The Chronic Rift Spotlight: Jon F. Merz II

Author Jon F. Merz returns to talk with John about his latest Lawson novel, The Kensei.  They also talk social media and the author's responsibility to the readers.  Make sure you comment on this episode by visiting the forums, writing us or call us toll free at 888-866-9010.  Visit our Amazon store at the bottom of the page to purchase copies of Jon's works and help the show out as well.

 

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As a writer, Jon F. Merz has published over a dozen novels including four Lawson Vampire adventures (2002-2003) with Kensington's Pinnacle Books, the Jake Thunder mystery/thriller Danger-Close (2004) with Five Star Mystery/Thorndike Press, and eleven installments in the internationally bestselling adventure series Rogue Angel (2006-present) with Harlequin's Gold Eagle line. His thriller Parallax debuted in March 2009 as an exclusive ebook. His short fiction story "Prisoner 392" (appeared alongside Stephen King in From the Borderlands, 2004, Warner Books) earned him an Honorable Mention in 2004's Year's Best Fantasy & Horror edited by Ellen Datlow. Jon has also co-authored two non-fiction books: Learning Later, Living Greater with Nancy Merz Nordstrom (2006, Sentient Publications) and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Ultimate Fighting with Rich "Ace" Franklin (2007, Alpha Books/Penguin/Putnam). Jon's latest Lawson Vampire novel, The Kensei debuted in January 2011 from St. Martin's Press, with another Lawson novel scheduled for Spring 2012. As a producer, Jon has formed New Ronin Entertainment with longtime friend Jaime Hassett to create television and feature film projects in the New England area. Their first project is The Fixer, a new supernatural action series based on Jon's Lawson Vampire novels. Filming of the pilot begins in 2011. As a ninja, Jon has studied authentic Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu for almost twenty years under Mark Davis of the Boston Martial Arts Center. He has also trained with senior Bujinkan instructors both in the United States and Japan. During a trip to Japan in February 2003, Jon earned his 5th degree black belt directly from the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu, Masaaki Hatsumi. In addition to traditional training, Jon has also taught defensive tactics to a wide range of clients, including civilian crime watch groups, police and EMS first responders, military units, and federal organizations including the US Department of State, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Prisons. In his past, Jon served with the United States Air Force, worked for the US government, and handled executive protection for a variety of Fortune 500 clients.