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It’s About Balance When Writing
Running on Broken Bones follows a talented hacker who is on the run from a government agency while his body struggles to keep up with his mind. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Part of the second book in the Tanto Thriller series is based on a true story. There was a news article about three guys running a very successful drug smuggling business out of a hospital. As I followed the story, I only found where two of three people were arrested. That made me think, “who could’ve gotten away scott-free?” Answer, “a hacker.”
Tanto is an exciting character to follow; readers never know what he will do next. What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Tanto, while benevolent, is full of pride and self-inflicted burdens. He’s made some mistakes, so he thinks it is up to him to save everyone. I’ve read a good bit (and I have much more to read) about Bushido lifestyle, culture and history, so it’s influenced this character a lot. As for the dialogue, I used to write for film and television, so smartass dialogue is one of my favorite things to write!
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
Balance in writing is so important. While readers love action, they need breaks in a book. Part of what helped me become a better thriller writer and balance my scenes was reading StoryGrid by Shawn Coyne and Steven Pressfield (a book I highly recommend to authors). However, a larger part comes from reading thrillers and taking inspiration (adapting rather than stealing) from multiple thriller authors. Riley Saeger. Ruth Ware. J.D. Barker. Chuck Wendig. And others, as well as great TV shows and movies.
As for pacing, readers hate-hate-hate an info-dump (when a writer overwhelms the reader with backstory or needless information). I truly hate writing them, so I parse them out over the entire book. You will get an info chapter here and there, but as a reader myself, I don’t want to get slammed with backstory while in the middle of a chase scene.
Where does the next book in the series take Tanto?
Burn It All Down, the third book in the Tanto series, answers the questions initially asked in the first book in the series. In a trilogy, whether it’s sci-fi, thriller, fantasy, whatever, I’ve learned that your first and third books should mirror each other in certain ways. Flow. Obstacles. Questions asked then become questions finally answered at the end. For example, my favorite trilogy is the Star Wars Trilogy (New Hope, Empire, Return). New Hope and Return both have the ultimate weapon: a Death Star. They both take place in sandy places (Darth Vader’s real nemesis). And there are other parallels. Now Empire is its own story. It starts at the end of the New Hope and addresses issues left undone from the first movie. Then it has its own story. And finally it sets up the last battle that viewers see in Return. That’s what I’m (hopefully) doing in the Tanto Trilogy.
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Tanto is crumbling. Recently escaping a brutal covert institution, the follower of the Bushido code struggles to keep one step ahead of the merciless government agency hot on his heels. But sought-for sanctuary slips through the hacker’s fingers when he loses the ability to communicate and collapses in a debilitating fit.
Fighting his way back to consciousness in an unfamiliar hospital bed, Tanto makes a break for the streets as military choppers and agents storm his refuge. And hoping to find the answers to his worsening ailment, he returns to his former prison to discover old acquaintances wielding a cure worse than death.
As his body fails, can Tanto’s brilliant tactical mind stand against a relentless host of obstacles and killers?
Running on Broken Bones is the pulse-pounding second book in the multi-award winning Tanto thriller series. If you like heroes with brains, hair-raising stakes, and pitiless adversaries, then you’ll love W. A. Pepper’s tale of underworld survival.
Buy Running on Broken Bones to live and die with honor today!
Running on Broken Bones: A Tanto Thriller
W. A. Pepper’s Running on Broken Bones delivers an electrifying experience within the thriller category, seamlessly blending suspense and action into a narrative that grips the reader from start to finish.
In this riveting tale, Tanto, an elusive adherent to the bushido code, suffers an accident that lands him in a dire situation. His story begins in the sterile confusion of a hospital bed, only to escalate as military helicopters soon swarm above. The novel thrusts the reader into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where strategic cunning is Tanto’s only ally in navigating through a labyrinth of peril and pursuit.
Pepper’s narrative prowess shines as he deftly crafts scenes with vivid, dynamic language, making the unfolding drama almost tangible. This clear and compelling storytelling ensures that even in the midst of chaos, the reader remains firmly anchored in the story’s flow without losing their grasp on the unfolding events.
Set against a backdrop steeped in the underbelly of society, the author expertly captures the essence of the shadowy corners of the world where Tanto’s story plays out. The atmospheric details and authentic settings create a believable and immersive underworld that’s as compelling as it is menacing.
The heart of this suspenseful journey lies in its central character: Tanto, whose intricately designed persona and thought process are a standout feature, adding a layer of psychological intrigue to the action-packed plot.
The novel’s structure is meticulously planned, delivering a series of twists and surprises that elevate the suspense, ensuring that readers remain engaged and eager to see what lies on the next page.
