So, what’s in store for me in 2020? Well, for the things that I can see in the near future, is the release of my new crime thriller, Spiral, which is set against the South Australian backdrop.
Meanwhile, I’m working on the sequel to Gun Kiss. Same characters: Blake Deco, Hollywood movie star Goldie Saint Helen, and Jack, a character that many readers tell me they love.
I don’t know how long it will take me to finish the manuscript, but I hope to make the story longer than my previous one. After that, I might try my hand at a historical thriller set in Singapore during the Japanese occupation. The idea of a historical thriller came about after I posted a photograph on Facebook, and fellow Carmen Amato was quick to suggest it. Let’s see how it goes.
I do have characters and the setting in mind, but what I don’t have is a plot. I’ll need to get out of my mind for a while to find it, and I expect a lot of research effort. Now, where can I get some powerful vitamins to get me going?
Random Thoughts
Speaking of movie stars, Singapore, and its history, here’s a photo of Hollywood movie star Ava Gardner at The Raffles Hotel in Singapore. The photo was taken in the 1950s. She visited for the Asian premiere of her film The Barefoot Contessa and stayed at the Raffles Hotel. But where else?
Ava Gardner at The Raffles Hotel.
Other famous names who visited the island included Elizabeth Taylor (1957), Roger Moore (1969), Jack Lord (1979), and Charlie Chaplin (1932). I was 14 in 1979 when Jack Lord came to shoot an episode of Hawaii Five-O. Everybody wanted to meet Jack Lord.
Singapore is no longer exotic
But the Singapore of yesterdays is different from Singapore today. Truth? It’s less exotic and charming and somewhat of a tight-ass environment compared to the previous nonchalant, breezy atmosphere. Excuse my candor, but that’s how I feel. Anyway, I want to make this piece an enjoyable read — shoo away the bad energy, embrace the positive.
Well, let me think this through and see what kind of plot I can come out with for a new book.
So, I watched Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. This is a movie where you take a sip of the drink then decide to down the whole glass. I’ll definitely want to watch it again.
However, I don’t think this movie will be popular in Singapore. Moviegoers will watch it for the sake of watching because it’s Tarantino.
I dare to say what happened on 9, August 1969 in Cielo Drive L.A. is not known to 99.9 percent of the populace here. Charles Manson is not a familiar name even though the movie isn’t about him. If one doesn’t know who he is or what happened on that hot August night in summer, they’ll miss the point, I feel.
But if I were to remind the older generation of the songs by The Mamas and The Papas, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Neil Diamond, Los Bravos, I am certain it will rekindle memories of that time. They were still playing all those 60s songs back in the 70s here.
OTH is Tarantino’s fairy tale. It certainly feels like one. Maybe even an Ode.
Before the protagonist was Blake Deco, he was Drake.
Initially, the idea was to steal King Tut’s dagger, not the Deringer.
The story is inspired by a real-life actress.
I couldn’t decide on a title for the book. “Sun Kiss,” “Gun Boulevard” – the list went on. I finally decided by playing with the Californian orange brand, Sunkist and came up with Gun Kiss.
After changing the protagonist’s name to Blake, I contacted an expert in San Diego on skydiving who coincidentally is Blake.
The cat in the story is based on my tuxedo cat.
The Besame Mucho scene is based on my own experience with someone as we were driving to Malaysia.
Hope you like it. I made it myself. Took me years to learn the craft. I am a play it by ear person, but I know how to choose the right song for a theme and how to rouse suspense.
It was trial and error but the end result was satisfying. I’m starting small, but what do you think? Should I make a movie? Managing fictional characters is one thing, and managing actors – real people – is another. Richard Gere once said during an interview that a movie director needs to be “ballsy.” I probably have the patience to manage a fleet, but can I handle a mutiny? Easier to kill a character in a book.
Then again, I don’t know if I want to make movies. I like to write; this is what I want to do more than anything else. Besides, making a movie involves a company, writing a novel relies on your own company. Just you and your mind. Okay, the editor gets involved eventually.
But the one thing creative minds have in common is they are building, a way to show my soul I am listening…
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
Resw
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.
A report from my publisher revealed that Gun Kiss is one of the Top 5 selling ebooks for the month of January 2018. It kinda feels like a pop singer trying to climb the music charts. This was a fun book to write, and thankfully my sentiments are shared by readers. The novel also comes in a paperback version, available at your usual stores.
