Steampunk Granny Interviews Jack Flacco, Author of the Ranger Martin Series

                                                           

I had the honor of reading Jack Flacco's newest book in the Ranger Martin series, "Ranger Martin and The Alien Invasion". I loved it as much as the first book. You'll love the fast moving, edge of your seat action, and you'll love Ranger Martin and his team of misfits. I had the chance to interview Jack, recently and here is what we talked about.

Tell me how your first book is doing and what were the reviews for this book.

My first book in the Ranger Martin series, Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse, became an Amazon best seller for months after its initial release. Tracking on multiple lists worldwide (i.e. Young Adult, Horror, Dystopian, etc.), it hit #5 on the Canadian Horror Best Sellers list with Stephen King as #1. The book also hit #1 on the Hot New Releases list in Children’s Horror. In the U.S., Spain and Australia it placed in the Top 50 on a consistent basis, leaving me bewildered in the process. I can’t say how grateful I am for all the folks that had supported the title.

The majority of reviews were positive with readers liking Ranger Martin as the shotgun-toting hero out to rid the world of the undead.

                                                                      

What did people like the best about Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse?

I kept hearing the same two things coming from people who had read the book. First, they enjoyed the relationships between Ranger and the kids, each had personalities and each had different backstories. Second, they enjoyed the action that starts from page one and doesn’t let up until the final page.

Gosh, that sounds so much like I’m bragging, but that’s the audience’s overall reaction toward the book. Smack me a few times if I get too high on myself, okay?

What is the name of book 2 and what happens to our hero and his friends in this book? (Just a short synopsis without giving anything away)

The name of the second book is Ranger Martin and the Alien Invasion. Soon after the events of the first book, Ranger and his tagalongs have another enemy to face—aliens bent on reducing humanity to a pile of liquid waste. On their journey home, they encounter zombies, the military, and things not of this world in a race to escape Utah for the calm of the Mojave Desert in Arizona.

Did you find the writing of a sequel harder than the first book? (I ask because I felt my first was much easier to write)

Well, I write every day, and because it’s now a habit I find whatever I write flows to paper without much effort. Editing the sequel was harder to do because I had to keep the same tone as the first (i.e. style, setting, pacing, etc.) all the while trying to explore deeper levels of the characters.

Will the readers be meeting new characters?

Yes!

When can we expect the book to be out?

It’ll release on October 21.

Is there a book three in the works?

Can’t say.

What other projects are you working on as far as writing?

Again, can’t say.

Can you at least give me something to work with?

No.

I’m kidding. Actually, if you follow me on JackFlacco.com, I tend to drop many hints of what I’m working on and where I’m going. I’m predictable, really. I enjoy autumn settings where the colors change and the leaves fall. I love inspiring stories where there’s a moral dilemma and a resolution no one thought of before. And I find comfort in reading about those who overcome great trials to become a light to the world.

I noticed (unlike other authors) you don’t talk about writing on your site. Why?

I suppose because I’m too busy writing. If I were on a writing panel, I wouldn’t have a choice other than to talk about it. What else would I otherwise do? Sit and stare? In that context, sure, I’ll talk about writing.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Put blinders on. Keep moving forward. Never give up. How’s that for cliché? Forget about everything that goes on around you and stick with your goals. Forget about what others are doing and keep working hard. Your success is your own. It’s what you make of it. Most of all, time is your most precious commodity. Don’t waste it.

Where can we reach you?

Website: http://www.JackFlacco.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JackFlacco
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Flacco.Jack
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JackFlacco

Thank you, Jack for being my guest today and for all my little zombie snacks, "Get out there and buy both books."

Steampunk Granny Reviews Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse

                                                                     

I’ve just finished reading a great book! It was so good that I’m going to share it with my grandsons who love a good action/zombie/action hero story.

                                                              

Jack Flacco’s Ranger Martin and the Zombie Apocalypse is just that kind of book. I interviewed Jack Flacco earlier this year on his book and you can check it out here.

 

You might be wondering if this book has everything needed to make it a good read. Let's go over my little check list, shall we?
 Action hero –yep

Worthy sidekicks-yep

Government Conspiracy-yep

Life and death situations-yep

Zombies- of course!

But who and what is behind the Apocalypse will surprise you.

                                                                   

The book not only kept me interested, but quickly turning the pages as I devoured the story…sorry, I’m in my zombie mode. I know my both grandsons, Nathan age 11 and Josh age 17 are going to love the book just as much.

Run out and buy the book…we all need to get in some after holiday munching exercise in…or you can order the book online.   A sequel is set to follow.

You can find Jack Flacco here.
Well? What are you waiting for? Run out and buy the book!

The Amazing Jack Flacco, Author of Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse

                                                                

 

 I'm so excited about this interview. Jack Flacco is a very talented writer, who like me, loves zombies. His blog features three popular subjects, but my favorite is Women Who Wow. Jack has recently published his book and it's already making news. Join me now as I introduce Jack Flacco, the brains behind Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse

 

Marie Gilbert: Hi Jack. It's such a pleasure to have you as my guest. Let's start off the interview with you telling us a little bit about yourself.

                                                                             

 

Jack Flacco: I feel awkward whenever someone asks me this question since it requires some bragging. How about if I just say I write about stuff and some of the stuff makes sense. How does that sound?

 

Marie Gilbert: I understand completely, Jack and I'll do the bragging for you. Jack is an amazing writer who lives in Ontario, Canada. He and his wife not only contribute to many charitable organizations, but they strongly believe in the importance of Universal Literacy. I could do more bragging about Jack, but I better get back to the interview. Jack, who or what was your inspiration for this book.

