What's Your Story: MIchael Williams

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Background
I am a retired US Army Sergeant Major.  I retired on June 14th, 2011, the Army's Birthday.  Since then, I have embarked on my second career where I am with the U.S. Government. I cannot really go into it very much.

When did you start reading Vince?
In 2011, I listened to the audio version of Protect and Defend.  I cannot get enough of the Mitch Rapp series.  I have now listened to all of them, except The Survivor, which I have pre-ordered. 

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin because it gives the "making" of America's top counter terrorism operative.

Who is your favorite character?
Other than Mitch Rapp, my favorite character is retired Navy Seal Scott Coleman because the way Mr. Flynn portrayed him is spot on and I can relate to Scott's background.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
If the movie is ever made, please don't get Tom Cruise to play Mitch Rapp.  I envision in Mitch's later years someone like Jason Statham, but in his younger years perhaps someone like Channing Tatum.

If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
I would be Stan Hurley because as an Army Sergeant Major, some of my training techniques were akin to Stan's.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Its been two years since Mr. Flynn's passing and I still wish his family with much prayers and Godspeed.

What's Your Story: Robert Stevens

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**SPOILER ALERT:  IF YOU HAVE NOT READ CONSENT TO KILL THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS PROFILE**

Background
Retired football player, mentor, two-time self-published author. Truck and sports apparel company  owner. 

When did you start reading Vince?
I started to read Vince Flynn novels back in 2014.

Do you have a favorite book?
Being a truck driver I need something that would keep me stimulated while driving. I have purchased all of Vince's novel and listened to all of them more than four times each.  The one that stands out is  Consent to Kill. It's gritty and the way George Guidall portrays Mitch when he discovered Anna had been murdered nearly brought tears to my eyes.

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch of course and Irene. They reminded me of Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd from Moonlighting back in the 80's, but without the romance. They have that rapport and respect for one another and they protect each other as well.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Again, Bruce Willis while he played as McClane. He gets shot at, stabbed,  punched and other body damaged but he keeps coming until the job is done. 

If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
Mitch, hands down. because the integrity the high morals he possessed in which I live with every day.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I was truly heartbroken when Mr. Flynn passed away, he left us way too soon.

What's Your Story: Sheila Berklund

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Background
Mother of 4 (32, 33, 46 & 47) and Grandmother of 4 (14, 15, 16, 18). Married for almost 35 years. (Thank you Lord!) Retired from 18 years as an Educational Assistant and 6 years as a postal clerk.

When did you start reading Vince?
My youngest son, Adam, found out he had ADD in high school, so he wasn't much of a reader, unless he had too. The summer after his freshman year in college, he was living at home working his summer job at Reeds Sunnyside Marina in Balsam Lake, WI. I noticed a book in his room. I asked him what he was reading. It was one of Vince's books. He said he met him when they put in his dock at his lake place. It impressed me. When I got an email from Once Upon a Crime bookstore, (the BEST little bookstore in the twin cities!) that Vince was doing a book signing, I went. As I got up to him, I stuck out my hand and said that I wanted to shake the hand of the author who got my son reading in the summer. Then I said he put in your dock at the lake. Vince said, "Oh, Adam." I was stunned that he knew his name just like that. He signed the book with the message, "Thanks for taking such good care of us, Adam." Sure made this Mother feel good. That made me a fan for life.

Do you have a favorite book?
That's like asking which one of your children is your favorite. I like them all.

Who is your favorite character?
Mike Nash. A protégé of Mitch Rapp would have to be a great character.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I think of a person who is proud of his country and wants to do what's right.

If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
His cleaning lady. :)

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Please keep Vince's books in the public eye so he won't be forgotten. We, his fans, miss him a lot. He was a fine young man.
 

What's Your Story: Steven H.

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Background
I'm a senior at BYU-Idaho majoring in communications. I was born legally blind, so I listen to a lot of audio books. I was assigned to read a passage from a book of my choosing for a speech
class during my freshman year of college. I read the ending of "Consent to Kill. " To prepare for my speech, I'd listen to George Guidall's narration of the audio book. When it was my time to present I had everything pretty much memorized the character voices, the pauses, which words to emphasize and so forth. My teacher was so impressed that he actually gave me a special edition signed copy of "The Last Man" which is a treasured addition to my bookshelf.

I've re-read all of Flynn's books countless times, and I traditionally read Memorial Day every May and save the action packed conclusion for Memorial Day, because nothing beats escaping into a good book during a holiday break.

