Chris Brown, author of The Z Affair, describes his writing journey as spontaneous yet deliberate. Initially drafted during a lockdown period of two to three months, The Z Affair was set aside before being revisited and completed over another few months. Despite facing technical challenges, Chris persisted and eventually secured publication in July 2024. 

Reflecting on his debut, Chris emphasises the importance of perseverance and completion for aspiring writers, sharing insights into his writing process, which now includes a more structured approach for his upcoming sequel. 

Key Takeaways

Set in 1971, the novel targets an older audience but includes modern parallels, especially around media influence.

Chris conducted thorough research on historical events and locations to blend real-world details with fiction for authenticity.

Camille, the love interest in The Z Affair, is inspired by strong female icons, and her role challenges traditional gender roles, potentially overshadowing the protagonist.

Key Moments

"Really, you've got to do it, finish it, because you can. There are all different ways of getting a book done... but you need to finish the book first and believe in it, to a degree."

"If you're going to say, I'm going to write a book, just do it and finish it and fine-tune it. Persevere, because otherwise it just stops as a few notes and an unfinished masterpiece in your back bedroom."

"I've outlined the whole story in notes. It's all there... You just need to add bits and edit bits and fine-tune it."

About Chris Brown

C.K. Brown has had a varied career including music and finance. During this time, he has written songs, poetry, short stories, and newspaper articles. This is his first novel and was mainly written in lockdown. Recently retired, Chris then completed this novel. It is a spy thriller with romance underpinning the story, set in 1971, but with some modern themes. Chris lives in South Staffordshire with his wife, Carole.

Connect with Chris Brown: https://linktr.ee/ckbrownauthor

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Author of The Z Affair, Chris Brown reflects on his 21-year career in banking, where he progressed from filing to becoming a commercial manager. He discusses the shift in the banking industry and how it prompted him to leave in 1998 to pursue his passion for music and start his own business. Chris shares his experiences of writing a book inspired by a mix of espionage and historical events, emphasising the evolution of his character, Philip Trent. He also touches on creating compelling villains, like the assassin Zed, while blending elements of nostalgia into his storytelling.

Key Takeaways

After leaving banking in 1998, Chris transitioned to starting his own commercial finance brokerage. He emphasises the challenges of entrepreneurship, including securing clients and navigating economic downturns, which affected his business during the banking collapse of 2008.

Chris highlights his approach to character creation in his writing, often starting with physical descriptions that reflect their inner personalities. He mentions the significance of backstories for his characters, particularly focusing on the antagonist, Zed, whose physical scars symbolise his evil nature and dark history.

Chris discusses themes of espionage and patriotism through his protagonist, Philip Trent, who navigates complex situations without fitting the traditional spy mould. 

Key Moments

"His job is that he (Philip Trent) is sent out to look at situations or events that might jeopardise the country... his view of the old-fashioned patriotism that was instilled in him through his family and his background... is very much dented."

"Zed, the assassin, has a really evil background. He was involved in the German concentration camps, then worked for Russians and various mercenary operations around the world. His face is all scarred, which gives him the nickname of the zombie, hence Zed. His face becomes really evil, reflecting his inner personality, and he will just kill anyone for money—a total mercenary."

About Chris Brown

C.K. Brown has had a varied career including music and finance. During this time, he has written songs, poetry, short stories, and newspaper articles. This is his first novel and was mainly written in lockdown. Recently retired, Chris then completed this novel. It is a spy thriller with romance underpinning the story, set in 1971, but with some modern themes. Chris lives in South Staffordshire with his wife, Carole.

Connect with Chris Brown: https://linktr.ee/ckbrownauthor

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Author Chris Brown reflects on his school years from 1964 to 1971, admitting he wasn't a strong student, often distracted by playing in a band and football. His initial interest was music, forming a band that, while not very successful, sparked his passion for songwriting. 

