C.G. Cooper's Blog, page 8
January 31, 2013
Finding Old Friends
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
December 5, 2012
"COUNCIL OF PATRIOTS" is FREE on Amazon today. Get your copy now!
If you haven't gotten a copy of "Council of Patriots" yet, here you go. Get an absolutely FREE copy on Amazon today. Share it with as many friends as you can so we can jump up in the rankings. Thank you for all your amazing support!GET IT HERE
November 18, 2012
"COUNCIL OF PATRIOTS" NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!
Click image to go to Amazon.com You've asked for it, so here it is. "Council of Patriots" is now available for download on Amazon! Thanks for all your comments and support leading up to the release. I think it's a great novel.
And don't worry about Book #3. The manuscript is already halfway done, so please be on the lookout for "Prime Asset" coming soon.
Semper Fidelis, C. G. Cooper
October 23, 2012
Infographic of Marine Corps Quotes USMC
Infographic of Marine Corps Quotes USMC
October 15, 2012
FREE Unedited Excerpt from the Upcoming "Council of Patriots"
Well, friends, here's your first dose of "Council of Patriots". We're still on track to have the final novel available in November, and subsequent novels coming out every two months or so. Thanks for all the great feedback on the cover and content. I couldn't do this without you all.
Semper Fi and happy reading!
C. G. Cooper
Chapter 1
Washington, D.C.
7:35am, September XXX
Congressman Zimmer knew he was in deep shit. The last six months replayed in his mind. Ever since that episode in Las Vegas, his life had drastically changed. He remembered the incident like it was yesterday. Hell, he’d relived it every night in his dreams. He hadn’t had one decent night’s rest.
+++
Six months earlier Congressman Brandon Zimmer, a promising first-term United States representative from Massachusetts, was on the rise. Although barely thirty, Zimmer was no novice in the political world. He’d first accompanied his parents on the campaign trail as a newborn. His father, U.S. Senator Richard Zimmer of Massachusetts, employed young Brandon over the years in positions ranging from runner to assistant campaign manager.
After graduating from an elite private school, Brandon matriculated to the Ivy League. His father, a Harvard alum, pushed for his son to follow his lead. Brandon decided to rebel and go to Yale instead. He did, however, attend Harvard for his MBA.
During his years in school Brandon excelled in academics and always elected to be part of the student council. Yes, politics was in his blood.
A year prior, Congressman Brandon Zimmer won the vacated congressional seat in his home district in Massachusetts. Although a staunch Democrat, and his constituency were as well, he narrowly won. The early campaign looked promising and his staff expected a landslide victory. Zimmer had the good lucks the media loved. He was also the son of a long-standing, and extremely popular Senator.
Despite his status and the endorsement of his six-term father in the Senate, Brandon’s playboy ways were soon splashed throughout social media. Pictures of Zimmer dancing with naked coeds at a Mardi Gras bash in New Orleans the year before, almost sealed his fate. Soon other reports, photos and videos surfaced. It was only through the damage control of his staff and his father’s wealthy backers that he was able to squeeze out the election.
After the fiasco his father put his foot down.
“Son, this is your last shot. I will not come to your rescue again. You’ve got to learn to control your urges. Do you really want to give up everything we’ve worked for?”
Although he’d promised to leave his partying days behind, halfway into his first year as Congressman, Zimmer accepted the invitation of a small Japanese lobbyist who represented the gaming industry. Brandon first met Ishi Nakamura at Harvard Business School. They’d both enjoyed women and parties. After graduation Zimmer entered politics and Nakamura entered the family gaming business in Las Vegas. They’d kept in touch over the years and always promised to visit.
Not long after Zimmer was sworn in, he received a call from his friend. Ishi wanted to offer his congratulations and let Brandon know that he was now heading his father’s small lobbying firm, Ichiban Gaming. Brandon was honestly excited for his friend and mentioned that they should linkup sometime soon.
Six months later he received another call from Ishi.
“Hey, brother. Just wanted to let you know that we’re having a couple of your peers out here in a week to show them around. Didn’t know if you might like to join them. You could make some new friends and I can give you a tour of Sin City,” Ishi invited.
Brandon moaned before answering. “I don’t know. I’m on a pretty short leash around here.”
“Come on. What happened to the Brandon that used to sneak weed into Professor Flannigan’s lectures?”
