vivid
imagery, you almost forgot about the great dialogue. The story is probably the strongest in the
series, because it was all new to us. So
glad there would be a jillion more Reacher stories to follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Bourne
Ultimatum—Robert Ludlum<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Kav1Af8NSRtRcVTEvik5E_kQPlsHEAsXBcODApotfoXyoS6igJPgjX-QxS2dKuxGcRvCpWaUNtboSjuMVAhnLsLCxBLuA4StbAGwMW39jlRncaDHjjhN2kqF1uqN8T4rmgtOM-OomYw/s1600/The+Bourne+Ultimatum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Kav1Af8NSRtRcVTEvik5E_kQPlsHEAsXBcODApotfoXyoS6igJPgjX-QxS2dKuxGcRvCpWaUNtboSjuMVAhnLsLCxBLuA4StbAGwMW39jlRncaDHjjhN2kqF1uqN8T4rmgtOM-OomYw/s1600/The+Bourne+Ultimatum.jpg" /></a>The final book in the Jason Bourne series and quite possibly
the best. Carlos the Jackal is after
Bourne and the storyline is complicated, but Ludlum masterfully navigates his
way through the narrative. There are
bribes, assassins who guess wrong, double-crosses, and ultimately a satisfying
ending for Bourne.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Lion’s
Game—Nelson Demille<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My favorite of the bunch.
Yes, technically published January, 2000, but that’s close enough. At first the New York detective John Corey
character was too wise-guy for me, but I developed an affinity for it and by
the third chapter I was engrossed. The
opening scene has a 747 landing at JFK Airport without contact from the pilot
or crew while carrying a Libyan terrorist on board. The scene goes on for several chapters and
switches point of view from the terrorist to John Corey. The book is 700 pages long, but that was way
too short for my liking. My first
introduction to Demille and I grew to love his work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b>LA Confidential—James
Ellroy<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many books on this list are more popular because of the
movie version, but this one needs the respect of the writing to be
appreciated. Ellroy writes with a unique
style of giving you snippets without indulging you with all the facts. Some writers tend to oversell the story, but
Ellroy is just the opposite. If you feel
like you missed something, just keep reading and you’ll catch on eventually. No matter where you are in this story, you’re
going to enjoy the ride.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Into Thin Air—Jon
Krakauer<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GGa8chEeXrpfaAOvMcz9gS2B6LXRQaCcpyfB7MmDCOiU9rqZguxLjnYSpn6hPR_-3hSI7Ue3UdRu2s8V2V27yifFxEQV0j8669t61PM2JkPJEdq92uGEXBo6tPUclwQy0cnST-pSPRU/s1600/Be+Cool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GGa8chEeXrpfaAOvMcz9gS2B6LXRQaCcpyfB7MmDCOiU9rqZguxLjnYSpn6hPR_-3hSI7Ue3UdRu2s8V2V27yifFxEQV0j8669t61PM2JkPJEdq92uGEXBo6tPUclwQy0cnST-pSPRU/s1600/Be+Cool.jpg" /></a>Yes, this is nonfiction and therefore not considered a thriller. However, this book told one of the most spellbinding
stories I’d ever read. The fact that it
was a true story written by someone who actually summited Mt. Everest, makes it
completely enthralling. Krakauer follows
a team of enthusiastic, yet inexperienced climbers as they battle ferocious hurricane
winds, altitude illness and minus 70-degree temperatures. Krakauer’s prose is powerful and honest and
rips at your gut as confused climbers suffering from oxygen deprivation decide
to sit down and pull off their clothes in uninhabitable conditions, expediting
their demise. Truly a mind-blowing ride.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Be Cool—Elmore Leonard<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This guy is my all-time favorite author<b>. </b>Until