 

Jack Flacco: I woke up one morning with a name on my mind—Ranger Martin. Whoever he was, his name stuck with me. As I shaved that morning, images swirled in my head of Ranger’s exploits fighting legions of zombies. It became evident he would be the star in a book that I had yet to write.

 

Marie Gilbert: Tell us about Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse and what makes this book different than the other zombie books on the shelves?

 

Jack Flacco: My current reading material nowadays consists of legal thrillers by John Grisham. I’m attempting to consume his entire bibliography in chronological order based on publication date. I’m halfway there. Missing from my bookshelf is a large swath of zombie literature to which I can compare my book. If you find something you like in the series, let me know, I’m interested in what the audience thinks. As an alternative, you can also read the reviews on my site and on Amazon. Zombie fans would know more of what makes Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse different than from what I can ever say about the series.

 

Marie Gilbert: Side note to my readers: If you want an insight into Jack's thinking on zombies, check out his Mayhem Mondays on his blog. Back to you, Jack. Is the book available on Nook and Kindle?

 

Jack Flacco: It is available from Amazon as an eBook and as a paperback.

 

Marie Gilbert: Will there be a sequel to Ranger Martin and The Zombie Apocalypse?

 

Jack Flacco: Yes. 

 

Marie Gilbert: Well, I for one, will be anxiously awaiting the sequel. What publishing house did you use or is this self-published? If self-published (I’m a fan of self-published if done professionally). Tells us the cons and pros of getting the book to the finish line?

 

Jack Flacco: For the eBook, I used Amazon’s Kindle Desktop Publishing site to submit my manuscript. Once accepted, they take care of distribution. For the paperback version, I used CreateSpace. The rules are pretty much the same for both platforms and Amazon looks after the backend. It makes for a seamless process. As for finishing the book, I had hard deadlines to hit for every step of the way (writing, editing, proofing, etc.). Concept art took months to finalize. In the end, it all came together without a hitch. I’m thrilled to know my fans have embraced the book to make it their own.

 

Marie Gilbert: What suggestions would you give to other aspiring writers to help them in their journey to being published. What have you learned from your trials and tribulations?

 

Jack Flacco: Life has many distractions, remain focused. Everyone has chores, car maintenance, school, work, and medical appointments to keep. Make a commitment and follow through. Give yourself deadlines and stick to them. Stay away from the dark side of the business. You’ll recognize it by hearing others say phrases such as, “I’ve lost my inspiration”, “I feel so down”, “I’m insecure with what I’m creating”, “I’m struggling here”, “All I get is rejection”, “I can’t get an agent/publishing deal”, “I don’t feel like doing anything today.” Put on the blinders and keep pushing forward. Forget about the excuses. Your success is your own.

 

Marie Gilbert: Jack, In your opinion how has social media helped writers.

 

Jack Flacco: Social media provides writers with the opportunity to connect with their fans one-on-one. That’s the canned response. My answer? Social Media’s a great way to have fun with the audience in order for them to feel as if they’re involved in the creative process. I feel privileged to have a supportive group of folks who forgives my posting silly photos on facebook of trees, food, and other weird and wonderful things. They certainly know how to brighten my day.

 

Marie Gilbert: I Love your blog and know the readers would like to learn more about it.

 

Jack Flacco: Sure, you can find me at www.JackFlacco.com. I post three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. My Monday Mayhem series deals with all things zombie. Women Who Wow Wednesday features strong female leads in motion pictures and TV. And I write whatever comes to mind during Freedom Friday.

 

Marie Gilbert: Jack, my last question, where can we find your book?

                                                                       

Jack Flacco: You can find it available worldwide exclusively at Amazon.


Jack, I want to thank you for being a guest on my blog, and for all my zombie snacks out there, buy the book and tell me what you think. Make sure to check out Jack Flacco's Blog; you won't be sorry:)

Stand Up and Cheer

                                                                    

I was going to post about the two successful ghost investigations that my group did while in South Carolina, but I’ve decided to put that off for tomorrow’s post. I have a better post for today. It has to do with us baby boomers and how people identify with us; how we identify ourselves. Born in December of 1946, I witnessed many historical and newsworthy events; some good, some not. Unfortunately, I was part of the generation that witnessed the assassinations of Martin Luther King, John and Robert Kennedy; men who were killed for doing the right thing; the Vietnam War; civil rights movement; women’s liberation; the Beatles; the landing on the moon. I don’t have to list everything, but you get the gist.

                                                                      

My sister Lucy, the one who normally referees for Jane and I, asked me to join her at the Senior Center for their exercise program, and I wrote about my experience. Today in our Zumba Class, the instructor played Proud Mary by Ike and Tina Turner.



That got us all talking about the generation of famous movie and music stars who are in their 70’s or older and are still going strong. I have a friend, a fellow writer, Jack Flacco who does a weekly Wednesday “Women Who Wow” feature. Check out his site, he is amazing.

                                                                       
So are Zumba group and the instructor began talking about how Tina Turner can still dance even though she’s in her late seventies and the conversation went on from there and we began listing actresses that were still pretty active; dancing, acting, looking stunning, and we came up with a few names: Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Rita Moreno, Betty White, Raquel Welch, Jane Fonda, Tina Turner, Cher, Jessica Lange, to name a few.
                                                                                  

                                                               
They are still beautiful, still quite active and an inspiration for the younger boomers to kick up our heels and rejoice that we are still healthy enough to be in a Zumba class or do belly dancing.
                                                                              

                                                 Live long and prosper, girlfriend!