Chris Allen's Blog - Posts Tagged "action-thriller"
Legends in my making
Sitting here today, putting the very final touches on Hunter, the second in the Alex Morgan Intrepid series, I realised these two action thriller novels would not have been half as good if I weren't perched on the shoulders of some very legendary blokes and ladies.
It's important then that I digress from my usual writing of Serbian war criminals being brought to justice, rogue intelligence officers getting their just desserts, criminal gun-runners caught at the last minute, all by the hardy Alex Morgan and his band of merry Intrepid agents, to recognise some of those working behind-the-scenes to get me to the top of the suspense thriller best-seller lists and beyond.
THE DEFENCE MAFIA
We were a tight-knit bunch then, and thanks to social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, we're a tight crew once again. Great mates like Jimmy Mather, the funny-as-ever Al Armstrong, Vietnam veteran, mentor and retired RSM Bob Davies - a key ingredient in the make up of Intrepid chief General Davenport - and that's just a few of the New Zealand crew! The support I get from this bunch is limitless. They are still soldiers at heart and loyal to the core.
There's one fellow in particular, who has shown extraordinary generosity of spirit since we have recently reconnected, a bloke who served in the Paratroopers with me in the 90's who I consistently said was far too smart for his own good. Bradley Trevor Greive, since leaving the Australian Army, has been a creative force majeure and New York Times Best-Selling author with his series of Blue Day Books (see his latest, Cursings and Blessings) as well as an empassioned animal conservationist and philanthropist. He's shown great kindness to me with his time, contacts, words and experience and I couldn't be more appreciative. Thanks BTG.
THE SUPPORT CREW
A motley but talented bunch consisting of my literary agent, publisher, photographers, designer, my attorney - all helping to guide my vision for the Intrepid series into a reality. You know who you are.
THE INSPIRATION
I'm talking about blokes like Dave, pictured here with my son 'Captain' Morgan, who has done a lot of particularly exciting stuff in his military and police career that I feed into characters like Dave Sutherland, Mike Fredericks and The Key. I remember finishing the first draft of Hunter, back in June, and being lucky enough to be able to summons experts in the latest combat and airborne insertion techniques to give my final scenes that extra punch. It's great to have close mates such as these guys on speed dial, and it goes without saying that I'd do anything for them.
THE READERS
There's not much point in writing stories if others can't enjoy them. Even with all the change in the publishing industry we see the appetite for stories and storytelling grow even more voracious as our reading habits diversify. That says to me we're going to be ok, whether we read eBooks, peruse in a bookstore, or whatever the future holds. To those who are reading about Intrepid, tweeting about it, reviewing it on Amazon and Goodreads and iBooks, talking about it on Facebook and mentioning it to their mates - keep reading, keep talking!
And remember: To the brave belong all things.
Chris
It's important then that I digress from my usual writing of Serbian war criminals being brought to justice, rogue intelligence officers getting their just desserts, criminal gun-runners caught at the last minute, all by the hardy Alex Morgan and his band of merry Intrepid agents, to recognise some of those working behind-the-scenes to get me to the top of the suspense thriller best-seller lists and beyond.
THE DEFENCE MAFIA
We were a tight-knit bunch then, and thanks to social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, we're a tight crew once again. Great mates like Jimmy Mather, the funny-as-ever Al Armstrong, Vietnam veteran, mentor and retired RSM Bob Davies - a key ingredient in the make up of Intrepid chief General Davenport - and that's just a few of the New Zealand crew! The support I get from this bunch is limitless. They are still soldiers at heart and loyal to the core.
There's one fellow in particular, who has shown extraordinary generosity of spirit since we have recently reconnected, a bloke who served in the Paratroopers with me in the 90's who I consistently said was far too smart for his own good. Bradley Trevor Greive, since leaving the Australian Army, has been a creative force majeure and New York Times Best-Selling author with his series of Blue Day Books (see his latest, Cursings and Blessings) as well as an empassioned animal conservationist and philanthropist. He's shown great kindness to me with his time, contacts, words and experience and I couldn't be more appreciative. Thanks BTG.
THE SUPPORT CREW
A motley but talented bunch consisting of my literary agent, publisher, photographers, designer, my attorney - all helping to guide my vision for the Intrepid series into a reality. You know who you are.
