Gayle Lynds's Blog: Books & Life, Etc.

Are you ruthless? Trustworthy? Cool-headed? Take this Spy-Q quiz to find out if you've got what it takes, then read about a few of my favorite spies.

TAKE THE QUIZ here: http://bit.ly/SPYQ2

Gayle Lynds talks about the setting of her new book, The Assassins, and the importance of place in a novel.

"Marrakech infuses their growing romance and the suspense of who each really is with all the exotic flavor of an international metropolis steeped in colorful history."

Read the story here: http://bit.ly/1PkzPkl

After a visit to Tel Aviv, Christine Goff was destined to write DARK WATERS.

"Over the years I've traveled, a lot. I've written columns and articles, done graphic production work, and written six mystery novels. Then something happened that took me to Israel.

In 1999, one of my young daughters got sick and needed medical treatment only available in Tel Aviv. We lived there for two months... The suicide bombings were gearing up again, and everywhere we went there was the sense of a country at war. The mixture of religions and the interactions of the people both fascinated and perplexed me. Then, on a weekend trip to Tiberias, a small city on the shores of the Lake Kinneret, I discovered my thriller."

"It's where I discovered the idea that refused to be sidelined."

Read the story here: http://www.roguewomenwriters.com/2016...

"I wanted it all: the cat suit, the thigh holster, the midnight assignation under a bridge in Prague."

On why Bond girls always die: the stilettos. Francine's advice,

"Far better to wear combat boots, as I did. Provided you carry a particular shade of lipstick in your gear—MAC's Chili will do just fine—that pairs brilliantly with camouflage."

And when her son stereotyped gender roles, Mathews answered,

"Remember, Sweetie. It's Mommie who knows how to fire a grenade gun. Not Daddy."

Read her story here: http://bit.ly/1RwU0G2

Francine Mathews

Gayle Lynds predicted the future in her novel, MESMERIZED.

"My interest in Rick Ames had made me realize that our traitors had been coming from the CIA, but there was no way the CIA had access to some of the information and people who'd been compromised.

From what I could figure out, there had to be a mole in the FBI.

With that idea, I wrote Mesmerized, in which I created a traitor buried deep in the FBI and owned by the Russians. My imaginary character's name was Robert.

Within two months of the publication of Mesmerized, a real man named Robert — an FBI Special Agent — was arrested on espionage charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. To this day, that man, Robert Hanssen, is considered the traitor who most damaged the United States. Was my novel about the FBI mole named Robert a coincidence? Absolutely. But at the same time, my research and contacts had been fueling my writerly imagination."

Read the full story here: www.roguewomenwriters.com

Mesmerized Gayle Lynds

ROGUE WOMEN WRITERS: New Thriller Blog!

On May 18, eight thriller writers launch a new blog. We'll divulge secrets of our craft, engage in conversations with readers, and share spy tips.



Visit www.roguewomenwriters.com and ENTER TO WIN a selection of fabulous prizes!



Our lineup includes Jamie Freveletti, Gayle Lynds, Chris Goff, Francine Mathews, Sonja Stone, S. Lee Manning, Karna Bodman, and KJ Howe.


S. Lee Manning Karna Bodman The Freedom Broker

What a thrill! A few days ago I received an unexpected email from a remarkable man -- Bill McDonald, a Vietnam vet who served as a Huey crew chief and door gunner. He's also a poet, memoirist, and spiritual warrior. When I read Bill's note, I was bowled over: I'd won the 2015 Founder's Award for The Assassins from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). It's the highest prize MWSA gives.
This is an organization close to my heart. Its membership comprises more than 2,000 current and retired U.S. servicemen and servicewomen and supporters of them. They range from New York Times best-sellers and prize winners to weekend writers whose goal is important -- to record their lives for their families.
According to the MWSA press release, “This award recognizes literary achievement and good story telling. The Assassins is an excellent example of both -- a riveting, spell-binding, spy thriller. The entire organization salutes her excellence!”
I'll receive the award September 26th in Phoenix at the MWSA annual banquet. And earlier that day, I'll be signing books at the legendary Poisoned Pen.
I've already got my plane tickets. Thank you, thank you, thank you, MWSA!

How did your day begin? Mine started with excitement! Producer Joanna Bloem has been working for years to make my second novel, Mosaic, into a movie. That's what it takes these days, but few people have the stamina and belief to succeed. This morning she announced, "We have a Director, Sean McNamara, and his production company BME, aims to shoot back East this Fall!" Wahoo! I love this book. Check it out on Amazon - a load of 5 stars. Please consider donating through Crowdfunding. This is true independent film making. Mosaic will make a wonderful movie!
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mo...MosaicMosaicGayle Lynds

I really love books,and I love something that's free. So, just to let you know, you can read the first three chapters of The Assassins, which the Associated Press praised as "a modern Cold War spy thriller." I hope you doGayle Lynds read, and enjoy! Just click on the link, and then scroll down the page. www.http://gaylelynds.com/novels/the-...

What do you do when you meet one of your icons? I grin like a fool and say, "Thank you!" I've loved Nelson DeMille's books for 20 years. Recently, he liked my new novel The Assassins so much he endorsed it. Then 2 days ago I finally got to meet him at ThrillerFest. I wish I knew how to post the photo, we're even all dressed up! In case you're interested, here's Nelson's full quote ... I'm so proud! ...
“You get hooked on page one, pulled into the story on page two, and Gayle Lynds doesn’t let you go until the last paragraph. A very clever plot, exotic locales, and extraordinarily interesting characters, all held tightly together by crisp and sharp writing. The Assassins is a classic last-man-standing story of deceit and betrayal with new twists and turns to keep you up way past your bedtime.” www.GayleLynds.com #NelsonDeMille