Ask the Author: Ben Coes

“Ask me a question.” Ben Coes

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Hey, just realized after I sent that 'question' that it won't be 'public' until/if you answer. Since that's the case, I'll be more frank ; my first novel, Head On, is recently published. I've only started reading your stuff in the last few months. Amazing similarities -great minds... I'm asking you to take a look at my novel. Not just are our characters, plots and style similar but our lives... I need a big publisher?

Ben Coes John - send me a note ben@bencoes.com. I'm not sure when I can read it but I can certainly forward it to my agent. Btw, it's critical to get an agent before going to publishers!

My apologies for taking so long to respond - I forgot this great Q&A section of Goodreads exists. Psyched to get HEAD ON if you still want to send it. Ben

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What do you think is the next popular topic in the thriller genre?

Ben Coes Chris - my apologies for taking so long to answer. I completely forgot about this great section on Goodreads. Anyway, what I would've said is a) there are so many great writers in the genre that there will be tons of various popular topics. I just started a new series based on the Russian mafia inside the U.S., so I think that's a pretty fertile area. I also believe the conflict between AI and freedom/personal privacy is another coming big thing. What do you think?

Thanks for your patience. All my best - Ben

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Hi Ben, Big fan of course, I reread the series again just to refresh my memory before I read First Strike and Trap The Devil. I'm glad I did it seemed to show me more insight and growth into your characters. When I was reading Devil I felt part of Dewey's story, I was spent when it was over. I wonder how are you going to top that? Also how can I get Salina? Amazon does not have it. Thanks~Your Faithful Reader

Ben Coes Jennifer - I'm sorry it took me so long to reply! And thanks for your awesome note, it made my day. I forgot Goodreads has this terrific section for questions and just saw yours. If you email me at ben@bencoes.com I can send you Salina. Thanks again for your patience! Ben

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Hi Ben, Any chance of you having an books from a female perspective? Not fru fru females, but Angelina Jolie type kicking butt, taking names, not giving a rat's ass female spies. By the way when I listen to your audiobooks, I can't help but think Dewey is Batman who never became Batman . . .

Ben Coes Hi Alicia - I'm so sorry it took me so long to reply. I completely forgot about this wonderful section of Goodreads! Thanks so much for your kind note. As for a female lead, yes, I have thought about it, but am still trying to come up with the right character to do it justice. I was raised by a single mom - a super mom! - and so I have a lot to draw from. Thanks again for writing.
All my best,

Ben

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Hi Ben, I loved Dewey #1 and have a thing about going chronologically with series....Given that, would you advise reading 0.5 prior to 2 for best understanding Dewey and his journeys??? TY!!!

Ben Coes Matt - my apologies for not answering sooner! I totally forgot about this section of Goodreads. Anyway, if you're going to read them all then yes I'd go in order, though it's not absolutely necessary. I feel bad for bnot getting back sooner - hopefully you bushwacked your way through them all!!
Best - Ben

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One more question, Does the new government leaders being named change or hinder the way you write Dewey's challenges?

Ben Coes Yes and now - Allaire dying and a new president, Dellenbaugh, was hard because I loved Allaire - he was sort of modeled on Reagan, who I worked for. But I like Dellenbaugh too. Great question!
Ben

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Dear Ben, i just finished First Srike mate you are a genuine super writer, i could not put it down, wish it was twice the pages so that it would last longer. Ben i have spoken to you before, and mate when you get to Australia i will put extra shrimps on the barbie for u. My question, is Dewey in another book this year 2016 ? Regards. Victor V. Borgeest

Ben Coes Victor - my apologies for not answering my favorite Aussie for so long! I only just now looked at this section and I apologize! Hopefully you've caught up with the Dewey 2016 (First Strike), 17 (Trap the Devil), and 18 (Bloody Sunday) books. I also just started a new series starring Rob Tacoma abouyt the Russian mafia, called The Russian. I'll continue to write both series.
Can't wait for the shrimps!! And Fosters! Ben

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How do I find the short story "Salina" since I am a late-comer to your amazing series?

Ben Coes Send me an email at ben@bencoes.com and I'll send it to you! Thanks Tina

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Are Power Down and Eye for an Eye really the same book? They are combined in Goodreads so I can't tell for sure.