THE INSPIRATION
I'm talking about blokes like Dave, pictured here with my son 'Captain' Morgan, who has done a lot of particularly exciting stuff in his military and police career that I feed into characters like Dave Sutherland, Mike Fredericks and The Key. I remember finishing the first draft of Hunter, back in June, and being lucky enough to be able to summons experts in the latest combat and airborne insertion techniques to give my final scenes that extra punch. It's great to have close mates such as these guys on speed dial, and it goes without saying that I'd do anything for them.
THE READERS
There's not much point in writing stories if others can't enjoy them. Even with all the change in the publishing industry we see the appetite for stories and storytelling grow even more voracious as our reading habits diversify. That says to me we're going to be ok, whether we read eBooks, peruse in a bookstore, or whatever the future holds. To those who are reading about Intrepid, tweeting about it, reviewing it on Amazon and Goodreads and iBooks, talking about it on Facebook and mentioning it to their mates - keep reading, keep talking!
And remember: To the brave belong all things.
Chris
DEAR SANTA I NEED SOME ACTION
DAY FOUR: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the fourth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to... well, you'll get the idea:
DEAR SANTA,
I NEED SOME ACTION. SEND ALEX MORGAN.
XX
One for the ladies? Enough said.
You can view a full range of "Dear Santa" Intrepid gear on Zazzle here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #4
Have a drink with us at the Commodore Hotel this Saturday 8 December from 12 - 5pm. It's my birthday, plus we are giving the books an unofficial launch. You can pick up a signed Defender, order your signed Hunter (we'll deliver this for Sydney-ites in time for Christmas) or just order a beer. Hope to see you there.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the fourth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to... well, you'll get the idea:
DEAR SANTA,
I NEED SOME ACTION. SEND ALEX MORGAN.
XX
One for the ladies? Enough said.
You can view a full range of "Dear Santa" Intrepid gear on Zazzle here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #4
Have a drink with us at the Commodore Hotel this Saturday 8 December from 12 - 5pm. It's my birthday, plus we are giving the books an unofficial launch. You can pick up a signed Defender, order your signed Hunter (we'll deliver this for Sydney-ites in time for Christmas) or just order a beer. Hope to see you there.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
SUPER INTREPID STYLE
DAY FIVE: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the fifth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
SUPER INTREPID STYLE
How can anyone go past the infectious enthusiasm and energy of PSY's 884+million viewed video on YouTube, Super Gangnam Style? Released in the middle of July this year, it went 'gangnambusters'!
I must admit, it wasn't me, more my other half Sarah who suggested this painfully hip version. I wasn't going to knock it back though, because these Intrepid designs are all about having some fun. And Super Intrepid Style, if it existed, would be a fun move.
As I write this, Hunter: Intrepid 2 is sitting at #2 on the Crimes and Thriller Best-Seller List on iTunes. I'm elated. Let's just say, if it hits #1, I might just film a quick video of some kind of interpretive Super Intrepid Style version of the Gangnam dance!
You can view Super Intrepid Style gear on Zazzle here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #5
Order an eBook copy of Hunter: Intrepid 1. On iTunes, for your Apple device. Right.... here.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the fifth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
SUPER INTREPID STYLE
How can anyone go past the infectious enthusiasm and energy of PSY's 884+million viewed video on YouTube, Super Gangnam Style? Released in the middle of July this year, it went 'gangnambusters'!
I must admit, it wasn't me, more my other half Sarah who suggested this painfully hip version. I wasn't going to knock it back though, because these Intrepid designs are all about having some fun. And Super Intrepid Style, if it existed, would be a fun move.
As I write this, Hunter: Intrepid 2 is sitting at #2 on the Crimes and Thriller Best-Seller List on iTunes. I'm elated. Let's just say, if it hits #1, I might just film a quick video of some kind of interpretive Super Intrepid Style version of the Gangnam dance!
You can view Super Intrepid Style gear on Zazzle here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #5
Order an eBook copy of Hunter: Intrepid 1. On iTunes, for your Apple device. Right.... here.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
GUNS CHOPPERS ACTION!
DAY SIX: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the sixth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
GUNS CHOPPERS ACTION!