When did you start reading Vince?
Steven is legally blind Mitch Rapp fan, who memorized the closing of Consent To Kill by listening to George Guidall's narration for his college speech class.  His teacher was so impressed by his performance that Steven receI received Consent to Kill on CD as a Christmas gift when I was in high school.ved a special gift.

Do you have a favorite book?
"Consent to Kill" because it was the first Vince Flynn book I read. "Transfer of Power" is a close second choice. That book had a great story line.

Who is your favorite character?
Aside from Mitch Rapp I like Louie Gould.

"Consent to Kill" was the first book I read so it's special to me. I was always hoping Gould would reappear in a later book. I was pleasantly surprised when he showed up in "The Last Man."

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Kiefer Sutherland because Jack Bauer and Mitch Rapp are very similar in the way they operate.

I'm a big fan of 24!

I think Matt Damon would be a good Mitch for the movies (which I am counting on Hollywood doing) if Kiefer isn't an option.

If you could be any character in Vince's novels, who would it be and why?
Mitch Rapp or Louie Gould because their storylines are action packed!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Reading is one of my passions in life. I have always enjoyed the Vince Flynn audio books. I think George Guidall does an excellent job with the narration of the series.

A good narrator can really bring a book to life.

I miss Vince Flynn very much, but I am looking forward to the rest of the Mitch Rapp story. I am particularly interested in the story behind the scar Rapp from Rafique Aziz.

What's Your Story: Alex Randazzo

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Background
I am 17 years old and made the following video as an audition video for playing Mitch Rapp

When did you start reading Vince?
My father has read Vince Flynn since I was young, and I used to sneak into his office at night to read the books until he said I was old enough to read them. 

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin is my favorite book because of the background it gives on Mitch. 

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch Rapp, I would like to play him in the film. 

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Myself, I have a similar background in sports, and have the body/physic as well as military training to pull of playing him. 

What's Your Story: Charlotte Townsend

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Background
I am a 73 year old great grandma.  I am also a retired army wife.  My husband served 20 years in the army. Served in Vietnam.  Our 3 children traveled the world with us...Germany, France, Malawi Africa.   It was a great life.  Being a tough army wife has made me a champion of the harsh Buffalo winters, and their sports teams.  I am a true fan.

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince's books around 2000.  I have been hooked ever since. My family reads a lot and we trade books all the time,  but Vince Flynn books are keepers.  

Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite book is The Third Option....I love the interaction between Rapp and Kennedy.

Who is your favorite character?
Of Course it is Rapp, but I relate to Irene Kennedy too  Such a strong woman with a soft side.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
When I think of Rapp, I envision Vince Flynn. A  good looking man with strength and a real fighter.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Definitely Irene Kennedy.  We need more women like her in Washington. A woman who doesn't back down, and who will work for the good of America, not for power  or to line her own pockets.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
With a tear in my eyes, I miss Vince.  He has brought such happiness to me ,in reading his books.... I do look forward to Kyle Mills taking over the story line.  When I heard he was chosen to take over Rapp, I went out and bought all of his books and I am a fan.

What's Your Story: Kevin Skelly

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Background
I am a 26 year old relocation consultant from Brookfield, CT.  I am an avid sports fan and played both football and lacrosse growing up (the latter like Mitch Rapp).  I come from a fairly large family 3 siblings (2 sisters, 1 brother) and we are incredibly close.  I have 2 nieces that are adorable, and bring joy to my life and a smile to my face every time I am with them.  I love to read and I joined fan club last year! 

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince on a trip down to FL in '12.  We were in the airport in the lounge waiting for the flight, and I was bored.  I went into one of the shops and perused the book rack.  I am naturally attracted to shows/movies about the spy game and/or the military, so naturally Vince's American Assassin caught my eye.  And what a perfect book to start with of his!

Do you have a favorite book?
My favorite book of Vince's has to be the original and that is American Assassin.  I also loved Consent to Kill.

Who is your favorite character?
My favorite character is Mitch Rapp.  He is so self-assured, but for good reason.  He is intelligent, humble (at the right times), skeptical of authority to downright insubordinate, and a true patriot.  I also love the forever stoic Irene Kennedy.  Never lets pressure get to her, and her detractors never get under her skin.  That is such an enviable quality, and patience like that is truly a virtue.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I picture Taylor Kitsch.  He has played the military/enforcer role before, but also the cocky playboy role.  He would make an excellent Mitch.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I think that answer would have to be Stan Hurley.  He has served this country honorably for so long, and is still involved in retirement.  His temperament matches mine sometimes (or the way I wish I could be).  He is a badass, even at nearly 80.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
These books have brought such joy to my life.  I laugh out loud when reading them, and have shed tears as well.  I cannot describe the sadness I feel that this series will not go on with its original writer.  I hope the author they bring in to do this next book does the series justice, because Vince Flynn was a true artist!  RIP Vince!  You brought so many years of happiness to so many people and fought the disease that eventually took your life with such valor and courage.  Thank you again buddy!!!

