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fredhandbag · 2 years

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Moved some paperbacks and nonfiction hardcovers onto some bookcases in one of the closets. Top row is the Jonathan Grave series from John Gilstrap - new one coming this week. How do you sort nonfiction? #lethalgame #johngilstrap #jonathangraveseries #kensingtonbooks #shelfie #sundayshelfie #bradshelfie #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #readinglife #bookwormlife #sodacityreads #readersofig #suspensebook #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #homelibrary #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller #bookrecs #actionsuspense #nonfictionbooks #gameofthrones #thegrayman #markgreaney https://www.instagram.com/p/CfRJFPRg89M/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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mrgvisualartist · 2 years

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It seems I’ve won a @randomhouse giveaway without receiving any notification about. Here a promising #thriller from #johngilstrap #lethalgame Thank you To Random House and the author! / #noir #novel #ajonathangravethriller #reading #booklover #mystery #crime #booksofinstagram #positivevibes #actor #actorslife #NYC #LA #castingdirector #talent #acting #talentagent #agency #artist #actorlife #artist #micheleravegrassani (at East Village) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEgSqQu2jp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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archimage-writings · 5 years

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Lucky Friday the 13th

This past Friday was the 13th and, at least for me, was very lucky, magical, mystical, and dare I say alchemical? Ok, I’m overdoing it. I get it. But, the weekend was transformative. Creatures, Crime, and Creativity (C3) is a yearly fan and writer’s conference held in Columbia, MD and hosted by Austin and Desinse Camacho of Intrigue Publishing. I had gone last year, and had learned a lot and had a good time, so I registered for this year’s event. Now, I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember (and that’s a long time), I’ve self-published a bunch of books (think of them as a bunch of carrots tied together and thrown into the bottom drawer of the refrigerator), and they are out there, but I don’t promote, push, market, or talk about them to people I meet. I’m not that good. (self-criticism is the sincerest kind, and I’m me.) I’m a writer because I write. Be that as it may, I registered and took a chance and this year I registered as an author. The only real requirement was having published. As I registered, I had thoughts of imposter syndrome. What if they found out I was no one famous (or even important)? I didn’t want to get kicked out. I wanted to go. Time passed. Then I got an email from Cynthia Lauth, an organizer, telling me she was having a hard time finding my books on Amazon. Ruh, roh! Panic. I took a deep breath and relaxed. I have publisher links. I have real books. I just don’t sell them. I passed the links back. Time passed. I get another email from Cynthia. I’m on two panels and I’m moderating two others. Wha–?! I check the schedule. I’m on: “Humor in Writing” with Jeff Markowitz, Allan Ansange, and Susan McBride (moderating). Ok, I sort of get it. I write humor. I think I have a sense of humor, but just a sense. People I know, don’t like my sense of humor, but I get why I’m on this panel. I can pull this off. But with Jeff and Allan? I’m familiar with both of them and I was witness to Jeff’s wit at last year’s conference. I’m done for (dangling preposition notwithstanding). I’d have to prepare… Next up was, “The Battle of the Sexes–What Makes Hero and Heroine Conflict Such a Prevalent Concept in Romance Novels?” I was moderating. I read the title again… Ok, I could talk about “The Battle of the Sexes” and, I didn’t even see “Romance Novels”. This panel comprised Rebecca York, Jenna Harte, and Becky Muth. An all-female panel. I was toast. Sweating, I scanned for the next appearance of my name on the schedule. Saturday, I was on one of the first panels. “Ripped from the Headlines: Writing Stories from 'Fake News’”. I’ve never done that. The closest I’d ever come was commenting on tweets I saw. I’m not a news “junkie”. I know better than to troll or be trolled. I sat and thought about the topic. I wasn’t even sure I knew what “fake news” was… apart from what some important people believed it was. I could probably fake my way through this panel. D.W. Maroney, Adam Meyer, Karl Brungart, were the other panelists, and Susan McBride was moderating again. Scan… scan… scan… change… change… change… King of Fools… I was moderating one of the last panels on Saturday. I relaxed and remembered to breathe. “Writing for TV/Film.” I’d written several structurally, and story-wise god-awful scripts/screenplays to learn how to write them. I had questions. I’d be good. I gulped when I saw the panelists. John Gilstrap, David Mack, and Adam Meyer. Again, people I was familiar with, read, or followed. These three were the power team. I was in over my head. Maybe I could call in sick. They would be able to find someone to