The freshman Congressman chuckled, “I’m in Congress now, Ishi. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time already bit me once.”
“I know, I know. I’m just giving you a hard time. Look, consider it payback for all those times you hooked me up with your rejects. I promise to wine you and dine you and nothing else.”
Brandon took a second to respond. What could it hurt? “Well, as long as we stick to food, shows and little gambling…I guess I can go.”
Congressman Zimmer wished he’d said no. The trip started out like any other fact-finding junket. Lectures and meetings followed by expensive dinners and more meetings. It all fell apart for Zimmer on the third night.
After a long day hobnobbing with local gaming contacts, Brandon needed a break. He slipped away and headed back to the swanky new hotel-casino, Zeitaku, owned by one of Ishi’s clients. Ducking into one of the many bars he’d toured earlier in the week, he soon found a dark corner and made himself at home.
Halfway into his third martini a gorgeous blonde walked into the almost deserted bar. Wow. Look at the body on that one.
She sat down at the bar and ordered a drink from the Japanese bartender. After a couple sips from her cocktail her eyes wandered around empty bar. Almost squinting she caught Brandon’s eye. She smiled sheepishly and went back to her drink.
Five minutes later the young woman walked towards the restroom but veered over to the Congressman’s alcove.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bother you, but are you by any chance Congressman Zimmer?” she asked shyly.
It wasn’t every day that Zimmer was recognized in public, but his ego always loved it.
He plastered on his best man-of-the-people-smile. “Yes I am.”
The blonde smiled ecstatically. “I thought so! Do you mind if I sit down?”
Brandon gestured to the other seat. “Please.”
Her name was Beth. She was also from the East Coast, and had gone to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They hit it off immediately after ribbing each other about the strength of their alma maters’ basketball teams. Zimmer conceded that UNC was a perennial powerhouse on the court. His concession made Beth beam with pride.
They stayed in the bar until it closed, drinking countless martinis in the process. One thing led to another and the pair eventually made it back to Zimmer’s penthouse suite.
The next thing Zimmer remembered was waking up with his face cradled in Beth’s perfect breasts. He felt severely hung-over, but that was nothing new. Must have been a really good night, he thought.
Something felt strange as he started to move. He didn’t remember getting into any kinky jello stuff, but his hands and midsection felt sticky.
His eyes were still blurry and he could just make out Beth’s peaceful face. Man was she sleeping hard. He pushed himself off the young woman, looked down, and screamed.
Everything came into stark focus. Beth’s beautiful body was completely dismembered. Her arms and legs cut off. The huge amount of blood was soaking the king-sized mattress. Still screaming he looked down at himself and saw that he was covered in blood as well. Even worse, he raised his hands to his face and realized that his right hand held a long serrated knife, caked with congealing, sticky blood.
He screamed once more and fainted.
+++
When he came to, hotel security staff was wandering around the hotel room. All were Japanese. They’d apparently wrapped him in a robe but neglected to clean off any of Beth’s blood. He started to panic as he took in the scene. Beth’s body was still visible, but now surrounded by camera-wielding security crew. He even noticed one man casually taking videos of the room.
The cameraman noticed Zimmer awake and motioned to one of the other men. The man nodded and headed towards the fallen congressman.
The security man walked over to Brandon and addressed him in heavily accented English. “Congressman Zimmer, I am head of hotel security. Would it be possible to take your statement now?”
Brandon didn’t know how to answer. Was he going to jail? What the hell was happening?
“I’d like to call my attorney first,” he forced out with as much conviction as he could muster.
The head of security nodded. “I understand, Congressman. However, this is a highly sensitive issue. I would recommend cooperating with us. Failure to do so could make the situation much worse.”
“What do you mean much worse?”
“Let me just say that you would not want these videos to get leaked to the police or the public.”
Brandon head started to clear as did his bravado. “Are you trying to frame me?”
The security man looked almost contrite and bowed before answering. “Of course not, Congressman. You do see our dilemma…”
He was interrupted by Ishi Nakamura bursting in the door.
“What is the meaning of this?!”
The head of security bowed in deference. “Nakamura-san, I did not know that you were acquainted with the Congressman.”
Ishi looked enraged. “Of course I am, you idiot. Does Mr. Saito know about this?”
“He does. Saito-san wanted me to take care of this personally.”