I read Glitz in the early ‘80s, I had no idea that dialogue could be so gritty. It hadn’t dawned on me that certain seedy characters
spoke in slang and didn’t speak in full sentences. Be Cool is the sequel to Get
Shorty, which was also a great book, but there are some memorable scenes in
this one that takes it over the top. I’ve
spent half my writing career trying to create a character as clever as Chili
Palmer. If only. </span>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-9118753213560708172017-08-01T22:06:00.000-07:002017-08-01T22:06:37.699-07:00HOW NICK BRACCO WAS BORN<div class="MsoNormal">
It was the late 90’s and I’d received some critical acclaim
for my short stories. I felt like I’d
proven myself as a writer and now it was time to take on the novel. Now, what kind of book was I going to
write? Clue, I wanted to write something
that I’d like to read. I’ve always been
a fan of thrillers. It started way back
with my penchant for Raymond Chandler’s mysteries. His wise guy, Phillip Marlowe, character had me
glued to the page. I will never forget
some of the lines Chandler wrote: “She had a voice like an angel and a body
that would make a Priest kick a hole through a stained-glass window.” Classic.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVr5QrWUXcG2lpAbH-p7JLQZFuXK9ALWZAqMFAW0u-VBGhRZHwIa20ZP4f4ruFNVJryCVmdtRNAUzOCuASECF5ZXXRP8nJLH9WkFnZfQR2mhNeILXeixAPSdm1K69vBGv8SzzRuNZ3Ag/s1600/The+Big+Sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVr5QrWUXcG2lpAbH-p7JLQZFuXK9ALWZAqMFAW0u-VBGhRZHwIa20ZP4f4ruFNVJryCVmdtRNAUzOCuASECF5ZXXRP8nJLH9WkFnZfQR2mhNeILXeixAPSdm1K69vBGv8SzzRuNZ3Ag/s1600/The+Big+Sleep.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, naturally when it was time to create my protagonist, I decided
on a law enforcement officer with a witty disposition. I went back to my youth working in my father’s
candy store in Brooklyn. The characters
in that store were full of . . . well,
character. There was a special type of
character who tended to linger around the store most of the day, in
shifts. They were friends of my
dad. They were dark-skinned, dark-haired
and had names like Vinny and Joey and Max.
Yeah, the Mafia. You see my
father was Sicilian and because of that, these guys tended to protect the store
while my father was gone and I was alone in the store. I learned something about that dynamic. Loyalty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, fast forward thirty years, and Nick Bracco was
born. Nick is a Sicilian FBI agent who
has a cousin, Tommy, who’s involved in the Mafia. Tommy ends up being the true wit in these
thrillers and I get at least a request a month asking me to write a book with
Tommy as the main character. I had to do
tons of research on the FBI and how they operated. I even interviewed an FBI agent as part of my
research. But Tommy’s character I never
had to research. It seemed I knew at
least twenty Tommy’s back in Brooklyn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOYRdNFy93uvK5xXlHVJ4TC4ch0F8BO4NJgFkQ_E3zy2Su5qZponwkAsSBq2dsWVGsISDRoRxHvujNJ4IwAJjoJj5bf8sy727TEmCV4KZ9sMYRBEE-Yfia1Rx1TR02Y7zKHsIXxXQfEs/s1600/A+Touch+of+Deceit+NEW+COVER+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOYRdNFy93uvK5xXlHVJ4TC4ch0F8BO4NJgFkQ_E3zy2Su5qZponwkAsSBq2dsWVGsISDRoRxHvujNJ4IwAJjoJj5bf8sy727TEmCV4KZ9sMYRBEE-Yfia1Rx1TR02Y7zKHsIXxXQfEs/s320/A+Touch+of+Deceit+NEW+COVER+FINAL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
True story, I never had any intention of writing a sequel to
A Touch of Deceit. It wasn’t until I’d
sold over 50,000 copies over the first six months that a reader emailed me and
asked when the sequel was coming out. A
sequel? Well, I’m currently working on Nick
Bracco #6 and hope to keep going as long as people want to read my stories. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing is hard.