Last night, I wrote to you saying that if I made the #1 Crimes and Thrillers Best-Seller list on iTunes I would allow myself to be filmed doing the Super Intrepid Style dance - a jig I have not envisaged, nor do I care to think too deeply about.
And then, as if by some force majeur, Hunter: Intrepid 2 rose majestically to the top spot on the best-seller list, kicking Lee Child's Jack Reacher squarely in the backside on the way.
All great sport, sure, but as the morning dawned so did the realisation: not only do I need to learn how to move like PSU of Gangnam Style infamy, I will also need to master my own interpretation of the moves, quick smart, by Saturday.
It won't be a full set filming me, sure - more like my bubbly wife Sar with some of her bubbly friends, after a few drinks at the Commodore Hotel this Saturday. But it will undoubtedly go live before the weekend is out.
You can view the sixth day of Hunter range of designs here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #6
Give the gift of Intrepid this Christmas by giving an eCopy version of Defender, Hunter or both to a friend. On Amazon Defender is here, and Hunter... is here.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the sixth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
GUNS CHOPPERS ACTION!
Last night, I wrote to you saying that if I made the #1 Crimes and Thrillers Best-Seller list on iTunes I would allow myself to be filmed doing the Super Intrepid Style dance - a jig I have not envisaged, nor do I care to think too deeply about.
And then, as if by some force majeur, Hunter: Intrepid 2 rose majestically to the top spot on the best-seller list, kicking Lee Child's Jack Reacher squarely in the backside on the way.
All great sport, sure, but as the morning dawned so did the realisation: not only do I need to learn how to move like PSU of Gangnam Style infamy, I will also need to master my own interpretation of the moves, quick smart, by Saturday.
It won't be a full set filming me, sure - more like my bubbly wife Sar with some of her bubbly friends, after a few drinks at the Commodore Hotel this Saturday. But it will undoubtedly go live before the weekend is out.
You can view the sixth day of Hunter range of designs here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #6
Give the gift of Intrepid this Christmas by giving an eCopy version of Defender, Hunter or both to a friend. On Amazon Defender is here, and Hunter... is here.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
GET IN SIT DOWN SHUT UP HANG ON
DAY SEVEN: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the seventh day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What a fantastic birthday present to see that on Amazon, Defender has been made free for a few days, and is rocketing up the charts. At the time of writing it's #1 Kindle Spy Stories, #7 Kindle Action & Adventure and #257 in the overall Kindle free lists, and #28 Top-rated Spy Stories.
But really, this is what a secret agent once said to me:
GET IN SIT DOWN SHUT UP HANG ON
Meanwhile, I'll be enjoying a birthday dinner tonight with someone who is ten feet tall and bulletproof - the guy who inspired 'The Key' in Hunter - and this will be (SPOLER ALERT!) a feature of tomorrow's design. You can read about The Key's character more on www.intrepidallen.com.
You can view the seventh day of Hunter range of designs here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #7
Live in Sydney? Ask the good folk at your local library or bookstore to have me in to do an Author Chat or book signing. I love to go and meet readers and fellow writers and would be only too happy to make an appearance.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the seventh day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
What a fantastic birthday present to see that on Amazon, Defender has been made free for a few days, and is rocketing up the charts. At the time of writing it's #1 Kindle Spy Stories, #7 Kindle Action & Adventure and #257 in the overall Kindle free lists, and #28 Top-rated Spy Stories.
But really, this is what a secret agent once said to me:
GET IN SIT DOWN SHUT UP HANG ON
Meanwhile, I'll be enjoying a birthday dinner tonight with someone who is ten feet tall and bulletproof - the guy who inspired 'The Key' in Hunter - and this will be (SPOLER ALERT!) a feature of tomorrow's design. You can read about The Key's character more on www.intrepidallen.com.
You can view the seventh day of Hunter range of designs here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #7
Live in Sydney? Ask the good folk at your local library or bookstore to have me in to do an Author Chat or book signing. I love to go and meet readers and fellow writers and would be only too happy to make an appearance.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
TEN FEET TALL AND BULLETPROOF
DAY NINE: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the ninth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF.
As I said in Friday's post, this design is inspired by one of the newest characters in the book, Hermann Braunschweiger.