Ishi calmed and replied, “Tell him that I am here and wish to speak with him.”
The head of security bowed and stepped outside to make the call.
Ishi turned to his friend. “What the hell happened, Brandon?”
Brandon’s composure slipped as he answered, “I…I…I don’t know. Last thing I remember is having a great time with this girl, and then I wake up and I’m straddling a corpse. What the fuck, man?!”
Ishi put a calming hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Calm down. I’ll take care of this.”
“How the hell are you gonna take care of this?! They got my prints all over and they keep taking pictures!”
Ishi paused and looked squarely at Brandon. “Do you trust me?”
Still panicking Zimmer couldn’t think of anything else to say, “I..I guess.”
Shaking his head Ishi scolded, “That’s not good enough. Do you trust me?”
Brandon looked at his old friend momentarily then nodded. “Yes I trust you.”
Ishi almost smiled. “OK. Now this won’t be easy but I may be able to call in a few favors. The owner of this hotel, Mr. Saito, is a client of my firm and a friend of my father’s. Let me see what I can do.”
Now in tears Brandon pleaded, “Do whatever you have to and get me out of this, Ishi.”
+++
That was six months earlier. At the time all he wanted was to be out of that bloody room. Congressman Zimmer never had time to think about the consequences. Little did he know how much that favor would cost.
Chapter 2
Turks and Caicos
9:00am, September XXX
Cal stretched lazily on the king size bed. The good-looking former Marine looked down at his well-toned body. At least he had some shorts on.
He looked across the huge suite. Neil was still monitoring the surveillance cameras. They’d been in Turks for just over a week, and had taken full advantage of the local amenities. That fact was clearly illustrated by the massive headache threatening to overtake Cal’s attention.
Cal snapped his fingers at Neil. “Anything new?”
Not looking up from the monitor the genius known as Neil Patel answered, “Nope. Our boy is still sleeping off his hangover.”
“I feel like I should be doing the same thing.”
Neil chuckled and looked back at his friend through his stylish Prada glasses. “You were pretty funny when Brian dragged you back in here last night. What the hell did you get into?”
Cal rubbed his hands over his eyes. “I was the idiot that thought he could match Master Sergeant Trent drink for drink.”
MSgt Willy Trent was an enormous man. Standing at just under seven feet, with the physique of an NFL linebacker, Trent was a hard man to miss. He and Cal were both former Marines and competed in anything and everything possible. The only problem with that, was that despite the fact that Cal was a very fit five foot ten former grunt, and a deadly warrior to boot, not many people could match Trent’s athletic abilities.
Cal changed the subject not wanting to make his headache even worse. “When does my shift start?”
“It’s nine o’clock now. You’re not on until eleven.” Neil went back to his vigil and coffee.
Cal tried to shake the cobwebs. “Sweet. That gives me some time to marinate under a nice hot shower.”
“You need it. You smell like a brewery,” Neil answered sniffing the air.
Cal gave his friend a middle-fingered salute and trudged off to the bathroom. As he soaked in the shower, his mind drifted. He thought about his entrance into his deceased father’s company, Stokes Security International (SSI). Had it really been a year since he’d started working at SSI?
It seemed like only yesterday that he had accepted the position as head of SSI’s covert wing. His cousin, Travis Haden, was CEO of SSI and a former SEAL. He’d not only enticed Cal into taking the position, but had also allowed the former Marine to utilize SSI assets to avenge his fiancé’s murder.
Cal had exacted his revenge in the gang leader’s underground lair, not far from SSI’s headquarters, Camp Spartan, just south of Nashville, Tennessee. It was a close fight (Cal had the scars to prove it), but he’d finally killed the criminal who’d taken his beloved Jessica’s life.
He still felt the bitter sting of grief. It had lessened over time, but Cal still couldn’t bring himself to start dating again. His friends knew it would happen in time, but none pushed.
Cal remembered Jessica’s funeral. A beautiful ceremony on a bright sunny day. They’d buried her on the grounds of Camp Spartan, and Cal often took a jog up to her grave. He liked to think that Jess was now watching over him as he continued his journey with SSI.
After the funeral, Travis had introduced him to the men that would completely change his life’s path: the Council of Patriots...
Hope you enjoyed this little excerpt. Be on the lookout for the full novel November 2012! Don't miss the trailer below...
