Big Thanks To You and A Sneak Peek...

10/27/2014

First, a big huge giant thanks to everyone who bought a copy of Moral Imperative. Your support never ceases to humble me. It keeps me clacking away on the keyboard.

If you still need to pick up a copy or if you need to leave a review here's the link: http://amzn.to/1qb8Uo2

Graphic Novel Update

I'm really excited about the progress for the graphic novel version of Back to War. Smith and Satterfield are amazingly talented artists. Check out a couple pages from the opening scenes. Give the dynamic duo a pat on the back in the COMMENTS section:

Disavowed

I'm picking up speed on Book 8, Disavowed, with the help of the Novels Live team. I'm shooting to have the first draft done by the middle of November and the whole novel published early to mid December. As I mentioned last time, I've got 8 new novels planned for 2015. Stay tuned for more...

Your Input

I'd love to know what YOU think I should write about in 2015. After Disavowed I'm writing Chain of Command. It'll be about an as yet undetermined conspiracy inside the Marine Corps. Cal and his fellow Marine putting their uniforms back on at the request of the new Commandant.

Let me know what books/ideas you'd like to see me tackle after that. Leave your thoughts in the COMMENTS section of this post.

45 Comments

stan taylor

10/27/2014 12:49:43 am

I have read the first 4 books and I must say I am now hooked. I am looking forward to the next in this series and can hardly wait to get my hands on a copy and start reading again. Keep em coming as you have a new fllower. How about adding twin brothers who are Air Force PJ's to SSI?

CGC

10/27/2014 01:37:43 am

I've wanted to add PJs to the series for a while. I have and AFSOC pilot and his brother (a Marine pilot) joining the cast in Disavowed. Let's see what I can do...

Donald Sorey link

10/27/2014 12:49:51 am

First off I do not care for the picture version. I love to read your books and picture them in my own head. Please keep writing and I will keep reading. Once I start your book it's hard to put it down until I finish. One night I was up until 5 in the morning because it was so good. Keep them coming. Don

10/27/2014 01:39:40 am

Thanks, Don!
Like I mention below, the graphic novels won't be for everyone. I want to reel in as many readers as I can in as many creative ways that make sense. The graphic stuff gives us the ability to find younger readers and get into the comic space. Lots of potential there!

Barb

10/27/2014 07:03:07 am

Hi Carlos,
As far as reeling in younger readers, how young? I am not so sure that younger readers need to read your novels because they do not possess the wherewithal to understand some of the reasons for the violence portrayed and the finer points of politics and spies and such in the real world. I am not so sure the comic book aspect is the way to present your particular genre. Just my opinion as a mom and grandmom.

10/27/2014 07:31:25 am

Barb, I'm speaking of ages 18-30. There's a big group of non-readers who live off of comics and videos games. Think of graphic novels as my outreach, a "hand-shake" to say hello.

Like Don said, it's an intro to the genre in order to get them reading the novels. Guys like George R.R. Martin are doing it too. Hope that makes sense.

David Snelson-Smith

10/28/2014 09:07:50 am

Hello All:

Here's some interesting statistics regarding graphic novels (based on information gathered from book publishers): they are the fastest growing category of books across all genre. And, the age range is widening. It isn't just the young, anymore, buying these novels.

The graphic novel have been hot items in the Asian countries for decades -- and is growing here in the U.S.. For example: check out the size of the graphic novel section in your local book store. It was probably half that size 10 years ago. Go back and check it out six months from now.

Note that these numbers do not apply to the graphic novel's close cousin: the comic book.

But, telling stories via pictures is not new. It has always been with us.

In the early days (and I mean really, really early days) , the only option a storyteller had was to tell his story in front of an audience (the predecessor to "books on tape").

Then, came the graphic artist with his charcoal in hand and a blank cave wall (the wife originally wanted him to hang pictures -- but that doesn't work so well when the wall is made of rock). Instead of telling his story over and over, he created the first graphic novel. Then, he invited his friends over to sit by the fire, drink some beer, share some fresh venison, and enjoy the heroics depicted in his drawings (kind of like today's Super Bowl except without a halftime).

Over the years, the medium for creating graphic novels has changed (for some, the cave wall became a building or fence). The artwork is much more sophisticated using oils, water colors, and computer-assisted graphics (or cans of spray paint). The expectation of today's typical "graphic novel connoisseur" is for every panel to be a masterpiece.

The amount of detail and finesse to "wow" them is almost to the extreme. Each panel requires the emotional punch equivalent to several seconds or minutes of a high-power movie. And the quality and resolution of the medium (computer, tablet, or printed form) is such that even the tiniest line (or smallest mistake) can be seen (and often criticized).

As the medium and quality has grown, so has the audience. Even the most avid and cultured readers are beginning to appreciate the sophisticated "works of art" depicted in today's graphic novels -- especially when the stories they tell are also quality works of art.