What's Your Story: Philip Mikan

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Background
I graduated High School the same year as Vince and I would Have graduated
college the same year but instead I spent four years on active duty in the Coast Guard.  In hearing his interviews (via podcast) we have the same historic reference points; Iran Hostage Crisis, Pan Am Lockerbie and on the positive side the US Hockey Gold Medal and the Reagan years.  I was a local police officer for 16 years.  I also have over 20 years of Coast Guard active duty and reserve service. 

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince Flynn's books shortly after he passed.  I had never been a fiction reader but once I jumped in I couldn't stop.  I started with Protect and Defend because it was the smallest at the bookstore and became consumed.  I read all 14 in books in about six months, with the goal of reading them all again after a break - this time in order.

Do you have a favorite book?
It is difficult to say which is my favorite book - but I remember my favorite scene.  In Protect and Defend while on Air Force One Mitch is challenged by some 20-something year old staffer.  I just love the way Mitch discounted him and put him in his place.  We could certainly use more of that in DC!

Who is your favorite character?
Of course Mitch is the favorite - but the second favorite is Irene Kennedy.  She seems like the kind of boss we'd all be honored to have; tough, fair, protective of her people and their talents, but most importantly allows them the latitude to do their job.  (Not a micro-manger!)  

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I don't have any favorite actors that I can imagine being Mitch.  (Perhaps it is because his views are in stark contrast with any Hollywood actor I know about.)  Mitch Rapp is a completely unique figment of my imagination, designed by Vince Flynn.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Scott Coleman was my favorite supporting character.  I just remember reading and thinking, "everybody should have a friend like Scott Coleman!"  A true wingman!  It would be cool to be buds with Mitch Rapp!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Sad to say but I wish I had been a fan when Vince was still alive.  Better yet, I would have loved to have met him at a book signing or something like that.  He and I seem like-minded.  (Although he is a bit more accomplished that I!)   

What's Your Story: Mike C.

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Background
I'm an Interaction Designer by trade, but travel and adventure are my real passions.  I am currently planning for my 10th anniversary bull run in Pamplona as well as a motorcycle trip in Vietnam.  

When did you start reading Vince?
I probably saw a recommendation on Amazon when searching for Clive Cussler.  So about the 3rd book I would imagine.

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin because it shows the genesis of the character and how hard he worked to prove himself.  

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch of course. The all-American hero!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I guess I picture him as a little rougher looking George Clooney type.  Maybe a little Eric Bana too. 

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Mitch himself.  It would feel good to always stand for something.  

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Eagerly awaiting the next book!

What's Your Story: Jeff Walker

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Background
My background is football and the West Coast Offense. I've written two football books and one novel. 

When did you start reading Vince?
When my football career came to an end I moved home to take a little time off. I coached at UCLA and at two high schools in Oregon. It was a great career. My Dad had an entire stack of Vince Flynn books. I'm an avid reader, but hadn't had the time to read the Mitch Rapp books. I started reading them. My Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and those books
took on an entirely new meaning. I read to keep my sanity. I read all of his books and re-read several of them. It was a nice distraction from the horrors of cancer. Unfortunately my Mom didn't beat cancer; she died 18 months and 11 days ago, but who is counting. She is in a better place. Life changes and continues down an altered path. 

Do you have a favorite book?
I don't have a favorite one. I like them all. 

Who is your favorite character?
They're all interesting! 

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire).

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I would want to be one of the bad guys so I would know how horrific it would be to be hunted by the American Assassin!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I am so excited to hear that Kyle Mills is continuing the Mitch Rapp story line. 

What's Your Story: Navy Veteran

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Background
I am a 37-year old single career woman working as a purchasing agent for a steel distributor.  I come from a big loving Irish Catholic family and am lucky enough to live within walking distance of my parents and siblings and nephews and niece.  I love to read and just this year joined a new book club.  I love all things Pittsburgh and Penn State!  

When did you start reading Vince?
I started reading Vince back in 2002 I believe.  I fell in love with Mitch Rapp, just my kind of guy, and Vince's writing style and character development.

Do you have a favorite book?
Transfer of Power!  I loved reading the relationship between Mitch and Anna get it's start!

Who is your favorite character?
Definitely Mitch!  He is an all-American hero, deeply complex, but also light humored character.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I have my own personal thoughts on what Mitch looks like.  I have never really thought of an actor that would be him, that is why it is hard for me to think who will finally end up playing him in American Assassin.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
This would be a toss up between Anna and Dr. Irene Kennedy; I love her smarts and close feelings with Mitch.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Only that I was totally devastated by Vince's passing.  I really thought he had this beat!!  But I am happy to see the character and stories around Mitch Rapp will be carried on.

What's Your Story: Paulette Collins

***Cosent To Kill Spoilers***

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Background
I am your typical old lady. Taught first-grade children for 30 years. Retired now and watering my gardens. Mother of 3 grown sons and grandmother to 6 grandsons.Winter time I heave snow off my sidewalk and up on the banks. Which is no easy job because we got 300 inches last year.

When did you start reading Vince?
Started reading Vince Flynn about 4 years ago on a visit to my sister and brother in law's home.  Did not have a book to read so I picked up one of Greg's books...hooked!

Do you have a favorite book?
I cannot remember the title it was the one where he hunts down his wife's killer and let's them go at the end.

Who is your favorite character?
Of course, Mitch!  He is the epitome of a tough, good guy. What a hunk!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I envision Mitch as an all-around  good man. He presents  that humor that
is so different from women. I picture him as our American soldiers.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Who could I possibly be?  I am too much of a push-over to hurt anyone!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
My sister and her husband met Vince at a book signing.  They were so pleased to discover what a wonderful person he was. He was my favorite author.

What's Your Story: Scott Fees

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Background
I am Sergeant with the Edmond (OK) Police Department and commander of our department's Bomb Squad. I have been a police officer for 35 years and have been married to my wife for 30 of those years; we met on a traffic stop where I wrote her a ticket in 1983 for peeling out through a red light in her Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. That was THE BEST ticket I've ever written. I responded to the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 on the day of the bombing, and our squad assisted in the investigation for the remainder of the time at the blast site. I broke my back in 2009 after falling off our bomb transport trailer and was off work for nearly 2 years, however I have since returned to full duty status and plan on retiring withing the next few years.

When did you start reading Vince?
The first Vince Flynn book I read was Memorial Day. My wife bought it for me when it came out and I have been hooked ever since. I have read every one of his books at least 4 times and am currently on my 5th reading of American Assassin.

Do you have a favorite book?
I think American Assassin is my favorite book simply because it was the most anticipated book of them all. But it's kinda like having to choose which child is my favorite (even though I have only one child...haha). I love each book for different reasons. But there was so much interest, curiosity, longing and anticipation for the story of how Mitch Rapp became Mitch Rapp, that I literally counted down the days with excitement for when the story would finally be told, so for that, 'American Assassin' has to be my favorite.

Who is your favorite character?
Favorite character? Mitch Rapp, of course. However, Mitch Rapp couldn't be Mitch Rapp without Irene Kennedy, Thomas Stansfield, or even the crusty old fart Stan Hurley. 

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Oddly enough, before I ever knew what Vince Flynn looked like, I envisioned someone who looked pretty much like him. When I saw what he actually looked like, I was amazed. I had actually envisioned a book's character to look like the movie character only one other time, and that was in Tom Clancy's 'The Hunt For Red October'; I had envisioned Jack Ryan to look like the actor Alec Baldwin. But as for which actor I envision? I picture Chris Hemsworth, except darker eyes. I suggested him to play Mitch Rapp after seeing him in one of his earlier movies: 'The Perfect Getaway'. 

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
That's a difficult question. I think I would have to be Stan Hurley, because Mitch Rapp is too complex of a character to pull off. Stan Hurley is more akin to my way of dealing with scumbags on the street, which has landed me in the captain's office many times in my career. Having said that, I like how Stan talks to people and how he is brutally honest (and stubborn), as well as driven. As reckless as he is portrayed, he still has an odd sense of conformity; he plays by the rules...the terrorists' rules. And that's exactly how you fight these fanatics; down in the gutter, and down in the gutter is precisely where we need to be. 