Semper Fi and happy reading!
C. G. Cooper
Chapter 1Washington, D.C.
7:35am, September XXX
Congressman Zimmer knew he was in deep shit. The last six months replayed in his mind. Ever since that episode in Las Vegas, his life had drastically changed. He remembered the incident like it was yesterday. Hell, he’d relived it every night in his dreams. He hadn’t had one decent night’s rest.
+++
Six months earlier Congressman Brandon Zimmer, a promising first-term United States representative from Massachusetts, was on the rise. Although barely thirty, Zimmer was no novice in the political world. He’d first accompanied his parents on the campaign trail as a newborn. His father, U.S. Senator Richard Zimmer of Massachusetts, employed young Brandon over the years in positions ranging from runner to assistant campaign manager.
After graduating from an elite private school, Brandon matriculated to the Ivy League. His father, a Harvard alum, pushed for his son to follow his lead. Brandon decided to rebel and go to Yale instead. He did, however, attend Harvard for his MBA.
During his years in school Brandon excelled in academics and always elected to be part of the student council. Yes, politics was in his blood.
A year prior, Congressman Brandon Zimmer won the vacated congressional seat in his home district in Massachusetts. Although a staunch Democrat, and his constituency were as well, he narrowly won. The early campaign looked promising and his staff expected a landslide victory. Zimmer had the good lucks the media loved. He was also the son of a long-standing, and extremely popular Senator.
Despite his status and the endorsement of his six-term father in the Senate, Brandon’s playboy ways were soon splashed throughout social media. Pictures of Zimmer dancing with naked coeds at a Mardi Gras bash in New Orleans the year before, almost sealed his fate. Soon other reports, photos and videos surfaced. It was only through the damage control of his staff and his father’s wealthy backers that he was able to squeeze out the election.
After the fiasco his father put his foot down.
“Son, this is your last shot. I will not come to your rescue again. You’ve got to learn to control your urges. Do you really want to give up everything we’ve worked for?”
Although he’d promised to leave his partying days behind, halfway into his first year as Congressman, Zimmer accepted the invitation of a small Japanese lobbyist who represented the gaming industry. Brandon first met Ishi Nakamura at Harvard Business School. They’d both enjoyed women and parties. After graduation Zimmer entered politics and Nakamura entered the family gaming business in Las Vegas. They’d kept in touch over the years and always promised to visit.
Not long after Zimmer was sworn in, he received a call from his friend. Ishi wanted to offer his congratulations and let Brandon know that he was now heading his father’s small lobbying firm, Ichiban Gaming. Brandon was honestly excited for his friend and mentioned that they should linkup sometime soon.
Six months later he received another call from Ishi.
“Hey, brother. Just wanted to let you know that we’re having a couple of your peers out here in a week to show them around. Didn’t know if you might like to join them. You could make some new friends and I can give you a tour of Sin City,” Ishi invited.
Brandon moaned before answering. “I don’t know. I’m on a pretty short leash around here.”
“Come on. What happened to the Brandon that used to sneak weed into Professor Flannigan’s lectures?”
The freshman Congressman chuckled, “I’m in Congress now, Ishi. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time already bit me once.”
“I know, I know. I’m just giving you a hard time. Look, consider it payback for all those times you hooked me up with your rejects. I promise to wine you and dine you and nothing else.”
Brandon took a second to respond. What could it hurt? “Well, as long as we stick to food, shows and little gambling…I guess I can go.”
Congressman Zimmer wished he’d said no. The trip started out like any other fact-finding junket. Lectures and meetings followed by expensive dinners and more meetings. It all fell apart for Zimmer on the third night.
After a long day hobnobbing with local gaming contacts, Brandon needed a break. He slipped away and headed back to the swanky new hotel-casino, Zeitaku, owned by one of Ishi’s clients. Ducking into one of the many bars he’d toured earlier in the week, he soon found a dark corner and made himself at home.
Halfway into his third martini a gorgeous blonde walked into the almost deserted bar. Wow. Look at the body on that one.
She sat down at the bar and ordered a drink from the Japanese bartender. After a couple sips from her cocktail her eyes wandered around empty bar. Almost squinting she caught Brandon’s eye. She smiled sheepishly and went back to her drink.
