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"Compelling from start to finish."
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“Your new favourite action-thriller author."
— Nick Thacker, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
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I’m a forty-six-year-old Englishman, and I grew up in a working-class family by the seaside in Lowestoft, England. An avid sportsman, painter, photographer and reader, those loves are only trumped by my love of travelling and writing. To date I have visited 60+ countries and lived and worked on five continents. Highlights have been trekking in the Andes and Himalayas, scuba diving all over the world, teaching English in Korea, and trying all the local adult beverages, wherever I happen to be. I first left to explore the world in 1994, and I don't think I'll ever stop.
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THE GOLEM OF PRAGUE: HIRAM KANE BOOK #0
One ancient myth. One crazed Neo-Nazi. One chance at redemption.
Hiram Kane is in Prague to visit his friend and mentor, Professor John Haines, when a deranged Neo-Nazi kidnaps a dozen innocent Jewish children.
Kane and Haines suddenly find themselves drawn into a deadly race against time to save the victims, before the psychopathic modern-day monster twists an ancient Jewish myth to her wildly unhinged and nefarious desires.
Innocents will die. That is inevitable. The question is, how many can Hiram Kane save?
THE TIGER TEMPLE: HIRAM KANE BOOK #1
A betrayed criminal. A kidnapped child. A deadly race against time.
On the Island of the Gods, expedition leader Hiram Kane is on holiday after a long season guiding in the Peruvian Andes.
When a good friend’s greed leads him to betray Bali’s most notorious gangster, their peaceful community is left shell-shocked after the six-year-old daughter of its leader gets kidnapped in a vicious and violent raid.
What follows is a whirlwind race across the paradise island to rescue the girl before ‘The Rooster’ takes his sadistic revenge, and with the waking giant of volcanic Mt. Agung threatening to destroy them all...
Kane risks everything to prevent a devastating tragedy.
THE SAMURAI CODE: HIRAM KANE BOOK #2
One lethal storm. One deadly criminal. One ancient code.
Expedition leader Hiram Kane is in Japan when the storm of the century hits. He joins the rescue mission as flash floods cause chaos, death and destruction.
Yakuza boss Katashi Goto is retiring from the mob. Before he does, there is one more thing to achieve: revenge over a centuries old enemy.
When their two very different worlds collide, Kane is forced to make a choice. He has always known honour is worth fighting for.
When challenged by Katashi, he has to decide if it is also worth dying for.
THE CONDOR PROPHECY: HIRAM KANE BOOK #3
Uprising looms. Revenge demanded by Inca Gods. A prophecy must be fulfilled!
While on an expedition in the Andes to locate the lost Inca city of Vilcabamba, Hiram Kane’s team is infiltrated by not one but two different terrorist factions, each seeking the legendary Inca gold to fund nefarious strikes against their enemy.
Catholics against Incans.
The Eagle Alliance versus The Condor Uprising.
Hiram Kane must defeat them both.
The expedition soon devolves into the deadliest of treasure hunts, and amidst the wild Andean weather and lethal terrain, a dangerous race against time.
Win, and Hiram Kane can prevent a new holy war.
Lose, & the ancient prophecy will unleash catastrophic consequences the world over.
THE SHADOW OF KAILASH: HIRAM KANE BOOK #4
Criminals getting rich. Terrorists getting powerful. Women getting killed... and worse.
Hiram Kane travels to India to honour the life of his murdered best friend.
But Kane's world is soon plunged into turmoil when a psychotic people trafficker kidnaps Alexandria Ridley, the love of his life, and disappears into the mighty Himalayas.
What begins as a risky rescue mission turns into a chilling foray into the world of weapons and drugs trading, sexual slavery and human trafficking — and culminates in a deadly race against time across the top of the world into Chinese-occupied Tibet.
With lives on the line and the future of Buddhism in jeopardy, must Kane make the ultimate sacrifice?
THE FEATHERED SERPENT: HIRAM KANE BOOK #5
A Betrayed Archaeologist. A Ghost from the Past. A Dozen Worthy Sacrifices.
Expedition leader Hiram Kane is holed up in his native England recovering from wounds both physical and mental, when his family receives a mysterious anonymous letter that dredges up nightmares from the past. Could it also offer a ray of unexpected hope?
Across the globe beneath a forgotten Aztec pyramid, a disillusioned archaeology professor is about to unleash his wrath.
How? Brutally murdering a dozen innocent victims in an ancient sacrificial ritual.
When the modern and ancient worlds collide and the unhinged professor starts committing unimaginable blood-spilling atrocities on the adolescent virgins, Kane is forced to make an impossible choice;
Will he sacrifice the love of his life to save the innocent girls?
OF CURSES & KINGS: HIRAM KANE BOOK #6
He'd had enough of death and disaster.
He believed it was finally over.
Hiram Kane had been wrong before.
Archaeologist-turned-expedition leader Hiram Kane had retired from a life of international exploration.
He'd had enough of all the senseless death and destruction that seemed to stalk him everywhere he went. He really thought it was finally over.
When offered an assignment to transport one of the world's most iconic archaeological artefacts back to its rightful home as part of the British Museum's groundbreaking artefact repatriation program, it seemed like the perfect assignment to ease into retired life whilst also playing an important role in the world of antiquities.