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Only that when Vince passed away, it was truly a profound loss. After my wife turned me on to his novels, I turned my mom and brother on to them. After my mom read 'Memorial Day', she did precisely what I did: immediately went out and bought the first 5 novels. Vince is definitely missed, but like I mentioned earlier, when I first began reading his novels, I pictured Mitch Rapp to physically look like Vince; so in a sense, Vince continues to live on. As long as his words remain and as long as people continue to read his work, he will continue to live on. 

What's Your Story: Navy Veteran

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Background
I served in the Navy for 30 years, and 4 years with Force Recon and 8 years as a Spec Ops Tech.  

When did you start reading Vince?
2 years ago when a partner in the Sheriff's Office shared a novel with me.

Do you have a favorite book?
Since reading the first one my friend loaned me I have been trying to get the entire hardback series.  All of them are great

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch the gifted one, Stan the old guy who has done it before and is there to act through a younger protegee, and Irene Kennedy who is a replacement for Stansfield who taught her everything she knows.  They make the series. A very dynamic group and a dynamic series.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Matt Damon because of his outstanding job on the Bourne Identity series.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
Doc Jim O'Brien.  I'm a retired Master Chief Navy Hospital Corpman and shooter, like Marcus Luttrell, I was a member of a Force Recon Team and have the ability for everything outlined in the Teams.  

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
I would like to see someone continue his legacy within his novels and keep the novels going. There's so much going on in the world concerning terrorism, decreased use of assets in the field, and an anti-American feelings around the world, that a hero like Mitt Rapp is needed to bring sanity to the situation. 

What's Your Story: Matt Lewis

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Background
Father of two, writer, fly fisherman and guitarist.

When did you start reading Vince?
From the beginning, with Term Limits. It was actually my Mother who read it first and passed it on to me. 

Do you have a favorite book?
Term Limits again. The subject matter was a jolt in the arm to the thriller-writer community. It was something we hadn't seen before.

Who is your favorite character?
Who doesn't pick Mitch Rapp? The character is so great because he says what he wants to say, when he wants to say it! Almost all of us have had a moment when we have wanted to run our mouths, yet we bit our tongues instead. Who can't identify with that!

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
All of the Special Operators that sacrifice so much and ask so little in return.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I'd be Mitch Rapp, no surprise there.  But as long as we are fantasizing, I'd have less regret and a sense of loss. The character of Mitch Rapp has a heavy under-current of both.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Vince was a true gentleman and will be missed. Both of his parents read the manuscript for my debut novel Endgame and with their endorsement Vince shared it with those he works with in the publishing community. Never met me, but helped me nonetheless. 

What's Your Story: Steffanie Nicole Barger

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Background
Ex cop, business owner, chemical sales rep, mom and writer!

Why did you start reading Vince?
On the beach, then all night. Read American Assassin in 4 days.

Do you have a favorite book?
Kill Shot. You learn why Mitch Rapp is Mitch Rapp. You fight along side him and hope he survives the suspenseful twists and turns!

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch Rapp's conversations with the bad guys!...and Thomas Stansfield's cunning ways for all the right reasons and of course Stan Hurley's attitude and Irene Kennedy's inner strength.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
I think of men like Chris Kyle and how they have families and fight for our freedoms and we truly never know what they go through.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I am definitely vicariously Mitch Rapp. My true personality is quite the opposite though. I would say Mitch is an INTJ. I am an ENFP.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
There's nothing like getting into the head of an assassin with a huge heart buried deep inside.

What's Your Story: Tim Hagan

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Background
Former Marine and international mobility specialist. I travel a lot and always need a good book on the road.

Why did you start reading Vince?
On one of my trips I finished the book I was reading and was looking for another book to hold me over until I got home. Saw Vince's book "Kill Shot" in one of the airport book stores, read the back cover and knew it was right up my alley! Mitch Rapp became my next favorite protagonist, besides Jack Reacher, and I was hooked. Proceeded to fly through all of the Rapp books and was incredibly sad when I heard that Vince got away from us.

Do you have a favorite book?
A very hard question, but I would have to say "Kill Shot" because it got me hooked on Mitch Rapp. I just couldn't wait to get the next book.  I got online and wrote down all the books so I could then start reading them in sequence.

Who is your favorite character?
Hands down it has to be Mitch Rapp. However, you have to like Scott Coleman as well.

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Being a former Marine I envision myself working in a support role with a guy like Mitch. Sort of like Scott Coleman.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
When you travel a lot your best friend is often times a good book. There is a lot of down time with delayed flights, the flight itself, hotel time, etc. Having one of Vince's books in hand made that travel so exciting. Time would fly by. I would get 3/4's through the book and start to feel down because I didn't want the book to end. That's when you know you are hooked on an author, when you don't want the book to end, and you can't wait for the next one to come out!

