AMERICAN TV COP SHOWS AND HOW THEY INFLUENCED THIS WHACK JOB SERIES

 I grew up watching American TV Cop shows. And, the two I religiously followed at the time was 'TJ Hooker' and The Mod Squad. Both TV shows were thrilling and had  it all in terms of drama, action, adventure which had more sizzling issues that were themed with the times.  

The first tv show was based on a tough cop who was assigned a new job in the police force. It was to nurture a new way forward to fight crime off the streets. That was after his work partner fell prey to an incident on the street. The titular character was played by William Shatner of STAR TREK fame. The second show was centred  around three juvenile delinquents who were drafted in as undercover cops into the LA Police force in the late sixties. They were known as THE MOD SQUAD(1968-1973).  This popular tv show was also noted as an American television crime drama. These youthful cops were practically positioned to infiltrate criminal circles who enticed the youth of the day. In some respects  this was just an experiment. But it had proven successful as a police project.

This little piece is written and comes when I have  just learnt of the demise of one of it's stars MICHAEL COLE. He was the last surviving regular cast member from the series. It's a pity because the late Michael with his co stars was brilliant in the role of Pete Cochran. A Beverly Hills rich kid who was kicked out of his house by his parents to go live on the streets before he met  his two friends and co-workers Julie Barnes who was played by the late Peggy Lipton(Died in 2019) and Lincoln Hayes who was played by the late great CLARENCE WILLIAMS III(Died in 2021). 

The Mod Squad was and still is one of my favourite television shows. Simply because everything about it was grounded, realistic and cool. And the music composed for it was out of this world. Including the opening scene with the trio in it was not just the coolest opening it was smoking HOT. But, on the other hand 'TJ Hooker' had its perks  and this was because Hooker wasn't just an ordinary patrol cop on the streets he was an educated cop who demoted himself to take on extra curricular duties to fight crime.  The notion was brilliant and I must say that idea greatly influenced the creation of my WHACKJOB series. The storylines which mainly involved Hooker and members of his team were razor edge exciting and breath taking stories to watch on telly. And that had me going for a very long while until I decided to come up with the creation of this nut job named LOGAN-The Expendable PI.

These two American television programmes were instrumental to creating an impact with my stories. The Mod Squad was hip and very stylish and TJ Hooker was a police procedural series yet had all the hardcore elements of a mini spy thriller series. The two shows despite cancellation  due to budget cuts were ground breaking and ahead of its time. Enough said. 

The Rattlesnake RETURNS soon and his past actions come back to roost in an exciting mystery adventure thriller that will blow the mind of fan favourite readers all over the globe. You might think you saw this new adventure coming. Well, guess what? You ain't seen nothing yet.  Remember vengeance beckons in this action packed mystery thriller titled 'SHADES OF FALCON' .

Hey Gang STAY SAFE! 

I'D ALMOST FORGOTTEN IT WAS LOGAN'S BIRTHDAY TODAY

(5/12/2014). 

THE THOUGHT BRINGS BACK SOME FOND MEMORIES AND ONE BURNING QUESTION: 

WHO IS HE REALLY? 

I really enjoyed watching the new ALEX CROSS series on PRIME'S Amazon TV. And, I love ALDIS HODGE'S portrayal of the titular character of Cross. He wasn't just believable as a scarred fictional Black hero trying to protect his family and loved ones. It was mind blowing to see the challenges he faced while doing his job as a hotshot police detective and forensic psychologist consultant. It was also good to see on telly that Cross had an invested interest in saving other lives from the streets which brightened the colours of a darker and gritty hybrid form that was directly embedded within the conforms of high society. 

 The new Alex Cross series has definitely made me think and look long and hard at the future of my fictional sleuth named Logan. 

The first series was stimulating  and engaging and gripping. It was nothing short of jaw dropping and amazing  because  it had all those elements that make a good crime story.

 I'd almost forgotten that Logan's birthday is actually today.   I've been writing a new manuscript and I've also  been busy getting to know the needs of a new client I've just met.   

