C.G. Cooper's Blog, page 7

A Humble Marine?

You've done it. Yep, you really have. You've humbled me. Through your overwhelming support for Presidential Shift , you've shown me that I need to do more to give back to veterans.
photo credit: DVIDSHUB via photopin cc The Corps Justice journey began with my search to find some way to help our troops. I tell stories that will hopefully connect with you and your friends. Stories about heroes and patriotism, brotherhood and kinship. I try to relate them honestly and with my heart wide open.

Here's the problem: I want more. I want to hear your stories. I want to learn from the millions who've raised their right hand for this country. I want to give more.

So I did something about it. Yesterday I launched what I'm temporarily calling the "Veteran Spotlight". Check out the first post I did on my old buddy Ted: HERE. With the new page I want to interview fellow veterans who are proud of the time they spent in the service, and want to spread the word.

I want to focus on individuals, groups, support organizations and veteran-owned businesses and give them the exposure. Once the interview goes live, they/you can share it anywhere you want. Call it free publicity.

Now it's your turn. Want to give back? Here are the ways you can:

1) Be one of the people I interview. All the questions are right HERE. Fill out the form, I'll follow-up, and then we'll post it.

2) Recommend a friend. Let your friends know that they can get free exposure for their business/organization/group. Again, the interview form is HERE.

3) Help me name this new "thing". Here are some possibilities:
Veteran SpotlightSea StoriesA Past LifeA Veteran's Life Think those suck? Give me some better ideas. Once I have a handful I'll let you guys choose.

So there you go. One more way that we can help our friends. I hope you approve.

Let me know in the COMMENTS section what you think I should call it.

It's Done!

Just wanted to give you guys a quick couple updates before the weekend. First, five minutes ago, I finished the rough draft for Book 4, Presidential Shift!

Took me long enough. Jeez!
As I mentioned in my last post, thing's are revving up from here. I'll release episodes 1-4 along with the entire novel sometime in February, once my editor cleans up the mess. You'll get the first peak.

Second piece of news: Starting Monday, I'll write another storyline into the Corps Justice series. It's a prequel.

About who and what? It's gonna be about Marine sniper Daniel Briggs, aka "Snake Eyes", and his journey back to the States after his time overseas. He's out of the Corps, in pain, searching for answers, drinking too much, kicking some ass.
The book will be called Adrift, and chronicle one of his temporary stays in a small town, and what happens during the layover. I really want to tackle PTSD and how it's affecting our troops. An important issue right now.

Depending on how you and other readers like it, I have plans for more between normal Corps Justice additions.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading. Feel free to let me know what you think. You always do :)

Semper,
  CGC

The Survey Results Are In

Thanks to all who participated in this month's Corps Justice survey. Many of you wondered about the reason behind the survey. There was more than one, "What's the deal, Coop?"

First, I didn't mean to scare any of you. Cal and crew aren't going anywhere. As you know, I take my writing very seriously. I want to be smart about what I put on the market. The best way to find out what my 2014 strategy would be was to ask you, my most loyal friends.

Episodes vs. Full Novel

Last year, I released Prime Asset in three episodes, then as a whole novel. Some of you didn't like the episodes, instead preferring the entire novel. That's cool.

Here's what I found on the "business" side. Both the episodes and the full novel sold well all year. Some readers didn't mind paying for each and every episode. Cool with me. Plus, with the episode, I increased the chances of finding new readers with more products available.

This was the split from your survey answers:
What I'm Gonna Do

For 2014, I'm going to release every episode at the same time as the full novel. That way readers can choose whether to buy it in pieces or all at once.

Free Copies For Honest Reviews

Over the course of 2013, many of you have taken advantage of my offer to download a free copy of a novel/short story, in exchange for an honest review. It felt like a win-win. Here's what you said:
Here's the 2014 Plan

I want to keep hooking you up for being part of the Corps Justice family. I'm toying with the idea of only giving free copies to those who want them (some of you have told me you'd rather pay and support the effort), and not send a free link to everyone. We'll play this one by ear.

Character Short Stories

I wrote God-Speed and Running to give you the backstory of Cal Sr. and Cal. Here's what you said about future character shorts:
Future Shorts

I have a couple stories in mind that will probably hit the market this year. MSgt Willy Trent is on the top of that list. Here are the characters you said you'd like to see more of:
More Survey Results

I thought this was a timely question:
Reader Comments

Here are some of my favorite comments that you left at the end of the survey:

Have bought everyone of the Corps Justice series and have reread all of them at least twice. Find myself checking my Gmail every morning in expectation of news about a news for the newest novel. They are so well done that I feel like I personally know all the characters. Semper Fi

Love your books. They are action packed and keep me up late at night so I can finish!! Keep up the good work!!