Research can be grueling. But whenever
I hear from happy readers, it makes everything else seem worth it.</div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-34415758290284488442017-05-13T13:07:00.000-07:002017-05-13T14:32:09.834-07:00WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT AN INDEPENDENT AUTHOR<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I wanted to title this post, “What is a Published Author,”
but changed my mind when I realized there was a deeper issue I wanted to
address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I received my acceptance
notice from Potato Eyes Literary Magazine for my first short story “Saving the
World” some twenty years ago, I had never been more excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, even after selling over
100,000 copies of my Nick Bracco series, that’s still my favorite
accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I sold my
stories to Potpourri and Evansville Review and Amazing Journeys and so on, the
success gave me a sense of achievement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It let me know my work was accepted within the literary community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Then later, when I received my first Pushcart Prize nomination
for the best short story of the year, it solidified the fact that I had some
skill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a second Pushcart Prize
nomination, I finally had the confidence to write novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of these steps led me to where I am
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Fast forward twenty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Past the literary agent who kept my manuscript on the bottom shelf until
a very kind assistant recommended I leave the agency or wait for a phone call that
will never come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Past the second
literary agent who said my work was exceptional, but the industry was changing
and new authors were pushed to the bottom of the pile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Publishers were better off trying to sell the
fifteenth novel from a somewhat known author than the first one from a fresh
voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnifhzltph99ieZUkTLggmKTRd4W0TqzHOGCVgZ0npMHwWedRTVWrSdEG9agM1-pcqi-HCDWIB7Jhweek5mCJ7yu6fVimbHPvdI7p4IeH559Z_U0Y0OEJztCYyM32bOh6D9_sYoscdcDI/s1600/Nutty+Professor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnifhzltph99ieZUkTLggmKTRd4W0TqzHOGCVgZ0npMHwWedRTVWrSdEG9agM1-pcqi-HCDWIB7Jhweek5mCJ7yu6fVimbHPvdI7p4IeH559Z_U0Y0OEJztCYyM32bOh6D9_sYoscdcDI/s320/Nutty+Professor.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Recognize this sequel strategy in the movie industry?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, when I approach the subject of independent authors, I
truly mean writers who are independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Writers who can choose their distribution method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can choose their editor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can approve their own cover design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The independent authors I’m speaking of are
not the rare ones who slipped past the gatekeepers by writing inferior work,
then posting it on Amazon and hoping for sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m speaking about writers who chose to take on the industry by forging
ahead with their career despite the odds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Writers who could’ve been published with a legacy publisher but chose
not to wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Instead of wasting time railing against the traditional
publishing companies who try to squeeze out independent authors, I’d rather
stress the positive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here are just
some of them:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">John Locke, J.A. Konrath, Hugh Howey, Amanda Hocking and
Jonas Saul, just to name a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Authors
who decided to take their own path to acquiring an audience for their
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writers who weren’t told by a
publisher they had to leave politics out of their story, or keep their idea
more mainstream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So how do we encourage this outbreak of creative
storytelling? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Support them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tell them what you liked about their stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell your friends about their work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anytime you’re promoting their product, you’re
boosting their chances to create more original work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re giving someone an opportunity to spend
more time writing and less time working their day job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It sounds hyperbolic, but it’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many authors who need to find
other means to produce income outside of writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s grass roots support that could make the
difference. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, if you like an author’s work, nurture it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blow on the flames slightly to get the kindle
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pun intended. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will continue to support these fine writers
and I hope you will as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Here are some other authors who deserve your consideration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are hybrid authors who straddle the line
of traditional and independent publishing, but their quality of work is worth
your attention:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Robert Bidinotto, </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cheryl Bradshaw, </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Luke Romyn, </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Lawrence Kelter, </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jennifer Chase & </span></span><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Dean Lappi.<o:p></o:p></span></span>Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-85479510669710929082017-04-02T08:35:00.000-07:002017-04-02T08:35:03.327-07:005 THRILLER AUTHORS YOU NEED TO READ
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are so many books to read and so little time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past few years I’ve discovered a
