April 2025 NEWSLETTER
Attic Whispers from The Blue Mountains
Greetings from Athens, my friends!
The new book
Progress Report:
Writing a new book is always a challenge, but researching the latest Jack Rogan adventure, which, as you know, is set in Japan, has been particularly demanding due to the massive amount of source material involved.
The many historical aspects, in particular, have required countless hours of meticulous research, as accuracy and authenticity are paramount. That said, for me, one of the most satisfying aspects of writing is the joy of learning and honing the skills of transporting my readers into hidden corners of my imagination, where fact and fiction rub shoulders in a way that makes it difficult to tell them apart.
Because Japanese culture is so multi-faceted and unique, it has been possible to incorporate some fascinating action settings and historical material into the storyline, which I am sure you will find interesting and enjoy. Here are a few examples of what you can expect:
History and customs of the samurai;
Rituals of the mysterious Sohei, the warrior monks,
Cultural significance of Sumo wrestling;
History and social impact of the notorious tattooed Yakuza;
Historic battle scenes, such as the Battle of Segikahara, and much, much more.
As you can see, a fascinating kaleidoscope of exotic settings and nail-biting adventures await with only one aim in mind: to entertain you!
I will share a lot more about Jack’s new epic adventures in upcoming newsletters with you as we approach publication. This will include a title and book cover reveal, chapter excerpts, and many more exciting aspects of this thrilling novel. So, please make sure you open my emails because I don’t want you to miss out!
Every week, I receive dozens of emails from dedicated readers, providing valuable feedback, observations, and suggestions about various aspects of my writing. Most days, I set time aside in the morning to reply to these emails and engage with my readers because they all deserve a prompt reply.
These exchanges can be very rewarding in an environment like mine, dominated by solitary endeavours like research and writing.
However, every now and then, a comment or little note stand out and light up my attic. Here’s one of them I just had to share with you:
“Gabriel
So, besides being a masterful storyteller, it has become apparent you are also the master of understatement. You mentioned in your last e-mail that “you’re in for quite a ride”, with the Final Quest book. What you failed to mention, was the fact that it was a no holds barred, bare knuckled, knock down, drag out, Katy bar the door, barn burning, hell of a ride!
I was going to suggest you are in the same writer’s class as Baldacci, Penny, Silva, etc., and now must confess you are in a class of your own. As an avid reader as well as one who does not” suffer fools gladly”, I’m just gobsmacked.
I’ll be starting The Curious Case of The Missing Head, and am wondering what rabbit you’ll be pulling out of your hat this time.
Warm Regards,
Doug”
Thank you for your kind words, Doug. It’s dedicated readers like you who make it all worthwhile!
And that’s why I’ve decided to make you my ‘Reader of the Month.” Congratulations!
Grand European literary anniversary tour
As this is a very special year for me, I have decided to take us all on a grand European adventure tour to visit many of the iconic locations featured in the Jack Rogan Mysteries.
Why is this year so special? I’ll tell you. It has been 20 years since I decided to step back from practicing law, and began writing full-time! Quite a milestone, don’t you think? Definitely something to celebrate and the best way to do that, is to TRAVEL!
We will begin our journey in Athens and visit the stunning Acropolis, and the fabulous Acropolis Museum. Definitely the right place to start a grand tour of Europe. Don’t you think?
Acropolis Museum
Museums and archaeological sites are two of my favourite places of inspiration where it is possible to connect with the past and let the imagination run free. And imagination is the very essence of creativity that allows a writer to shape characters and situations in ways that are both entertaining and instructive, and most important of all, tease the intellect. And that, my friends, is exactly what an exciting thriller should be able to do.
After Athens, we will continue our journey to Olympia and then along the Dalmatian coast all the way to Venice, one of our main attractions along the way.
But wait, this is just the beginning. How does Pompei, Rome, Pisa and Florence sound? We will visit them all. So please make sure you open my emails because the best is yet to come!
- The Empress Holds the Key
- The Disappearance of Anna Popov
- The Hidden Genes of Professor K
- Professor K: The Final Quest
- The Curious Case of the Missing Head
- The Lost Symphony
- The Death Mask Murders
- The Stolen Altarpiece
