Chris Allen's Blog

Not many people know this but when I first started work on the manuscript that would eventually become Defender, I was living in the back room of my best friend’s house with no job, no money and no prospects.

I’d been medically discharged from the Army at the ripe old age of 32. Among other things, I’d achieved the rank of Major, was a paratrooper and had served on long term attachments to two foreign armies. And despite all that and despite literally hundreds of applications for jobs in civilian life, I couldn’t get a break. I was on a permanent rehabilitation merry-go-round of physiotherapy and counseling. I tried study but struggled to maintain the motivation to complete even the most basic of units. I joined various groups to try and network but apparently when you’re a nobody, nobody really wants to know. I’d gone from being 10 feet tall and bulletproof, invincible in every conceivable way, to little more than a discarded waste of rations. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I tried to do worked. Being a former Army Major and paratrooper was only of relevance as a semi-interesting anecdote which was normally followed by ‘What a shame.’

After almost 15 years of committed, dedicated service to my country, I was chucked out, unemployable and on the scrap heap. And I can tell you, I asked myself more than once, is there really any point in hanging around anymore. My father had been an alcoholic and had ended his own life. Perhaps that was the only respectable option left for me, too. Well, maybe it was?

But, there was something in me that was always very different to my dad. Dad was deeply melancholic and, yes, like many of us I can be a little morose now and then. However, I have always been someone who likes to keep a weather eye on the horizon. I’ve always been a dreamer and dreaming kept me on course. Because no matter how bad things got for me and no matter how low I felt, I always fundamentally believed that there was still more ahead for me to do, more to accomplish. I didn’t know what that was back then, but I knew it was out there somewhere. I just had to find it and to find it I had to keep moving forward. I was down but I wasn’t finished yet.

Through the smoke haze of a crippling depression that was endangering almost every relationship (very few) that I had somehow managed to maintain, I remembered something. I remembered that all those years ago, before I’d ever pulled on a uniform, there had been a reason why I’d been drawn to a life of service in the first place. I had wanted to be a writer.

You see, around the age of 13 or 14 I’d discovered the writing of Ian Fleming. Now, those of you who know me will already be familiar with my enduring fascination with Fleming as a writer and as an individual, so I won’t go on about that here. Suffice it to say that reading his stories fueled a desire in me to do the same – to write. But there was more. I discovered other writers of a similar ilk whose stories and storytelling also intrigued me. People like Alistair Maclean, Frederick Forsyth, Arthur Conan Doyle and John Le Carre. And as my hungry young mind absorbed anything and everything I could of these men and their work and, significantly, with the distinct lack of a father figure in my life (at such an important time in my life), I withdrew into their words and worlds and the escape that they offered from the sadness, despair and inevitable decay that had been introduced to our once happy home by alcoholism. I saw in words an immediate means of escape. I simply had to open a book to be transported away to somewhere, anywhere else. Moreover, these men whose words I so admired all had one particular thing in common. They had all undertaken military service and they had drawn on that experience to inform their stories and give them authenticity. So, at a time when I most needed direction and purpose I realized that my escape plan was comprised of two elements – writing and military service.

So, jump forward a decade and a half later and there I was again, in desperate need of escape and in desperate need of direction and purpose. I had to ask myself, what were those fundamental things that had so propelled me from the hopeless teenager to the young man who had, despite current circumstances, achieved quite a bit already.  I’d already ticked the military service box, so was it finally time to tackle the original idea? Could I actually become a writer?

As many writers know only too well, sitting down to a blinking cursor on an empty page for the very first time is a terrifying experience. Still, I knew I had to do it. I wanted to do it. I needed to do it. But what the hell would I write about? And then, it came to me. I’d been carrying around a character in my head for years. He was essentially me. All of the core elements of his character, his wants and needs, his values, his dedication to the service and protection of others, his hopes and dreams, his fears, his loyalties, all me. Of course, in order to make him in any way likeable, I had to make him much more than just me. He had to be a hero. And so, Alex Morgan was born. And as I took those first tentative taps on the keyboard allowing the words to fall from my mind’s eye and tumble onto the trampoline of zeros and ones on the screen before me, I wrote the first scene of the story that would, over many years, eventually become DEFENDER.

Writing took me away from the travails of my life at that time, in the same way that reading the words of my literary heroes, Fleming, Maclean, Forsyth et al, had provided me with escape as a boy. The difference being that these words were my own. There was real therapy available at my finger tips.