For enthusiasts of the suspense and action genres looking for a story that excels in both pacing and depth, Running on Broken Bones is a compelling selection. This second book in Pepper’s celebrated series not only meets but surpasses the high expectations set by its predecessor, firmly establishing itself as a notable work in its field. Whether you are a seasoned reader of thrillers or new to the genre, this book promises an adventure that will keep you hooked until the last word.
ASIN : B0C927PNY6
Killer Bees & Murder Hornets
Bee Conspiracy follows a tenacious detective investigating an odd accident involving bees and teams up with a Wildlife agent who suspects it is, in fact, not an accident. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One sees in the media, from time to time, sensationalized headlines that include terms like “killer bees” or “murder hornets.” These terms are intended to scare people and create clickbait. I thought it would be interesting to show an expert in the field of insects who would find clues that showed a beehive was planted in a certain position in order to “weaponize” the bees by putting them in a defensive posture.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
A good story has a certain skeletal structure that includes twists but also relies upon a character who is following a journey to achieve a certain goal.
What draws you to the genre of eco-thriller and makes it ripe for you to write such a great conspiracy thriller story in it?
Thank you for the compliment! I have always been interested in insects and how they relate to our ecosystem, and I wanted to explore a character who would see things from the point of view of the insects and how he might be able to use his knowledge to solve crimes. I do enjoy a good thriller and certainly aspire to keep people turning the page to find out what happens next.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a new book set at the modern-day Tower of London, in England. I am also mulling ideas for a sequel to Bee Conspiracy!
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A suspenseful tale featuring a mismatched investigative team reminiscent of X-Files‘ Mulder and Scully…
As concerns over food shortages grow amid massive honeybee die-offs, an LAPD cop and a Special Agent for US Fish and Wildlife investigate a sociopath kindling mass hysteria to profit from the extermination of biological bees.
Bee Conspiracy
In Bee Conspiracy, David Boito crafts a gripping narrative that takes the reader on an investigative journey where finding the culprit is merely the beginning. John Alan “Duke” Wayne, our tenacious detective, isn’t satisfied with just unraveling the how and why of a crime; he’s bent on trapping the orchestrator in an unbreakable web of evidence.
The narrative commences with a seemingly innocuous incident: a man operating a lawnmower inadvertently disrupts a bee nest. The ensuing panic results in a gruesome accident. While Duke, currently on administrative leave for his unyielding demeanor, initially dismisses it as a mere accident, Kelso Bagley’s keen eye spots incongruities. As a Fish and Wildlife agent, Kelso’s expert knowledge leads him to suspect foul play, particularly when he detects unusual aggression pheromones and observes the hive’s unnatural placement.
Without venturing too far into spoiler territory, what begins as a straightforward detective thriller evolves into a multi-layered tale rife with unexpected twists. Boito skillfully plays with classic detective tropes – for instance, the archetypal good cop/bad cop dynamic. Yet, as the narrative unfolds and characters evolve, their roles and relationships are intriguingly subverted. A word of caution: While the initial lawnmower incident is jarringly graphic, it is a standalone scene in terms of its intensity. However, if you harbor a strong aversion to bugs, approach with care.
Rapid-paced chapters make Bee Conspiracy a compelling page-turner. I recommended this conspiracy thriller for those seeking a riveting literary escape.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0CDKC64X4
The First Harm
Steven Piskula’s The First Harm is a gripping, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tanna’s discovery of a cadaver in the lab sets off a chain of events that leads her down a dangerous path. When her roommate, Krystal, dies in what appears to be a murder disguised as an accident, Tanna begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. Her investigation soon uncovers a shady body parts trading scheme between the university and a mortuary and the nefarious activities of Modern Genetics, a research laboratory creating deadly viruses.
Tanna becomes a target of the malevolent plotters, and with nowhere else to turn, she teams up with Jason, a former drug addict, to hunt down the bad guys. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, their unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of others is truly admirable. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Solomon, who stands up for the truth at a significant personal cost.
The First Harm boasts a well-crafted plot filled with unending twists and turns, and the characterization is top-notch. The chemistry between Tanna and Jason is palpable, and their courage in the face of danger is inspiring. Piskula’s writing style keeps the story moving rapidly, sprinkling in just the right amount of humor and romance to make it a delightful read. The plot moves quickly, but that is because the scenes are intense and violent.
The First Harm is a well-written and engrossing medical thriller that will satisfy fans of mystery mixed with science fiction and conspiracy. The storyline is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the suspense is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0BCXCF88X
Civil Terror: Gridlock
Dr. Jake Bendel, a pioneering civil engineer, and his team of experts embark on a colossal project to create self-driving cars, aiming to eliminate traffic congestion and accidents. With billions of dollars invested, the groundbreaking technology was widely accepted and integrated into all road networks. However, devastating terrorist attacks soon claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, leaving Jake to question what went wrong.