It’s cover reveal day for my new thriller, GUN KISS. The amazing cover was done by my publisher, Imajin Books. Gun Kiss will be available in print and ebook formats on 1 December.
The novel has been a long time coming, but you can pick up your kindle PRE-ORDER at this universal link. It will be automatically delivered to your device on the release day.
A stolen piece of history, an abducted actress and international intrigue…
When the Deringer pistol that shot Abraham Lincoln is stolen and ends up in the hands of a Russian military general, covert agent Blake Deco is tasked by the FBI to head to the Balkans to recover the historical weapon. Meanwhile, the United States media is abuzz with news of the mysterious disappearance of Hollywood movie star, Goldie St. Helen.
After Blake’s return from overseas, he 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.
Get a glimpse inside the world of Goldie St. Helen, the A-list Hollywood movie star as she talks from her Los Feliz bungalow about career, life, and current issues.
Khaled: Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. Goldie [smiling]: My pleasure. Nice jacket, by the way. Love Mauve.
Khaled: Thanks, I bought it for this special occasion. Goldie: I’m flattered.
Khaled: I love the house. Did you decorate the place yourself? Goldie: Thank you. Yes, I did, with some advice from a designer, though I wish the kitchen was bigger. The only way was to cut into the back garden, which I refused.
Khaled: The kitchen looks perfect. Goldie [laughing]: Are you kidding me? I need room for a bigger refrigerator. Hey, I host lots of parties!
Khaled: So, tell me, have you always wanted to be a movie star? Goldie [grinning]: I wanted to be an actress. I never thought of myself as a star. One thing led to another, so here I am today.
Khaled: Were your parents supportive of your career choice? Goldie [smiling]: My father didn’t speak to me for six months. He wanted me to be an architect, just like him. But it’s my life. Follow your dream, right?
Khaled: So, you would’ve been an architect if you weren’t an actress? Goldie: Hell, no. I would’ve been a botanist. I love flowers and plants. That explains the solarium at the back.
Khaled: Many have tried to break into Hollywood, but failed. What’s your secret of success? Goldie: I joined the industry because I was passionate about acting. I wasn’t looking for fame, money, and glamor. The perks that came with being a star were bonus points. I have no expectations. I’m not afraid of competition, even from someone younger. It’s one day at a time for me. C’est la vie.
Khaled: What words of wisdom would you give aspiring actors? Goldie: All that glitters is not gold. Be prepared to work hard. How badly do you want it? Watch every step you take. Be careful of predators.
Khaled: How do you handle sexual predators in the industry? Goldie [smiling]: If they grab you by the pussy, kick em in the balls.
Khaled: Easier said than done. You had a tough time doing that in the book, didn’t you? Goldie: Hey, you wrote the book! I was just doing the acting for you! If it was real life, I would’ve kicked him so hard.
Khaled: Would you do a stage play or indie movie for little or no money? Goldie: Of course! If the script is great, yes.
Khaled: Do you ever get tired of the fame game? Goldie: I hate the attention… but I love my fans.
Khaled: What makes you happy? Goldie [smiling]: Myself, friends, family, and desserts.
Khaled: Is the future beautiful? Goldie: Que Sera Sera. Maybe I’ll start a family… I still want to work. I love my job.
Khaled: Chocolate or cookie? A: Chocolate.
Khaled: A handsome face or a good-heart? A: A good heart.
Khaled: Love or money? A: Love.
P.S. I’ll be hosting a Facebook party in December with lots of prizes to be won. I hope to see you there. Sign up for my newsletter at the CONTACT PAGE to know when.
Ask any author what’s it like to wait for their book’s first review, and you’ll probably get a nervous answer. But I’m excited that Gun Kiss’s first review is now out, from Midwest Book Review, and it’s a nice one. Take a peek:
“The mark of a superior thriller lies in its ability to seamlessly transcend borders, boundaries, and special interests to provide a series of interwoven subplots that all come together in a satisfying crescendo of intrigue designed to keep readers on edge right up to the end.
“Take a deep breath before reading Gun Kiss. Its special brand of activity and complex personal and criminal interactions makes it hard to put down, and highly recommended for thriller and crime readers alike.”