Needless to say that I had found purpose again. My words had, at first, coerced and then encouraged me back to life. Back from a hole so dark and deep that on more than one occasion I struggled to believe there could ever be a way out of it. And as the words began to flow and I commenced the lifelong journey of honing my craft, I regained the confidence in myself to once again venture out into the real world. I was once again and after all, Chris Allen. And Chris Allen was once and is again 10 feet tall and bulletproof!

My journey back from those dark days eventually took me to East Timor as a humanitarian aid worker, to Sydney Airport as the officer-in-charge of the Counter Terrorist First Response capability, to the Sydney Opera House as the Head of Security, to the Department of Justice as the Sheriff of New South Wales.  I was back. I had prevailed. Beyond that, I’ve led the Classification Branch for the Commonwealth Attorney General’s Department, and I’ve been the Chief Operating Officer for Venues New South Wales. I’ve written five books in my Alex Morgan INTREPID series - DEFENDER, HUNTER, AVENGER, HELLDIVER and RANGER, and the entire series has been optioned for film and television. Most importantly, I married Sarah and I have two beautiful sons who I love and adore with every fibre of my being, every moment of every single day. I can’t imagine my life without them and I know how close I came to potentially never having had the opportunity to be their father.  To this day, I only have to remind myself that no matter what life throws at me I will always have my writing. It started off as a simple dream and like all good dreams it eventually became a reality.  

Writing saved me and every night I plant a little gem of wisdom with my boys as I kiss them goodnight to remind them to always keep a weather eye on the horizon:

‘Happy dreams,’ I say. To which they reply, ‘And big adventures, Daddy!’ 

What more could any man want.

All of us get lost in the darkness
Dreamers learn to steer by the stars
All of us do time in the gutter
Dreamers turn to look at the cars

‘The Pass’ RUSH (c) 1989

 

So much of a writer’s life is about the journey, yet we often don’t appreciate that it is. We spend so much time crafting stories to take our readers on an adventure, all the while dreaming of fame and fortune (well I do), and we can forget to stop and enjoy those milestones along the way that make all the isolation, insecurity and creative agony so worthwhile!

In my case the most memorable milestones, and I mean the good ones (no need to mention the knock backs from publishers, because every author goes through that - and what do publishers know anyway?), the most memorable are things like:

Receiving the first paperback copy of Defender when we self published it back in 2011The first 4 and 5 star reviews on AmazonHitting the number 1 spot in my categories with successive releases through the seriesThe entire Intrepid series being optioned for film and television on the strength of the very first bookSitting in the Groucho Club in SoHo with the inimitable Rhys Ifans in full flight at the other end of the sofaBeing signed by Momentum for the first two booksThe contracts with Momentum for the third, fourth and fifth booksReleasing Defender and Hunter in paperback with Pan MacmillanChatting with producers, directors and actors at the AACTA awards events about IntrepidSigning with Cameron’s Management and my awesome agent, Jeanne Ryckmans

The list goes on but then there is this...

Over all these years, the single most common question I’ve been asked throughout all of the face-to-face and online engagements I’ve done is: ‘Can I get it in audiobook?’ To date I’ve had to say ‘No’. But now that’s changed!

It’s changed my friends... because I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I have recently signed with Wavesound for Defender and Hunter to each be released as audiobooks!

We’re currently in the process of deciding on the actor who will actually read the stories and I can’t wait to let you know all about that very soon.

Meanwhile, the release dates as follows: DEFENDER - 1 October 2018 release for retail and in libraries. HUNTER – 1 January 2019 release for retail and libraries. Digital editions will be available on Audiobooks.com, Audible, GooglePlay, and RBDigital app in libraries. How good is that! Physical editions will be available on Amazon and Booktopia as well as select bookshops and libraries.

I’m sure those of you who are fans of the series and have supported me and shared this Intrepid journey with me, will share in the excitement of this particular milestone.

It’s the obvious next step for Alex Morgan and the team and it has spurred me on as I continue to write Morgan’s next adventure... but more on that soon.

Best get back to it!

Chris

I'm really pleased to announce a few upcoming events, including a bit of a mini tour to celebrate my literary hero, Ian Fleming. Fleming would have been 110 this May and he was a pretty fascinating character.

I'll be chatting about some of the strong male role models who influenced the young Fleming, and and how this helped create the character who remains unsurpassed in modern popular culture - James Bond.

The Fleming events will be at Nowra, Ulladulla and Kiama Library in July and August - details below and in the EVENTS tab of this page.

I'm also running a Writers Workshop during Bundanoon Winterfest on Tuesday 10 July which will be great fun - I love talking to writers about their craft.

