I am thrilled to announce that my debut full-length novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the Suspense/Thriller Fiction category at the 2024 Hollywood Book Festival. This recognition is a significant milestone for me as a new author in the political thriller genre, and I am deeply honored to have my work acknowledged among so many talented writers.
A New Political Thriller Series That Captivates
What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose is the first installment in what I intend to make into a compelling new political thriller series. This novel weaves a tale of intrigue, deception, and political violence set against the backdrop of a fiercely contested presidential campaign. The book delves into the darker side of politics, exploring the lengths to which individuals will go to gain power and control. With its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and timely themes, this novel is designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
The Hollywood Book Festival is known for recognizing books that exhibit exceptional storytelling abilities and demonstrate suitability for adaptation into other media, including film or television. I am humbled that my work has been highlighted in this way. The acknowledgment is particularly meaningful given the competitive nature of the Suspense/Thriller Fiction category, which attracts a diverse range of entries from both established and emerging authors.
The Journey to Recognition
As a debut author, the journey to this point has been both challenging and rewarding. Writing What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose was a labor of love that took over twenty years to reach print. It was inspired by my interest in the complexities of political life and the ever-evolving landscape of power dynamics. I aimed to create a story that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of influence.
Receiving this Honorable Mention is a validation of the hard work and dedication that went into crafting this novel. It’s also a testament to the support I’ve received from family, editors, readers, peers, critics, and the literary community. The positive feedback and encouragement have been invaluable as I continue to develop this new political thriller series.
This is the third recognition for What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose. The novel is a two-time winner of a 2024 International Firebird Book Award in the categories of Political Thriller and Speculative Fiction
A Word of Gratitude
I am deeply grateful to the judges of the Hollywood Book Festival for this recognition. It is an incredible honor to see my debut novel acknowledged in such a prestigious competition. This award reinforces my commitment to the craft and motivates me to continue exploring the political thriller genre in future works with hopes that one day, my books might catch the eye of one of the many amazing streaming or motion picture studios.
In reflecting on this achievement, I am reminded of the power of storytelling and its ability to connect us to larger societal issues. Through the characters and scenarios in What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, I aim to offer readers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of political maneuvering, offering a take on where we might be headed if political violence and unlimited technical capabilities start to collide.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Series
The Honorable Mention at the Hollywood Book Festival is just the beginning for What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose and the broader series it introduces. I am currently working on the second book in the series, which will explore what can happen if modern America faces the challenge of a Contingent Election to resolve a presidential election. The feedback from readers and critics has been instrumental in shaping the direction of the series, and I am eager to share more of this story with you this November 2024.
In addition to the continuation of the series, I am exploring opportunities to adapt What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose into other media formats. The recognition from the Hollywood Book Festival has opened new doors, and I am in discussions about potential collaborations that could bring this political thriller to life on screen. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments.
Final Thoughts
As I continue to navigate the world of writing and publishing, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. The Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention is a wonderful recognition, and it inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of the political thriller genre.
To all the readers, supporters, and members of the literary community—thank you. Your enthusiasm for What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose fuels my passion for storytelling, and I look forward to sharing more with you as this new political thriller series unfolds.