Five minutes later the young woman walked towards the restroom but veered over to the Congressman’s alcove.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to bother you, but are you by any chance Congressman Zimmer?” she asked shyly.
It wasn’t every day that Zimmer was recognized in public, but his ego always loved it.
He plastered on his best man-of-the-people-smile. “Yes I am.”
The blonde smiled ecstatically. “I thought so! Do you mind if I sit down?”
Brandon gestured to the other seat. “Please.”
Her name was Beth. She was also from the East Coast, and had gone to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They hit it off immediately after ribbing each other about the strength of their alma maters’ basketball teams. Zimmer conceded that UNC was a perennial powerhouse on the court. His concession made Beth beam with pride.
They stayed in the bar until it closed, drinking countless martinis in the process. One thing led to another and the pair eventually made it back to Zimmer’s penthouse suite.
The next thing Zimmer remembered was waking up with his face cradled in Beth’s perfect breasts. He felt severely hung-over, but that was nothing new. Must have been a really good night, he thought.
Something felt strange as he started to move. He didn’t remember getting into any kinky jello stuff, but his hands and midsection felt sticky.
His eyes were still blurry and he could just make out Beth’s peaceful face. Man was she sleeping hard. He pushed himself off the young woman, looked down, and screamed.
Everything came into stark focus. Beth’s beautiful body was completely dismembered. Her arms and legs cut off. The huge amount of blood was soaking the king-sized mattress. Still screaming he looked down at himself and saw that he was covered in blood as well. Even worse, he raised his hands to his face and realized that his right hand held a long serrated knife, caked with congealing, sticky blood.
He screamed once more and fainted.
+++
When he came to, hotel security staff was wandering around the hotel room. All were Japanese. They’d apparently wrapped him in a robe but neglected to clean off any of Beth’s blood. He started to panic as he took in the scene. Beth’s body was still visible, but now surrounded by camera-wielding security crew. He even noticed one man casually taking videos of the room.
The cameraman noticed Zimmer awake and motioned to one of the other men. The man nodded and headed towards the fallen congressman.
The security man walked over to Brandon and addressed him in heavily accented English. “Congressman Zimmer, I am head of hotel security. Would it be possible to take your statement now?”
Brandon didn’t know how to answer. Was he going to jail? What the hell was happening?
“I’d like to call my attorney first,” he forced out with as much conviction as he could muster.
The head of security nodded. “I understand, Congressman. However, this is a highly sensitive issue. I would recommend cooperating with us. Failure to do so could make the situation much worse.”
“What do you mean much worse?”
“Let me just say that you would not want these videos to get leaked to the police or the public.”
Brandon head started to clear as did his bravado. “Are you trying to frame me?”
The security man looked almost contrite and bowed before answering. “Of course not, Congressman. You do see our dilemma…”
He was interrupted by Ishi Nakamura bursting in the door.
“What is the meaning of this?!”
The head of security bowed in deference. “Nakamura-san, I did not know that you were acquainted with the Congressman.”
Ishi looked enraged. “Of course I am, you idiot. Does Mr. Saito know about this?”
“He does. Saito-san wanted me to take care of this personally.”
Ishi calmed and replied, “Tell him that I am here and wish to speak with him.”
The head of security bowed and stepped outside to make the call.
Ishi turned to his friend. “What the hell happened, Brandon?”
Brandon’s composure slipped as he answered, “I…I…I don’t know. Last thing I remember is having a great time with this girl, and then I wake up and I’m straddling a corpse. What the fuck, man?!”
Ishi put a calming hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Calm down. I’ll take care of this.”
“How the hell are you gonna take care of this?! They got my prints all over and they keep taking pictures!”
Ishi paused and looked squarely at Brandon. “Do you trust me?”
Still panicking Zimmer couldn’t think of anything else to say, “I..I guess.”
Shaking his head Ishi scolded, “That’s not good enough. Do you trust me?”
Brandon looked at his old friend momentarily then nodded. “Yes I trust you.”
Ishi almost smiled. “OK. Now this won’t be easy but I may be able to call in a few favors. The owner of this hotel, Mr. Saito, is a client of my firm and a friend of my father’s. Let me see what I can do.”
Now in tears Brandon pleaded, “Do whatever you have to and get me out of this, Ishi.”
+++
That was six months earlier. At the time all he wanted was to be out of that bloody room. Congressman Zimmer never had time to think about the consequences. Little did he know how much that favor would cost.