I received a phone call this afternoon from a family friend who not only extended his well wishes with congratulatory remarks. But did it with pure joy on learning that I was moving forward with my EXPENDABLE PI creation. My family friend had observed  correctly  that it had been a decade since the Rattlesnake had blazed onto the local scene of crime to fight the ungodly. 

You see, during all these years doing this, I realised with a Cousin's insight that I should make note of my creation's assumed birthdate. At first, the thought  was just a mere idea. But, the idea stuck and here I am now trying to convince everyone  that I don't have my birthday on this date. For lots of people think I do. And, that's why I've come to accept the obvious. They send me birthday  greetings. But the truth is they're saluting Mac Logan AKA the RATTLESNAKE AKA the expendable PI.

Anyway, never mind. My loss. From now on I won't try to convince anyone anymore that it's not my birthday. It's just LOGAN'S. 

However, the thought of doing all that brings back some fond memories. I've loved creating my stories. And I've loved every single minute doing it.  That's because no one thought my stories would last this long. 

But, here we are now a decade later listening and reading these stories I tell about this fictional character I created and in the definitive genre I invented him in. It's really amazing what the mind can achieve. 

As I mentioned I love creating the mystery stories I've written. For, I've always believed that storytelling is the best art form to express one's ideal. Good will always triumph over evil. And, although Logan is a local street level crime fighter he has been dubbed an anti-hero because some of his actions tend to cross the line in the pursuit of justice 

 I will say it again. I have loved every single moment of my own creative process even if that means revealing that the bad guys will give the good guys a hard time at the office sometimes,  So, only one thing remains the same in all this. And, that is that the ALEX CROSS series in my humble opinion is the perfect foil for the kind of stories I like to write or tell.  Dark and gritty tales that give one the chills. And, reminds one that stories can always be explored from a different angle.  

That being said, Logan's crime fighting days are not over yet and I have continued his exploits in a brand new mystery adventure thriller story that will come out soon. And guess what? I have pitted him against evil in its  most demented form. Yes. Mac Logan makes a huge comeback soon and I will continue from where I left off because there's one question burning on every reader's mind. Who the devil is he really and what happens to him next?  

This crime novel will also be published by BIS Publications. 

You can find the answers to that question when you log onto the following webpage: www.maclogan.blogspot.co.uk.

I guess this is where I say to everyone STAY SAFE!  

NB: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOGAN!

 CHRISTMAS BREAK IS NEARLY HERE

Hello Everyone

I hope all is well. I can't believe that once again another Christmas Break is almost drawing near. 

In the past few weeks I've had to negotiate with some libraries to do  free tester adventure writing sessions. I've also been canvassing with other outlets pursuing other leads.

 You see, I've been trying to gain some new readers and make some new customers with my brand of crime stories.   I have been  promoting my first thriller SNAKE AMONGST SHADOWS and I'm also promoting my soon to be released second mystery thriller novel SHADES OF FALCON: THE CROOKED DEAL VOL 2. All published by BIS Publications.

 All I can say is this: there's more where this is coming from and the stories are not only exciting they're DYNAMITE! 

Anyway, as I mentioned before in my last written piece  I've been researching and working on my business plan. I've also been taking note of the sales and progress I made this year. 

 My interests have equally been focused in a different direction. So, that's why I have decided to reconvene all that I do with the intention to reconstruct my business practice and take a closer look  at what needs changing or mending at least before the Christmas Break or the new year in 2025. 

Hey, I'm a straight arrow  and I hate to lose. That's probably why I like to be prepared and see things through. Otherwise I will be at a loss and that simply means death in my humble opinion. So, the truth borders on  one fact. The research I do now with regard to my unique skill set as an educator will serve me greatly in the new year no matter what. 

I've decided to start this early so that I won't have problems working effectively with new clients who may need my services as an inspirational trainer.  

I guess that's why I'm ready to do some more free adventure writing sessions in order to attract potential clients who might need help in the area of  publishing their work. 

I must admit since starting on this journey I have discovered that there are many aspiring local authors  out there who really need book representation  in an industry that's thriving by the minute especially where self publishing and the likes of artificial intelligence are now concerned.