Here's details on the Ian Fleming Events:

Join bestselling Action Thriller Author Chris Allen as he looks at James Bond creator Ian Fleming and the strong male role models that influenced the young Fleming, as well as molding who he became and what he created.

Chris will answer questions about Fleming’s upbringing, the stories Fleming read as a boy, and how all these elements combined to create a character who remains unsurpassed in modern popular culture - James Bond.

Allen’s detailed knowledge and enduring interest in Fleming - the man, his life and creative works, makes for a fascinating session for Bond, Fleming and Action lovers alike, where you will be entertained and are bound to learn something new.

“Allen is an ideal speaker at an event – focused, funny and practical.” - Julia Tsalis, Program Manager, NSW Writers Centre

DATES + DETAILS>>>

Tuesday 10 July at 9.30am - Writers Workshop Bundanoon Winterfest
Thursday 19 July at 5.30pm - Nowra library for Fleming talk
Monday 30 July at 10.30am - Ulladulla library for Fleming talk
Saturday 11 August at 2.30pm - Kiama library for Fleming talk
Tuesday 30 October at midday - Shellharbour Probus for author/career talk

If you have any questions, just let me know and I'll come back to you!

A completely indulgent flashback to band practice a couple of weeks ago.

My kids dropped in at the end of the session and we had a jam session with them in the rehearsal room. 

As you can see, I love these little guys so much it’s ridiculous. I also love drumming and have done since I first started bashing pots and pans as a toddler. It's great to be back playing again.

I think it’s super important to allow yourself to pursue as many dreams as you can, if you can, and to show your kids that life is full of opportunities if you really want it to be.

You’ve only got one life after all. 

What's your favourite hobby or the one thing that you're totally passionate about?

This month marks 10th anniversary since my appointment as Sheriff of New South Wales.

I look back with great pride on my almost 5 years as Sheriff. There's an incredible history behind the role, dating back to the Charter of Justice signed by the King back in 1823. I've included some pictures here of a number of my predecessors in the role.

I will always be incredibly grateful that I was given the privilege of serving the state as Sheriff.

Throwback Thursday. One of my favourite days of the year is Anzac Day - it’s a time to remember, it’s a time to pause and say thank you to our servicemen and women, and it’s a time to catch up with great mates, people who truly “get” who you are at your core. This pic is from an Anzac Day March ten years ago with my great GREAT mate Barry. Where will you be this Anzac Day?

Well, my first novella RANGER, number 4.5 in the Alex Morgan Intrepid series is well and truly out, and it's cranking through the charts on Amazon, iTunes and the like.

It's a thrill to see the story being so well received by reviewers too.

“Chris Allen has penned another outstanding story of one of our favourite good guys! What was supposed to be some ‘time off’ from Intrepid to help an old friend, rapidly develops into a real test of his ability to bring an end to the potentially disastrous events, while giving an old friend new hope and a new direction. A must read for all vets and everyone else!”

— Amazon Customer

“Alex Morgan is asked by on old friend, a former Army Ranger who had saved his life to help him . Out of respect and friendship Morgan agrees. A very fast paced and enjoyable read!”

— Kindle Customer

Close beneath the surface of this story is a serious issue, one of homelessness in our returned veterans. 

I'm watching our governments pat our soldiers on the back as they deploy to Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, only to turn their backs on the wounded warriors as they return from service, many not able to function in society as they have before.

It's important to understand this is a growing and serious social, human issue, one we can not ignore.

1. A million plus Vets are risk of dropping off the grid

Nearly 1.5 Million Veterans are estimated to be at risk of going hungry and homeless - this statistic is across America alone.

2. 130,000 Vets are on the street each night

More than 130,000 US Veterans are hungry and homeless on any given night.

3. Vets between 18-30 are at risk

Veterans between the ages of 18 and 30 are twice as likely as adults in the general population to be homeless, and the risk of homelessness increases significantly among young veterans who are poor.

4. Mental illness and substance abuse is prevalent

Half suffer from mental illness, two thirds struggle with substance abuse problems, and many are struggling with both mental illness and a substance abuse problem.

5. Vets need social connection

Social networks are very important to those who are at-risk of becoming homeless, and the greatest risk factors for homelessness are lack of support and social isolation after discharge.

Source: dvnf.org | greendoors.org

If there's one thing we need it is awareness and integrated strategies to ensure that veteran homelessness is taken seriously in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia where the numbers may be less, but they are growing.

If you know someone who has returned from service... be like Alex Morgan and keep an eye out for them. Talk to them and listen to them. Sometimes we all need a friend, before it's too late.