Chapter 2
Turks and Caicos
9:00am, September XXX
Cal stretched lazily on the king size bed. The good-looking former Marine looked down at his well-toned body. At least he had some shorts on.
He looked across the huge suite. Neil was still monitoring the surveillance cameras. They’d been in Turks for just over a week, and had taken full advantage of the local amenities. That fact was clearly illustrated by the massive headache threatening to overtake Cal’s attention.
Cal snapped his fingers at Neil. “Anything new?”
Not looking up from the monitor the genius known as Neil Patel answered, “Nope. Our boy is still sleeping off his hangover.”
“I feel like I should be doing the same thing.”
Neil chuckled and looked back at his friend through his stylish Prada glasses. “You were pretty funny when Brian dragged you back in here last night. What the hell did you get into?”
Cal rubbed his hands over his eyes. “I was the idiot that thought he could match Master Sergeant Trent drink for drink.”
MSgt Willy Trent was an enormous man. Standing at just under seven feet, with the physique of an NFL linebacker, Trent was a hard man to miss. He and Cal were both former Marines and competed in anything and everything possible. The only problem with that, was that despite the fact that Cal was a very fit five foot ten former grunt, and a deadly warrior to boot, not many people could match Trent’s athletic abilities.
Cal changed the subject not wanting to make his headache even worse. “When does my shift start?”
“It’s nine o’clock now. You’re not on until eleven.” Neil went back to his vigil and coffee.
Cal tried to shake the cobwebs. “Sweet. That gives me some time to marinate under a nice hot shower.”
“You need it. You smell like a brewery,” Neil answered sniffing the air.
Cal gave his friend a middle-fingered salute and trudged off to the bathroom. As he soaked in the shower, his mind drifted. He thought about his entrance into his deceased father’s company, Stokes Security International (SSI). Had it really been a year since he’d started working at SSI?
It seemed like only yesterday that he had accepted the position as head of SSI’s covert wing. His cousin, Travis Haden, was CEO of SSI and a former SEAL. He’d not only enticed Cal into taking the position, but had also allowed the former Marine to utilize SSI assets to avenge his fiancé’s murder.
Cal had exacted his revenge in the gang leader’s underground lair, not far from SSI’s headquarters, Camp Spartan, just south of Nashville, Tennessee. It was a close fight (Cal had the scars to prove it), but he’d finally killed the criminal who’d taken his beloved Jessica’s life.
He still felt the bitter sting of grief. It had lessened over time, but Cal still couldn’t bring himself to start dating again. His friends knew it would happen in time, but none pushed.
Cal remembered Jessica’s funeral. A beautiful ceremony on a bright sunny day. They’d buried her on the grounds of Camp Spartan, and Cal often took a jog up to her grave. He liked to think that Jess was now watching over him as he continued his journey with SSI.
After the funeral, Travis had introduced him to the men that would completely change his life’s path: the Council of Patriots...
Hope you enjoyed this little excerpt. Be on the lookout for the full novel November 2012! Don't miss the trailer below...
October 9, 2012
Vote for the new book cover for "Council of Patriots"
Alright, friends, we need your help. The manuscript is a day away from being done, and we need to finalize a book cover.
Can you help? We've got five or six that made the Finals. Here's where you need to place your vote for best design: VOTE HERE
Thanks in advance, and be on the lookout for FREE unedited excerpts from the book coming as early as this week!
Semper Fidelis,
C. G. Cooper
Can you help? We've got five or six that made the Finals. Here's where you need to place your vote for best design: VOTE HERE
Thanks in advance, and be on the lookout for FREE unedited excerpts from the book coming as early as this week!
Semper Fidelis,
C. G. Cooper
September 27, 2012
Don't ignore what's going on around the world. Washington needs to take a page out of the military playbook
I hope you're keeping up with the news.
I hope you're getting the real scoop.
I hope you're seeing what a lot of other Americans aren't seeing.
There's a growing list of raging hotspots around the world: Libya, Egypt, Iran, Israel and Spain...and that was only on my two minute scan of tops headlines this morning! Funny thing is, peruse the national TV networks, and it's all fluff. Is ignorance really bliss??
Our President was elected four years ago on a platform of change. Well, we've seen things change alright! In that time we've seen our national debt balloon, our credibility and strength in the international community fall, and the divide amongst American grow.
