with Allan Topol
We are delighted to welcome thriller writer Allan Topol to Omnimystery News today.
Allan's third Craig Page novel of international intrigue is The Russian Endgame (Select Books; September 2013 trade paperback and ebook formats) and we recently had the opportunity to talk with him about it and the series.
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Omnimystery News: You've written a number of stand-alone thrillers. Why did you choose to bring back a couple of the characters to create a series?
Photo provided courtesy of
Allan Topol;
Photo credit Julie Zitin
Allan Topol: My first six novels were stand alones. It was in the seventh novel that I first used Craig Page and Elizabeth Crowder.
I didn't begin with the intention of using them as series characters. However, as I wrote The China Gambit, I became attached to these two characters. Craig was fearless, willing to take chances, patriotic, intelligent, refused to take orders, and got results. Elizabeth was a perfect companion for him. She was tough, feisty and willing to take chances as well. Also, she was a student of history and I like to work history into my novels.
I expect to use them in a number of future books.
OMN: We introduced you as a thriller writer. Would you agree with that?
AT: My books don't precisely fit into any genre. The closest would be thriller. I describe them as novels of international intrigue. They have suspense, and thriller aspects. However, what distinguishes my books is that there is a background issue in these page turners; there is a serious international issue. My objective is for the reader to come away learning something about a serious international issue at the same time the reader turns the pages and hopefully stays up at night.
OMN: Tell us something about your new book that isn't mentioned in the publisher's synopsis.
AT: The publisher emphasizes in the synopsis the thriller aspects of The Russian Endgame, and it is exciting. What should also be mentioned are the serious background issues in The Russian Endgame. One is China's effort to steal cutting edge US defense technology. The other is the resurgence of a strong Russia which teams with China to inflict damage to the United States. These are background in a fast moving, page turning thriller.
OMN: Give us a summary of The Russian Endgame in a tweet.
AT: When Russian and Chinese leaders assassinate an American president in an attempt to steal US technology, Craig Page and Elizabeth Crowder foil their plot.
OMN: How much of your own personal or professional experience have you included in your books.
AT: My characters are composites of individuals I have met over the years. I travel extensively with an international law practice. I meet lots of people and their characteristics find their way into my novels. To some extent, my hero Craig Page has personal traits which I either have or would like to have. To some extent, I am reliving a fantasy with Craig Page, my counterterrorism expert.
OMN: What is the best advice — and harshest criticism — you've received as an author? And do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
AT: The best advice I have received is to build a novel using three or four point of view characters and tell the story by following each of them in separate scenes and telling the reader what happens to them. Another point is that each scene must have suspense. This doesn't mean killing or physical attacks. However, one of the POV characters must want to accomplish something and that will lead to suspense as to whether the character will succeed. Finally, each scene should end, if possible, with a suspense point.
One criticism I have received from readers is that I am angry at you because you made me stay up too late at night reading your book.
I would tell aspiring authors to pursue writing only if they have a passion for it. Then you must be prepared to work with great diligence, keeping your body in that chair and at that desk hour after hour. Finally, you must be prepared to accept rejection.
OMN: Complete this sentence: "I am a thriller writer and thus I am also …".
AT: I am also an international lawyer and a compulsive traveler. I love to travel the world scouting for new locales to put into my novels and finding exciting new wines to drink and to write about.
OMN: Describe your writing process for us.
AT: I begin with an extensive outline of approximately 40 pages in which I lay out the plot. This is essential because a contractor would not build a house without detailed plans. I also prepare a 2-3 page biographies of my three or four POV characters. I use some of the details of these biographies in the novel, but not all of them. I am doing this to get to know the characters.
OMN: Where do you do most of your writing?
AT: I write primarily in a study in my house. However, I write a great deal while I am traveling, which is often. This means writing in airplanes, in hotels, in small cafes in Paris. Anywhere I can sit down with a pen and a pad.
OMN: What kinds of research do you do for your books? Have there been any topics that you found particularly challenging?
AT: I check facts for my novels on the internet and using books. I also consult with experts and rely upon my own experience.
My most challenging and exciting topic to research has been China. Developments in that country are moving fast. Public information is often difficult to obtain and it is a challenge to find experts to talk with.
OMN: How true are you to your international settings?
AT: My books are set in real places. I make a great effort to have my settings and environments accurate. These settings are extremely helpful and an integral part of the plot.
OMN: Spy thrillers typically make for terrific films. Have you had discussions with any studio about adapting your books?
AT: Three of my books are currently in development to be possible motion pictures. Experienced screenwriters have been hired and I am collaborating with them.
If one of the Craig Page books moves forward, I would like to see Hugh Jackman or Mark Wahlberg playing the part.
OMN: What types of books/genres do you read for pleasure?
AT: I read extensively history and current events for both pleasure and research. I also enjoy reading Nordic crime novels.
OMN: What specific authors or books, if any, influenced how and/or what you write today?
I was most influenced by Graham Greene and Leon Uris who write novels also dealing with international intrigue.
OMN: What are your hobbies, interests outside of writing?
AT: My hobbies are traveling, wine collecting and drinking, and playing tennis.
OMN: What kinds of questions/feedback do you most enjoy receiving from readers?
AT: The feedback I most enjoy from readers is, "I couldn't put your book down"; "I learned something about (fill in the blank) from your book"; "Did this really happen?"; and "I want to try those wines."
OMN: What is next for you?
AT: My next projects are two more Craig Page novels. One has a background involving Argentina. It will be published next April. The one after that deals with Italy, where I have recently traveled for research.
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In addition to his fiction writing, Allan Topol co-authored a two-volume legal treatise entitled Superfund Law and Procedure. He wrote a weekly column for Military.com and has published articles in numerous periodicals including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Yale Law Journal.
For more information about the author and his work, please visit his website at AllanTopol.com or find him on Facebook and Twitter. http://www.allantopol.com/
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The Russian Endgame
Allan Topol
A Craig Page Thriller