I enjoy deep character development. I am also a Marine ('67) so I really like Corps related books. I have enjoyed everything you have done thus far.

I love reading the books and I'm not a big reader but something about your books just hit home

Keep them coming please!

You write...I will read...buy...and then, tell my friends. You provide enormous entertainment, and I think your Corps J. series is wonderful. I think YOU are wonderful to so entertain!

Love the Justice series and wilł buy anything you deliver. Anchors Away---Semper Fi

I'm English so couldn't really answer question 3 as an ex Royal Marine (which incidentally are much better ;) ) I'm extremely patriotic, keep up the great work just do it faster. Stop sitting there reading this get and writing!

Thanks again for your honesty and your continued support. With your help, 2014 is going to be great year.

Semper Fidelis,
CGC

Happy Holidays, and Thank You, Don M.

First, I'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Please enjoy any time off that you get, and, as always, keep our troops still serving on the front lines in your thoughts and prayers. It wouldn't hurt to drink a pint or two for them either.

Second, I'd like to thank super reader Don M. for his input yesterday. You see, even I get stuck when I'm writing. Don must've read my mind and suggested I add crusty new character to the Corps Justice mix and pushed Book 4 along. Lucky him, because he saved my ass, I'll be naming the character after him.

That gave me an idea. Many of you have been amazing with your feedback and support. Thank you.

I'd like to do my part to give back, so here's my idea. You may not be a writer, but you may have a killer idea for a new character.

Here's my offer: give me description of your character, with a name. Tell me what he/she looks like, a bit of background, etc... If I use your character, I'll brag about you like I'm bragging about Don now and thank you in the book. Call it my tiny Christmas present to the best readers on the planet.

So put on your thinking caps, pop open a cold one, and type me up a quick note. I look forward to hearing from you.

Semper,
CGC photo credit: RiverRatt3 via photopin cc

You Know More Than I Do

A funny thing's happened since I started writing the Corps Justice novels. I've met you amazing readers.

You've shared your stories and your patriotism. It's been a humbling experience.

I realized something else. Some of you know more about my characters than I do! How the hell did that happen?

So here's the deal. I'm taking a page from one of my mentors. I want to bring you into my world.

Here's my offer: If you have an idea for a short story or short novel for the Corps Justice series I want to read it.

If you're interested, here are the guidelines:
- The story has to be within the Corps Justice world.
- You have to write it.
- You can introduce new characters.
- Email your manuscript to carlos(at)corpsjustice.com
- If I don't say yes, you're welcome to change the names and publish it on your own.

More info:
- If selected I will split all royalties with you 50/50
- I will pay for book cover design, book editing, etc...
- I have final say with changes of the manuscript
- You get full co-author credit on the cover, etc...

So there it is. Let's take our relationship to the next level. Look forward to hearing from you.

Semper,
CGC photo credit: United States Marine Corps Official Page via photopin cc

Remember When We Were Young And Brave?

A couple days ago, I was looking through some pictures from my Marine Corps days. Jeez did I look like a kid. That's when it hit me: our nation is protected by a bunch of men that look like kids.

What really got me thinking about it was watching some ESPN highlights during lunch. Have you ever noticed that even college football players look like men? They're huge and a lot of them are only 18! That's what I thought I'd find when I went into the Corps, but the opposite is true.

Most of us are of average height and average build. The guys that look like "The Swede" in Heartbreak Ridge wouldn't be able to stay within weight standards.

So what's that special gift? If a kid can't bench 500-lbs or kill a man by crushing his skull with his bare hands, what makes a hero?

It's heart. It's courage. It's grit. It's loyalty. It's kindness.

The United States military is comprised 99.99% with normal kids doing extraordinary things. Whoever says this country is dying only needs to look at them. They are the shining example of what Americans should be.  Brothers 'til the end.

So today, as you're going about your day, trying to ignore the crappy news, thinking about what to eat for dinner, remember those baby-faced men who are out there on the front lines defending our freedom. I don't know about you, but I'd take a scrappy kid from the Louisiana bayou over a NFL wide-out any day.

I may have a couple drinks for them tonight.

Who's with me?

Semper Fidelis,
CGC
photo credit: United States Marine Corps Official Page via photopin cc

Loose Screws and Pushing the Limits. It's Part of Who We Are.

I went for a run today. Of course it was in the middle of the muggy  heat. As I stretched on the back porch, my wife commented about how 'crazy' I was for running at the worst time of day.