But when an unknown organisation transpires against Kane's simple wish for a peaceful and tranquil life, and target his operation with nefarious goals, can he make the one decision that will grant him what he most desires, even at the cost of the most precious thing he's ever known?
THE HIRAM KANE BOOK BOX SET 1-3 + BONUS
The Tiger Temple, The Samurai Code & The Condor Prophecy (plus a bonus copy of The Golem of Prague)
4 lightning-paced international action thrillers packed with real-world places, deadly criminals, ancient settings, and exciting unsolved mysteries.
With over 1000 pages of relentless action, thrills & adventure, the Hiram Kane books will leave you gasping for more!
"Compelling from start to finish. Highly recommended"
— Mark Dawson, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
“Looking for a new favourite action-thriller author? Look no further”
— Nick Thacker, USA TODAY Bestselling Author
I, Survivor: When Prey Becomes Predator
The Alexandria Ridley Vigilante Thrillers Book 0
HAVANA FURY: A RYAN BODEAN TROPICAL THRILLER #0
A Rip-roaring Action Thriller That'll Knock Off Your Flip Flops!!
Ryan 'R.B.' Bodean has taken a page from his brother Troy's book and is out to find his fortune at the bottom of the ocean. And he needs good fortune to shine on him in the worst way...
Enter Megan Simons. She's got a lead on a mysterious wreck in the Gulf of Mexico that might just be something more valuable than gold. But the bad guys from 90 miles south of Key West have other plans—namely, the kind of plans that lead to a grisly, watery end for R.B. and Megan.
But R.B. just can't catch a break.
Read all about it in the prequel to the hit Ryan Bodean Tropical Thriller series. You'll laugh, you'll hold your breath, and then you'll hope to hell he survives for another wild adventure.
ATLANTIS STORM: A RYAN BODEAN TROPICAL THRILLER #1
An enigmatic visitor. A mysterious artifact. A map revealing not all myths are fake.
The down on his luck Ryan Bodean and eternal optimist Megan Simons are at it again. This time it’s a death-defying search for the fabled lost city of Atlantis.
But when a dangerous cult of Atlantean fanatics stop at nothing to keep their ancient secret, will it only be the legendary city that disappears beneath the sea?
This action/adventure and tropical thriller will keep you turning pages deep into the night. If you like edge of the seat, hold-onto-your breath, unputdownable thrill rides, you're gonna love this book.
HEMINGWAY FOUND: A RYAN BODEAN TROPICAL THRILLER #2
What if Ernest Hemingway’s lost manuscripts held the deadly secrets of a murderous cult? A secret society that will stop at nothing to achieve ultimate power?
Ryan Bodean and Megan Simons are back after nearly perishing with Atlantis into the depths of legend. But The Congregation For The Light is out for revenge.
While on a relaxing train ride through Europe, Ryan and his business partner Megan come across a man who claims he knows what happened to the Hemingway manuscripts, thought to be lost to history for almost a century. To solve the mystery of these long-lost documents and the mind-blowing revelations they conceal, Ryan and Megan must escape a powerful secret society hell-bent on covering them up — a mysterious secret cult willing to buy elections, destroy their enemies, and kill anyone who stands in their way for a shot at ultimate power.
ELDORADO GOLD: A RYAN BODEAN TROPICAL THRILLER #3
The search for the legendary lost city of gold leads to ancient mysteries and a dangerous cult hell bent on getting there first . . . to find it means death.
Ryan Bodean and Megan Simmons are joining a new team on a mission to stop the Illuminati and their quest for the lost city of El Dorado. But the cult has not come for gold; they seek a more valuable prize: the power and influence that comes with being the new Zipa chief of the ancient Muisca . . . and the fortune that could reshape the world.
Across the globe, Ryan and Megan will find new friends, but will lose others. Will the search for El Dorado be the end of them all?
This is an action-packed, seductive action/adventure set across exotic locations.
ABSOLUTION: SAM BARKER POLITICAL CONSPIRACY THRILLER #1
Could you betray your government to save your country?
Sam Barker works in IT at the Home Office. All he wants is to get his work done and enjoy a quiet existence. But when he’s caught up in a terrorist attack on the London Underground, his life is turned upside down.
As he lies recovering in his hospital bed, a shadowy figure visits him and tells Sam not only is he a key witness to the attack, but he has unique access to information which could blow open a huge conspiracy and bring down the British government.
Will Sam risk everything he knows and loves to save his country?
BETRAYAL: SAM BARKER POLITICAL CONSPIRACY THRILLER #2
Could you betray your son to save his life?
In Edinburgh, the British Prime Minister prepares to launch a worldwide project to tackle climate change. But there's a far more sinister motivation behind her plans.
After successfully thwarting a terrorist attack in London a few months earlier, Sam Barker is tasked with investigating a scheme which will turn his life — and the world — upside down. As he delves deeper into the network of players, Sam uncovers a conspiracy which leads to the one person he loves the most — his son. But in revealing the facts, Sam risks flushing out a far more sinister, unknown enemy — a rogue agent inside The Firm who will stop at nothing to stop Sam from exposing the truth.
Humanity thought Coronavirus was bad... It was very, very wrong!
A lethal mega-virus. A cruise ship in chaos. An unlikely saviour.