cover for me, couldn’t they? Maybe Austin and gang were desperate, and I was the fill-in…. I couldn’t let them down. The imposter syndrome flashed through my brain caught up and ran over me like a train full of experts. Well, I was commited. I’d go through with it. If only to tell myself that I had done my best. I spent a day or so thinking about how to handle each panel and sent out emails to the panelists both to introduce myself (who has ever heard of me?) and to throw out some sample questions. I got some nice responses from everyone. Time passes and the weekend of the conference rolls around. It’s Friday the 13th weekend, 2019. A full moon. I lug a copy of some of my books in case they ask me for my ID before they let me on the panels. Too cut to the chase, I did OK on the humor panel, and got a few laughs, and when things got deep and serious, some nods of agreement from a lot of the audience (including Austin). My copanelists were awesome and made me look good. The “Battle of the Sexes” panel, I stumbled through. Remember I mentioned I didn’t even notice the phrase “Romance Novel”? I asked very amateurish and obvious questions (because I have never read a romance novel). I learned a lot and the authors were kind enough not walk out on me. The Film/TV panel went ok. I asked the questions I wanted answered; again some were basic ones. The panel went well and I was surprised I could supress my awe at the panelists while asking. The “Fake News” panel, I felt I held my own. Afterward, I was physically and emotionally wiped. I will admit, I’m an introvert. I don’t do well with people I don’t know despite having given presentations and taught in front of hundreds. It’s still not a pleasant experience. It’s not about me, however. –––– I should get to the point of this post. The panelists all were stellar and the discussions were wonderful. I am honered to have been included and given the chance to take part. Everyone at C3 was welcoming, friendly, curious, and helpful. I met many people, reconnected with those I met last year, and for the first time ever felt I was an author, and not just someone who wrote books. People wanted to know where to get my books. No, not because I felt like a celebrity, I didn’t and hope I never do. Because everyone at C3 treated me (and everyone else) as an equal. I was part of the community. I felt my efforts as a writer were validated. My life has changed, from my perspective. I want to mention a few people. (If I were to mention everyone I interacted with, I’d be writing my next book.) Austin and Denise Camacho, and Cynthia Lauth. They put this conference on, are friendly, good folk. They work hard. Support them and C3. They make it what it is. David Mack, one keynoter. This man is an expert. He is a technician of the first order. I really wish I had a chance to spend some time chatting with him, but he was always busy. His keynote was bitter-sweet about the up and down cycles of his carreer and the industry. It was inspiring and motivating. He is a fairly quiet guy (I got the sense he was uncomfortable being in the spotlight), but he became more relaxed and seemed to be enjoying himself as the coference went on. His wit is dry, sardonic, and ascerbic. I get it. I like it. Cool dude. Also, his wife Kara is a great person. Julie Hyzy and husband Curt. Great people, both. Julie was the other keynoter. Her talk was the most heartfelt and personal one I’ve ever heard. It was full of anecdotes, touching moments, humor and inspiration. For someone who claims to not enjoy speaking in public, she’s an expert. She also talks a mile a minute on panels when she is excited and/or interested. The fact she likes puns and time-travel doesn’t colour (British spelling) my opinon–well not much. I awkwardly handed her my books (to show my appreciation for her keynote) and later she asked me to sign them. My first real autographs! Curt is a very cool guy in a laid-back sort of way. I had a nice chat about sports with him. S.A. Cosby was a highlight of the conference. “Noir at the Bar” is a mini-event within C3 where authors read one of their shorter works over drinks. Mr. Cosby read a story that was immediate, powerful, visceral, and imaginative. His reading was more acting than reading. I’d buy any audiobook read by him. I was lucky enough to win one of his books and get it signed. Debbie Mack. I met her at last year’s C3, but this year was the first time I got a chance to chat with her. Not only is she an author, but she also blogs, and produces videos that remind me of MST3K. She’s currently subtitling the old Buck Rogers serial. She’s also a fan of old movies, Doctor Who, and The Prisoner. What can be wrong with that? Cool person. There are too many others to mention. Thank you all for allowing me into the fold. If you are a fan of writing, a writer, or an author you owe it to yourself to check out C3 http://creaturescrimesandcreativity.com If you want to follow people on Twitter: @Ascamacho - Austin Camacho @JulieHyzy - Julie Hyzy @DavidAlanMack - David Mack @Blacklionking73 - Shawn A Cosby @DebbieMack - Debbie Mack @JohnGilstrap - John Gilstrap @FJTalleyAuthor - FJ Talley @EButlerBooks - Ellen Butler @AlanOrloff - Alan Orloff @AuthorBeckyMuth - Becky Muth @Jenna_Harte - Jenna Harte