It got me thinking.

Why, as current and former members of the military, do we push the red line? Why does it seem like we have a couple screws loose?

We Love A Good Challenge

You don't go into the military for something easy. We each look for a challenge. The great thing about being in the Marine Corps, Navy, etc...is that the Services give us plenty of challenges. One day it's a grueling hump, the next it's a pissy Major looking for the proper request form. We learn to live with the challenges and exceed our own expectations.

When we leave the military we don't change. The world wants us to assimilate, but we resist. I don't know about you, but I'm not about to turn into a lazy lump.

Screw It

What makes us climb the last rung, hump the last mile or chug the next beer? It's that 'Screw It' mentality. As I was sweating my ass off on my run, I had a flashback of one of the many times I said "Screw It" much to the disgust of others.

It was the night before a 20-mile hike. My roommate and I had been designated Tail-End Charlies (you know, the guys in the back of the formation that kick the others in the ass and pickup any stragglers) since the beginning of training. At the time we really liked to push ourselves. This go-around we decided it would be fun to head down to the bar and drink a few pitchers of beer. You know. "Screw it!" As the night wore on our peers walked by asking,

"What are you guys doing?"
"Are you crazy?"
"What is wrong with you?"

We just laughed and said, "Just wait. We'll still kick your asses."

I have no idea how much we drank, but neither wanted to back down.

The next morning we formed up with the rest of our class and headed off. I'm pretty sure we smelled like a Coors brewery for the first five miles.

We obviously didn't feel one hundred percent, but we'd be damned if we were going to show it. Word got around and we just kept on smiling and pushed those in front of us.

It may not have been the smartest thing, but we didn't care. We were Marines. We were tough. We could do things harder and better than the others.

Today I just look back and laugh. Now I use my 'Screw It' attitude to do things that other people told me I shouldn't do. Here's a short list:

- You shouldn't be writing books.
- You shouldn't waste time helping others learn how to write.
- You should go get a real job.
- Why do you spend so much time with your family?

Sometimes you have to grab a pair and give the world the finger. Show it who's boss. I know you've all been there.

I'm proud to call you my friends. Know that I'm always here to push you like others have pushed me. You push me to write better and better stories. I thank you for that.

Now it's your turn.

What's your story?
When did someone say you couldn't do something?

Leave your tale in the comments section below.
photo credit: CherryPoint via photopin cc

"Presidential Shift" Excerpt

I hope you're having a great summer. Things have been busy around the Cooper household, but Book 4, "Presidential Shift", is still underway.

Thought you might like to get a little taste.

Here's the first slightly edited chapter for your reading pleasure:
Chapter 1
Vienna, Virginia
7:04am, December 15th

    The runner sped past a woman pushing a lime green jogging stroller. Despite his fast pace, the jogger didn’t look winded. Adjusting his white Adidas cap as he turned into the public park, he scanned the area from behind Oakley running glasses. His brown hair could barely be seen peeking out.

    There was a hidden alcove of trees off to the right and he ran that way. Headed toward a row of park benches he waved to a thin man seated wearing a heavy parka. The dark-complexioned man looked up from his Arabic newspaper at the sound of the man’s footfalls and returned the wave with a smile.

    The runner floated to a halt in front of the bench surrounded by a tight copse of pine.

    “Morning, Mansoor!” the runner offered with a smile.

    “And a good morning to you, Richard,” the Middle Easterner replied, in slightly accented English. “Are you finished with your exercise already?”

    The man nodded. “Yeah, just a quick run today. Probably head to the gym after work. Mind if I stretch while we chat?”

    “Not at all. May I offer you some of my tea?” Mansoor asked.

    “Is it that stuff your cook makes?”

    “It is.”

    “That stuff is great. Much better than the crap you get at Starbucks.”

    Mansoor nodded. “It is one of the many things I miss about my country.”

    Pouring tea from a silver thermos, the young runner Mansoor knew as Richard stretched. He glanced up casually to see his friend pouring a second cup. Without taking his eyes off Mansoor, he reached down and looked to be adjusting the sock around his ankle.

    “Funny I keep bumping into you like this.”

    Mansoor looked up from his tea. “If I was a suspicious man I would think you might be following me Richard,” he responded playfully.

    His companion shrugged. “What can I say? I guess I’m into good-looking Arabs with hot tea.”

    Blood rose to Mansoor’s face as he waved away the compliment. They’d only met days earlier, but had quickly found they believed in many of the same things. Most importantly, they’d spoken at length about the wars still being waged in the Middle East. Mansoor had found it comforting to meet such an enlightened, and handsome, American. It hadn’t taken long to figure out that Richard was probably gay, although his last comment was the most overt flirting either one had yet attempted.