On a dream anniversary cruise with his wife Shelly, Craig Nicholls finds himself in the midst of anarchy as a deadly pandemic spreads across the globe.
On the luxurious Sapphire Star, many hundreds of passengers succumb to the deadly mega-virus, including the Captain, and as the crisis mounts, with nowhere to dock and an overwhelmed medical staff unable to cope, Craig witnesses society collapse in the face of chaos.
Craig crosses a brash Texan oilman with an army discharge record, who senses an opportunity to take control, using whatever means necessary.
Third Officer Balzan owes his glamorous career to his gangster roots. But the payback required will bring terror and probable death for Craig, Shelly and every survivor on the doomed ship.
Like it or not, Craig realises he’s the only hope to stem the on board outbreak, stop the Texan’s violent coup, and save the last survivors from the lethal threats of piracy and...
The worst virus humanity has ever known.
Dead of Winter: A Christmas Anthology
Are you ready for holiday thrills?
It’s that time of year again…
The days are icy and chilling. The nights are dark and ominous. It’s thriller season…
From your favorite thriller authors...
Get into the holiday spirit with eight tales of thrills, chills, and twists and turns. Eight best-selling and award-winning authors leave you breathless with their high-octane novellas designed to bring their signature heroes and villains to life against the backdrop of the holiday season.
Plane crashes, assassins, archeology and nonstop action. This anthology has it all.
Your favorite action heroes, in brand-new, never-before-seen stories
8 novellas, 700 pages, 140,000 words.
I Have Lived Today: A Boy's Coming of Age Story
"A Dickensian-like quest" — Amazon reviewer.
On an isolated island, an abusive man forces his wife to run for her life. Their son Tristan, young and afraid, also flees the island and sets out into the world to escape his demons and find his mother.
Hitchhiking beneath the backdrop of a wild and loveless November, Tristan encounters every possible character, from the genuinely kind to the inherently wicked. Beaten, robbed and stripped of even hope, Tristan finds himself on the gritty streets of London’s East End, where everything he thought he knew about life starts to shatter and crumble around him. With all hope seemingly lost, a young boy even questions the futility of life itself.
But when he learns that there are others who share his torment and understand his pain, can Tristan find the courage to make it through his darkest hours?
Tristan's tale is a grim exploration into his own conscience. As he discovers the unique ability of humans to do such heinous things both to themselves and to one another, it's all he can do to keep control, as his passage of internal discovery takes one dark turn after another and sends him to the edge.
Day of the Dead: A Festivals of the dead thriller #1
It’s the story of a lifetime. Will she risk her life to get it?
Talented journalist Mig Comacho’s job is under threat, when a potentially huge story begins to unfold in Mexico that might just save her California newspaper
Far out of her comfort zone, Mig begins investigating the macabre events at the annual Day of the Dead festival in San Miguel de Allende, during which four corpses are found, each with an ominous message carved into its skin.
At the same time, underage girls start disappearing, and Mig finds herself in the middle of an international human trafficking operation. Its bosses? Cartels, and the very top end of government both sides of the border.
After a series of death threats, both on herself and her loved ones, Mig knows it’s not only the newspaper she’s out to save in the Mexican highlands, but dozens of innocent lives.
She wanted the scoop of a lifetime.
Will the headlines be of her own death?
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Author Interviews for The Condor Publishing Universe, 2020
INTRODUCING... EDIE KAUFMAN
1) What’s your name, and where are you from?
Edie Kaufman. Born in Montreal to a Quebecois-Jewish dad and Irish-Catholic mom, I grew up in Vancouver, Canada – otherwise known as Hollywood North. As an adult, I’ve lived in Toronto, London, Paris, and now Hamburg.
2) How and where did we meet?
We met in 2016 at the San Miguel de Allende Writer’s Conference – the very same setting for our book. I hung out with you and Leslie, enjoying writing and wine, having a ton of fun with the combined atmosphere of literature, learning, and liquor. We repeated the party in 2019.
3) Do you remember the first fiction you ever wrote? Could you tell us about it?
I was about 8 and had just returned from a 3-month VW van trip around Mexico with my hippy parents, younger brother, and grandmother. It opened my eyes to another culture’s language and ways, food, sweets, and warmth. The many lost-in-translation situations I had with Spanish-speaking children inspired my comedic stories and I wrote a ridiculous little story, hand-illustrated about these misunderstandings. In high school, due to an inspiring English teacher, Mr Henderson, I wrote two novels for English class. All hail supportive English teachers.
4) When did you know you wanted to write novels?
The short answer: in 2012 during a Master’s degree at Oxford. The long answer: I’d been studying with Canadian novelists, Lauren B. Davis and Joan Barfoot and got inspired by the long form again. I did an MSt in Creative Writing at Oxford and worked on what I envisioned to be ‘the most incredible story of all time, of all places’ (in my humble mind) with a great tutor who I eventually greatly disappointed and ended up shoving that ‘piece of perfection’ in the drawer. It still talks to me at night though, in a meek voice. Co-writing with you, Steven has helped get my writing mojo back. Thanks.
5) What writers do you admire, and why?
