Episode #093 Christopher Clay - Renegade Immortality

The result was “Renegade Immortality,” a novel that combines archaeological adventure with military thriller elements. Clay drew inspiration from his own experiences and the people he’s met throughout his career. One of the most interesting aspects of Clay’s writing process is his attention to technical detail, especially when it comes to firearms and tactical gear. As a firearms instructor and enthusiast, Clay wanted to ensure that the weapons and equipment in his book were accurately portrayed. This level of authenticity has resonated with readers who appreciate the realism it brings to the action scenes.

Clay also shared the challenges and surprises of the publishing process. He opted for a hybrid publishing model with Brown Books, which allowed him greater creative control but also required a significant upfront investment. The editing process was eye-opening, involving multiple rounds of revisions and even cutting a substantial portion of the original manuscript to tighten the story.

 A particularly entertaining anecdote involved Jim Hodge, founder of Hodge Defense, whose rifles feature prominently in the book. Through a series of coincidences, a copy of “Renegade Immortality” mysteriously appeared on Hodge’s doorstep, leading to a phone conversation between Clay and Hodge that the author described as feeling like “sitting on Santa’s lap.”

Looking ahead, Clay is already working on a sequel, hinting at plans to take more risks with the storyline. He’s also navigating the world of social media and book promotion, admitting to the challenges of creating content for platforms like Instagram as someone who didn’t grow up with this technology.