Ben Coes No - Power Down was my first book, Eye my fourth. Not sure why they combined them! Thanks for asking - sorry it took so long Lauri

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Hi Ben I love your books. Who would win in a fight, Dewey or Jack Reacher the character from the Lee Childs books?

Ben Coes Dewey would win

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Ben you are a rockstar, I have read all your books so far and am sad that now I do not have anything to read .... Please complete your next book soon, when can we expect it to be released ?

Ben Coes Hi Ankit - Sorry it's taken me so long to write back. Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you like my books. The next one, FIRST STRIKE, comes out next week as I write this, June 28, 2016. If you check out my website bencoes.com you can learn more, read an excerpt, listen to the first chapter of the audiobook, and see the book trailer, which is awesome btw, and the book tour - maybe I'm coming to a place near you?

This one's about ISIS striking into the heart of America. I hope you like it.

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How has your time in the White House influenced your writing?

Ben Coes Hi, Mike - sorry it took so long to answer. Goodreads actually makes it hard to even know folks have asked questions.

Yes without question The White House influences my writing. I believe it makes my treatment and descriptions of politics and the behind-the-scenes human dynamics inside Washington more realistic and authentic.

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Have you released physical books in the UK?

Ben Coes Yes, Coup, The Last Refuge, Eye For An Eye, and Independence Day (which my UK publisher re-named A Day To Kill) all came out in the UK, India, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and some other places. First Strike will be released as an e-book only in UK mainly because the trends toward this are overwhelming combined with the monopoly-like stranglehold a few very powerful chains have (grocery chains).

How hard was it to write Jessica out of the picture? I go back and forth between grief and anger. Some days I am really mad at you. (grin)

Ben Coes It was very hard. I actually cried when I was writing it. It felt like I was killing someone I knew and loved.

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Hello Ben. Small question. Dewey usually tries to get his hands on a M1911A1 when going off on a job. I know it was one of the standard weapons of his old unit but are there any other reasons why you picked it for him? And do you own one? Love the books by the way, refreshing to see an author brave enough to kick reality in the teeth and give pure, undiluted thrills.

Ben Coes Thanks for your question - and for the comments! Truly appreciated. Yes I do own one. The Colt M1911A1 used to be standard issue for the unit Dewey was in, i.e., 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment, aka Delta, but was replaced my the Beretta 9mm, a more accurate weapon but there were several occasions in which bullets passed straight on through the intended targets. A bunch of guys didn't like that and continued - and continue - to use the M1911 for what its greater "killing power."

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Hello again. I'm always interested in the monsters military/political thriller authors dream up. In this case it's Mr Abu Paria. The man genuinely unsettled me. What ideas were you considering when hashing out his characterization? Reminded me of Reinhard Heydrich, except instead of being a Nazi, Paria's a sociopathic Islamofacist. Also, will Dewey get to bump him off at a future date?

Ben Coes Great question. Paria was based on how I imagine Ghengis Khan was like. Dewey does in fact bump him off in a short story I wrote and gave to everyone who pre-ordered EYE FOR AN EYE, my 4th book. Let me see if I can find it. Send me an email bencoes@bencoes.com so if I do find it I can send it along. Thanks for your question, Sam.

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Hi Ben, i read your books for the first time, A DAY TO KILL , featuring Dewey, ? mate it was a ripper story and i have a good library here on the Gold Coast in Southport actually the second biggest in Australia and i think they have all your books, can't wait till tomorrow to get some more books in the series, i might be getting along in years a bit now but still read 6 or 7 books a week, Regards. Victor V. Borgeest.

Ben Coes Victor - Thank you my friend. I truly appreciate your kind words. Throw a few shrimps on the barbie for me, will you?

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How do you deal with writer’s block?

Ben Coes I've never had it and don't believe in it

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Ben, I pre-ordered Independence Day. How do I get Selina? Thanks!

Ben Coes Hmmm - email me at ben@bencoes.com and I'll have someone send it to you - how's that?

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What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Ben Coes Notes from readers, freedom, the release and rush of expressing one's thoughts

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