I admire writers who can meld literary fiction elements with genre: wonderful turns of phrases, strong character development and setting, and a kick-ass plot-driven story. My favourites are Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, Paula Hawkins, and Donna Tartt. Also, Canada’s literary queens: Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro. The darkness of Joyce Carol Oates, Michel Faber, and the gothic style of Michel Paver are also incredible.
6) What makes a good story, and do you have an example?
Character often eclipses everything else, whether they’re hero or villain. We’re all a mix of both. To this day I’m fascinated by Humbert Humbert in “Lolita” whose actions are despicable but fascinating. The puzzle of how someone ticks is alluring. I am drawn to unreliable narrators struggling to come to terms with their own actions and how others see them. “The Girl On The Train” takes its reader along for the journey with the protagonists’ unreliable, alcohol-soaked memory. Aspects of memory and trauma fascinate me. I’m currently reading ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides.
7) Do you have a favourite author/novel?
I’ve listed too many already, but I adore Margaret Atwood’s earlier fiction, “Surfacing” set in the alienating Canadian wilderness. Setting is key and can even be a character in story. Also, Alice Munro’s small-town chronicles are both minute and epic. Magic. Agatha Christie and locked-room mysteries are still a guilty pleasure and I loved Lucy Foley’s recent “The Guest List” set on a remote Irish island during a doomed wedding ceremony.
8) What are we working on together?
We’re working on a thriller trilogy called Festivals of the Dead set in Mexico. Book one is: “Day of the Dead”, in your hometown of San Miguel de Allende – which mingles a traditional death celebration with a contemporary human sex trade implicating the highest government officials. Unfortunately, it’s somewhat true to life and my research has disturbed me. It’s been a great experience collaborating with you on this, Steven. Such a joy.
9) Why should people check out our series?
Readers who love fish-out-of-water stories – of regular people out of their element, pitted against organized crime will love our series. A kick-ass heroine with a stubborn addiction to justice. Day of the Dead plays out in a UNESCO world wonder – a majestic setting with intriguing characters and the seedy travesty of the contemporary human slave trade. The colourful and macabre clashes with twisty suspense and a puzzle of a plot.
10) Could you tell us a little about our main character?
Mig Comacho, a young Mexican woman is a talented, eager reporter determined to save her local newspaper from bankruptcy in California. By stepping out of her comfort zone, she investigates the brutal murders of businessmen during Mexico’s Day of the Dead Festival and uncovers a link to an underage sex trade. In San Miguel de Allende, she’s drawn into a web of vigilantes, stolen girls, and rotten government officials. Intrepid and dogged, Mig is driven by family guilt at the loss of her father, and a fiery justice for the lost girls, all the while trying to protect her beloved aunt and boss. As determined as she is though, can she survive the personal threat that lures her into this hell?
11) Aside from our collaboration, what other projects are you working on?
I’m finishing edits on “The Smoking Dog”, a psychological suspense between a drama student and a terrorist set in the east end of London in the mid-90s. I’m also writing ghost stories.
12) Where can people find you online?
www.goodreads.com/user/show/123017280-edie-kaufman www.facebook.com/kaufmanwrites/ @random.hamburg on Instagram
It’s been a great experience working with you, Steven and I admire both your writing and your person. Thanks for including me on this adventure.
INTRODUCING... JAY TINSIANO
1) What’s your name, and where are you from?
Jerry Holliday writing fiction as Jay Tinsiano. Born in Ireland and brought up in the rural flatlands of Lincolnshire. Then, my mother and I moved to Bristol, where I’ve been based between travels ever since.
2) How and where did we meet?
London Book Fair 2019. I think I introduced myself as an SPF’er (Follower of Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Formula).We were also both getting cover design kudos from Stuart Bache and got to hang out with a load of cool indie authors. It’s been an incredible year and our collaboration just goes to show what comes of putting yourself out there, in terms of networking.
3) Do you remember the first fiction you ever wrote? Could you tell us about it?
9-years old at an interview for a new school. I was asked to write a short story to, I now assume, test my imagination or something. All I remember is my story involved a tall stranger knocking on a door in a storm and staring down at the inhabitant with dark eyes. The teacher was impressed and I was allowed into the school. Big mistake! ;)
4) When did you know you wanted to write novels?
After reading the Godfather when I was twelve or thirteen, although I didn’t know it at that time. I was preoccupied with writing and drawing comics for fifteen years, but that did finally dovetail nicely into fiction writing. I started my first short novel while in Thailand in 1991, which eventually became False Flag twenty years later!
5) What writers do you admire, and why?
Oh there are so many. Firstly, I love the craft of Mario Puzo, the author of the Godfather and other Mafioso inspired epics, John Le Carre for the subtle finesse of his wordcraft. Nicholas Stansbury Smith for his pulpy sci-fi grit. Throw in M.R. Carey for the atmospheric edginess of ‘Girl with all the Gifts’ for icing on the cake.
6) What makes a good story, and do you have an example?
Firstly, let’s stick with The Godfather. Great characters. The Don, Michael, Sonny! The vying for power (shades of King Lear) against the backdrop of the post war years and the rise of Michael Corelone, from disinclined war veteran to ruthless saviour of the Corleone crime family. Puzo does a great job of endearing the reader to the Don, a ruthless killer. Pure class.