As I said before Christmas Break is drawing near and I've got a couple of things coming up before the year runs out. And, one of them is the MECHANICS of ADVENTURE WRITING (FREE) MASTERCLASS SESSION.

From where I'm standing its all looking good and the sky is the limit. So come one. Come ALL. Come and be dazzled by my bag of tricks. And you can ask all the questions you want with regard to self publishing and traditional publishing techniques.  Remember the session is at Palmers Green Library N13 4 EY on the 30th November 2024 and it begins at 12.30 PM and ends at 3.30PM.

One more thing. Come and have LAUGHS. 

Hey, EVERYONE, STAY SAFE!   

 

HALLO EVERYONE,

Do What You Love And There Will Be No Regrets

I know some would say it's been a while I wrote a piece. But, the truth of  the matter is this: it really hasn't been a long while.

 It's just been a few weeks.  But, who cares? 

 Some people might agree with me or simply may think otherwise. But you know what? I do care about my readers and my following and who I follow as well. All that inspires confidence and ignites a fire lit to succeed. And, it showcases one or two trivial facts. 

The first being do what you LOVE and you'll have no regrets no matter what. And, secondly it ain't over  till its over, 

At the moment  I'm working on my business plan.  I'm also looking at other outlets to market my unique skillset as a motivational facilitator and writing mentor.

 I'm equally working on a brand new mystery action adventure story linked  with the Rattlesnake series,  

Fingers crossed. Xmas might come early. But, the long awaited sequel to SNAKE AMONGST SHADOWS titled FALCON: THE CROOKED DEAL VOL2 will  finally be released.

 So, fans watch out for the VENGEANCE sign of the Rattlesnake. He will RETURN!

It's not over yet! 

 After a very long deliberation with the publishing team behind the SNAKE AMONGST SHADOWS series it seems like they've decided to unveil the RATTLESNAKE in his newest mystery caper yet. 

MAC LOGAN will RETURN! 

So, with that being said everything about my storytelling saga is not over until at least the good LORD of ISRAEL says so. This revelation justifies the indication to tell more exciting stories about the amazing Rattlesnake and that's until I decide to hang up my boots.  

In conclusion I just wanted to highlight that I'm really excited that the screenwriter CHRISTOPHER MCQUARRIE and the famous actor Tom Cruise are considering  to collaborate again to do another JACK REACHER  movie. 

At least that's what some of the online tabloids are saying. 

Even though people have shunned the idea of Tom playing the titular figure LEE CHILD created. I just can't shy away from the notion that it seems to be a great idea that he does another Reacher movie. And that's because he brought an essence to the titular character.

 Believe it or not Tom Cruise developed an edge for the Reacher franchise. He may not be 6ft.5inches or weigh 250 pounds. But he's definitely brought some attention to the business of the titular figure named REACHER.

 Anyway, regardless of what anybody says I believe Tom Cruise brings something really strong to the franchise. I enjoyed watching the first two Reacher movies that he did because he brought a nuanced quality to the character. He also blended that idea with the fact that the character was not only a drifter. But, a dangerous man to cross paths with. 

It just reminds me of another fictional anti-hero. The Expendable PI.

HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE! 

A CELEBATION IN SMALL MEASURES

Positive Outcomes

Congratulations to Richard Goodall and his well deserved success on the American entertainment programme America's Got Talent simply dubbed AGT and congratulations to Rap Singer and lead vocalist Mike Shinoda for making the choice to move  forward with a new lead vocalist since the sudden demise of the late great Chester Bennington in 2017. Chester was actually the amazing lead vocalist of the Nu Metal Rock band LINKIN PARK. 

However, despite other changes made within the band the newest member and now co-vocalist is a young woman named Emily Armstrong who has considerable experience as an American musician, singer and songwriter. Emily is the co-founder and former member of the group DEAD SARA.  

LINKIN  PARK  are currently on their world tour and I can't be more thrilled because I am a fan and I have loved listening to their latest single The Emptiness Machine. 

The bottom line is this: there have been positive outcomes. And, sometimes we can't seem to see the big picture from where we stand. In fact things get muddled up because everybody has an opinion to share or there practically is a difference of a belief.  All this might have a lot to do with believing in what one can do. 