As evidence surfaces incriminating Jake as the mastermind behind the attacks, he finds himself imprisoned for his alleged involvement. Jake was part of a team of expert engineers known as the Super Six, of which he is the only surviving member. In time, the team realizes that their technology has been hijacked by terrorists to cause severe damage to the country. An ingenious individual had penetrated the software and was responsible for the catastrophic mishaps. The FBI collaborates with Jake to uncover the root cause of the problem and neutralize any further attacks, faking Jake’s death to facilitate their investigation.
J. Luke Bennecke’s Civil Terror: Gridlock is a thrilling work of fiction that provides insight into the future of advanced AI. The novel explores the pros and cons of utilizing self-driving vehicles and depicts the intelligent and patriotic Jake as its main character and protagonist. While he sometimes struggles with his emotions, his overall goodness shines through.
Viktor, the intriguing and malevolent genius and antagonist of the story, captured my attention the most. I was surprised by how someone could be brainwashed into committing heinous crimes in the name of religion. His intelligence could have been better utilized if not for his association with the wrong people. The characterization is top-notch, and while I enjoyed the novel, I feel that the plot accelerated too quickly in the middle.
Civil Terror: Gridlock is a gripping technothriller that boasts exceptional editing, a good story, and an engaging plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone who fancies a thrilling, action-packed read filled with conspiracy theories and terrorist plots unfolding.
Pages: 494 | ASIN : B07B8LK9XG
Contrarian
Contrarian is the action-packed second novel in the “Lars the Hitman” series by Lucas Sterling. Lars Christopherson is a former Department of Homeland Security agent turned high-priced assassin. He uses his specific set of skills to take out undesirables like drug dealers and corrupt law enforcement officers while also donating large sums of money to an animal shelter.
The main focus of Contrarian is Lars’ dealings with Srepska, an eastern European terrorist organization plotting a massive eco-terrorism attack on the US. There’s lots of spying and subterfuge as Lars joins German agent Frederic Ulrich in unwinding a nefarious plot designed to destabilize the American economy.
Contrarian is an overly macho, entertaining tale. It is reminiscent of the action movies and spy thrillers of the 80s and 90s. The physical descriptions of most of the main characters read like stat lines for action heroes: 6’4″, athletic, and packed with deadly fighting skills! The characters’ internal monologues are aptly ridiculous as they think to themselves, “These guys are no match for my judo.” It’s filled with cliches and tropes of the genre, which is not necessarily a bad thing. More so, they make the tale comfortably familiar in a nostalgic sort of way.
Lucas Sterling does an excellent job of weaving the story together, but at times I feel like Sterling’s prose is a little overwritten, being a bit too descriptive of details and actions that could be left in the reader’s mind. As a result, the novel starts a little slow, but the pacing takes off once the players are appropriately introduced and in place.
Contrarian is a swift and enjoyable conspiracy thriller that I feel anyone who likes action novels would enjoy. Readers of crime thrillers and suspense will find this book does not let you down when looking for that nostalgic feeling of undercover detectives.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0BHPXH3FD
Subversive Hero
The Ballad of Clay Moore follows two people who investigate the mysterious appearance of a military grade plane near their land and find that certain people are ready to kill to keep it a secret. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Every story needs a driving force, and I wanted to establish that early. In Chapter One, Clay is walking his dog on a quiet night when a mysterious plane lands nearby. His tranquil world is shattered, and Clay spends the rest of the book running and fighting and trying to get back to that peaceful scene.
Clayton Moore is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I really enjoyed creating Clay Moore. This good-ol’-boy in over his head. I started playing around with his voice one day and kept throwing trouble at him to see how he’d respond.
Clay was a unique challenge for me because he comes from a world I’m not familiar with. I grew up in Ohio. I wrote this book in Malaysia. I’ve never been a rancher or a Texan or any of that, so it really took me outside my comfort zone. Along the way, Clay became this kind of subversive hero. He defies a lot of the typical action tropes, and I think that makes him really human.
Also his voice is just fire. I can’t wait to see who plays him in the movie 🙂
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the main themes of this story is power. Who has it? What does it look like? What do they do with it? Clay and his friends go up against some nasty folks with outsized means. It seems like they’re overmatched, but through the course of the story they discover their own power to fight back in surprising and entertaining ways.
When and where will your book be available?
The Ballad of Clay Moore is live now on Amazon.com. It is available in ebook and paperback: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFXCYHM3
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It started like any other night: walking his dog along the creek, having a smoke beneath the stars. Things were peaceful and Clay Moore was happy. Then this plane came down and ruined everything.
Now Clay’s on the run from a madman that wants him dead. He’s got a secret in his pocket and an army on his tail. What’s a good ol’ boy to do?
With his wife and bloodhound by his side, Clay must survive a white-knuckle gauntlet from the wilds of Wyoming to the peak of human power. The Ballad of Clay Moore is an action-packed page-turner about a cowboy caught up in a dangerous game.
LITERARY TITAN 