I also love good pulp sci-fi/horror. Enjoying Tim Lebbon’s take on the Aliens franchise and as aforementioned Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s Extinction series. The hook is the unseen monster(s), the setting of an abandoned mine, spaceship or underground laboratory and you just know it’s all going to go to shit. It’s the kind of bated anticipation that I love. You’re gripped by the character journeys and that, for me makes great stories.
7) Do you have a favourite author/novel?
Again, The Godfather. So many facets including a great backstory of epic proportions. There was something about the gravitas of this epic saga of a powerful mafia family that really resonated with me. The fact that it spans decades and has the added bonus of at least two great films that perfectly compliment Puzo’s original.
8) What are we working on together?
Ark! An apocalyptic mega-virus series set on a luxury cruise ship during a pandemic. It’s close to current events, perhaps too close.
The first few paragraphs of the synopsis sets the scene:
For the passengers of the Sapphire Star their luxury cruise is about to turn into the worst nightmare imaginable. A pandemic spreads across the entire world in the form of an aggressive and highly contagious strain of the Coronavirus: MKIICoV-2020
On board, hundreds of passengers succumb to the deadly virus, including the Captain. The crisis mounts with nowhere to dock, an overwhelmed medical staff and the collapse of order in the face of chaos.
9) Why should people check out our series?
The series is for fans of Apocalyptic Survival Thrillers. I’m hoping we have created a series readers won’t be able to get enough of. Besides the main theme of the human condition and survival in a contained environment there will be plenty of characters with agendas, devious sub plots and back stabbing.
10) Could you tell us a little about our main character?
Craig Nicholls is on an anniversary cruise with his wife, Shelly. He’s a resilient and dependable character who finds himself in the frontline of a terrible situation that will test him to the max. At home he works for Public Health Laboratories in England and this gives him some insight into the spread of the virus although he soon finds the disease ravaging the world is the least of his immediate problems.
There are also some great secondary characters worth mentioning. His wife, Shelly has a phobia about germs. She is definitely in the wrong place and Donnie Manson is a character you’ll love to hate.
11) Aside from our collaboration, what other projects are you working on?
I’m currently working on book 3 (Black Horse) of the Dark Paradigm series with Jay Newton. It’s a complex conspiracy thriller series turning apocalyptic, that spans almost a century.
12) Where can people find you online?
www.jaytinsiano.com is a great start or @jaytinsiano on FB and Twitter.
Thanks for your great answers, Jerry,. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be working with you on our exciting series.
INTRODUCING... LUKE RICHARDSON
1. What’s your name, and where are you from?
Luke. From Nottingham in England.
2. How and where did we meet?
We met in a pub one evening after the London Book Fair. I didn’t know anyone, had already necked about three pints and saw Steve at the bar. It just so happened that I’d just finished reading one of his books and joined his Facebook group, so I recognised him. So, glass in hand, and possibly slurring a little, I introduced myself.
3. Do you remember the first fiction you ever wrote? Could you tell us about it?
I remember writing some short pieces when I was a teenager. Fortunately, I can’t remember what they were about and I’m relatively sure they don’t exist anymore – which is a good thing for the world of literature as they were no doubt classic teenage angst-filled, self-absorbed ramblings. I think I’ve got more fun with age. I hope so anyway.
Fast-forward about fifteen years, in 2017 I started taking writing seriously. Just short stories to start with. Some of these, as with my teenage writing, will never see the light of day, others though have made their way into my novels. One of my early short stories was called ‘The Story of the Himalayan Lamb’ and has formed the basis of my first novel, Kathmandu.
4. When did you know you wanted to write novels?
I’ve always loved stories, but it was travelling through India that made me first want to write my own. I remember clearly, the sun had just risen as we flew across the tarpaulin tint of the slums to land at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway. It’s a trip I’ll never forget. The city was so different from my own and opened my mind to new worlds, new experiences, which I knew I needed to share.
But that was in 2011 and on getting back to the UK I bought a house, got a proper job and forgot about writing all together. Then in 2017 I made the commitment to start writing regularly – almost every day. I knew that if I didn’t find the time somehow, I would never do it. At that point I had no idea how to write a novel, let alone get it out in the world. But I sat down and wrote for about 45 minutes every day, and five months later had a very early draft of my debut novel.
5. What makes a good story, and do you have an example?
For me a good a story must transport the reader somewhere. This could be (as in many of the stories I love) to a different place in the world, or to a world of the past, or a world that never existed. But it’s that transportation that keeps me opening the book again.
6. Do you have a favourite author/novel?
I know this is one of Steven’s favourites too, Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. This is a brilliant example of a novel that transports.
Some people say parts of it are true, others say it’s all a load of rubbish, but you know what, I don’t care. It’s a fantastic, emotive, explosive story that takes you across the world to a life you never imagined. It’s beautiful, heart-breaking, poetic and… well it’s just fantastic.
If you’ve not read it drop me an e-mail. I buy a copy every time I see one in charity shops, so I have loads. I even bought one from a bar owner in a Chinese provincial town. I was so surprised to see it on a shelf of Chinese fiction, I just had to have it straight away.
7) What are we working on together?
We’re working on the story of a fearsome young lady called Natalie Kaye. First appearing in Steven’s ‘Shadow of Kailash’ (which is my favourite of his books so far), Natalie was doing some travelling through Asia when she was kidnapped by a group of people traffickers. Bad luck for them as she’s a kick-ass Tae-Kwon-Do black belt, with a ruthless sense of right and wrong and a passion for revenge.