pattern in my reading habits: I’d read an author I’ve always liked— Lee Child and
Elmore Leonard for example—then I would branch out to find someone new.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s during this branching out period that I
found myself disappointed and returning to my shortlist of writers who I know
would never disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How I wish I had
a clone with my exact taste who could read books then make recommendations,
like Pandora for authors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I thought I
would try to accomplish something with this post—or at least open doors for
some worthy writers who might be flying under the Vince Flynn-David Baldacci,
radar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First up, J.A. Konrath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though he’s sold over two million books in twenty countries, it
still feels like he doesn’t get the props he deserves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His writing is succinct and chilling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a very matter-of-fact way of squeezing
your larynx and smirking simultaneously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a rare talent who could make you cringe and grin on the very same
page, but Joe makes it happen on a routine basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CW8BMA4?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_XqrMxbMVNX10Z&tag=kpembed-20&linkCode=kpe"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CW8BMA4?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_XqrMxbMVNX10Z&tag=kpembed-20&linkCode=kpe" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1AMT-GKe8J29qIRLZRbB2SSUX9w5wn-scnQlhR9yramZQIxO219BZjANOTT4QUQoKfI_FplpQh9H7Cl-F_XgTY-8f9ZLcKsERr4wcCpBpgSsNZiy85AFjzYey5I1MVUbz8-hoHNof98/s320/Last+Call.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Check out Joe’s webpage here: <a href="http://www.jakonrath.com/">http://www.jakonrath.com/</a>And if you’d like to read one
of his more recent Jack Daniels thrillers, check out Last Call. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next up, Diane Capri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She began her career as a lawyer, but don’t hold that against her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think John Grisham with a sharp wit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her writing is simply impeccable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t waste time on narrative that’s
unnecessary to the plot, yet you feel like the scene is happening right in
front of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her Judge Willa Carson
thrillers are my favorite, but her Hunt for Jack Reacher series is probably
more known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recommend trying her
latest Judge Willa Carson Mystery, True Justice:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/True-Justice-Judge-Carson-Mystery-ebook/dp/B06X1FPNVZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491146508&sr=1-1&keywords=true+justice"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/True-Justice-Judge-Carson-Mystery-ebook/dp/B06X1FPNVZ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491146508&sr=1-1&keywords=true+justice" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisbgKeonjZTLcGKLXQJuPYwLqo9-IthogUa1zUPHEmcgc1PGEM6v06Wln4WQkxcXLZ3xuaRphmHz6C8DNilZGDBWBJaGEn5Q2ni0eWeWG9USiWnac6JIyBaysOywpveOlOdSav4x8KGk/s320/True+Justice.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for Rick Murcer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He began his writing career later in life, so his style is tight and to
the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wasted motions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if he only has so many books to write and
he wasn’t going to waste time with superfluous storylines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Manny Williams series contain some tremendous thrillers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t believe me? Just read some of the reviews
from the readers who’ve followed him along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would try out his latest, Cajun Fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read the first chapter and tell me you
aren’t hooked. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cajun-Fire-Manny-Williams-Thriller-ebook/dp/B01GCZXRO2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491146648&sr=1-1&keywords=cajun+fire"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Cajun-Fire-Manny-Williams-Thriller-ebook/dp/B01GCZXRO2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1491146648&sr=1-1&keywords=cajun+fire" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8kswPwyXgpesGxWIRzPLOAouoX1h84rbsjtByQ-mGegcE0hEWiTYjLS3PZEiROF-Hc9Z7i1U1CnX3DQQhin5nBupCy-SUckONKSeBgGL87MJqL6IQI2rfVJh_g6wCaxdMiY31QpRUxc/s320/Cajun+Fire.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vincent Zandri is a photojournalist who travels around the
globe to capture the feel of his settings better than any author on the
planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most writers delve into
their imagination to portray the image in the reader’s mind, Vincent can
actually paint it for you from memory. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s been there, spoken with the natives, and
returned with a story that almost certainly was influenced by the adventure he
witnessed during his research. Don’t believe me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out his webpage here: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <a href="http://www.vincentzandri.com/">http://www.vincentzandri.com/</a></span> And as far as his books, he writes several
series, but his Dick Moonlight is the creepiest and most interesting to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try his Murder by Moonlight. This was the book
that got me excited about his work.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-by-Moonlight-ebook/dp/B0073I2PM8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-by-Moonlight-ebook/dp/B0073I2PM8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yn4U3Eu25_XjtnPDtQomvyAU3qRrI_Akj358HwdnqbuMT3oIJ-FvjVXkbtinAcYlzGPd8HkHLU1PgR5ZN5ZWatsGkxhDZRnkIdT4kTFQjLEt0fOXv-hEUySbPEbTG_Oz8uKXEC2lnAM/s320/Murder+by+Moonlight.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And Finally, one of my favorites, Claude Bouchard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Claude is a Canadian businessman who got the
writing bug and made it his fulltime job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I’m glad he did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
dialogue-heavy thrillers keep you turning the pages while giving you plenty of chills
discovering what his characters are up to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would try his latest Vigilante series thriller, Getting Even.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a cathartic thrill to watching an assassin
exact revenge on people who do bad things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And don’t we all want justice to be served? </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Even-Vigilante-crime-thriller-ebook/dp/B01DI9X27W/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JRRCRY05MN3CMF8NH70R"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Even-Vigilante-crime-thriller-ebook/dp/B01DI9X27W/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JRRCRY05MN3CMF8NH70R" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IbX81rYi9x3XO1UrMmgISULKoFgMS_HP5P1fMoUdte0qMd2RAgXnoNvVbdqOqbLvwz_3-D7LqOadV7r9_y5oHBy1tzYRLg56U3hUOy3azItjQwg5a2RTeDi7OPX0wE3QF_4Orj96YWw/s320/Getting+Even.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can assure you that I’ve read at least one book from each
of these authors and wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t find their work riveting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully you’ll find someone in this group
who will fill your days with nail-biting thrills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are definitely worth a try. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-23962873254727247012017-02-28T15:48:00.000-08:002017-03-01T10:26:33.200-08:00SURPRISING SERVICE THE FBI PROVIDES TO WRITERS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I first created my Nick Bracco character some fifteen
years ago, I had very little knowledge of how the FBI operated outside of what
I’d seen on TV and in the movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
Nick’s Mafia cousin Tommy that I had a much better grasp of, since I was surrounded
by Sicilian family members all the time during my youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I needed to research the FBI so I could
bring a reality to my character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read
several books that were truly informational, including a great one by Ron
Kessler titled, The FBI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there
were still questions that lingered in my mind that I needed answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, this was pre-Google. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2Wy9mkAzR07g_NYZAM3eZP8zBN1inIkZYDm3ew4MdMirposLtA2Df4mtT4nhrQrEh3s__sydT72bM_dkEGUhuHV96Qd3IPDRj2yv5hFT1Hy53K9UVMfPbCHek4I8LoWDY6HDPhZeFf0/s1600/The+FBI+Ron+Kessler.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2Wy9mkAzR07g_NYZAM3eZP8zBN1inIkZYDm3ew4MdMirposLtA2Df4mtT4nhrQrEh3s__sydT72bM_dkEGUhuHV96Qd3IPDRj2yv5hFT1Hy53K9UVMfPbCHek4I8LoWDY6HDPhZeFf0/s1600/The+FBI+Ron+Kessler.png" /></a></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I picked up the phone and dialed the local Phoenix FBI field
office and asked if I could interview an FBI agent for a book I was
writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, here’s the important part—I
didn’t tell them it was fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that might have something to do with the fact that a moment later I was transferred
to a gentleman who introduced himself as Agent Simpson (let’s go with that,
since my memory is foggy.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
pleasant, even asking me if he could have my phone number in case we got disconnected.
I knew, of course, he was staring at my number on his caller ID, so right away
he was making sure I wasn’t lying. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">After the guy answered a litany of questions for me, I was fascinated
that someone would take time out of their busy schedule to do such a thing. Until I discovered that was actually doing his job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Each field office has a Public Affairs Specialist who’s there to work
with the media, including writers who are working on articles or books about
the FBI.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you’re writing a thriller, it’s not a bad idea to make
that call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember asking things
like: Does an FBI Agent have to use government-issued weapons or can they buy
their own?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does every shooting incident
require a debriefing? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do FBI agents get
to choose their partners?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can tell you
that some of these answers were not what I expected. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve heard of writers doing ride alongs with police and I’m
not sure the FBI does that, but I promise if you call your local field office
there is someone there who can answer some of your questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, your tax dollars are helping pay for
this service, so why not take advantage of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Just don’t tell him your last name is Ponzo and your father
used to help the Mafia run the numbers in his candy store back in the '70s. I’m sure
the statute of limitations has run out by now, but somehow I skipped that part
during my interview. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-77642053125828170162017-01-29T09:43:00.001-08:002017-01-29T09:43:38.042-08:00ELMORE LEONARD IS ALIVE AND WELL
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elmore Leonard has had a profound effect on my writing
career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone who’s familiar with my
Tommy Bracco character knows what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I began reading Elmore’s work, characters
always seemed to have a stilted tone to their dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a 40's movie where everyone spoke in
perfect English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Elmore, Dutch, Leonard
came along and changed the game for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suddenly, gangsters were talking in slang without explaining it to the
reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just follow along, Elmore seemed
to suggest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll get it after a while.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArlVBQN4v57fuaR8Qz01xy7P90JY8BuRTQYaWMzhXjZh2K5_OZaYxYmL-q413yKHNWlxDc2U3BOe57oQAmObgYqBZSs-9myOnKGV0kuF5qLvBTK4siTWzuWjIjXvPIE9byZtcKqcGOW4/s1600/Freaky+Deaky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArlVBQN4v57fuaR8Qz01xy7P90JY8BuRTQYaWMzhXjZh2K5_OZaYxYmL-q413yKHNWlxDc2U3BOe57oQAmObgYqBZSs-9myOnKGV0kuF5qLvBTK4siTWzuWjIjXvPIE9byZtcKqcGOW4/s1600/Freaky+Deaky.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here’s a sample of what I’m talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below is the opening scene to Freaky Deaky. Chris