@RebeccaYork43 - Rebecca York

…and many others… …oh, and me, @Archimage Time to get back to editing two novels, a book of short stories, and finishing my current work in progress, a satire.

Thank you all! Write on!

#writing #c3 #noir #nanowrimo

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fredhandbag · 2 years

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Lethal Game is the 14th book in the Jonathan Graves series from John Gilstrap. "Digger and Boxers are ambushed during a hunting trip in Montana. Mama Alexander is run off the road. Venice and Gail are attacked in Fisherman's Cove. Someone is coming after Jonathan and all of the people he cares about. He and Boxers will have to avoid a lot of killers to find answers." First a content warning - I don't usually do one but this book has some harm to kids and I'm not really a fan when that happens. I'm sure the author intends to show something about one of the killers but I don't really want to see that. This book is different in that Digger has to fight without his usual gadgets, armor, weapons and overwhelming force. And a young Roman Alexander is brought into the inner circle The storyline is very good here. Digger and Boxers do what they do. The difference is the body count of innocents is unusually high in this one. Some parts were tough to read. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for the advanced copy #lethalgame #johngilstrap #jonathangraveseries #kensingtonbooks #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #readinglife #bookwormlife #sodacityreads #readersofig #suspensebook #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #homelibrary #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller #bookrecs #actionsuspense https://www.instagram.com/p/CfT0oyJrVCW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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fredhandbag · 2 years

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Thanks to @kensingtonbooks for an advanced copy of Lethal Game by John Gilstrap. The Jonathan Grave series is a favorite and great for a beach read. What books do you take to the beach? #lethalgame #johngilstrap #jonathangraveseries #kensingtonbooks #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #readinglife #bookwormlife #sodacityreads #readersofig #suspensebook #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #homelibrary #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller #bookrecs #actionsuspense https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce1eXP6gm9A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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fredhandbag · 2 years

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New book coming from Nelson DeMille this week- The Maze. This is the next book in his John Corey series. He’s been writing a long time. Have you read any DeMille novels? #themaze #nelsondemille #scribner #shelfie #sundayshelfie #johncoreyseries #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #readinglife #bookwormlife #sodacityreads #bookworm #suspensebook #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #homelibrary #thrillerbooks #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller #bookrecs #catherinecoulter #jtellison #lisagardner #johngilstrap #michaelcrichton https://www.instagram.com/p/CjfnXadrn_g/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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fredhandbag · 2 years

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Blue Fire is Book 2 in the new Victoria Emerson series from John Gilstrap. "They call it Hell Day - the day the bombs fell and society reverted to a time of no technology. Victoria Emerson has been made leader of Ortho because of her organizational and prepper skills. The community has returned to a much calmer normal - less chaos and violence - neighbor helping neighbor. But some renegade National Guard troops want what the town of Ortho has. And they're willing to kill to get it." There are a couple of storylines here. One is the Guard troops against the townspeople of Ortho. You know that conflict is going to end in a big battle. The other is what's going on in the bunker housing the members of Congress, HOR and the President. Gilstrap paints a dire picture about the ineffectiveness of people without survival skills. You see what happens when people are determined to get their way. Gilstrap has some subtle commentary on immigration. Makes you think. Gilstrap does a great job with the realities of what happens when Nuclear War happens. There's also some great action scenes in this story. The narrator is perfect for this audiobook but it took me a bit to get used to her voice. If you really want to wow a listener add some sound effects for the battle scenes. Based on the events in the Politicians' bunker it looks like there should be at least one more book. Fans of apocolyptic stories should really enjoy this one. Thanks to @kensingtonbooks and RB Media for the advanced copies. #bluefire #johngilstrap #victoriaemerson #kensingtonbooks #netgalley #rbmedia #apocalypticfiction #audiobook #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookish #bookreview #hardcover #bookcover #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #domesticthriller #crimefiction #thriller #characterdrivenbooks #mysterythriller https://www.instagram.com/p/CaPZPMDrgff/?utm_medium=tumblr