In the first book of our series, Set You Free, she goes home to Sydney but realises that some demons just can’t be escaped. Struggling to fit back into suburban life, Natalie finds herself embroiled in the disappearance of a young girl. Natalie’s sure she saw the girl at the airport and is convinced the police aren’t doing enough. Sure, it’s none of her business, she could just leave the authorities to do their job – but that’s not Natalie’s way at all.
8) Why should people check out our series?
If you love powerful female characters with a cast iron sense of right and wrong, then you’ll love it. Natalie is a woman who never takes no for an answer and fights for good like she has nothing to lose.
As you can probably tell I’ve really enjoyed being part of it.
10) Aside from our collaboration, what other projects are you working on?
I’m currently going through the edits for the second in my Leo Keane series. This one takes place and will be called Hong Kong - that’s right, all the books are named after the places they’re set.
The series follows a guy called Leo who, at the start of the first book, is an out of work journalist, struggling to come to terms with his anxieties and totally dedicated to his girlfriend. The only problem, his girlfriend went missing on a Thai island two years ago and hasn’t been seen since.
11) Where can people find you online?
You can find out all about me, and download a free short story called ‘The Music of the City,’ in which we meet one of the characters from Kathmandu on my website:
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lukerichardsonauthor
INTRODUCING... DAVID BERENS
1) What’s your name, and where are you from?
My name is David Berens and I’m from Marietta, Georgia (North of Atlanta, Georgia)
2) How and where did we meet?
I met Steven through a few Author groups on Facebook and became a fan of his Hiram Kane series. I eventually trusted him with the editing of my Troy Bodean series.
3) Do you remember the first fiction you ever wrote? Could you tell us about it?
My first fiction was a book called Dragon Reign. It was loosely based on some fantasy role-playing that a few friends and I did in high school and into college.
4) When did you know you wanted to write novels?
I didn’t really find the passion for writing longer works until I wrote Dragon Reign. Once people began to read and enjoy it, I knew I wanted to write novels.
5) What writers do you admire, and why?
I like Stephen King for his amazing detail and ability to write character-driven horror and thriller novels. And I love Carl Hiaasen for his zany Florida Fiction which is almost always more about character than plot.
6) What makes a good story, and do you have an example?
A good story is one that keeps you turning pages regardless of any other obligations you have. I recently read The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and literally could not put it down before I reached the conclusion.
7) Do you have a favourite author/novel?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I probably would have to say Carl Hiaasen and I enjoyed his book Skin Tight the most. Whenever I’m looking for a new book to read, I almost always check to see if he has something new out.
8) What are we working on together?
Steven and I are working on a spinoff series from my Troy Bodean series that features Troy’s brother Ryan. They have a more action/adventure style and will have a slightly less zany feel than the Troy books do.
9) Why should people check out our series?
I have to say, I’ve worked harder on this new series than anything else to date. I want them to be as good or better than any traditionally published books by action/adventure greats like Clive Cussler or James Rollins.
10) Could you tell us a little about our main character?
Ryan Bodean is a man who has run into some hard times. He’s on the brink of losing everything, his job, his home, his plan when suddenly, an incredible discovery comes along that might change everything in a HUGE way.
11) Aside from our collaboration, what other projects are you working on?
I’m currently writing with 4 other authors on various projects, but my main focus right now is getting a 7th Troy Bodean tropical thriller done.
12) Where can people find you online?
www.tropicalthrillers.com is home to all of my projects.
I can also sometimes be found at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidBerens/
Thanks for your great answers, David. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be working with you on our exciting series.
INTRODUCING... DUSTY SHARP
1) What’s your name, and where are you from?
Dusty Sharp, straight outta Cali! Born and raised in Southern California. But I live in the un-glamorous section of inland Southern California.
2) How and where did we meet?
I don’t remember exactly when, but it was from traveling in the same circles on social media, being in some of the same indie author groups and promos together. And we’re also both SPF alumni.
3) Do you remember the first fiction you ever wrote? Could you tell us about it?
I don’t remember exactly what it was, as I used to write a lot as a kid. Very little of those early works still exist. They were mostly just small snippets and short stories. I would write them to help me deal with whatever emotional issues I was going through at the time. But there is one short story that I wrote while I was in college (1990 or so), that I still had an old Word document for. Last year I dusted it off and started offering it to my email subscribers as a bonus. So my earliest existing work is almost thirty years old.
4) When did you know you wanted to write novels?
Ever since I discovered Stephen King, as a kid in the late 70’s. I thought “I want to do that”. But it had always been sort of a fantasy and not a real goal. Back then I knew about what a pain in the ass it was to get a book deal and I didn’t want to deal with it. Years later, when independent publishing became a thing, I was too immersed in my career to notice. And then one day I read that one of my favorite authors, Steve Berry, was 48 when he published his first book. I was then 47, and I’d realized that quite a few of the authors I had been reading were indies, so I decided to go ahead and start, with a goal of publishing my first book while I was still 48, to match Steve Berry. I ended up publishing the first two books that year.
5) What writers do you admire, and why?
