It's Raining Books: Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Gun Kiss by Khaled Talib

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Khaled Talib will be awarding an Amazon Fire 7 8GB tablet to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. The prize is limited to U.S. and Canada only. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

I like stories that are sinisterly. In the process of writing, I’ve developed my own style by incorporating various genres into one book or what is commonly known as genre-bender. The different types of characters, protagonist and antagonist, the different locations and action all play a part in creating excitement. A rollercoaster ride is a physical experience, writing a thriller is a mental experience.

Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

In my latest novel, Gun Kiss, I’ve learned to keep cool under pressure, and if a Hollywood movie star invites you on a date, say yes.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I eat chocolates to boost my energy level when I need to write action scenes. I also listen to upbeat music to spruce up the action. It’s not the same music all the time; I changed them regularly to suit different pages. Also, once I’ve finished writing the first draft of the manuscript, I’ll stay away from it for a while before coming back with a pair of fresh eyes. You can’t see the forest from the trees, so this is one way to see what you’ve missed previously.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I’m a bit of both, but more of a pantser. What did the Cheshire cat tell Alice? He told her it doesn’t matter where you’re going if you don’t know where you want to go. So, there you go (pardon the pun).

Maybe it’s because I don’t want to know the end of the story yet. I want to experience the adventure myself. I want to feel the excitement of not knowing what’s behind that door at the end of the hallway.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

An angel recording my deeds. But seriously, a cactus, which reminds me…it needs a bit of a drink.

Anything new coming up from you? What?

I’m presently rewriting my fourth manuscript, Spiral, which is set in south Australia, Adelaide being its capital. It’s a mystery-thriller that begins in a winery after a body is found. I’ve been to the State several times in the past for work reasons, so I thought let’s see what I can produce.

Do you have a question for our readers?

Do you have a reading nook? How does it look like?

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.

Read an excerpt:

They continued through an arch that separated the living room and what was once a kitchen. The general pointed at a trapdoor’s opened hatch with stairs leading down. “We go inside,” he pointed below.

“After you, comrade.” Blake gestured him with the gun. “Do you guys still call each other that?”

No response.

They descended into a glowing stalagmite cave and walked past a grotto toward a metal bridge running above a narrow canyon. The temperature felt warmer here.

They reached a storage area with doors on both sides. Blake took a moment to study the few soldiers guarding the area.

“Tell them to drop their weapons and go join the rest upstairs,” Blake said.

Popov gave the order.

When the soldiers had walked past them, the Russian military leader led Blake to a steel door with a fingerprint lock system. He frowned at Blake.

“Do the Open Sesame thing,” Blake said.

Popov pressed his right thumb against the authentication device. The door slid open into a brightly lit chamber and shut after they’d entered.

The temperature-controlled environment had perforated steel walls, a concrete floor, and embedded ceiling lights. The center of the room displayed a series of pedestal casings with various treasures: a red Fabergé egg, a diamond ring, a dagger, and a gold pocket watch. The Deringer rested on a small, purple velvet pillow inside one of the glass cases.

About the Author: