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Relying on Wits and Creativity
One Icy Night follows a twenty-year-old bassist and fugitive who gets stuck in a bar waiting out a winter storm with the sheriff while trying to hide her true identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
“I love a story where the protagonist has to rely on her wits and creativity to survive, especially when she holds a secret or two,” says Pepper. “The winter storm itself brings out some secrets as well. As for the inspiration for Rook, I’m very blessed to have known some strong, resourceful, and brave women in my life. Rook is a combination of them and having her as the lead of this book made perfect sense. She’s smart, cunning, and has been taught by her grandmother how to be prepared in almost any situation. She’s probably as fun to write as she is to read!”
Rook Kellum just wants to get away and avoid the people who are after her, but she is compelled to help someone else, even if it means risking her own safety. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
“One of the traits that Rook does not possess is indecision. She will act, even if it backfires. She will risk her life for a stranger’s because it is the right thing to do. That sometimes comes back to bite her.”
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
“I spend 20-40 hours on a manuscript just outlining, finding ways to truly ruin a character’s life. If my characters ever met me in real life, they’d slit my throat. Then I play with the scenes and the pacing, maybe move a flashback in when I’m trying to slow the pace, or have something truly horrific happen to move the story in a new direction. It’s a marathon with sprints and runs, but never walks.”
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
“The next book is the sequel to You Will Know Vengeance entitled Running on Broken Bones. It comes out March 26th. It follows our escaped hackvict (hacking convict) Tanto as he faces not just the Mercator Agency hunting him down, but Tanto’s own body turning against him. It’ll be good for fans of Breaking Bad and Mr. Robot.”
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Abandoned by her now-ex-boyfriend at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, the last thing resilient Rook Kellum needs is the local sheriff confiscating her I.D. when one phone call could expose her true identity and the reason she is on the run from the law. So when she’s trapped by a deadly ice storm that destroys the Mississippi Delta, the twenty-year-old fugitive has a plan: get everyone drunk, steal back her license (and a madman’s car), and get the hell out of town.
It is only when she escapes to a secluded cabin does Rook discover she isn’t the only one in need of rescue. As she fights her way out of one disaster just to get pounded with another, will Rook live to see the light of day?
One Icy Night is Taylor Adam’s No Exit meets Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs.
One Icy Night: 30th Anniversary of the ’94 Delta Ice Storm Edition
In One Icy Night, author W.A. Pepper presents a gripping narrative centered around Rook Kellum, a twenty-year-old bassist caught up in the chaos of the 1994 Delta Ice Storm. The story unfolds in a small-town setting, where Rook, left stranded by her bandmates, finds herself passing the time in a local bar. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Rook interacts with a cast of distinctive characters, including the bar owner Stalin, Sherriff Roberts, and the enigmatic Riley. Pepper skillfully weaves a tale where secrets are unveiled amidst a backdrop of a severe blizzard, compelling Rook to navigate through escalating tensions and unexpected revelations.
Pepper’s writing is notable for its blend of wit and intensity, creating an engaging and thought-provoking thriller. The novel is structured around three closely linked timelines within a year, offering a deeper understanding of Rook’s past and the circumstances that have shaped her resilient and resourceful character. This narrative approach, while involving shifts in time, remains clear and coherent, enhancing the overall storytelling. The character of Rook, particularly her relationship with her grandmother and her ability to persist in the face of adversity, is a highlight of Pepper’s character development. The reader is drawn into rooting for Rook, partly thanks to the well-placed plot twists that keep the suspense high. The author’s humor provides a balanced contrast to the more action-packed and dramatic scenes, enriching the reading experience.