Mankowski is a bomb expert summoned to Booker’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Booker is a gangster who answered his
telephone where the women he was dating told him to sit down. When he sat down,
she told him the chair he was sitting on had a bomb in it and the moment he
stood up he’d be killed: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">"Man, be
careful there," Booker said, bringing his hands off the chair arms to
bunch the skirts of the robe between his bare legs, up tight against his
crotch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">"You feel
anything under you?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">"When I
sat down it felt… like, different."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Chris slit open
the facing of the seat cushion, held the edges apart and looked in. He said,
"Hmmmmm."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Booker said,
"What you mean hmmmmm? Don't give me no hmmmmm shit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What's in there?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Chris looked up
at Booker and said, "Ten sticks of dynamite."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Booker was
clutching the chair arms again, his body upright, stiff, telling Chris,
"Get that shit out from under me, man. Get it out, get it out of
there!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;">Chris said,
"Somebody doesn't like you, Booker. Two sticks would've been plenty."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a thing of beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this post isn’t about Elmore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post is about his son Peter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, when Dutch passed away in 2013, it
left an empty hole in my reading sequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tended to give new authors a try, but once I finished that book, I would
always resort to another Elmore book to get that flavor back in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometime in the past year I was groping for another
book and realized that I’d read everything Elmore had written. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s saying something, since he’d written
over 50 novels.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s when I
discovered that his son, Peter, was also a novelist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just on a lark I read the beginning to one of
his books and realized very quickly that Peter was the spitting image of his
father when it came to writing fiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The narrative and dialogue was a perfect replica of his father’s
tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, don’t get me wrong, he’s not
copying his father’s work, it’s his own style and his own imagination, but boy,
it’s remarkably appealing to anyone who’s familiar with Dutch’s work.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmitS672unfphGftAekfhRTblYf1pxKNUFWriagALrYrKPI6tWa4_BVQWhBN9HLkmfHra823gHrmfiD3p8p4xqSWq-cHuGqgc3btRLi5JKEmqyH6IUyErVWVQp7ul9M1YQ-jRqI2nuwIY/s1600/Unknown+Remains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmitS672unfphGftAekfhRTblYf1pxKNUFWriagALrYrKPI6tWa4_BVQWhBN9HLkmfHra823gHrmfiD3p8p4xqSWq-cHuGqgc3btRLi5JKEmqyH6IUyErVWVQp7ul9M1YQ-jRqI2nuwIY/s320/Unknown+Remains.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So far, I’ve read
Unknown Remains, Trust Me and Eye Closed Tight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first two were fantastic reads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The third book jumped around a little bit too much for my liking, but
the dialogue was so enjoyable, that I pressed on and finished liking the story
very much. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m writing this
to encourage anyone who’s an Elmore Leonard fan to give Peter’s books a try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’ll enjoy the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do yourself a favor and go to Amazon and read
the beginning to one of his books. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or go
to a bookstore and pick it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll
know within a page or two whether it’s the style you would appreciate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is--enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And you’re welcome.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-56860897856323554502017-01-03T15:14:00.001-08:002017-01-03T19:40:43.853-08:00WHY WRITERS CONTROL THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There’s a famous scene in the 1992 movie, The Player, in
which a young Hollywood executive played by Peter Gallagher tells the veteran
executive, Tim Robbins, “Who needs writers, this thing writes itself.”</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">And honestly, there’s a segment of the entertainment
industry who still subscribe to that theory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ve all been to those movies too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ones that follow a familiar formula with familiar punchlines and
familiar dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battlefield Earth
anyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whenever there’s a hit,
there’s good writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A great example is
this year’s critically acclaimed drama, Manchester by the Sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is by far the most depressing movie I’ve
ever witnessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to go see
Schindler’s List just to lighten my mood after this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the dialogue was so moving and the
acting so superb, you ignored the fact that you’ve seen this movie plenty of
times before.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUhah4VMdVztU102LYhQo_NbWZ2dO0n87ThlCHqzI2IGyWI8xYxQoN5KiuwVbLIdVdUM5FMeuPG66up9Ewj4POP5G1TInMLo7RwQB9CLH09PPx9RTkLRnjymSBBWPyMJjZlMYo7E8CZA/s1600/MANCHESTER+BY+THE+SEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUhah4VMdVztU102LYhQo_NbWZ2dO0n87ThlCHqzI2IGyWI8xYxQoN5KiuwVbLIdVdUM5FMeuPG66up9Ewj4POP5G1TInMLo7RwQB9CLH09PPx9RTkLRnjymSBBWPyMJjZlMYo7E8CZA/s1600/MANCHESTER+BY+THE+SEA.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you think about your favorite TV shows, the one which
makes you laugh, the one which made you relate to the characters, it was almost