All that to say this: the graphic novel isn't just for kids (or cave men), anymore.

Enjoy.
David :)
(co-artist with Mr. Satterfield)

Diane Janusz

10/27/2014 01:07:24 am

Carlos, I have been with you from the beginning of Corps Justice, having read all and helped with the last few. Although the graphics are great, I really don't care for this type of book. As for thoughts on the future books, how about a book on the ebola problem.

10/27/2014 01:40:40 am

You're not the only one thinking about Ebola. I've had quite a few prods in that direction. We'll see what happens...

10/27/2014 01:14:39 am

Don't worry, my writing isn't going to stop. The graphic novel concept targets a younger demographic that I'm hoping to bring in as new readers. Hope that makes sense.

Don Hoffman

10/27/2014 01:35:56 am

It makes perfect sense, Carlos. Younger readers are drawn to the graphic novels and eventually find themselves needing more substance, so they move on to more traditional forms of fiction. Anything to catch, and hold their interest in reading is a good thing. Your older fans were undoubtedly reading Superman and such at the same time they were reading Heinlein, Asimov, and Bradbury. I know I was doing that same thing. Keep up the attack on all fronts and remember the old motto "Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome". I was able to get one of my students to read Mark Twain simply by giving him a copy of the Illustrated Classics "Tom Sawyer" and then telling him that the actual books were much more exciting and entertaining.

10/27/2014 01:42:12 am

Amen :)
I like to take a combined arms strategy to my marketing. Find them however you can!

Thanks, Don!

Marsha

10/27/2014 10:25:16 am

I could never get my son (who is now 30) to read a book unless he had to for school and even then it was like pulling teeth. BUT......he has always loved comic books and graphic novels. This is a good idea, Carlos.

10/27/2014 10:39:06 am

Thanks, Marsha! As we say in the Corps: Semper Gumby. Adapt and overcome. Graphic novels are one way of doing that.

Sue

10/27/2014 01:32:23 am

This was again a action filled book that I could NOT stop reading!
Please let me know went the next book comes out!
Great writing
Thank you

10/27/2014 01:42:35 am

Thanks, Sue!

Rachel

10/27/2014 01:50:09 am

Let me just just say again how much I enjoyed all the books in this series. The action is mind blowing. Keep them coming. Move over David Baldacci.

10/27/2014 01:50:58 am

Thanks, Rachel! Now back to work...

Rachelle

10/27/2014 02:03:35 am

Get down, Carlos! Love the idea of the graphic book, only because it will appeal to the younger crowd. (not for me.) But I am all over you getting more young readers to follow you! That's what it's all about. I have LOVED following you as you write your novel Chapters online, it is such an inspiration to me. I am not a good writer, but an avid reader of ALL your books. Way to go! ILU so much- your novels are intense and like reading a movie in action, such a gift. Keep them coming. R.

10/27/2014 03:20:23 am

Awesome! Thanks, Rachelle. Stay tuned...

ulric dahlgren

10/27/2014 04:59:59 am

I think the graphic version is great. I prefer the books because of better detail and plot development, but the graphics will be good for many folks out there, especially younger ones.Since the violence is not gratuitous, but is justifiable, at the very least in a melodramatic way, at at the best as motivation for people to stand up for what is right, I think it is ok for young people.

10/27/2014 07:01:32 am

Thanks, Ulric!

10/27/2014 05:11:38 am

Ps Carlos, I have recently read sevearl "plague" books - the best was one about yersinia pestis which had been thoroughly researched. Personally, I wonder why we have not yet been hit with that or with smallpox, both of which are potentially deadly and light years more contagious than ebola in its current natural form.

11/26/2014 09:34:19 am

I learned about Yersinia Pestis in my pathology class in college. Man....that is nasty. And it affects not only humans, but animals.

SSG O'

10/27/2014 09:59:39 am

Can't wait to read the graphic novel. The amazing artist really bring life to the characters.

10/27/2014 10:39:57 am

They are AMAZING. I wish I could doodle 1/100th the level they can.

Jerry Lovett

10/27/2014 12:42:19 pm

I have read all your books because I bought a couple that I hadn't read. I love the story's that you put out. Keep up the good work!

Karen Lee

10/27/2014 02:22:57 pm

I love the graphic novels...not so much for me but my son...and his friends...they have been following Manga for several years now...it will be great to have them get their hands on your creations now.

Divchief

10/29/2014 08:46:52 am

'Graphic novel' is just a term to legitimize a fancy comic book. But if they lead to more readers go for it.
Please don't write about Ebola! There is entirely too much coverage of it already!

