Christmas is Coming - Tony Park

Described by the Canberra Times as 'One of our best and most consistent thriller writers', Tony Parks' latest release is THE PREY, his tenth fiction novel. He has also co-authored a number of non-fiction autobiographies.
Tony grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. Nowadays, and along with his wife Nicola, he divides his time between their home in N.S.W. and Southern Africa where the couple own a tent and a series III Land Rover. I love reading Tony's books and he joins me now in the Christmas is Coming Series to answer some questions.
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My Latest Release
'The Prey' is a contemporary thriller set in a gold mine and on the border of South Africa's iconic Kruger National Park. Illegal miners (known in Africa as 'zama zamas', or 'chancers') run sophisticated mining operation underground in parrallel with legal mines. South African mine manager Cameron McMurtrie is fighting a full scale war undergroun when one of his men is kidnapped by the zama zamas. His high flying corporate boss, Kylie Hamilton, is dispatched from head office in Australia to oversea the rescue operation. The company is also involved in plans to establish a new mine in a wildlife area on the edge of the Kruger National Park - Kylie and Cameron are fighting battles undergroun and aboveground, and with each other.
What was the idea/the revelation/the ‘kicking off point’/the impetus for writing this particular novel?
I read an article in the South African newspaper, The Sunday Times, a couple of years ago about 'zama zamas' and the extraordinary lengths mining companies were going to in order to tackle the problem of illegal mining. Ex special forces soldiers were being brought in to take on the illegal miners, who were armed with assault rifles and grenades and fighting underground battles to protect their criminal operations. This kind of thing could only happen in Africa and I thought it would make the basis of a ripping yarn.
What is your funniest ‘real life’ Christmas story?
When I was about 10 my brother and I woke up to find no presents under the tree. 'Santa' had been to a big Christmas Eve lunch and had forgotten to get the presents off lay-by! Christmas wasn't great, but December 27, when the toy shop re-opened, was fun.
Best Christmas present you’ve ever received?
The first person in South Africa who ever contacted me about my first novel, Far Horizon, happened to be a guy who owned a luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park. He liked my book and invited my wife, Nicola, and I to stay at his lodge. The only days we could get in were Christmas Day and Boxing Day. We'd been camping in the bush for months and this was the height of luxury. Robert, the reader, has since become a really good friend of ours.
Worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?
I used to hate receiving socks and undies for Christmas as a kid. Now I need new ones and no one ever gives them to me.
Best Christmas present you’ve ever bought for someone else?
A GPS car satnav for my wife, Nicola. She was a bit offended at first, as she prides herself on her map reading ability, but she and the little lady who live inside it now get on quite well. (Margareta: Nicola, I can SO relate to this ...)
This Christmas, who would be the best person to buy your novel for?
Anyone who likes Africa, adventure, and a bit of funny business on the side.
Here's Tony hard at work although I'm sure there's a beverage of some description (like beer) just outside the photo
. Having grown up on a reading diet which was heavily weighted by my Dad's Wilbur Smith novels, I adore novels set in Africa. So, if you'd like a fast paced, action and adventure story with a dose of romance set in an evocative part of the world, I'd suggest giving Tony's books a whirl.
Tony, along with Pan MacMillan Australia, have kindly donated a copy of THE PREY for us to giveaway. Leave a comment below and you'll go in the draw to win the book or a signed Christmas Card from this amazing author.
Comments
Jan Minter (not verified)
November 7, 2013 - 5:38pm
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The Prey
Hi Tony, just downloaded your new book The Prey to my Kindle and can't wait to start reading. Have enjoyed your other books so I know I will love this one. Regards Jan
Tony Park (not verified)
November 7, 2013 - 6:43pm
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Thanks
Thanks Jan, glad you liked the books!
Deb Amy (not verified)
November 7, 2013 - 9:08pm
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The Prey
I HAVE READ ALL YOUR BOOKS TO DATE AND LOVE THEM ALL. VERY EXCITED TO START READING YOUR LATEST NOVEL "THE PREY". YOU HAVE SUCH A GIFT FOR STORY TELLING, I HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO WRITE FOR A LONG TIME.
BEST WISHES
DEB.
Anonymous (not verified)
November 7, 2013 - 9:55pm
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Ooooh got to try this one!
I have family who own mines in Africa and I cant wait to read this!! It is top of my reading list for as soon as the "wet" starts.
Raelene (not verified)
November 7, 2013 - 11:32pm
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Tony Park
Hi Tony
have enjoyed many of your previous books. Will be adding this one to my christmas list for kids/hubby to get me.
cheers
Raelene
Cheryl (not verified)
November 8, 2013 - 1:18am
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Ok. I will have a look. :)
Ok. I will have a look. :)
Susanne Bellamy (not verified)
November 8, 2013 - 9:51am
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Hi Tony and Margareta, One
Hi Tony and Margareta,
One day, I hope to travel to Africa. My dad was in the Royal Navy for twenty years (many years ago)and at one stage was posted down in Port Elizabeth. He and his mates used to visit Capetown on leave, and he ran cross country races there. He introduced me to Wilbur Smith's novels and I know he would have been right into yours too. I was delighted when my brother-in-law loaned me my first Tony Park novel and knew I had found another author to follow. Will be putting your new novel on my Xmas wish list to my family!
Ann-Marie Day (not verified)
November 8, 2013 - 9:55am
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Wilbur Smith novels - there
Wilbur Smith novels - there was always one or two laying around our house as it was Dad's favourite author at the time.
Have not read any of your books yet but guess what I'll be doing these holidays. ahh more books to add to the reading list. ;)
Missy (not verified)
November 8, 2013 - 10:19am
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This book sounds great! I've
This book sounds great! I've picked up Tony Park's books before but haven't ever bought one - I will definitely be buying this one, sounds very intriguing!!
Kellie Bryant (not verified)
November 8, 2013 - 3:05pm
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The Prey
I was reading a Wilbur Smith book many years ago when a stranger came up to me and asked if I had heard of Tony Park, I replied "No I haven't" and she said "Do yourself a favour and go and buy one of his books". I did that and have never looked back, I have every one of Tony's books personally signed by him and on top of that I have just returned from an incredible month trip to Africa including Kruger National Park and I was so delighted and excited to have a personal invitation from Tony and his lovely wife to visit them at their house on a private nature reserve just out of Kruger on the Sabie River. We had a wonderful afternoon, he is such a down to earth great aussie block that writes the best books. I can't wait to read "The Prey", it is at the top of my Christmas list.
Margareta
November 13, 2013 - 10:42am
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Winners Announced
Hi Everyone - thanks for dropping by and joining in - Margareta's announced the Giveway winners for week one
here: http://www.margaretaosborn.com.au/content/christmas-coming-winners-are-grinners-after-rachael-caroline-and-tony-dropped-see-us