Stephen King is my all time favorite. Not so much for his story telling, but for how immersive his writing is. He is the definition of “show, don’t tell.” I’ve worked hard to emulate that quality in my own books. Also Lee Child, for his depiction of action sequences and also his economy of words. He gets right to the point and keeps you in the action without too much extraneous text. I’ll include Steve Berry too, for his ability to put the reader into exotic locations with an intriguing story. I read his books with an iPad in my other hand because there’s always so much great information in there that I like to look up in more detail, or go on Google Maps to see the area and terrain for myself.
6) What makes a good story, and do you have an example?
The age old definition of good literature is that it both instruct and delight. I like to add that I enjoy a story that has good characters who either grow over the course of the story, or our understanding of them evolves. Plots need to be tight, or if they’re complex, well done. But it’s the characters that grab me. The best example that comes to mind for me, in recent media, would be the television show The Haunting of Hill House. That was an awesome piece of story telling.
7) Do you have a favourite author/novel?
Stephen King. It's hard to single out one book, but if I had to, I’d say The Stand.
8) What are we working on together?
The Alexandria Ridley thrillers. In the Hiram Kane timeline, they are set in between The Shadow of Kailash and The Feathered Serpent. They feature Hiram Kane’s girlfriend Alexandria Ridley, along with Natalie Kaye, who was introduced in The Shadow of Kailash. These two women go on a crusade to take down human trafficking rings, beginning with the one that ensnared Natalie Kaye, and later Alex Ridley, during the events of Shadow of Kailash. The first book is set in Mumbai, India, with the following two books planned for Morocco and Italy.
9) Why should people check out our series?
I think current readers of both of our main series will find more of what they love within these pages, along with discovering something new. For the Hiram Kane series fans, they will get to know Alex Ridley more intimately. We’ll be taking her down some dark paths, stress-testing her in new ways to see how she reacts. For my Austin Conrad fans, they will get a chance to enjoy my gritty writing style but in a more exotic setting than they’re used to, with colourful new characters they will love. For both sets of readers, it will introduce them to the other author’s books, writing and storytelling styles.
10) Could you tell us a little about our main character?
Alexandria Ridley is, as mentioned, Hiram Kane’s girlfriend/fiancé. She’s tough, smart, and beautiful. But she’s not quite flawless. I’m writing her stories as sort of a “coming out,” in other words, giving her the opportunity to assume her own identity rather than being Hiram Kane’s constant shadow. Along the way we discover that, despite her love and respect for Hiram, she’s not a carbon copy of him. She focuses more on results than means, meaning that she isn’t afraid to break a few eggs to make the omelette. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, as her methods can sometimes be cruel to those who get in her way. But her love for Hiram, her growing admiration for Natalie, and her determination to exterminate the human traffickers keep her motivated.
11) Aside from our collaboration, what other projects are you working on?
This is my only current collaboration, though I’ve been talking with Nick Thacker and we may do something together in the future. Currently, I’m dedicating all of my writing time to the Alex Ridley books. But waiting in the wings are the continuation of my Austin Conrad series, as well as a spin-off series featuring his cousin Henry Stone, which will lean more toward action-adventure than thriller, with historical and archaeological elements. I also have a completely unrelated “post-apocalyptic-western--fantasy” series planned out.
12) Where can people find you online?
My website: https://www.dustysharp.com
My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dustintaylorsharp/
Thanks for your great answers, Dusty. It’s an honour and a pleasure to be working with you on our exciting series.
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This is a fantastic deal, and one I recommend. It works out much better for you, the writer, because a) You won’t need to first go through the long process of finding and engage another editor/proofreader, and b) It would very much speed up the overall turnaround time of your project, as I would have the files already at my disposal.
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“Not only is Steven Moore fast, efficient, and a bargain at twice the price, he may actually do the impossible and cure me of my ellipses obsession! I highly recommend him to any author looking for an editor or proofreader. His professionalism and attention to detail took my manuscript to the next level, and his quick turnaround was greatly appreciated.” – Andrew Warren, author of the bestselling Thomas Caine Thriller series
“Steven Moore is a consummate professional. Not only is he an exceptionally talented writer, but he is also a razor sharp editor. I have trusted him with many of my manuscripts and have always been pleased with the results. If you want your work to be clean, clear, and accurate, hire Steven.” – David Berens, author of the bestselling Troy Bodean & Ryan Bodean Tropical Thriller Series.
"As an author himself, Steven Moore gets the struggle of the writing and editing process. He’s brutally honest when necessary and complimentary when that’s helpful. Not only has Steven knocked my book into shape, but he’s made me a better writer too. Having Steven edit my third novel was such a good decision that I plan him to look back over the rest of the series later in the year." – Luke Richardson, author of the bestselling Leo Keane Thriller Series
"Having Steven edit my debut novel was one of the best decisions I made in my publishing journey. Not only did he help make my story shine but made me a better writer in the process. He is a consummate professional with an eye for detail and I’d wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who wants to take their writing to the next level." – N.K. Quinn, author of the bestselling Steel Falcon series
“Steven has worked on two of my books so far, both as proofreader and editor. His ability to turn around such high-quality work in very tight timelines was amazing and his enthusiasm for the stories is exactly what a new author needs! I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a long-term professional partner.” – Andrew Hastie, author of bestselling The Infinity Engines series.