You can view the full range of Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Maybe you're thinking, what happened to the eighth day of Hunter? Seeing as we hit the Commodore Hotel for an afternoon celebrating the Defender / Hunter launch with friends and fans, I gave myself the afternoon off.
Which brings me to the next point. You may know that both Defender & Hunter have been doing extremely well on iTunes and Amazon and, when Hunter was heading to the #1 spot on iTunes Crime & Thrillers last week, I made a promise that I'd dance 'Gangnam Syle' at the book launch if it did make it to #1. Needless to say, Alex Morgan did in fact kick Jack Reacher off the top spot! So, I was committed to doing the dance (and, therein, the humiliation that goes with it!) True to my word, during the launch, and after much researching the PSY Gangnam Style dance, I was directed by my Sarah to take the floor and perform - in accordance with my promise. Well, I did it, much to enjoyment of our guests and the entire pub and much to the chagrin of the two friends I pulled into the dance line-up. Now, the whole episode was filmed, however the camera failed to work. Seriously. So, here we are without any footage or proof to show you. Don't despair, if any other footage or photos ever do surface I'll be sure to post them on the blog!
You can view a photo album from the book launch on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/intrepidallen.
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #8
Post a review of my newest Alex Morgan adventure, Hunter: Intrepid 2 on Amazon, iTunes or Goodreads. Reviews hold amazing cachet with new readers.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the ninth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: TEN FEET TALL & BULLETPROOF.
As I said in Friday's post, this design is inspired by one of the newest characters in the book, Hermann Braunschweiger.
You can view the full range of Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Maybe you're thinking, what happened to the eighth day of Hunter? Seeing as we hit the Commodore Hotel for an afternoon celebrating the Defender / Hunter launch with friends and fans, I gave myself the afternoon off.
Which brings me to the next point. You may know that both Defender & Hunter have been doing extremely well on iTunes and Amazon and, when Hunter was heading to the #1 spot on iTunes Crime & Thrillers last week, I made a promise that I'd dance 'Gangnam Syle' at the book launch if it did make it to #1. Needless to say, Alex Morgan did in fact kick Jack Reacher off the top spot! So, I was committed to doing the dance (and, therein, the humiliation that goes with it!) True to my word, during the launch, and after much researching the PSY Gangnam Style dance, I was directed by my Sarah to take the floor and perform - in accordance with my promise. Well, I did it, much to enjoyment of our guests and the entire pub and much to the chagrin of the two friends I pulled into the dance line-up. Now, the whole episode was filmed, however the camera failed to work. Seriously. So, here we are without any footage or proof to show you. Don't despair, if any other footage or photos ever do surface I'll be sure to post them on the blog!
You can view a photo album from the book launch on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/intrepidallen.
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part.
Spreading the Word Tip #8
Post a review of my newest Alex Morgan adventure, Hunter: Intrepid 2 on Amazon, iTunes or Goodreads. Reviews hold amazing cachet with new readers.
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
MORGAN ALEX MORGAN
DAY TEN: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the tenth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: MORGAN, ALEX MORGAN.
This one should be no surprise seeing as I'm out and proud that Ian Fleming's novels - basically - inspired my own aspirations to write. See my recent Skyfall review on Momentum's blog and a Bondcast on the December Podmentum. www.momentumbooks.com.au/blog
You can view the full range of Morgan Alex Morgan gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part...
Spreading the Word Tip #10
Maybe you are part of a book club or a reading group that meets in person or online. If you're looking for something to add to your reading curriculum in 2013, please suggest Defender or Hunter. I'd love to do a Skype or video chat and hear how people found the Intrepid series featuring star agent Alex Morgan!
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the tenth day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me: MORGAN, ALEX MORGAN.
This one should be no surprise seeing as I'm out and proud that Ian Fleming's novels - basically - inspired my own aspirations to write. See my recent Skyfall review on Momentum's blog and a Bondcast on the December Podmentum. www.momentumbooks.com.au/blog
You can view the full range of Morgan Alex Morgan gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part...
Spreading the Word Tip #10
Maybe you are part of a book club or a reading group that meets in person or online. If you're looking for something to add to your reading curriculum in 2013, please suggest Defender or Hunter. I'd love to do a Skype or video chat and hear how people found the Intrepid series featuring star agent Alex Morgan!