What's Your Story: Terry Hayes

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Background
I am a former journalist and foreign correspondent who, through a very fortunate set of circumstances, got the opportunity to work as a screenwriter and film producer. A person who I didn't know - a medical doctor - was looking for someone to collaborate with him on writing a movie. A mutual acquaintance mentioned my name and the doctor came into an office where I was producing a top- rating current affairs radio program and we had a chat about journalism and movies. What we were really trying to do was work out if we could work together.  We both seemed to think it was worth a shot and we ended up going on a long journey together. The doctor's name was George Miller, he went one to be nominated for several Oscars and won one. The first movie we did together was called Road Warrior/Mad Max 2 and a whole lot of of other movies and mini series followed. As I mentioned, it was a very fortunate set of circumstances! I have continued to write movies but my greatest joy has been to work as a novelist. My first book, I Am Pilgrim, is about to be published in the US.

Why did you start reading Vince?
I love browsing in bookshops and surfing the net. I remember walking into
a ookstore, picking up a Vince Flynn book - it was Consent to Kill - reading
the first few pages and then promptly buying it. I guess that was 2005 or
so. My kids are always saying I'm losing my memory (to say nothing of my
mind), so it might have been a little later.

Do you have a favorite book?
My own favorite is American Assassin - primarily because it is a sort of
origin story and I always seem to have a weakness for those. I loved going
back and meeting Mitch Rapp at a much earlier part of his life and it's always
terrific to read about those things - big and small - that contributed to him
becoming the man we know.

Who is your favorite character?
Well, I'd like to be original - and I have really tried to make a case for Irene Kennedy - but I'm afraid I just can't go past Mitch. I think we should all be so lucky to know - let alone create! - a guy like him. I think, as we get older especially, we become more and more disillusioned with politicians no matter what party they represent. Mitch's attitude to them certainly struck a chord with me.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Having worked so long in the movies, I always think in terms of casting so forgive me if I go down that route. If you were going a bit older, I think of Russell Crowe - there is something very contained and powerful about him. You get the sense he is very much his own man - just think of him in Gladiator. Younger, and a guy who seems to have a very big career in front of him, is Chris Hemsworth. There is a real presence and like-ability to him - with or without that big hammer. My wife says Russell, my tween age daughters say Chris - and that pretty well sums up the age thing! Of course, they are both Australians (which is where I was raised) so maybe I am a bit biased. In order to counteract that, I think Matt Damon could play it really well and he's such a good actor I can't help envisioning him in many, many things I read.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Everyone should read these books!

What's Your Story: David Tromblay

Background
I am a honor grad from a military school, have done extensive security work, Train in Krav Maga and h2h combat... I fit the profile of Mitch Rapp and wish someone would find me to do a casting call.

Why did you start reading Vince?
3 years ago and I was hooked.

Do you have a favorite book?
American Assassin and Consent To Kill.    They are all so full of depth its hard to like one more than the other.    

Who is your favorite character?
Mitch.  Enough said.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Me.  Mitch reminds me of myself. We think alike, and we both have a will that cannot be broken. Plus, I am a loner with a broken heart..lol.

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Everyone should read these books!

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What's Your Story: Lisa Carroll

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Background
I'm a freelance writer and also a media relations consultant - I also worked overseas in London for many years, sometimes on events with the U.S. Embassy. My company had people speaking like Margaret Thatcher and Caspar Weinberger at luncheon events.

Why did you start reading Vince?
Around 5 years ago - I was not really into thrillers but thought, "hey, I'll give this a try." I was hooked!

Do you have a favorite book?
"Transfer of Power" - it had everything, from the White House inner secrets to a romance - amazing!

Who is your favorite character?
Yes, Mitch - because he is so brave about what is right and wrong, and not
afraid to tell it how it is.    

Who do you envision when you read about Mitch Rapp? 
Actually, Vince himself! But I think Chris Hemsworth is a good match too.

If you could be a character in a Vince Flynn novel, who would you be? 
I would be Greta, his girlfriend in the prequels, what a lucky girl!!

Is there anything else you would like to share relating to Vince and his novels?
Yes - just reading about Vince, the way he conducted himself when he found he had cancer and learning more about him has been such an inspiration to me through some tough times (job loss, relatives passing away). Also I admire his writing and was inspired how he got his first book out there to the public.