Despite what our politicians say, it is possible to work together. Take a look at the military. How do we do it? Each branch of the Armed Services is full of warriors with differing political views. We ignore race. We ignore religion. We focus on mission. Our warriors stand together to fight for our nation. Our politicians should do the same.
Washington needs to take a page out of the military playbook.
The military says performance is king: What happens if a Supply Officer can't keep his annual budget balanced? He's gone. The same should happen to politicians. Unfortunately we let them play with OUR money, waste it, then re-elect them. If they were on the board of a large corporation, they'd be fired!
The military says mission first: Take that hill. Capture that terrorist. Cordon the area. In the military we learn to be very specific with mission objectives. Does anyone have any idea what America's mission is? I think it used to be "America will be a beacon of hope and freedom for the world to see." Now is it "America is going to be nice to everyone?" I think we can safely say that hasn't worked. So let's ask, "What is America's new mission, Washington?"
So take a look around. See what America's turning into. Get out and vote. Keep politicians accountable. Write a letter to your Congressman. Volunteer. Do something!
In an age when a lot of people on the street think politics isn't their problem, and a sense of entitlement threatens the fabric of our wonderful nation, it's time for us to stand up. Let's stand up and vote. Let's stand up and help each other. Let's stand up and be strong. Let's stand up and be one.
What will you do to make this country great?
Carlos Cooper is author of the Corps Justice novels
I hope you're getting the real scoop.
I hope you're seeing what a lot of other Americans aren't seeing.
There's a growing list of raging hotspots around the world: Libya, Egypt, Iran, Israel and Spain...and that was only on my two minute scan of tops headlines this morning! Funny thing is, peruse the national TV networks, and it's all fluff. Is ignorance really bliss??
Our President was elected four years ago on a platform of change. Well, we've seen things change alright! In that time we've seen our national debt balloon, our credibility and strength in the international community fall, and the divide amongst American grow.
Despite what our politicians say, it is possible to work together. Take a look at the military. How do we do it? Each branch of the Armed Services is full of warriors with differing political views. We ignore race. We ignore religion. We focus on mission. Our warriors stand together to fight for our nation. Our politicians should do the same.
Washington needs to take a page out of the military playbook.
The military says performance is king: What happens if a Supply Officer can't keep his annual budget balanced? He's gone. The same should happen to politicians. Unfortunately we let them play with OUR money, waste it, then re-elect them. If they were on the board of a large corporation, they'd be fired!
The military says mission first: Take that hill. Capture that terrorist. Cordon the area. In the military we learn to be very specific with mission objectives. Does anyone have any idea what America's mission is? I think it used to be "America will be a beacon of hope and freedom for the world to see." Now is it "America is going to be nice to everyone?" I think we can safely say that hasn't worked. So let's ask, "What is America's new mission, Washington?"
So take a look around. See what America's turning into. Get out and vote. Keep politicians accountable. Write a letter to your Congressman. Volunteer. Do something!
In an age when a lot of people on the street think politics isn't their problem, and a sense of entitlement threatens the fabric of our wonderful nation, it's time for us to stand up. Let's stand up and vote. Let's stand up and help each other. Let's stand up and be strong. Let's stand up and be one.
What will you do to make this country great?
Carlos Cooper is author of the Corps Justice novels
August 24, 2012
February 23, 2012
Being a Marine means making new friends all the time
The great thing about the Marine Corps is that the bonds of brotherhood never end. As Marines, we've all been through similar experiences. Whether it's boot camp, OCS, Okinawa, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton or war, there's always a common bond. Most importantly, we are Marines.
I had the distinct pleasure of bumping into two former Marines in the last three days. One is almost forty years my senior and the other probably a couple years younger. I met one because he needed help with his rental property, the other because we met at a networking event.
Well, as soon as the conversations started, everything else stopped. I spent almost three hours talking to the Vietnam Marine and tuned out a room full of friends to talk to the other. Why? Because we had a bond that goes deeper than being mere acquaintances. The fact that we were each stamped by the press called The Corps, led us to have an instant bond.
We skipped past the usual barriers typical of when you meet a new person. We usually put up walls until we get to know someone. It's important to build that trust. But there's something about meeting a fellow Marine. It allows us to open up. Have you ever had the same experience?