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
IMMA SECRET AGENT
DAY ELEVEN: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the eleventh day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
IMMA SECRET AGENT
And the award for the most inept display of manners goes to... Kanye West, whose 'Imma let you finish' take-down during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards made the pop culture wall of fame and in doing so, inspired this design. Kind of.
Still though, the 'Imma Secret Agent' tagline was topical and on-trend enough to run with it.
You can view the full range of Imma Secret Agent gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part...
Spreading the Word Tip #11
Give the gift of Hunter to someone you love this Christmas. For Kris Kingle, an eBook can be gifted for Kindle via Amazon. For the action lover in your life, a personally inscribed, signed and wrapped copy should put a smile on their dial. Email us gday@intrepidallen.com and we'll send you an order form. Too easy!
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the eleventh day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
IMMA SECRET AGENT
And the award for the most inept display of manners goes to... Kanye West, whose 'Imma let you finish' take-down during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards made the pop culture wall of fame and in doing so, inspired this design. Kind of.
Still though, the 'Imma Secret Agent' tagline was topical and on-trend enough to run with it.
You can view the full range of Imma Secret Agent gear here.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Remember, it's all just a bit of fun. Enjoy!
Cheers, Chris
PS If you want to help get my action adventure books out to an appreciative audience, here's another way you can play an important part...
Spreading the Word Tip #11
Give the gift of Hunter to someone you love this Christmas. For Kris Kingle, an eBook can be gifted for Kindle via Amazon. For the action lover in your life, a personally inscribed, signed and wrapped copy should put a smile on their dial. Email us gday@intrepidallen.com and we'll send you an order form. Too easy!
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The team at Intrepid HQ have created an entire IntrepidAllen range that will be available exclusively from Zazzle online, and you can find out more about Zazzle and their print-on-demand methodology here. It's our intention to support a number of charities as we move forward and we'll start off by donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
TO THE BRAVE BELONG ALL THINGS
DAY TWELVE: TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
On the last day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
TO THE BRAVE BELONG ALL THINGS
In my days as a Paratrooper, I remember this exact phrase would flash across my consciousness whenever we’d force ourselves to depart from a perfectly good aircraft into black, starless skies… Not surprisingly, sometimes we needed encouragement to launch out into the unknown, and when it came to me, it worked every time.
The stoic Celtic adage applies equally to those of us part of the current publishing revolution – blazing a trail into the world of eBooks, online communities, and technologies that allow readers to find and enjoy stories from a diverse new range of voices.
This is what I wrote in a guest-post on The Creative Penn just over a year ago, and now, partnering with Digital publishing supremos Momentum, seeing overwhelmingly good news coming in about Intrepid books 1 and two (such as today's review on That Book You Like), and now a third book underway, as well as a film and franchise deal in the pipeline, as each day passes it couldn't ring any truer.
It's been a fantastic twelve days since Hunter has been launched - it hit #1 Best-Seller status on the iBookstore (take THAT Jack Reacher!); jumped up the charts on Amazon; had fantastic reviews on blogs like Fair Dinkum Crime; I signed books and drank beer at my Hunter drinks last Saturday; and had the chance to release these Intrepid-inspired designs.
You can view the range of 'To The Brave Belong All Things' gear here. I particularly like the dummy for the Intrepid agent-in-nappies.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Here's the full range of Intrepid designs, including some featuring the Defender and Hunter book covers on Zazzle.
http://www.zazzle.com.au/intrepidallen
Thank you for coming along for the ride. I'm grateful for your efforts to help spread the word: every new reader who enjoyed the book - whether they couldn't get anything done on the weekend for reading it, or missing their train station because they didn't realise their destination had come and been - is a true thrill. This is the stuff that propels me into the next book, Avenger, to be released in 2013!
As a final round up, here's what happened in the first eleven days of Hunter ...
The first day of Hunter: There's a New Agent in Town | The second day of Hunter: Intrepid Agents Kick Ass | The third day of Hunter: Alex Morgan is Back | The fourth day of Hunter: Dear Santa | The fifth day of Hunter: Super Intrepid Style | The sixth day of Hunter: Guns Choppers Action | The seventh day of Hunter: Get In Sit Down Shut Up Hang On | The eighth day of Hunter: Get Some Action | The ninth day of Hunter: Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof | The tenth day of Hunter: Morgan, Alex Morgan | The eleventh day of Hunter: Imma Secret Agent |
This has been a whole lotta fun. I hope you've enjoyed it too.