Being an Aussie and a former Paratrooper before I turned my hand to writing action thrillers, I'm donating a percentage of sales of RANGER to Veterans Off The Streets Australia. 

I'm lucky to be able to help in this small way and to shine a light on this important issue. I invite you to also support veterans charities in your area.

And to all our veterans - thank you for your service.

More info:

Green Doors

Feed our Vets

Veterans Off the Streets Australia

Now that RANGER is on pre-sale (check it out here) we took five minutes to quiz bestselling author Chris Allen on how he likes the high-octane cover design.

Do you like the cover design for RANGER?

I absolutely love the cover for my latest Alex Morgan adventure, right down to the vibrant, jungle green of the new title.

When we I was discussing the concept for the cover with my publisher, I wanted to give it a new feel. Traditionally we see Alex Morgan in a suit but this time it's a very different story to all the others. This time Morgan isn't really working for INTREPID; he's off the books, helping a friend. He's on his own time and on his own terms. So, we see Morgan a lot more rough and ready than ever before.

How does the cover reflect what's going to happen in the new book?

Well, it grabs you straight away and throws you right into the dead centre of Washington DC.

You know that Morgan is going to be up against some pretty serious players from the outset. There's also a suggestion of some high-tech themes which form the backdrop to the story, but readers will have to be patient when it comes to some of those issues. Remember, this is not a typical Alex Morgan adventure. All may not be revealed... this time around.

Where is Morgan at in RANGER?

Morgan's in a good place in this story. He's spent some time coming to terms with his personal demons and while there's still an element of that in RANGER - those things don't just go away - he's much more focused on the well-being and safety of his friend and others than himself. This is Alex Morgan demonstrating just how important things like loyalty, respect and integrity are to him. 

We can't wait to hear what you think about Intrepid 4.5! Pre-order your copy today here.

THIS guy (below) will be putting me through my paces at a special "Meet the Author" event and book signing at Dymocks Sydney on the evening of Thursday 25 February.

He's the fella who inspired the character Dave Sutherland, so in amongst the chat, there will be opportunity to grill Dave over his own experiences and find out more about Sutherland's namesake too!

 














 

In anticipation of the event at Dymocks Sydney we've asked 'Dave Sutherland' a few questions...

1. How does it feel to have a character loosely based on you in the Intrepid action thriller series?

Of course I feel flattered to have a character based on me, particularly given Sutherland’s heroic deeds, after all Chris could have woven my persona into one of Lundt’s henchmen, or worse, Arena Halls :)

2. How did you and Chris meet anyway?

Well it’s a bit of a 'birds of a feather’ story really. Our paths were inexplicably crossing over a number of years with people strangely asking us individually if we knew the other -  we hadn’t actually met. Then we came face-to-face, the penny dropped, and we’ve been great mates ever since.

3. After what happened to Dave Sutherland in AVENGER... I mean, what did you think when you read that one?

Devastated!! Chris copped it over that, and anyway I refuse to believe it…I mean,  did anyone actually see or recover the body?

4. Who should play you, I mean, Dave Sutherland, in the movie series?

I thought maybe Daniel Craig. but not sure if he’s tough enough so then I thought maybe Henry Cavill, but he is too young and probably not good looking enough, so I guess I’d settle with Jason Stratham with a little more combat training. Food for thought...?!

Sounds like this is just a warm up for the event on the night. There will be a book signing of Hunter the new reformatted, redesigned paperback. There might be a beer to enjoy afterwards too!

RSVP is essential - please check all the event details below:

Meet Chris Allen and 'Dave Sutherland' from Intrepid

Date: Thursday 25 February 2016
Time: 6:00pm
Venue: Dymocks Sydney, 424 - 430 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: Free, but RSVPs are essential
Enquiries: eventscoordinator@dymocks.com.au
Bookings: Please email eventscoordinator@dymocks.com.au to RSVP
More: https://www.dymocks.com.au/stores/nsw...

January 26 is Australia Day, and I had the most low-key day imaginable, complete with naps, swims in the pool, and dreaming up the new Alex Morgan adventure (hint: it's going to be a kick-ass page turner).

But I did come across this picture with my good mate, Tim from Tim Anger Photography, taken a handful of years ago when my self-published book (Defender of the faith) was hot off the press. I handed a signed copy to Tim at an equestrian event just outside of Canberra.

Of course, we couldn't resist capturing the moment, as the irony of the signage was not lost on us.

After all, I've never taken myself too seriously.

Happy 'Straya Day.