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fredhandbag · 3 years

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This is the Jonathan Graves series by John Gilstrap. His new book, Stealth Attack, releases on Tuesday. It’s a great action series. Fans of Reacher would love it. What’s the longest series you’ve read? #stealthattack #johngilstrap #jonathangraveseries #pinnaclebooks #netgalley #actionthriller #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookish #bookreview #hardcover #novelsuspect #bookcover #bookhaul #literarycrimefiction #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #crimefiction #thriller https://www.instagram.com/p/CQlkb9lr3XM/?utm_medium=tumblr

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fredhandbag · 3 years

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Crimson Phoenix introduces a new character from Jihn Gilstrap - Victoria Emerson. “Emerson is a member of the House of Representatives. When a major shows up at her door using the code word, Crimson Phoenix, she knows the US is on the verge of nuclear war and she is to be escorted to a hidden bunker. When she realizes her family is not allowed she resigns and heads to West Virginia in search of her oldest son and safety. Along the way she realizes there are things more dangerous than nuclear bombs...” Much of this will sound familiar - people are scared, no electronics work and everything is chaotic. What Gilstrap adds is that he takes the reader directly into the bunker where the House is hiding. What kinds of hard choices are made? Dies partisan rhetoric ever end? Who does the private contractor report to? The dynamics are interesting and deadly. Emerson is a prepper and there are some scary moments with her kids. Lots of great action and a fast-paced read from Gilstrap. Thanks to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the arc. #crimsonphoenix #johngilstrap #netgalley #kensingtonbooks #nuclearwarfiction #bookstagram #bookshelves #bookswithcharacter #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookreview #hardcover #bookcollector #bookhaul #bookspines #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #thriller #bookcollection https://www.instagram.com/p/CJWZqu_gf97/?igshid=1srtp38efq5wn

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fredhandbag · 4 years

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Hellfire is the new Jonathan Graves thriller from John Gilstrap. “Two brothers are kidnapped on the way to Resurrection House. It looks like they’re being held as leverage. Jonathan and his team gear up to find and rescue the boys. What starts out as a mission against cartel violence turns into something much worse.” Just when you think it’s a standard rescue story, Gilstrap mixes in some chemical weapons with the drug mules. And things get crazier. Boxer almost loses it. There’s a new team member. Venice is still the best hacker. And Digger has to decide on the greater good. Packed with the action and great characters we expect from Gilstrap. And he examines the shades of grey of doing the right thing. Great option for the beach this summer. Thanks to @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the review copy. #hellfire #johngilstrap #jonathangraves #beachread #actionadventure #bookstagram #bookshelves #bookswithcharacter #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookreview #paperback #bookcollector #bookhaul #bookspines #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #thriller #bookcollection #netgalley #kensingtonbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/CBBF-bvAOGy/?igshid=7h0717kenkop

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fredhandbag · 4 years

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This is a rerelease of John Gilstrap’s first novel, Nathan’s Run. I read this when it was published and it’s still a great story (You will need to know what a pager 📟 is 😄) “After Nathan loses his parents, he is sent to live with his uncle - who does not like Nathan at all. Things get so bad that Nathan takes his uncle’s car and runs away. He ends up in a Juvenile Delinquent facility. When a guard is killed, Nathan escapes and is now on the run. Nobody believes in his story until he calls into a radio show. But the police are still out for blood...” Great story from Gilstrap. You can’t help but pull for Nathan, especially when so many are out to hurt him or take his life. There is a lot of action and tension. There are some caricatures of rural law enforcement, but Gilstrap makes it work. Very fast reread of this debut novel. Definitely for the action lovers on your list. Thanjs to @netgalley and @pinnaclepublishers for the advanced copy. #nathansrun #johngilstrap #pinnaclebooks #needsthenetflixtreatment #bookstagram #bookshelves #bookswithcharacter #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookreview #hardcover #bookcollector #bookaddict #bookhaul #bookspines #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #crimefiction #thriller #netgalley #ebooks https://www.instagram.com/p/B521fWdgaN1/?igshid=f6kzpvzp08pt