10/29/2014 09:45:50 am

As an apocalyptic scenario, Ebola would need to be genetically engineered and weaponized. The current "panic" is politically and journalistically generated - there are so many worse bugs out there - SARS, bird flu, weaponized smallpox, weaponized plague, Hantavirus, typhus, weaponized anthrax, weaponized brucellosis, Dengue, and many forms of mycotoxins. Ebola might become scarier if it became endemic in a nation's agricultural meat supply, or if there were more domestic animals than we knew were susceptible, and more insect vectors. It's truly horrible in crowded 3rd world conditions, but I doubt if it can get out of control here.It's going to become much worse in Africa, though. Anyone who wants to really be scared should check out the bioweapon programs of the former USSR, and how they were modernized and hidden by the current Russian state. I don't like the odds of survival in any war where some of their discoveries would be deployed, in this era of genetic engineering. Rabies as contagious as the common cold, anyone?

Tom

11/26/2014 05:02:03 am

I just finished reading the Corps Justice Boxed Set: Books 1-3:"trilogy" ! I could not stop reading until all 3 books were done. Great story lines. Love the action and interaction among the different characters.in the story line. Now on to books 4, 5 ,6 & 7 & anymore ? Thanks !!!!!

11/26/2014 05:47:18 am

Awesome! Thanks for reading!

Paul

11/28/2014 10:41:14 am

I have been an avid WEB Griffin, John Grisham and John Patterson reader. I have to say that the Corps of Justice has been right up there with anything that the others have written. Your books grab you from the first page until the very end. You have a real act for writing. Awesome books. It makes me wonder how much you made up and how much is true stuff. Great job

11/28/2014 12:23:39 pm

Thanks, Paul!

dennis

11/29/2014 12:30:27 pm

Love all the books I've read!! Retired soldier and still a Patriot. Really like the way you bring faith and loyalty to county together. Admire your characters and wish there were more in the world. Reading Moral Imperative now and can't put it down. This is real world at its finest. Keep them coming. Is a movie next??

xavier

11/29/2014 08:37:12 pm

Carlos

Thanks for taking the time to write your books. I read the bundle of the first 3 books and i enjoyed them. As per your request as to what Calvin and the SSI should do.Well how about introducing some recurring characters from NATO/allied countries? Have fun with ex soldiers from Portugal or Slovenia or Finland. As for stories here's an interesting one: China is buying a lot of properties in Portugal. Maybe you could write a story about nefarious deeds to decouple Portugal from itsorientation and become a beachead against America and allies.Mind you it doesn't have to be China it could be another country or enen a sovereign wealth fund gone rogue. It would be a neat way to introduce the recurring characters and have fun thriller at the same time
Could you ask your publisher if they could bundle books 4-8? I like this format a lot
Thanks again and I look forward to reading more novels

Xavier

11/29/2014 09:38:55 pm

Thanks, Xavier. I like the idea.

As for the box set, we'll probably do another sometime in the future but right now the focus is on getting more work into your hands. It's gonna be a fun 2015!

11/30/2014 08:22:24 pm

Carlos,

Thanks for your reply. I did read your goals for 2015 :) I hope you and Calvin don't get too tired :) Seriously, I look forward to the new novels next year. Silly question but will Calvin find a new love interest? Might give you some new plot ideas as well as having Calvin evolve another side of his character.
Thanks agin for taking the time to reply.

xavier

Andy

12/1/2014 10:02:07 am

An engineered outbreak of smallpox was written in the book based on factual events called The Demon in the Freezer. I would be interested in male/female on battlefront as this is new issue or SSI coming up against someone like Blackwater and how they get along. Does Blackwater have same Corps Justice. Started with book 7 and hooked-now going back to 1-3. Would love to do free proofreading ahead of time in lieu of free book. So hooked🎏

12/3/2014 10:12:24 pm

Thanks, Andy. Glad to have you with us!

12/5/2014 05:47:39 am

Do you have need of proofreaders?

kim

12/19/2014 10:09:00 pm

No time for detailed post right now, buying book #8. Thank you, been dying for another book!! Love them.

Douglas Corneil

2/9/2015 09:55:31 am

(2/9) I am one of your Beta Readers. I've finished proofing 'Chain Of Command' but have lost your email so I can't send you my notes.

Please send me your email address so I can do my part to help make Chain Of Command as readable as possible!

Doug Corneil
ohihos@sbcglobal.net

Ed Liden link

2/13/2015 06:04:12 am

As a local, longtime Tennessee resident close to Arrington, Tn., I have really enjoyed all of your books. So I have to wait for the newest one.
As I already suggested new ideas would be Israel behind the headlines
and where we will end up in the middle east. As the publisher of several big books by former Tennesee governor Lamar Alexander
about Japanese automakers coming to Tennesee you might like to
do a book about the Japanese Keep the good stuff coming.

2/13/2015 06:32:43 am

Thanks, Ed!