“It took me years to find an editor I could fully trust, and I’m glad to say I found it in Steven. The work he did for my relaunch helped me prepare my project with ease by taking a beaten-up story (trust me, it was that bad) and helping me turn it into something I could sell. Not only was I happy enough to keep coming back, but his prices are reasonable and the turnaround time is as short as could be without rushing it. It shows, too; tremendous care went into editing my books, and I plan to work with Steven for a long, long time. Steven was amazing.” – Adam Nicholls, author of the bestselling Mason Black thriller series.
“Steven was a pleasure to work with. A professional and rigorous editor, he vastly improved the quality of my manuscript. And did I mention he was incredibly affordable? I’ve hired him for the rest of my series and beyond. Highly recommended.” – Joshua James, author of the bestselling Lucky Universe space opera series.
“I cannot praise Steve enough. He proofed and edited my first novel. He took on my raw manuscript, smoothed out all the kinks, and straightened up the grammar. We agreed a completion date and Steve delivered on time. It is a big and frightening thing, entrusting your pride and joy to a stranger. But Steve’s professional approach, the way he kept me informed throughout the process, and his willingness to answer my many questions, put me at ease. Steven Moore is trustworthy, and his work is quality.” – Steve Exten, author of Club 5 Eight Zero 6
“I requested sample edits from four different editors and not only was Steve Moore the most affordable, he was the most thorough which is what truly won me over. I LOVE a picky editor. He was hired for the whole series and I’m beyond thrilled to work with him.” – Rachael Stapleton, author of the bestselling Temple of Indra Time-Traveling Bibliophile series.
“While perusing a popular writing forum on social media, I saw a thread which mentioned that Steven Moore was a
brilliant editor. As a new writer, I felt having an editor who was also a writer to be a key selling point. So far, he has edited my first novel and its prequel novella. Reviewing his notes and recommended changes in my manuscripts has improved my writing. I highly recommend Steven Moore as an editor. I plan to keep using him as long as he’ll have me.” — Greg Sorber, author of the forthcoming Mechhaven Series
“Steven undertook the editing of two of my books, one new and an older one which needed re-editing. Although he is not a fantasy author like me, he grasped immediately the specificities of my genre. He gave my books the touch they needed. We had good communication throughout the whole process, and I highly recommend his services to all authors.” – Alexander Grant, author of the bestselling The King’s Lion Tales.
"Steve Moore’s meticulous attention to detail is the only reason my novel ever saw the light of day. Every sentence got his attention, and I greatly appreciate his enduring patience with my messy manuscript that turned into a clean novel thanks to his help." – C J Lapolla, author of the Isiir Chronicles
“Steven was a star, and so speedy in his turnaround of my book, which is much appreciated when you’re an indie. The quality of his work was excellent, and I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a great proofreader. As an author himself, Steven knows what we writers go through, which I also found comforting.” – Tracy Ashworth, author of 60 Ways to Die in South America.
“Steven undertook the final proofread of my non-fiction manuscript. His work was detailed, accurate and exact. Throughout the process communication was excellent. Steven was in contact whenever anything arose that needed clarification before he proceeded. I really appreciated Steven’s professionalism and quick turnaround.” – Maya Lynch, author of Amazon bestseller, The Samoan Pyramid.
“I had the pleasure of working with Steven on my first sci-fi novel. He helped smooth out the rough edges of the story and made the words pop off the page. His promptness and professionalism made the experience all the better. I can’t recommend Steven enough.” – Leo Suarez, author of science fiction novels, The Ancestor & The Shadow Order.
“Steven did an excellent job of proofreading my latest novella, Behind Closed Doors. He was professional and thorough with an extremely quick turn around. 5* and happy to recommend.” – Carolyn Mahoney, author of the bestselling thriller, Cry From the Grave.
“I’ve been working with Steven on my recent fiction trilogy, and his copy editing is excellent. He gives really great feedback and can take my often twisted sentences and turn them into something eminently readable. Steven is also an author, so he knows how we all feel. His rates are lower than others, and in my experience, with better results. Fast yet high-quality turnaround, and highly recommended.” – Mike Gomes, bestselling author of the bestselling Young Adventurer’s Club series.
"Steven worked on my novel, The Quantum Curators and the Faberge Egg. What I was most impressed with was his speed of service, especially considering the world was grinding to a halt during the pandemic lockdown and Steve was trying to fly home. Despite that, he was able to go through my work and take the time to discuss various issues or queries that I had. A fast and professional service. Thanks!" – Eva St John, author of the The Quantum Curators and the Faberge Egg series.
"Very professional, quick to respond and easy to work with. He took on the challenge of editing my first manuscript with kindness and wisdom. If your're looking to improve the readability of your book and catch all the errors, Steven is the editor for you." – Monica Lee, first-time author.
“Steven has been proofreading my non-fiction work for close to eight years, and I dare not submit anything to my editors before Steven casts his expert eye over it. He always provides exceptional feedback, and I trust his opinion explicitly. (I should add that even though Steven is my husband, and he provides his great service for free I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for both copy/line editing and proofreading) A genuinely talented editor and a great writer, whom I recommend to my colleagues in the travel writing business.” – Leslie Patrick Moore, author of The Coffee Date Guides to Freelancing and Travel Writing.
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