 Today, I’m excited to introduce you to MTW_2017 participant, Jordon Greene. Writing novels from his home in Concord, NC, near Charlotte, his newest conspiracy/political thriller is titled, They'll Call It Treason, and it’s available in Kindle and paperback format. Let’s take a peek at the plot: A journalist's body is found abandoned in a Washington alleyway. A state representative is brutally murdered in Raleigh. A Virginia Congressman's life is threatened by a radical militia group. When one crucial moment turns FBI Agent Ethan Shaw into a fugitive, he finds himself on the run, fighting back against the country he swore to protect. Framed for a crime he did not commit, Ethan will risk everything to prove his innocence and protect the ones he loves - but the truth he will uncover poses a far deeper threat. They took everything from him: his career, his partner, his freedom. How far will Shaw go to get it all back? Tell us something(s) about the book that the blurb doesn’t reveal: The protagonist in the story, Ethan Shaw, is a former Marine Recon sniper and the book takes place largely along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  What was your favorite or most surprising comment about the book? "This is a scary story presenting scary possibilities. The characters are realistic and likable, the plot twists and turns take you on a journey that we can only hope is fictional. This book might give me nightmares. Great read." I never took the story as scary, but after this reviewer left this five-star review for the book on Amazon, I sat back and though about it some. If the events of this book were to take place, then it really is scary to think about. If given a chance, which author (living or dead) would you like to meet (have met)? That's a hard one. I am a big James Rollins fan, but my first favorite author was and probably will always be Michael Crichton. Whether the story is about dinosaurs like in Jurassic Park and The Lost World, controversial medical procedures like in A Case of Need or about some cool new technological possibility like in Prey, Crichton was always able to enthrall me in the story and keep me begging for me. I'll never get to meet him, but I wish I could have. If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as which characters? Well, technically I wrote the story with Sam Worthington in mind for my main character Ethan Sean, so I guess that's the first one. I also had Michelle Monaghan in mind slightly for the role of Ethan's fiance, Kate Conner. My family tells me that Dan Stevens should play the antagonist's character of Sean Abrams and that Adam Arkin could be a good Richard Hunt, an older Executive Director in the FBI in the story. What other jobs have you held (even what you’re doing currently): I currently work as a Full Stack Web Developer at SHOE SHOW, Inc., which basically means I design websites from the ground up with my hand in every aspect of the site's development. Before I moved into my current job I did some freelance development work as well as part-time positions in the photo lab at Walmart. What gave you the idea to write this book? As I've told people before, there really was no one thing that gave me the idea for They'll Call It Treason. It's more a series of little things. With my background in political science and involvement in the political arena from 2006 to 2015 I worked closely with several state-level elected representatives. Through that I got a little closer look at how politics moves and runs, and as most would probably assume, it's not always so above board, sensible or fair. The first character you meet in the story actually is a North Carolina State Representative who is, in reality, a mix of characteristics from some real representatives I worked with during that time.  What are you working on next and when do you expect it to be on the shelves? My next story, To Watch You Bleed, came out recently. It's a dark psychological horror thriller based in a rural North Carolina town that tells the story of one family's not so festive Halloween night. It was released on Kindle, paperback and hardback on January 10, 2017. Who are your favorite writers and why? I've already mentioned Michael Crichton, but he's definitely among my top three favorite authors. The way he blends some astonishing technological advancement with a harrowing story of survival, like Jurassic Park and Prey, just resonates with me a lot. My other two would have to be James Rollins and Marie Lu. They are in completely different corners of the writing scene but I'll read anything they write. James Rollins is most famous for his Sigma Force series which he started with what was originally a standalone from my understanding, Sandstorm. I love how he blends some neat technological or scientific discovery with some historical event that has a loose end and takes that string and weaves the coolest thrillers, what he called "scientist with guns" stories. Marie Lu is a young adult author who first came to fame with her amazing Legend Trilogy, starting with the book Legend (naturally). With my background in politics and my