With its brisk pacing, engaging flashbacks, and a collection of well-crafted characters, One Icy Night is a commendable choice for fans of thrillers. Its appeal lies in the compelling combination of high-stakes scenarios, a strong female lead, and an addictive narrative rhythm. This novel is especially recommended for those who appreciate stories with dynamic action scenes and complex protagonists.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CN5C9RHB
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
Soar a Burning Sky: Echoes of EonThera: Book One
Consider a world where our living planet thrives, where even the vast oceans and the smallest streams remain so pristine that they invite both leisurely swims and the purest sips. In this idyllic realm, lush forests and vibrant jungles are teamed with a rich tapestry of plant and animal species, while the air remains as pure as the breath of a newborn, entirely free from the ominous presence of contaminants. Such a paradise is none other than Eonthera, often referred to as Earth’s spiritual counterpart—a realm intricately intertwined with our own. However, a pertinent question arises: What if this utopian sanctuary becomes entangled in the dilemma that currently afflicts our Earth?
Soar a Burning Sky, by Steven Michael Beck, is a captivating and thought-provoking fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey into the interconnected realms of Earth and its hidden utopia counterpart, Eonthera. The author tells a story about mutual reliance and symbiotic life in the face of the impending peril posed by abrupt climate change on Earth. To save both realms from collapsing, Eonthera urgently demands action in response to this impending threat, which acts as a ticking time bomb. The story moves forward and keeps readers interested because of the tangible tension this sense of impending disaster creates throughout.
The unlikely Earthly warriors who must save both realms from a fiery end are introduced to readers along with a wide array of characters in this story. Every character is likable and relatable since they each bring their own talents and weaknesses to the table. There is a strong narrative arc as they learn the value of their duty and the repercussions of inaction. The examination of the effects of human stupidity in Soar a Burning Sky is among its most striking features. The main enemy is recognized as Earth’s ignorance and disrespect for the environment. Beck presents a clear picture of how our deeds, or lack thereof, can cause the environment we live in to deteriorate. Because of how pertinent this theme is to the modern world, the book is both a compelling commentary on environmental issues and an enjoyable read.
Soar a Burning Sky explores the entwined fates of Earth and Eonthera in a beautifully written fantasy book. The narrative conveys significant lessons about the need to protect the environment, the adverse effects of ignorance, and the possibility of repentance. This book serves as a timely reminder of our duty to safeguard the Earth we call home and is a gripping piece of fiction. For those who value complex character development, sophisticated world-building, and stories with a strong environmental message, this is a must-read.
Pages: 481
DoGoodR
DoGoodR by W.A. Pepper is a thriller prequel that follows a hacker named Tanto, who, along with a couple fellow hackers, has been hired by a woman claiming to be the sister of the hacker, DoGoodR, to destroy the evidence that had landed him behind bars. Tanto and his friends Squirrel_Lord and Mane-Eac go on a mission to free this young hacker, but as they get further into the job, things start feeling off to Tanto. Accelerated deadlines, their fellow companion’s incompetence, and sheer bad luck have the gang questioning their odds. Will they succeed in saving their young comrade, or is it all just a cleverly arranged trap as they fear?
This suspenseful book was riveting. It really drew me in. It hooks you from the beginning and has you on the edge of your seat till the end. It’s a nice little short read if you’re looking for something to fill a little time in your reading schedule. Despite its size, though, it doesn’t skimp on the thrills. I loved Mane-Eac. She was a strong female character who didn’t let her fellow male hackers push her around, and I appreciate that alpha woman’s presence. Actually, all the ladies were pretty strong, some scarily so.
I felt the book could use some editing with how the chapters are broken out. With a short novel, it can be hard to get all the information a reader needs at times. There are a lot of flashbacks in this story to make that happen. While they were necessary to give you the backstory, I felt saying the character was brought back to the present each time wasn’t necessary. Those things aside, the story moved quickly, and the characters gave readers all the information at just the right time to provide suspense from start to finish.
DoGoodR is a page-turning technothriller and prequel. It made me consider reading the others in this universe. If you love a good hacker thriller, I recommend this. The fast-paced action and great characters made this a great read.
Pages: 120 | ISBN: 1958011045
LITERARY TITAN 