Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Thrillers and Superheroes

It's been a while since I posted last. I've been working on the newest book in the PROJECT series, The Russian Deception... and now it's done. Well, the hardest part is done, i.e. writing it. Now comes the next hardest part, getting the word out there that the book is available.

Right now it's on preorder, here:



The release date is October 10 but it can be ordered now by going to the link on Amazon. It's also available on all other platforms. I gave up on exclusivity with Amazon some time ago and it was the right move for me.

The Russian Deception continues the saga of the Project team, a covert group of men and women who work under the radar to keep America safe. They always get in a lot of trouble and somehow, one way or another, most of them come out alive. Sometimes people tell me that the characters are superheroes. They're not. The kinds of things Nick and Selena and the others do aren't easy but they are not impossible. Just take a look at modern special forces and the things real heroes are asked to do. For most of us mortals it's true that they're not possible because we don't have the discipline and training necessary to take on the challenges faced by these men every day. I never ask my characters to do something that is impossible. I do ask them to never give up. I think that's not a bad philosophy.

For example, in White Jade the team is climbing in the Himalayas at 17,000 feet with about a 35 pound pack and another 15 pounds or so of weapons and ammo. I can tell you from personal experience that this is possible. I've done it (without the weapons) and I wasn't as young or in the kind of shape my characters are. I got dinged for that by a couple of readers who didn't think it could be done.

You want a superhero, go to the movies. You won't find them in my books.

Another criticism I sometimes hear is that the secret weapons described in my books couldn't possibly exist or are something from the realm of science fiction. The problem is that they do exist or are in development, things like powerful laser cannons or satellites in space capable of doing serious damage on earth. I research everything extensively when it comes to weapons and technology. If I'm not familiar with it or I can't find something to back up the concept it doesn't go in the book.

Sometimes my characters get wounded, sometimes seriously. Getting shot doesn't mean you have to die. Wounds leave scars, physical and mental and my characters have plenty of them.

The plots are based on real-world possibilities and/or events. For example, part of the plot in The Russian Deception involves the current problems in the Ukraine. It's not hard to create a storyline when the world provides plenty of free material to work with. The trick is to make it entertaining. Nobody needs another news brief.

Here's a picture of the cover for The Russian Deception.




This is Book 11 in the series. I'm not sure how many more there will be but it's not done yet. I may start a new series with different characters and put off Book 12 for a bit. I'm not sure about that yet, but it might be the next creative step.


What do you think? 

17 comments:

  1. A new series would be great; but for those of us who are hooked on the Project characters, please write book 12 first.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Anonymous. Book 12 has been started. Look for it in February or March (if all goes well with Nick and the team)...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alex,
    I've read every Project book and enjoyed them so much that I've even read your books on sleep, which are interesting. You should be very proud as you've become a beloved author with a devoted following in a short period of time, which is quite an accomplishment in today's market.
    I recently reread the entire Project series and enjoyed it all over again. I am impatiently awaiting book #12!
    A Charter Member of the Alex Lukeman Fan Club

    ReplyDelete
  4. Plans for a staggering weapon concocted by Nikola Tesla fall under the control of a centuries-old scheme bowed on global control. Influential men will remain determined to utilize the weapon to accomplish their objective, even at the danger of atomic war. Scratch Carter works for the Project, the shadow hand of the US President. DoMyAssignmentForMe

    ReplyDelete
  5. Assignments? no problem let me see and get you some good content for your college.Mba Assignments

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bridge City is a Reputable Cabinetry & Renovations Contractor. We Provide Services in IKEA Kitchen Design and Construction. We are a Quality Renovation Contractor that Renews and Brings Life back to Existing Properties no Matter what kind of Space you are Looking to Renovate: Bathrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchens, or Other Living Spaces.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ramma foundation is a company and a foundation that provide crack repair snow remove and gutter clean service. We are the crack repair foundation in Alberta Edmonton. We provide services like crack repair, gutter clean services, show removal, in short we are the foundation repair in Edmonton. If you are worried about the cracks on your home do not worry we are here to get it repair. If you are worried about snow on your roof, we can remove it. We are here to clean you gutter.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The food must taste good, giving the pleasure to eat it and must be produced respecting the environment, animal welfare and health The Italian way of eating exalts the genius of a people who pride themselves on artistic self expression in drawing from the assets of a land that is intricately diverse by nature. Human and natural elements have combined in kitchens over time to engender an astonishing verity of dishes. Ilforno is the Best italian restaurant in dubai
    That explains why IL FORNO does not represent a national wat of cooking so much as an encyclopedic fund of recipes, techniques and flavors of local inspiration.
    Italian food has triumphed at all levels around the world, in temples of gourmet dining as well as in cafes, pizza parlors, wine bars, fancy food shops, supermarkets and corner groceries. Innovation and respect for the original taste and recipe are the only wat to produce authentic.
    The Company of IL FORNO was born 18 years ago and since that time we are following the same philosophy we brought to Abu Dhabi the highest standard of Italian cuisine.
    best pizza restaurant in abu dhabi

    ReplyDelete
  9. Founded in 1987, INTOP has always focused on identifying & sourcing niche technical products & solutions for different industry specific applications in the United Arab Emirates.
    Since it’s inception in 1987, INTOP has supplied technical solutions for customers in the following industries:
    In 2008 INTOP decided to position itself as an industry expert in the design & installation of Early Liquid Leak Detection Systems (LDS) in the United Arab Emirates.
    In 2008 INTOP decided to position itself as an industry expert in the design & installation of Early Liquid Leak Detection Systems (LDS) in the United Arab Emirates:
    • Takreer
    • CMW
    • ADAC
    • ADNOC
    To date INTOP has successfully commissioned over 48 LDS projects in the UAE.
    Leak detection sensing capabilities

    ReplyDelete
  10. Met Exteriors is always on the forefront of innovation. We love the challenge of creating new and exciting exteriors — both commercial and residential. Artificial stone supplier edmonton When you’re looking for an unconventionally exceptional exterior, think Met Exteriors.
    https://www.metexteriors.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks a lot for this post. excellent article. Keep writing such kind of information. I am really impressed by it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is where I step in: I’m Dina, a Health & Fitness Coach, and a Motivational Speaker. My vision is to impart people with the motivation, tools, and guidance they need to live a happier, healthier lifestyle. Moreover, I’m here to help you achieve that total life balance between body, mind, and spirit, so that you can put your best foot forward every single day of your life.<

    ReplyDelete
  13. If you become tired of doing lengthy assigned task on regular basis then just say, please Write My Coursework for me UK, our army will give you shelter. If you become tired of doing a lengthy assigned tasks on a regular basis then just say, please write my coursework for me the UK, our army will give you shelter.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your order will never be delayed from our side, unless there are issues at your end, such as low Internet connectivity or lack of supporting documents.Write My Assignments This means that you can now submit all your assigned projects on time.https://www.assignmentsquare.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  15. We work with local businesses located in the UAE to source the best products and services across all of our concepts. The relaxed venue is a great spot to stop in for a cuppa, best cafe abu dhabi or a haircut, or pricey pair of collectable shoes, but it’s the coffee that keeps us going back.

    ReplyDelete
  16. in usa and canada there are some areas where we can not survive without leather jackets but problem is that not all the salers are giving good quality. so if you are looking for the best leather jacket quality, visit to our website to get the best leather jacket quality. Leather Jackets for Women

    ReplyDelete

Comments are always welcome. Tell me what you think! I've had some difficulty getting comments to show publicly on this blog, but I'll get back to you, even so...