Despite lacking clear ambitions, he drifted into a banking career, initially struggling but later finding fulfilment in commercial banking, eventually managing his own business. Music and writing remained a passion throughout, leading to the semi-professional band "Ego." Later in life, Brown wrote his debut novel The Z Affair, drawing on his experiences and interests.

Key Takeaways

Chris Brown pursued music passionately but eventually drifted into a banking career without a clear initial plan.

His novel "The Z Affair" draws on Cold War history and features a gritty, working-class protagonist, Philip Trent.

The authors creative journey has blended music, poetry, and writing, with his experiences shaping his characters and stories.

Key Moments

"I ended up drifting into banking and a corporate life for the next 30 years.”

"I always wanted to be a writer, but it took me a while to get here."

"It was the ordinary, working-class character of Philip Trent that fascinated me."

"Trent has lived a life. He's been knocked down, but he’s got back up again and carried on – I think a lot of people can relate to that."

About Chris Brown

C.K. Brown has had a varied career including music and finance. During this time, he has written songs, poetry, short stories, and newspaper articles. This is his first novel and was mainly written in lockdown. Recently retired, Chris then completed this novel. It is a spy thriller with romance underpinning the story, set in 1971, but with some modern themes. Chris lives in South Staffordshire with his wife, Carole.

Connect with Chris Brown: https://linktr.ee/ckbrownauthor

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Brown, a first-time author from Birmingham, has recently published The Z Affair, a spy thriller set in 1971 against the backdrop of Cold War Berlin. In this episode Chris reflects on his journey from writing poems and song lyrics in his youth to revisiting a 50-year-old film script he made with friends, which became the basis of the novel. 

The story features Philip Trent, a patriotic, working-class ex-soldier turned government agent, who navigates espionage, intrigue, and personal struggles. Drawing on historical research and his own experiences, Brown's novel mixes action, suspense, and social commentary, portraying a gritty and intense atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

Chris Brown began writing poems and lyrics early, but during COVID-19 lockdown, he developed his school spy script into The Z Affair. 

The Z Affair, set in 1971, revolves around political intrigue, patriotism, social unrest, and media manipulation, reflecting modern issues.

The main character in the book, Philip Trent, a tough, patriotic ex-soldier from a working-class background, embodies loyalty and resilience, inspired by Brown's own experiences.

Key Moments

"If it hadn’t been for COVID, I might never have written The Z Affair. The pandemic gave me time and space to create."

"I wanted to explore patriotism—what happens when you try to stand up for your country, but powerful forces manipulate you."

"Trent is a working-class guy, tough and loyal. He’s always fighting for what he believes is right, no matter the cost."

About Chris Brown

C.K. Brown has had a varied career including music and finance. During this time, he has written songs, poetry, short stories, and newspaper articles. This is his first novel and was mainly written in lockdown. Recently retired, Chris then completed this novel. It is a spy thriller with romance underpinning the story, set in 1971, but with some modern themes. Chris lives in South Staffordshire with his wife, Carole.

Connect with Chris Brown: https://linktr.ee/ckbrownauthor

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CK Brown: An Author's Journey, the podcast that delves deep into the making of the electrifying novel, The Zed Affair. Join us as we explore the creative process behind this spy thriller with the author, Chris Brown. 

Chris will read exclusive excerpts from *The Zed Affair*, providing a taste of the suspenseful narrative that unfolds in 1971, a time of chaos and covert operations. Discover the inspiration behind the book and get to know the author’s fascinating journey from drummer and banker to novelist.

We’ll dive into the enigmatic protagonist, Philip Trent, an ex-soldier turned government agent entangled in a web of espionage, romance, and intrigue. With engaging discussions and behind-the-scenes insights, you'll gain a deeper understanding of both the story and the author.

If you haven't already, make sure you pick up your copy of The Zed Affair at your favourite bookstore or online. Follow Chris Brown on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X under 'CKBrownAuthor' for the latest updates and more exclusive content.

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