Cheers, Chris
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The IntrepidAllen range is available exclusively from Zazzle online. I'll be donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
On the last day of Hunter, a secret agent said to me:
TO THE BRAVE BELONG ALL THINGS
In my days as a Paratrooper, I remember this exact phrase would flash across my consciousness whenever we’d force ourselves to depart from a perfectly good aircraft into black, starless skies… Not surprisingly, sometimes we needed encouragement to launch out into the unknown, and when it came to me, it worked every time.
The stoic Celtic adage applies equally to those of us part of the current publishing revolution – blazing a trail into the world of eBooks, online communities, and technologies that allow readers to find and enjoy stories from a diverse new range of voices.
This is what I wrote in a guest-post on The Creative Penn just over a year ago, and now, partnering with Digital publishing supremos Momentum, seeing overwhelmingly good news coming in about Intrepid books 1 and two (such as today's review on That Book You Like), and now a third book underway, as well as a film and franchise deal in the pipeline, as each day passes it couldn't ring any truer.
It's been a fantastic twelve days since Hunter has been launched - it hit #1 Best-Seller status on the iBookstore (take THAT Jack Reacher!); jumped up the charts on Amazon; had fantastic reviews on blogs like Fair Dinkum Crime; I signed books and drank beer at my Hunter drinks last Saturday; and had the chance to release these Intrepid-inspired designs.
You can view the range of 'To The Brave Belong All Things' gear here. I particularly like the dummy for the Intrepid agent-in-nappies.
http://www.intrepidallen.com/blog/201...
Here's the full range of Intrepid designs, including some featuring the Defender and Hunter book covers on Zazzle.
http://www.zazzle.com.au/intrepidallen
Thank you for coming along for the ride. I'm grateful for your efforts to help spread the word: every new reader who enjoyed the book - whether they couldn't get anything done on the weekend for reading it, or missing their train station because they didn't realise their destination had come and been - is a true thrill. This is the stuff that propels me into the next book, Avenger, to be released in 2013!
As a final round up, here's what happened in the first eleven days of Hunter ...
The first day of Hunter: There's a New Agent in Town | The second day of Hunter: Intrepid Agents Kick Ass | The third day of Hunter: Alex Morgan is Back | The fourth day of Hunter: Dear Santa | The fifth day of Hunter: Super Intrepid Style | The sixth day of Hunter: Guns Choppers Action | The seventh day of Hunter: Get In Sit Down Shut Up Hang On | The eighth day of Hunter: Get Some Action | The ninth day of Hunter: Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof | The tenth day of Hunter: Morgan, Alex Morgan | The eleventh day of Hunter: Imma Secret Agent |
This has been a whole lotta fun. I hope you've enjoyed it too.
Cheers, Chris
ABOUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF HUNTER
The IntrepidAllen range is available exclusively from Zazzle online. I'll be donating 10% of IntrepidAllen profits from every item sold from the Zazzle online range to the British Parachute Regiment Charity.
6 WAYS TO THRILL YOUR VALENTINE
Valentine's Day. Two words that leave people in a hot flush, or a cold sweat. The pressure of finding the perfect gift, arranging the perfect dinner or just getting the card right for the person you fancy can be, well, challenging (unbearable).
Usually I'm rushing around at the last minute, eventually picking up a favourite bottle of bubbles for my Sar before we settle into a romantic picnic together somewhere. Of course, this year, we'll be joined by our boys, Captain Morgan and Baby Rhett, and the trampoline in the backyard will most likely be the 'romantic' spot.
So, if, like me, you don't succumb to the commercialisation of February 14 but still want to acknowledge it with a stylish but not excessive hat-tip to Saint Valentine, here's what you do this year: promise that special someone - him or her - some real action!
Of course, I'm referring to action of the armchair variety. Because, clearly, after wining and dining your muse, you'll be looking forward to a rip-roaring action thriller... right?