purely the writing that got you there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had this feeling leaving the movie Why Him? this past weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a plot that seemed so typical that it
would be easy to pass up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
writing is done so well, that it’s almost impossible not to laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Think about some of the most iconic movies in the past fifty
years and you’ll almost always have a line that brings it all back to you:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“You can’t handle the truth!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“There’s no crying in baseball.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">“Go ahead, make my day.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You get my point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
best actor in the world can’t deliver a crappy line and make it work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, a good writer can make an average
actor seem extraordinary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So the next time you’re enjoying something on TV, your
phone, or the big screen, remember who drew you in and got you to watch the
next scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was that pimple-faced
writer who spent his or her youth learning how to create a cogent passage with
heart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Writing may seem to be
dissipating with advent of digital media, but believe me, those words are just
as potent in your book or on your screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Writers make the world of fiction go around and I’m just glad to be a
small part of that community who appreciates the effort. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-62854803597375693382016-11-18T07:46:00.000-08:002016-11-18T21:29:20.259-08:00HOW TRUMP HAS GREATLY IMPROVED THE LIFE OF A NOVELIST<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sometime in early 2001 I sent a copy of my manuscript, A
Touch of Deceit, to a top literary agency in New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially the book was rejected because the agent
had a tough time believing that the U.S. would ever get involved with a Kurdish
uprising in the Middle East.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Implausible
was the word he used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then September 11<sup>th</sup>
came and the world changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The implausible
became very plausible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">When Donald Trump won the Republican nomination for
President, it was a shocker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sane
person would have predicted his victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And now that he’s about to be the leader of the free world, everything
has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK172X_Oa-5eJzD0icpiZFj_DTshss2hrdt_O5FDeUZsYJCQKSjskrhv3uH5q7CjpigRN5cvliEVc0UO6s-aFxuQ0bOUqXlleuJuo4vFTuCMtq2LLyS6XPSVrCAddheuKc57zvq-OwMU/s1600/Trumps+wig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieK172X_Oa-5eJzD0icpiZFj_DTshss2hrdt_O5FDeUZsYJCQKSjskrhv3uH5q7CjpigRN5cvliEVc0UO6s-aFxuQ0bOUqXlleuJuo4vFTuCMtq2LLyS6XPSVrCAddheuKc57zvq-OwMU/s1600/Trumps+wig.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Clearly there’s a divide in our country that goes deeper
than liberal and conservative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something
that Donald Trump tapped into with 3-word catchphrases like ‘Drain the Swamp’
and ‘Build the Wall.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its ramifications
are being felt globally with protests and warnings from foreign leaders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Democrats are screaming that Russia had
something to do with the outcome of our election.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they may be right. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">If I were to write a novel three years ago and documented
verbatim what happened in the past election cycle, my manuscript would’ve been
soundly rejected again. Implausible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
they would have a point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three years ago
this scenario was unbelievable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">But here’s the good news for fiction writers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trump has allowed us the freedom to stretch
the boundaries of credibility much farther than ever thought possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have a storyline that includes a
Muslim-American terrorist who’s spent his life building a platform to become
President, only to create havoc with our policies allowing a nuclear bomb to be
fired at a Middle-Eastern enemy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go for
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you have a plot that includes a
Presidential candidate who’s a sex addict?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">At this point the American public has seen it all and
nothing is out of bounds any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Love him or hate him, Donald Trump has opened up so many storylines for
future novelists that were considered ridiculous just a few weeks ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can feel the creative juices flowing
already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">How about a movie star who became Governor of California,
then went on to become one of the most beloved Presidents in . . . oh wait. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Let’s start with an alien from another galaxy, far, far
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-72071613573232314062016-11-11T08:48:00.002-08:002016-11-11T08:48:48.734-08:00WHAT HAPPENS WHEN FICTION COINCIDES WITH REALITY
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I began writing my latest Nick Bracco thriller, A Touch
of Defiance, I had no idea how closely it would emulate national events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My character, Leo Frazier, is a closet bigot
who’s attempting to overthrow the government with his collection of disaffected
civilians called the Civil Resistance Movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is civil unrest in our country and Frazier is taking advantage of