    “Why don’t you come have your tea?”

    Richard nodded and sat down next to his friend. He took the paper cup and held it up in toast. “To new friends.”

    The two men tapped their cups together and took sips of their tea. Mansoor savored the taste of his past. Soon he would be able to return to his country. He smiled at the thought.

    Richard looked up from his tea and cocked his head. “What are you thinking about?”

    Mansoor shook away his thoughts and focused on his prize. “I was thinking that maybe we should do dinner sometime. What do you think?”

    Richard’s light complexion flushed slightly as he took another sip of his tea.

    “What is it, my friend?” asked Mansoor, stroking his slick goatee carefully.

    Richard shook his head as if to say he was too embarrassed to respond.

    “Come, Richard. You know you can tell me anything. What is the matter?”

    “I don’t know if I should tell you. It’s…it’s kind of a secret.”

    Richard took another hurried sip of his tea. Mansoor placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

    “Please tell me,” he whispered. His oversized obsidian eyes glinted with excitement.

    Richard nodded and leaned in as if to whisper in his ear. Mansoor shuddered involuntarily and moved in closer. Richard used his left hand to bring Mansoor’s head closer. It was an almost intimate gesture. His lips were right next to Mansoor’s ear.

    Richard whispered, “I have to kill you now.”

    Mansoor’s eyes widened as the killer inserted a double-edged blade into his throat. He struggled against the pull, but the executioner held on to his head and twisted the knife forcing the man’s lifeblood out in a steady flow.

    The Middle Easterner’s eyes glazed and his movement stopped. Moving quickly, the assassin laid the dead man down on the bench and covered him with the open newspaper. Next he wiped his blade on the man’s jacket and returned it to its sheath.

    He heard a rustling from the woods and turned to see another man dressed in running gear walking toward him.  

    “You okay?” asked the blonde man with the ponytail.

    “I’m good,” Cal Stokes answered. He looked down at his watch and exhaled. “Let’s get back to the hotel and get cleaned up. We’ve gotta be at the Oval office in two hours.”

+++

"Presidential Shift" coming early Fall 2013

Being a Marine...

Being a Marine...
Being a Marine is hard.
Being a Marine requires honor.
Being a Marine is a privilege.
Being a Marine is earned.
Being a Marine is hard core.
Being a Marine is an honor.
Being a Marine requires courage.
Being a Marine is for life.

Semper Fidelis
photo credit: United States Marine Corps Official Page via photopin cc

Finding Old Friends the Marine Corps Way

Last night I was sifting through my  Facebook feed, not really looking for anything, just killing time. Amazingly, I found three Marines I'd served with over ten years ago.

I friend-requested them, not really knowing what kind of response I would get.

The first response was from a Marine that always seemed to have his hand in some kind of mischief. He reminded me that the first time I was OOD I had to go to the hospital to pick him up after he got a couple teeth knocked out at a club off-base. I laughed just thinking about it. He's a good Marine that I remembered as someone who always pulled strings to take care of our company. He also helped to show a lowly lieutenant the ins and outs of how the battalion chain worked.

The second reply was from a Marine who, as a SSgt, I always thought was crusty beyond his age. One of those grunts that just got it. He knew how to take care of Marines AND accomplish the mission. Turns out he's still in the Corps and doing great. I laughed when he first replied to my friend request with, "You're a warrior not an author!" It felt like we fell into the old routine. I can't wait until I can fulfill my promise to buy him a beer. Between you and me, I'll be buying drinks the whole night.

The last Marine to write me back was one of those 'Poster Boy' Marines that we all hear about before hitting the Fleet. He's probably about six feet tall, smart, good looking, and a physically fit as they come. I remember checking in to my battalion and thanking my lucky stars that he'd be one of MY Marines. As seems to happen in the Corps, he left my platoon too soon. We had a great conversation as well. Turns out he did a much better job at keeping in touch with some of the old guys than I did. I also realized that there was some of my main character, Cal Stokes, in the Marine. It brought a grin to my face.

As I put my iPhone down and got ready for bed, I replayed the conversations in my head. They took me back to the days when it was all about the Marines around me. Part of me really misses those days. Thankfully, we now have technology that allows us to reach out to old comrades and reconnect.

It also made me realize how much of THEM is in my books. I say it often: I WRITE FOR THEM.

I'd never realized how much I'd missed my Marines.

C. G. Cooper is author of the Corps Justice Novels
photo credit: United States Marine Corps Official Page via photopin cc