Here's how you get that special someone's pulse racing:
1. PLATE IT UP
Set the scene: table, candles, music, rose in vase, etc. Then, just as you're pouring the bubbly, gently place Defender: Intrepid 1 on your muse's place-mat and announce that tonight, they get Alex Morgan / Arena Halls / Victor Lundt on a plate (depending on their preferences, of course).
2. IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON
Create a playlist for the evening - kicking things off with Dance Me To The End Of Love by Madeline Peyroux (Arena Halls would be proud of you) and then suggest that you each do an interpretive dance to the song that best suits your mood at the time :) I recommend against Til The End by The Living End, even though Alex Morgan would be happy, not such a good pick for Feb 14... unless you want to end up with whiplash! (Just incidentally, both these songs appear in Defender: Intrepid 1 ).
3. BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS
Nothing says romance like heart shaped foods, I've always thought, and turns out everyone on Pinterest agrees! I particularly like this tasty morsel - such a sophisticated take on bacon and eggs - and it would go down a treat with the Mr or Mrs at dinner. Perhaps more so with the Mr than the Mrs. Anyway, simple is best and you can spend the all time you saved washing pots and pans doing something a little more intimate... like reading Hunter: Intrepid 2 aloud to each other.
4. BUBBLE BUBBLE
Now, it just wouldn't be very Intrepid-esque to leave your options at just dinner and dancing. Why not draw a decadent bubble bath for your muse. Don't leave anything to chance: candles, flowers, music - perhaps something classical that would appeal to Charlotte-Rose Fleming, you get the idea. You're all set so, when your loved one desires, guide them into the water, close the door, then pad back down the hallway, pour yourself a healthy Shiraz and sneak in a few more chapters of Alex Morgan's latest, allowing your muse a few precious moments to soak.
5. BLUE MOON
Perhaps you're more of an outdoorsy type. No problem. Everyone loves the moon, especially when it's full. So, why not serve a nice dessert wine and cheese platter outside? Then, to maximise your time, pre-arrange for head-mounted flash lights so that you don't miss out on a good reading session once the sun does go down and the cheese platter is all gone. I mean, seriously, what else would you do?
6. SHOW US YOUR THRILLER
Finally, for those with an exhibitionist streak, there's always the chance to Show Us Your Thriller. Why not choose just the right moment during the course of your romantic evening together and pose with your copy of Defender or Hunter - or both - maybe even acting out one of the scenes described above. Post it onto my Facebook page - then, after a popular vote, one lucky person will be immortalised with a character in my next adventure story: AVENGER: Intrepid 3!
Now that you and your muse are guaranteed a thrilling time on February 14, here's how to make it a sure thing. Of course, I'm talking about an inscribed, signed, bookmarked and beautifully wrapped copy of Defender and Hunter for $40 plus $12 postage Australia-wide. Or you can get Hunter for $25, Defender for $20 plus the same postage cost.
If you prefer, you can give the gift of an eBook to your loved one and it's dead easy to do on Amazon if your girl or guy has a Kindle. Just go to the page for Defender on Amazon or Hunter on Amazon and select the 'give as gift' option. Our good mates at Momentum Books have also written this blow-by-blow account on how to gift eBooks to other people with all types of eReaders, helpfully titled The Lazy Person's Guide to Gift Giving (http://momentumbooks.com.au/blog/the-...). If that doesn't make you feel good about yourself, I don't know what does.
There you have it, folks. Oh, I forgot to mention - signed copies are best for Australia-wide only, otherwise the postage gets ridiculous; email gday@intrepidallen.com to order; and last drinks (orders) are due by this Sunday evening 10 February so we can get them delivered by Thursday.
Let's make your next Valentine's Day the most thrilling yet: full steam ahead.
Chris
ps. Still not sure if this is the kind of action they want? Check out the latest reviews about the action thriller stories at http://www.intrepidallen.com/reviews
Usually I'm rushing around at the last minute, eventually picking up a favourite bottle of bubbles for my Sar before we settle into a romantic picnic together somewhere. Of course, this year, we'll be joined by our boys, Captain Morgan and Baby Rhett, and the trampoline in the backyard will most likely be the 'romantic' spot.
So, if, like me, you don't succumb to the commercialisation of February 14 but still want to acknowledge it with a stylish but not excessive hat-tip to Saint Valentine, here's what you do this year: promise that special someone - him or her - some real action!