particular political bent, I love dystopian stories. Marie Lu combines my love of the dystopian story with a dual first person story that makes you fall for the characters, even if they're bad guys like her latest trilogy, The Young Elites. If you were going to dabble in a different genre, what would it be and why? This is one I've thought about a bit lately. I'd really like to dabble in some science fiction, but I don't think I want to go full Star Trek or Star Wars type of deal, though I do love some Star Trek. If I do eventually tackle science fiction it will likely be along with an amalgam of psychological thriller, horror and some dystopian elements, focusing more on the psychological and horror elements. Otherwise, I think at some point, maybe some young adult, but I really like the thriller, especially horror now that I've dabbled in it. Where can Readers Find You? Readers can always find me at my website at www.JordonGreene.com
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 Today’s exclusive interview is definitely my most long-distance author dialogue! Armaan Singh Dhillon lives in New Delhi, India and his most recent novel, A Nazi War Criminal in India is a Mystery/Thriller that’s available in both Kindle and paperback editions. Here’s the blurb: Just after the end of World War II, Adolf Eichmann’s best man, Alois Brunner, fled to West Germany, then Egypt, and finally lived in Syria with the help of the government in return for his sharing of the torture techniques the Nazis used during their Reich. But did he actually die there? Simon Wiesenthal claims that yes, he died there when the civil war started, but the location of his grave was unknown. But there is no substantial proof of his death! What if, to avoid the Civil War and any threats to his life, Alois Brunner never died and in fact fled to India with the help of his contacts in the Syrian Government? Alois Brunner comes to India with a new identity and settles down in New Delhi in a locality where he meets a college student (Rohan) and befriends him. Does Rohan discover his real identity? What manipulations and betrayals occur?  Tell us something(s) about the book that the blurb doesn’t reveal: There is Rohan’s girlfriend who is not directly a part of the story but plays in the background of it. She is ‘used’ by Rohan during stressful times. What was your favorite or most surprising comment/review about the book? Why? Someone told me, “Man, I can’t believe that you connected a Nazi guy to an Indian college student.” I believe that it was the most difficult part and something that has never been done before. If given a chance, which author (living or dead) would you like to meet/have met? No one in particular. Though I would love to meet all those who have passed away many years back. I’m sure they must have had something in mind that would have taught me many things that I otherwise would never be able to know. If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as which characters? Rohan - Vivaan Shah Alois Brunner - Naseeruddin Shah Dhruv - A New Actor (Unknown) Girlfriend - Alia Bhatt Army Officer - Jimmy Shergill Professor - Anupam Kher Mom - Dimple Kapadia What gave you the idea to write this book? Nazis have always fascinated me. Although I strongly believe that whatever they did during their regime was wrong and I condemn it, the way they controlled everyone and everything--their uniforms, banners, salute and their way of acting towards an issue--was just unique and different which mesmerized me. The movies that I have watched related to Nazis have always made me want to write something of my own. So relating Nazis to India was a big task but I worked on it for a very long time and came up with this story. And I do believe that I have done justice to the whole concept of my story. What is your favorite quote from the book and why? “I believe that some birds are not meant to be imprisoned. And you just cannot see them when they fly away as their feathers are just too bright. I hope for a peaceful life for that old man.” Because this is when Rohan realizes that not everything will go according to him and shows a sign of recovery. What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of publishing today? In today’s world it is very easy to get published. As far as you have a well-written novel, no barrier should come your way. Also, self-publishing has made it even easier. Though, due to high number of published works, it is harder to get your book out there. In fact, the main work starts after your book is published, with marketing, promotion etc. What advice do you have for other writers based on your experience? This is my first book and I’ve yet to learn a lot from experienced writers but I can tell one thing for sure--there will always be people who will tell you to write what people love to read. DON’T LISTEN TO THEM. Do not kill your creativity. Write what you want to. And do not think twice before writing on a specific topic. After all, it’s your point of view, your story! If your work is good, people will read it! Have confidence in yourself, the rest will follow. Never Stop. Keep Writing. All the best. Where Can My Readers Find You? For all the promotions/giveaways/events, updates will be made on my Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon author page Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdtArmaan Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16232436.Armaan_Singh_Dhillon Amazon Author Page: http://www.www.amazon.com/author/armaandhillon E-mail: armaan619hbk@gmail.com Here is an excerpt from A Nazi War Criminal in India that Armaan was kind enough to share:
CHAPTER 1 The Remnant Me 21st July 2011 I was tired, exhausted and my mind didn’t seem to work at all. I stared down at the cigarette grasped effortlessly by my fingers. I debated with myself whether or not to smoke it, but eventually gave in to my craving for that nicotine hit and decided to light it in just a bit. I didn’t even realise that I had reached my college after walking for 15 kilometres on an extremely sunny day. I looked up consciously for the first time since I started walking from “that” house. I was sweaty and thirsty. There were a few acquaintances who said “Hi” and “Kaisa hai Rohan Ahluwalia” to me, to which all I could respond was, with mere expressionless stares. I saw a board which said that the renowned film director ‘Ayush Mehra’ is visiting our college to present a motivational speech. I looked at it for a few seconds and later walked towards the college auditorium where the event was to take place. Suddenly someone patted my back with a little force. I looked back and saw that it was Mehak Kapoor, my girlfriend? My senses seemed too occupied to figure out my exact bonds around. It was a muddled day for me, especially after what I saw and read in “that” house. Mehak said “You bastard, I knew you will never call me after I visited your place”. I looked at her cautiously and silently. “Are you going to say something or not?” she sounded quite noticeably exasperated. “No”, was the only word I uttered. I couldn’t get my own mind together, and was far capable of dealing with anyone else. Mehak left, her eyes filled with rage. I looked down at my right hand and saw the cigarette still sitting between my fingers. I had forgotten to light it. I went outside the auditorium and walked to a secluded corner which was used as a smoking area for people out there. I frisked into my pocket and realized I had a lighter, lit up my cigarette and took an exceptionally long drag. A guy next to me, who was smoking a joint, got taken aback while looking at the way I took the drag. “Bhai, are you alright?” he asked with an inquisitive voice. “Yes”, I whispered in doubt, “I guess”. “Hmm” he started to enjoy his joint again. I took a couple of drags more and threw the cigarette bud into a bin. I started walking towards the auditorium and reached there, noticing that there was a long queue to get inside. I stepped behind a nerdy girl who was holding a book in her hand and was impatient to get inside. After waiting for twenty minutes behind her I saw my friend Dhruv Kashyap standing near the entrance door and luckily he saw me too and waived his hand at me. He asked me to come in front and made me enter just along with him since he knew one of the event managers. He asked me to sit in the first few rows of the auditorium along with him where the stage was unobstructed and I could clearly see it. One podium was kept at a distance of a few steps from the table and chairs where the guests were supposed to be seated within half-an-hour. There was quite a commotion among students to watch and listen to such a big name of the Indian film industry speak live before them. It was going to be all about different aspects of life through his personal experiences. “I thought you would skip this event and will be doing some shit with that bastard, who got my best friend, my brother killed” Dhruv said to me with the most hateful expression that I had ever seen on his face. I knew that he was not wrong. I kept quiet for a while and then replied “Whatever happened was tragic and I hate that guy for all that he did to us”. After a few minutes, the Dean arrived inside the auditorium with the guest of honour, the man himself, Ayush Mehra. He came along with two of the more familiar faces of the industry who are not known much for their work but instead just familiar because they were friends to Ayush. Everybody in the audience welcomed them warmly with a standing applause. Within no time the Dean of our college started speaking about the event and introduced Ayush to the students. He greeted him with a bouquet and requested him to speak a few words for the student of our prestigious college. Ayush got up from his chair and walked towards the podium, one could clearly make out that he was a humble gentleman by his body language and walking gesture. “Good Afternoon friends”, Ayush said. Everybody in the audience responded positively. Ayush started speaking about himself when he was in a similar phase of life as we were and within no time he got into serious topics like career management, professional growth, financial stability, etc. I was very impressed by