Khaled Talib's Blog, page 8
April 5, 2018
Inspiration for My New Novel
Photo by Alex Hockett on Unsplash
Whenever I used to travel to Sydney, I’d make regular visits to Bankstown, a suburban district. It had a nice Lebanese restaurant. My Australian friends would always discourage me from going there because of the town’s notorious reputation. If you google it, you’ll probably find lots of crime stories involving mob hits. The most recent involved a Vietnamese lawyer who was shot at point black range at a cafe.
If you are familiar with the old Australian TV series, “Underbelly” it is said to be inspired by the famous Muslim-Lebanese family in Australia — the Ibrahims. The most flamboyant of all is John Ibrahim (the king of Kings Cross) who recently had a book out about his life entitled, “Last King of the Cross”. His cousin recently married the sister of Salim Mehajer, another infamous figure, thus cementing the union between two of Australia’s most notorious families.
At one time, John lost his beloved macaw when it flew over the nearby cliffs at his seaside bungalow. The Rose Bay police, along with police rescue, abseiled down and retrieved the bird.
And then there was Mahmoud “Mick” Howie (deceased), who once headed the outlawed bikie gang, The Comancheros. Here’s a news clipping about Mick’s funeral.
The bikie gang was created a couple of decades ago by William G. Ross. He survived the Milperra Massacre in 1984, a shoot-out between rival motorcycle gangs. An innocent 15-year old girl died when a stray hit her.
What was once an all-white-gang, The Comancheros evolved to include several club charters across states. Members now make up different ethnic groups: Lebanese, Samoans, Maoris, Greeks, Italians, Asians, etc.
The Comancheros are not your regular beer-belching bikie gang. These guys are tech-savvy; members include trained military snipers and computer specialists.
So, I thought it’ll be fun to weave a new thriller about an ordinary guy working at a wine estate who finds himself embroiled with a bikie gang. It all begins when a reporter sent to do a feature story about the estate in Clare Valley in South Australia is found murdered.
I am familiar with South Australia, having managed the state tourism’s public relations account for a decade. The SA landscape is gorgeous that it’s hard to pick a favorite location as it changes from place to place. Well, there’s also going to be a bit of Sydney in the story along with other locations around the globe. Honestly, it never occurred to me that I could find more materials to write another novel.
March 30, 2018
March 11, 2018
March 4, 2018
The Power of the Mind
On three separate occasions, I stared at three complete strangers — never having met them before — and guessed their first names. I got all of them right.
One was a boy in Singapore, the other was a young Egyptian woman working for the French embassy in Cairo, and the third was a Malaysian. They were shocked and wondered how I did it.
A friend, who does Reiki, thinks I have a powerful energy. I don’t think so since I’ve also made mistakes.
I think it’s the same like how you play Roulette. Or maybe it’s because I used to play Master Mind and other guessing games.
The power of the mind…
February 28, 2018
Gun Kiss Rafflecopter Giveaway
The Gun Kiss Rafflecopter Giveaway
One paperback copy for the Grand Winner and three Kindle copies for Runner-Ups
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February 26, 2018
Tigermom Gimlet Cocktail Recipe – Alcove Restaurant, Los Angeles
Alcove, located in Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, has such a lovely, garden patio with many locals enjoying sunshine with their cocktails.
In Gun Kiss, I wrote a scene that takes place at this popular place. So, I thought it’ll be nice to give you a taste of the place that goes beyond the pages of the book. I contacted the management and asked them if they’d be kind to contribute a recipe for one of their drinks.
Here’s a cocktail recipe, courtesy of Alcove, for one of their most popular cocktails.
The cocktail Tigermom Gimlet is named after the bar manager, Cari Hah.
Recipe for Tigermom Gimlet
Ingredients:
2oz Bombay Sapphire east
3/4oz fresh lime juice
3/4oz kaffir lemongrass syrup
1/4oz quinquina
2 dashes of miracle mile bergamot bitters
Method:
Shake/strain into cocktail glass
Garnish with a kaffir lime leaf.
Enjoy!
February 7, 2018
Excerpt from GUN KISS by Khaled Talib
The Nightmare
The night’s tempest tossed the ancient carrack sideways. The soaked captain, wrestling the wheel, shouted commands as his crew scrambled around the slippery deck, rolling up the sails and tightening ropes.
Lieutenant Blake Deco rushed up to help the crew pull the shivering mainsail down. The storm was unexpected. His grip was torn loose by a massive wave that swept across the deck, ripping the halyard through the pulleys and throwing the sodden sail over the side of the ship.
Sleepy waves lapping against the sand woke Lieutenant Deco on a beach with wild rocks rising above lofty summits. A dozen bodies lay scattered around Blake, some covered in driftwood and leaves. The crew members who had survived checked on the motionless bodies. Some coughed up water from their lungs when they awoke, others remained rigid.
Lieutenant Deco got up slowly. He stared out at the calm sea in daylight. Their vessel was nowhere to be seen. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see the bearded captain, whose long wet hair floated around his shoulders.