Of course, I'm referring to action of the armchair variety. Because, clearly, after wining and dining your muse, you'll be looking forward to a rip-roaring action thriller... right?
Here's how you get that special someone's pulse racing:
1. PLATE IT UP
Set the scene: table, candles, music, rose in vase, etc. Then, just as you're pouring the bubbly, gently place Defender: Intrepid 1 on your muse's place-mat and announce that tonight, they get Alex Morgan / Arena Halls / Victor Lundt on a plate (depending on their preferences, of course).
2. IF MUSIC BE THE FOOD OF LOVE, PLAY ON
Create a playlist for the evening - kicking things off with Dance Me To The End Of Love by Madeline Peyroux (Arena Halls would be proud of you) and then suggest that you each do an interpretive dance to the song that best suits your mood at the time :) I recommend against Til The End by The Living End, even though Alex Morgan would be happy, not such a good pick for Feb 14... unless you want to end up with whiplash! (Just incidentally, both these songs appear in Defender: Intrepid 1 ).
3. BRING OUT THE BIG GUNS
Nothing says romance like heart shaped foods, I've always thought, and turns out everyone on Pinterest agrees! I particularly like this tasty morsel - such a sophisticated take on bacon and eggs - and it would go down a treat with the Mr or Mrs at dinner. Perhaps more so with the Mr than the Mrs. Anyway, simple is best and you can spend the all time you saved washing pots and pans doing something a little more intimate... like reading Hunter: Intrepid 2 aloud to each other.
4. BUBBLE BUBBLE
Now, it just wouldn't be very Intrepid-esque to leave your options at just dinner and dancing. Why not draw a decadent bubble bath for your muse. Don't leave anything to chance: candles, flowers, music - perhaps something classical that would appeal to Charlotte-Rose Fleming, you get the idea. You're all set so, when your loved one desires, guide them into the water, close the door, then pad back down the hallway, pour yourself a healthy Shiraz and sneak in a few more chapters of Alex Morgan's latest, allowing your muse a few precious moments to soak.
5. BLUE MOON
Perhaps you're more of an outdoorsy type. No problem. Everyone loves the moon, especially when it's full. So, why not serve a nice dessert wine and cheese platter outside? Then, to maximise your time, pre-arrange for head-mounted flash lights so that you don't miss out on a good reading session once the sun does go down and the cheese platter is all gone. I mean, seriously, what else would you do?
6. SHOW US YOUR THRILLER
Finally, for those with an exhibitionist streak, there's always the chance to Show Us Your Thriller. Why not choose just the right moment during the course of your romantic evening together and pose with your copy of Defender or Hunter - or both - maybe even acting out one of the scenes described above. Post it onto my Facebook page - then, after a popular vote, one lucky person will be immortalised with a character in my next adventure story: AVENGER: Intrepid 3!
Now that you and your muse are guaranteed a thrilling time on February 14, here's how to make it a sure thing. Of course, I'm talking about an inscribed, signed, bookmarked and beautifully wrapped copy of Defender and Hunter for $40 plus $12 postage Australia-wide. Or you can get Hunter for $25, Defender for $20 plus the same postage cost.
If you prefer, you can give the gift of an eBook to your loved one and it's dead easy to do on Amazon if your girl or guy has a Kindle. Just go to the page for Defender on Amazon or Hunter on Amazon and select the 'give as gift' option. Our good mates at Momentum Books have also written this blow-by-blow account on how to gift eBooks to other people with all types of eReaders, helpfully titled The Lazy Person's Guide to Gift Giving (http://momentumbooks.com.au/blog/the-...). If that doesn't make you feel good about yourself, I don't know what does.
There you have it, folks. Oh, I forgot to mention - signed copies are best for Australia-wide only, otherwise the postage gets ridiculous; email gday@intrepidallen.com to order; and last drinks (orders) are due by this Sunday evening 10 February so we can get them delivered by Thursday.
Let's make your next Valentine's Day the most thrilling yet: full steam ahead.
Chris
ps. Still not sure if this is the kind of action they want? Check out the latest reviews about the action thriller stories at http://www.intrepidallen.com/reviews