his views on these topics. A statement he gave just before ending his forty eight minute speech duly caught my attention. It clearly depicted him to be a typical business man while he spoke, but trustable one. “I’m an explorer and by that I mean about exploring new stories everywhere I travel. I am sure, you people at such age have a variety of experiences to share with me here as well. I would be highly obliged if some of you will show up to me for telling your experiences which you believe could end up in a film. My office gates are always open for such people.” Ayush said. I got stuck to this statement of his and I was not sure but something inside me kept on telling me that Rohan you have to visit this person soon. “But visit?” I asked myself in doubt. I’ll end up revealing everything about what happened with me in the last couple of days. I have to make a plan of some sort where I deliver the story to him without revealing my identity. 2016 Armaan Dhillon. Reprinted with permission.  Today’s exclusive interview is with A. K. Smith, who splits her time between Arizona and Mexico. Her most recently published book is “A Deep Thing,” a novel of suspense and conspiracy that’s was released in both print and as an e-book on 12/19/2016. Here’s the blurb: What was her husband hiding in the jungles of Mexico? Rocked by her husband's tragic death, Kendall Jackson strives to put her life back together. But Ryder, her nineteen-year-old stepson, is bitter and wants nothing to do with her. And she can't keep the grief at bay. Sometimes, it's so strong, she wonders if life is worth living. A call from a cave diver in Mexico gives her hope of mending the relationship with her stepson. Before his death, her husband arranged a diving expedition as a birthday gift for his son. Kendall persuades Ryder to honor his father's last wish. From the campus of Western Maryland College to the woods of Camp David and the caves of the Yucatán, Kendall and Ryder take a journey to discover what her husband worked so hard to hide, and to protect his treasured secrets from falling into the wrong hands. The choices they make will decide their fate and the future of others. Will they risk everything for the truth?  We caught up with A.K and asked her about her novel and her writing life: What gave you the idea to write this book? My husband and I took a romantic trip to the Riviera Maya in the Yucatan and discovered cenotes. Cenotes are deep iridescent underwater caves with fresh water. Outside Puerto Morelos, Mexico there is a road called "Route De Cenotes.” We hired a taxi driver to take us to explore this natural wonder. We drove back-dirt roads, ending up in the dense jungle. We walked back to a beautiful hole in the ground. The water was luminescent, we were in awe of our surroundings. You can dive, snorkel and swim in these wonders of nature, and the setting was surreal. When we returned home, I couldn't stop thinking about the cenotes. Why had I never heard of them? Why were they so secret and on private land? What if? What was your favorite or most surprising comment/review about the book? A blogger wrote me a one line email. “Holy Crap, I couldn’t put it down.” It was one of my first reviewers and it surprised me and made me laugh, coming from a total stranger. It gave me confidence which every author needs for their debut novel.  If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as which characters? Kendall -Rachel McAdams; Ryder -Ellar Coltrane; Scout- Josh Holloway Any Upcoming Promotions/Giveaways/Events We Should Know About? Goodreads Giveaway, Library Things Giveaway and Mystery Thriller Week Giveaway. What other jobs have you held? Contract negotiator for Hospital, Physicians and Healthcare, College Adminstrator, Real Estate Broker, Travel Writer If given a chance, which author (living or dead) would you like to meet (have met)? Nicholas Sparks. I’m a little younger and would love to chat with him about his journey of being an author. Do you have pets? Harvey, my Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier/Poodle mix), is in the book.  What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of publishing today? My favorite is technology, my book is in nie countries because of technology. My least favorite is marketing and trying to figure out what works. Are you traditionally published or self-published and why? Traditionally published. I self-published a travel book under the name of Anita Kaltenbaugh. For my fiction book, I wanted the experience of a publisher. What conferences have you attended and what value have you found in attending conferences? I pitched “A Deep Thing” at the Las Vegas Writers conference in 2015. A publisher requested my manuscript and three months later I signed a contract. They were the only publisher/agent to read my entire manuscript, so conferences are extremely valuable to me. If you were going to dabble in a different genre, what would it be and why? I’ve written a mature YA thriller, called Pseudocide. I would like to get an agent that specifically targets Young Adult. |
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