Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Interview with Khaled Talib, GUN KISS


Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series? 
Gun Kiss is a fun and breezy novel that’s primarily set in southern California. The protagonist wears many hats. He’s also a former military guy. One day, he rescues a Hollywood movie star from an obsessed drug lord who then decides to exact revenge on both. The novel contains several themes that needs constant addressing.

I’m seriously thinking that the characters should come back in a series. I’ve been asked by some readers to do it. The question is, how do I approach it? I’ve never done a series. Hopefully, the right amount of chocolate will inspire my imagination.

Do you have a favorite character?
Goldie St. Helen, the movie star, is my favorite. In fact, I’ve even created a board on Pinterest with her name. The board features fashion, food, home and décor and travel. It represents the things she likes. The character was inspired by a real actress whose name shall remain a secret for now. 

Briefly describe your journey in writing your first or latest book.
Gun Kiss took me six months to complete. I wrote it nonstop, as if some crazy drug had been injected into my bloodstream. The idea came about when I was jogging one morning. Afterwards, I developed cramps in my legs. I couldn’t sleep that night and while applying some ointment, I watched an old movie with a famous actress. I felt compelled to write a story and create a character inspired by that actress.

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?
I don’t believe in joining a critique group; it doesn’t work for me. I prefer to work with a developmental editor. I’ve already written three novels, all of which have been praised by notable authors. If they didn’t like what I wrote, they wouldn’t endorse my books. The relationship with an editor is more precious to me than the view of ten people at a meeting. As the saying goes, “Too many hands spoil the soup.”

What is your writing process? Do you listen to music or do you like silence?
A bit of this, a bit of that—it depends—is it raining or is it sunny? Sometimes, I need music to spruce up a scene in my mind. Other times, I rely on chocolate to boost my energy. I can write any time of the day, preferably without interruptions. I don’t force myself if I’m tired.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?
I go where my muse takes me. I tried the outlining process, but I can’t seem to do it. The other way is finer. Remember the conversation Alice had with the Cheshire cat? He said it doesn’t matter which road you take if you don’t know where you’re going. Still, she had a wild time. Go with the flow…but watch for potholes.   

Besides Amazon, are there any other sites where your books are for sale?
My books, both  electronic and paperback, are available on all major stores, including Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Ibooks and Kobo.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?
I’ve made sacrifices by prioritizing my daily tasks. In fact, I enjoy the process. I get to learn new things. Why not? There’s always time if you know how to manage your day. I don’t consider it a chore; I get to learn new things.  

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?
I’ve learned to make the Muhalabiya, which is essentially a common milk dessert in the Middle East. So, there’s an inclination to spend more time in the kitchen. What shall I do next?

Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer – dogs or cats? Chocolate or vanilla? Coffee or Tea? Talk or Text? Day or Night?
Cats make less noise and they’re independent. But that doesn’t mean I dislike dogs. If I had to adopt one, it’ll be the cat because of situational convenience. I get nervous when I hear dogs barking all the time. However, if I lived in a castle, I’d probably keep a dog too. Who cares then if it makes noise? Nobody will hear it  for miles  Chocolate or vanilla would depend on my mood. I like both. And it’s most certainly coffee for me—all kinds. I tried going without coffee once for two weeks. It felt strange, as if the planet had no gravity. Tea would’ve to be with milk though some flavors are interesting on its own. But I find it hard to resist tea with biscuits. 


BLURB:

The United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen.

Ex-Delta Force Blake Deco receives a tip from a Mexican friend that a drug lord, obsessed with the beautiful actress, is holding her captive in Tijuana.

With the help of a reluctant army friend, Blake mounts a daring rescue.

What he doesn’t expect is to have feelings for Goldie—or that a killer is hunting them.
Buy links:
The book will be on sale for only $0.99.
Amazon Kindle
Smashwords
Kobo
B&N
Ibooks/Apple

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Khaled Talib is a former journalist with local and international exposure. He has authored three thrillers since 2014.
The author's works have been praised by NY Times bestselling author Gayle Lynds, NY Times bestselling author Ruth Harris, USA Today bestselling author Jon Land, NY Times bestselling author Keith Thomson, K.J. Howe, and Jon McGoran.
His debut thriller, Smokescreen, was listed as one of the six "boundary-breaking indies" in 2016 by the IndieReader. His second novel, Incognito, won the Silver Award for the AuthorsDB Book Cover Contest 2017. Gun Kiss is his third novel.
Khaled, who is also a member of the International Thriller Writers, resides in Singapore.
Author Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/khaled.talib/
Gun Kiss (YouTube) Book Trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6uhYvbY7KQ

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 






a Rafflecopter giveaway

No comments:

Post a Comment

Your post will be published after administrator approval.