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fredhandbag · 5 years

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My last stack of Best books of 2019 (so far) A couple of British crime fiction books from Marsons and Wyer. They are both writing some outstanding stories right now. The new Gilstrap was great. Where the Forest Meets the Stars was an Amazon First Read and one you should definitely read this year. And Winter Loon is pretty close to what my family dynamics were growing up. Have you found any hidden gems in Amazon First Reads? #topreads2019 #angelamarsons #carolwyer #johngilstrap #winterloon #wheretheforestmeetsthestars #glendyvanderah #amazonfirstreads #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookish #bookreview #hardcover #novel #bookaddict #bookcover #bookhaul #bibliophile #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #crimefiction #thriller #paperbacks #britishcrimefiction https://www.instagram.com/p/B0bNq4nA8Iz/?igshid=1sdehvs0likgr

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fredhandbag · 5 years

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New Gilstrap book out this Tuesday - Total Mayhem. My review is a few posts back. Another great addition to the Jonathan Graves series. Hey Netflix, have you seen these books? 😮 And a new book from Jay Kristoff - DEV1AT3. Book 2 in the LIFEL1K3 series. #shelfie #sundayshelfie #newreleasetuesday #totalmayhem #johngilstrap #jonathangraves #dev1at3 #jaykristoff #paperback #YA #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookish #bookreview #hardcover #novel #bookaddict #bookcover #bookhaul #bibliophile #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction #thriller https://www.instagram.com/p/BzDWKluA6HN/?igshid=cybcbnyi8yea

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fredhandbag · 5 years

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Thank you @netgalley and Kensington Books for a review copy of Total Mayhem by John Gilstrap. This is the eleventh book in the Jonathan Graves series. “Coordinated attacks wreak terror on Middle America. Digger and his team are asked by the director of the FBI to find the shooters and stop them...whatever the cost.” This book is a departure from previous books in that Digger and team are looking for domestic terrorists instead of hostage rescue. Some strong female characters and lots of Gilstrap action and some interesting back and forth about the rule of law. Another great read from Gilstrap. Book releases on 6/25. #totalmayhem #johngilstrap #jonathangraveseries #paperback #netgalley #kensingtonbooks #actionadventure #kindle #bookstagram #bookshelves #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #sodacityreads #bookish #bookreview #novel #bookaddict #bookcover #bookhaul #bibliophile #goodreads #homelibrary #fiction https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiASeoAHwy/?igshid=wluq25brxsbc

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fredhandbag · 7 years

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A great thriller for #bookfrommylibrary today - Even Steven by John Gilstrap. "Bobby and Susan Martin come across a dirty, shivering child at their campsite. When one of the boy's kidnappers appears waving a gun, Bobby is forced to react. The predator is killed - but was he a criminal--or a cop? With a vicious crime ring closing in on them, and unsure who to trust, Bobby and Susan desperately plunge into the heart of danger to save the boy--and themselves." Another great thriller from Gilstrap. If you like your thrillers full of action, you should add Gilstrap. #evensteven #johngilstrap #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookshelf #books #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #booklover #bookish #bookreview #bookclub #novel #bookaddict #bookaholic #bookcover #bibliophile #goodreads #homelibrary #bradslibrary #fiction #thriller

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fredhandbag · 7 years

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Final Target is the latest Jonathan Graves thriller from John Gilstrap. "Digger and Boxer rescue a DEA agent from drug cartel thugs. But their support abandoned them in the jungle. So now they must move a hundred kilometers through the jungle aling with 14 kids from an orphanage and their PC to get home alive." Plenty of trademark Gilstrap action. This book also delves more into some sticky questions of right and wrong. Another good one from Gilstrap. And finally a hardcover! #finaltarget #johngilstrap #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #bookshelf #books #booknerd #bookhoarder #bookworm #booklover #bookish #bookreview #bookclub #novel #bookaddict #bookaholic #bookcover #bookhaul #bibliophile #goodreads #homelibrary #bradslibrary #fiction #thriller #beachread

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