I treasure the times I make new Marine friends. Sometimes it ends with a great conversation. Sometimes it leads to a great friendship. Either way, you get to walk away feeling like you, once again, got to experience the bond that is so unique to our Marine family.
I had the distinct pleasure of bumping into two former Marines in the last three days. One is almost forty years my senior and the other probably a couple years younger. I met one because he needed help with his rental property, the other because we met at a networking event.
Well, as soon as the conversations started, everything else stopped. I spent almost three hours talking to the Vietnam Marine and tuned out a room full of friends to talk to the other. Why? Because we had a bond that goes deeper than being mere acquaintances. The fact that we were each stamped by the press called The Corps, led us to have an instant bond.
We skipped past the usual barriers typical of when you meet a new person. We usually put up walls until we get to know someone. It's important to build that trust. But there's something about meeting a fellow Marine. It allows us to open up. Have you ever had the same experience?
I treasure the times I make new Marine friends. Sometimes it ends with a great conversation. Sometimes it leads to a great friendship. Either way, you get to walk away feeling like you, once again, got to experience the bond that is so unique to our Marine family.
February 6, 2012
Success with KDP Select on Amazon?
So have you heard about that little place called Amazon? No, not the river. I'm talking about the online retailer. You know...Amazon.com?
Well, as an indie author I have to find new and innovative ways to get my books into the hands of you, the reader. The great thing is that Amazon is way ahead of the pack. They've quietly (and recently not-so-quietly) built a platform (Kindle) and a distribution channel that is humbling the traditional publishing world.
Imagine, Amazon is bringing you all the books you love, letting you discover them efficiently, unearth new ones, find them cheaply, AND provide them in the comfort of your own home (or hotel room, office, etc...)
They've figured it out.
So when they unveiled KDP Select at the end of 2011, I was cautiously optimistic. The program sounded great. Complete control over my book, the ability to give away my book for FREE for any five days in a 90-day period. You all love FREE don't you? I do!
Oh, and it has the ability to make my book more visible, thereby increasing sales. Uhhhhhh...what's the downside???
The only possible negative was the fact that I (and anyone else choosing to enroll in KDP Select) had to have the digital version of my book exclusively with Amazon for those 90-days.
I did the research and watched as some authors railed against Amazon for their conniving ways. Others took the program, ran with it, and experienced great results.
After weighing my options I decided to go with KDP Select. Why? What did I have to lose?
- I was publishing a brand new book (get it HERE).
- I knew Amazon provided a fantastic service (evidenced by my ever-growing library via Amazon).
- I wanted Amazon's Kindle muscle behind me.
So, I'm in the system and trying it out. It's easy to enroll and easy to use. I've got a FREE day coming on February 8th. Come get a copy and I'll let you know how the promotion goes.
Thanks, Amazon.
Well, as an indie author I have to find new and innovative ways to get my books into the hands of you, the reader. The great thing is that Amazon is way ahead of the pack. They've quietly (and recently not-so-quietly) built a platform (Kindle) and a distribution channel that is humbling the traditional publishing world.
Imagine, Amazon is bringing you all the books you love, letting you discover them efficiently, unearth new ones, find them cheaply, AND provide them in the comfort of your own home (or hotel room, office, etc...)
They've figured it out.
So when they unveiled KDP Select at the end of 2011, I was cautiously optimistic. The program sounded great. Complete control over my book, the ability to give away my book for FREE for any five days in a 90-day period. You all love FREE don't you? I do!
Oh, and it has the ability to make my book more visible, thereby increasing sales. Uhhhhhh...what's the downside???
The only possible negative was the fact that I (and anyone else choosing to enroll in KDP Select) had to have the digital version of my book exclusively with Amazon for those 90-days.
I did the research and watched as some authors railed against Amazon for their conniving ways. Others took the program, ran with it, and experienced great results.
After weighing my options I decided to go with KDP Select. Why? What did I have to lose?
- I was publishing a brand new book (get it HERE).
- I knew Amazon provided a fantastic service (evidenced by my ever-growing library via Amazon).
- I wanted Amazon's Kindle muscle behind me.
So, I'm in the system and trying it out. It's easy to enroll and easy to use. I've got a FREE day coming on February 8th. Come get a copy and I'll let you know how the promotion goes.
Thanks, Amazon.