our angst by drawing people against each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvsuQdavH_HpjEjk-3nF0yy-vvMYTPxqBwL01f2R75n9xr_Gf6sSDe366pR7pjyCqAf3VbOnkRk9mbo2ATfsd9HBcXX3ch818LRgw96jkMT8yULA9DdAsj48dIPnvLtBBhK_Wb77bP30/s1600/A+Touch+of+Defiance+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvsuQdavH_HpjEjk-3nF0yy-vvMYTPxqBwL01f2R75n9xr_Gf6sSDe366pR7pjyCqAf3VbOnkRk9mbo2ATfsd9HBcXX3ch818LRgw96jkMT8yULA9DdAsj48dIPnvLtBBhK_Wb77bP30/s320/A+Touch+of+Defiance+Book+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now in all my Bracco books I never delve into politics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never mention if Nick is a Republican or
Democrat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I never even mention
which side of the aisle the President himself resides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not my place to instill a division among
my readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve always wanted my
stories to be alone in their world without finger-pointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main thrust of my work is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good versus bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lines get blurry of course when you have
a member of the Mafia working with an FBI agent to track down terrorists, but
that’s the fun part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How far can you go
before you cross that line?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all,
even gangsters can be patriotic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when my story overlaps with today’s news cycle, I’m
reminded that we are all part of the same community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all on this spaceship called Earth
hurling throughout the universe at breakneck speed and the people in the back
of the ship are trying to kill the people in the front of the ship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a writer, I find solace in the fact that I
can’t possibly prevent division in the world, nor can I bring people together
with some fictional series about the mob fighting terrorist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do gain a cathartic buzz knowing that I
can offer my readers a sense of triumph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can join in with my characters and clench a fist of victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This form of accomplishment can be medicinal
in this time of disparate agendas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are all part of the same spaceship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
pick up your favorite thriller and delve into the pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let your mind wander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And please, be accepting of the other side—whatever
that other side may be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hop on and enjoy the ride. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888894328714553003.post-83295434082219630562016-10-20T09:50:00.000-07:002016-10-21T17:44:04.622-07:00HOW TO WRITE A THRILLERI don't do how-to's very often. It sounds pompous to have the recipe for a good thriller locked up into one blog post. However, I do have some tips to help authors who endeavor to write thrillers. There are certain ingredients to the recipe that make for a great reading experience.<br />
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First of all you need a protagonist who is flawed. Even Ian Fleming's, James Bond, had his flaws. Yes, he was a womanizer who drank and smoked. The same goes for Raymond Chandler's, Phillip Marlowe, who had a weakness for scotch and long-legged women. Think Macbeth or Gatsby or Jason Bourne. Very flawed indeed. Even Indiana Jones was afraid of snakes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdWegRjqavsDxVkxq1pwWvbzuVS0BPE6NKlCQFjRkuit_YKrT0fzYU_h5jZcxhN_mSbsbnwrZprUX6hxJneroQbB9a9sNfo_xSG953yNvxnIjQaVsobfsVB902YdN85eCdNKGwsPlA4Y/s1600/The+Bourne+Identity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdWegRjqavsDxVkxq1pwWvbzuVS0BPE6NKlCQFjRkuit_YKrT0fzYU_h5jZcxhN_mSbsbnwrZprUX6hxJneroQbB9a9sNfo_xSG953yNvxnIjQaVsobfsVB902YdN85eCdNKGwsPlA4Y/s1600/The+Bourne+Identity.jpg" /></a></div>
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Second, you need an antagonist who is believable. I know we're conditioned to seeing movie villains who are simply there for maniacal reasons. They're trying to blow up the White House, or poison the planet's water supply, but why? The best antagonist has a plausible reason for their behavior. Make him/her have an underlying reason for their actions. This makes it compelling for the reader to understand the plotline and stay with you until the end.<br />
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Finally, and the most important part of the process, is the rhythm of the story. This can be characterized as a writer's style. How you negotiate the mixture of dialogue and narrative will eventually determine the ability to force the reader to turn the page. Resist the temptation to show off all your knowledge of a certain subject. If you're a gun enthusiast, don't spend three paragraphs explaining the intricacies of a 9mm Beretta. It's what the character is doing with the Beretta that matters. The ultra successful Elmore Leonard famously said, "Try to leave out the part that the reader tends to skip." That's probably the best advice. You probably never skipped over dialogue did you? I'm not saying you should leave out important details, but mix it up.<br />
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The best way to do this is to "Show not Tell." This is also a popular saying that needs to be followed. Don't say, she was mad. Show her slamming her fist on the desk. It's rhythm. It's the cadence of the story that keeps you reading. A good way to make sure this is employed is to use the 5 senses in every scene. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore as the detective searched for the body. The smell of formaldehyde during the autopsy. All of these pull the reader inside the room and place them right there in the scene itself. <br />
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If this sounds like basic stuff to you, then you're already a seasoned author with a solid grasp of the fundamentals. But as with any profession it requires talent and routine. Even major league baseball players hit off of a tee every day during the season to keep that muscle memory going. As long as you employ these features in your writing, you're bound to have a successful product on your hands. And I'll let you decide what success is, but for my money, success comes from reading your work with a smile on your face knowing you did your very best to write the story you were trying to tell. <br />
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Gary Ponzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13171541464149058048noreply@blogger.com0