Some people kept the fate and believed Richard Goodall the singing janitor could pull it off by winning the Show others thought otherwise and a good number of LINKIN  PARK fans think Mike  is making a mistake by recruiting Emily to be the co-lead vocalist of the band. But guess what? It takes guts to make a wise decision even in the heat of the moment. In this case I believe strongly a brilliant decision was made in the case of Emily taking up the mantle from where Chester had stopped. But, onto other things....

A new training ground

Just like the changes I've managed to highlight the MECHANICS of ADVENTURE WRITING workshop is still going through some changes in order to function well. The session I did last week started beautifully in a different  environment and a new venue with a few participants.  The session was scheduled for two and a half hours last Saturday on the 21st of September 2024. I must say one thing. Palmers Green Library is a great training ground because they have all sorts of resources.  I hope they call me back. 

These participants who came to the session wanted to learn more about their creative writing process. It was an exciting experience because they specifically wanted to explore in depth the practical aspects and the marketing of their creative writing, I must say I learnt a thing or two from them as well. 

From the look of things their experiences were hovering on one fact. That the publishing industry was continually evolving with its ideas of serving the public and it was all becoming too synthetic for most people. For instance,  the publishing of a book without having a face to face chat. It was evident that everything was done online and over the phone with some publishing houses now.  

And, as far as I was concerned that was a bit confusing. I knew that would be somewhat difficult for the participants who came to understand especially  when some questions needed to be answered properly about their book work. So, the lessons learnt on the day were thus:

The lessons learnt on that day 

That confidence is paramount in the business of writing and publishing a book. In addition to this  the sequence between traditional publishing and self publishing  should be thoroughly examined and the findings must  not be taken for granted. Research is  essential and one cannot begin to emphasize that when you want to publish a book you must consider creating a budget for it in order to align it with a marketing strategy to ensure sales. 

Therefore the most important lesson to learn during this free session was this: That the book process was ultimately an adventure in itself. And that the rules were no different from when one was being guided  to write a classic adventure story.

 

CRIME is  an addiction and for want of a better word a disease. 

Only one man has sworn to dare the odds to fight it. 

His name is Mac Logan and he was once an educated cop with a questionable past. 

Once again in an exciting new adventure  the man called Jarrett also known to some as the Rattlesnake and the Expendable PI will do whatever it takes to fight crime and get to the truth. 

The ungodly had better watch out. For the Rattlesnake cometh.

Watch out for the symbol of the Expendable PI. It simply says, 'Vengeance is Mine!'  

 

HALLO EVERYONE,

I wouldn't be exaggerating the truth when I say almost everyone  seems to be enjoying the weather these days even though there have  been some change in the weather in the last few days. 

These changes however, have had a lot to do with the cool  breeze yesterday. 

Anyway, I haven't spoken to you lot in a while so I decided to make the effort to reconnect. 

I've been resting and refurbishing my old shed. There's still a lot of work to do in there. And, I'm getting the best service from a handy man who thinks he can do a great job. And I really think he can because he's proven himself anyhow.  

Anyway, talking about other things the last Self Publishing Event at Coombes Croft Library on the 8th of June 2024 was a real blast. It was nothing short of exciting and I had the participants come up to me afterwards to share their thoughts on the presentation. They felt it was AWESOME. So, there will be another Creative & Adventure writing & Self publishing event on the 27th of July 2024 which will delve into a couple of things linked  with the forthcoming M.A.W! Showcase in NOVEMBER. 

M.A.W! simply means MECHANICS of ADVENTURE WRITING and from the look of things and popular demand it is coming back. So get ready for the RETURN of the coolest masterclass ever! The MECHANICS of ADVENTURE WRITING course is coming back and I won't begin to divulge what  plans we are making to not only make it happen. But, make it a main stay from now on. And, yes the EXPENDABLE PI AKA THE RATTLESNAKE will RETURN...SOON.

NB: I have been receiving emails from participants who not only want to Self-Publish their work. But want to attend and learn more about the masterclass. I must say that's refreshing. But on the other hand I'm somewhat surprised. 

The Journey man cometh. And that's what you all need to know and he's coming to STAY!