“I don’t remember what happened,” Blake said. “Last night was ominous—unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.”
“Neither do I, but without our ship, I pray for a miracle,” the captain replied, brushing the sand off his hair, face, and dampened clothes.
They scanned the mysterious landscape, then counted the remaining crew. “Only eighteen of us left,” the captain said. “We need to build a fire now or less of us will remain.”
The crew found some dry wood and stones to build a fire, which generated enough heat to warm them in the frigid weather. When they’d regained their strength, the men decided to explore the other side of the island. The rocks cut their feet as they climbed over the mountain. Once over the top the sight of a sun-kissed meadow lessened the pain.
The sun’s rays cast a golden hue over the tall fescue grass, stretching for miles in every direction. No one seemed sure how far they’d walked. At one point one of the men had to be carried. The grass became taller as they ventured farther to a point the stalks covered their path.
Blake suddenly stopped. “Did you feel that?” he asked, sensing a tremor.
“I did,” the captain said.
They felt it again and again. It was surging across the earth like an advancing wave.
“Wild animals?” Blake asked.
“I don’t know,” the captain said.
Standing paralyzed in fear, Blake was the first to see it… [end of excerpt]
© Khaled Talib. 2017. All rights reserved.
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February 2, 2018
Incognito music playlist
Incognito has been described as a “darkly entertaining” thriller so here’s a matching music playlist based on the locations described in the novel. It’s for acquired taste, but I hope you like it. Feel free to share.
CLICK HERE:
INCOGNITO. A Thriller by Khaled Talib. Music Playlist
January 30, 2018
Buy a Copy of Incognito and Win these Venetian masks
Authentic Venetian masks to be given away to two lucky winners!
Purchase a digital or paperback copy of Khaled Talib’s thriller, Incognito, at any online bookstore.
Forward the purchase receipt (or attached a screenshot of the purchase receipt) and email it as proof of purchase to the following email address: incognitothriller@gmail.com
Two winners will be chosen from a random draw of entries received. (White mask for paperback entrant, half-mask for ebook entrant). You can also buy it as a gift for a friend to qualify.
Closing date is 28 February
The winners will be notified the day after the draw using the email address
provided by the participant/entrant. Winners will be contacted via email and must reply and provide a snail mail address for the prizes to be shipped.
Winners must claim their prize within three days of Author sending an initial notification. If the winner cannot be reached within three days following the first attempt of contact, declines the prize, or fails to provide a valid email and postal address the prize shall be forfeited and Author has the right, at its sole discretion, to select another winner. No extension is available. Author’s decision
is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
As a participant/entrant in the draw, Author will use the email address you provide
for marketing purposes (subscription to e-newsletter). You may opt out of the newsletter by contacting Author at any time to unsubscribe.
Author accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities,
injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering the
Draw or accepting the prize.
Author reserves the right at any time to modify, discontinue
(temporarily or permanently) the Draw with or without prior notice due to
reasons outside its control. The decision of Author in all matters under his control is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into.
Author shall not be liable for any failure to comply with obligations where the failure is caused by something outside his reasonable control (any situation/circumstances amounting to force majeure).
There are two prizes: authentic, original Venetian masks (handmade) that were purchased in Venice, Italy. The contents may vary.
The winners’ names may also be promoted publicly through Author’s Facebook and other social network and in any publicity relating to the Draw.
By participating in this contest, participants/entrants agree to be bound by these terms and conditions and by the Author’s decisions, which are final in all matters relating to the draw. No correspondence or discussions shall be entered into.
Author reserves the right to terminate, cancel, suspend or modify the contest or these terms and conditions for any reason based on reasonable discretion.
Automated entries are not permitted and will be disqualified.
Click the link to purchase Incognito at the listed stores or go to the website’s Book section (You can also purchase the book via Book Depository)
http://khaledtalibthriller.com/books/incognito/
January 26, 2018
A list of “fictional” cafes, bars and restaurants from Gun Kiss you can visit
Gjelina
Hip place serving LA cuisine with farm-fresh southern Californian produce in a rustic-chic dining interior.
Add: 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Beachwood Café
Cute and cozy place serving American eatery tucked beneath the Hollywood sign.
Add: 2695 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Alcove
Housed in two historic bungalows, this cottage-like cafe serves up large plates of gourmet American classics.
Add: 1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Pink Taco
Trendy eatery/bar with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, serving Mexican fare, including tacos & margaritas (though the place is not mentioned in Gun Kiss, it had inspired the fictional establishment Mama Tacos owned by the protagonist).
Add: 225 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Figaro
A screenwriter and actor rendezvous spot with French antics, sidewalk tables and bistro fare.
Add: 1802 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Bar Nineteen 12 at The Beverly Hills Hotel
Indoor bar with signature cocktails overlooking the terrace.
Add: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Pita Jungle
Mediterranean/Arabic dishes with vegetarian options.
Add: 320 Regent St, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
