If you're reading this, chances are you love high‑stakes stories — the kind where shadowy operatives move in the dark, alliances shift without warning, and the next page always hits harder than the last. That's exactly the world I love to write in, and I'm thrilled to finally have a space where I can share that world with you.
My name is Thom Tate, and if you've picked up any of my books, you know I have a deep love for pulse‑pounding action, geopolitical intrigue, and characters who walk the razor's edge between duty and survival. I love to deliver it in a cinematic vision that makes you feel as if you're watching a movie in your mind.
This blog is a place where I'll pull back the curtain on my writing process, share the inspirations behind my stories, talk about the craft, and occasionally explore the real‑world threads that spark my imagination.
The Writers Who Shaped My Voice
Every author is shaped by the stories they devour, and I'm no exception. My bookshelf has always been the foundation of my writing life, and a few writers in particular helped forge the style and tone you'll see in my novels.
Vince Flynn
No one captured the combination of relentless pacing and deep character conviction quite like Flynn. His "take no prisoners" storytelling rhythm influenced the tempo of my own action scenes, as well as the moral complexity behind the decisions my operatives face. There might also be a bit of Mitch Rapp inside Blake. But just a touch.
Brad Thor
Thor's mastery of global, high‑threat scenarios — and his ability to make them feel frighteningly plausible — showed me how to ground a thriller in rich, real‑world detail. His work pushed me to make my books not just exciting, but believable.
Neil Gaiman
At first glance, he may seem like an unexpected influence for a thriller writer. But Gaiman's gift for atmosphere, mythic undertones, and the quiet magic of human emotion taught me that even in stories filled with violence and espionage, moments of wonder and humanity matter deeply. His storytelling reminded me to give the reader something felt, not just something seen. I recommend Neverwhere as a great first read of his.
Steve Alten
Alten's talent for merging science, suspense, and high‑concept wonder inspired me to think bigger — to ask the "what if?" questions that expand a story's scope and challenge its characters in unexpected ways. His work taught me the power of blending adrenaline with awe.
What You Can Expect Here
This blog will be a home for:
- Behind‑the‑scenes looks at my books
- Teasers, updates, cover reveals, and release news
- Deep dives into characters, settings, and research
- Thoughts on writing, storytelling, and reading
- Occasional commentary on real‑world events that spark new story ideas
- And yes… probably the occasional rant about weapons, tradecraft, and why certain movie gun scenes make me cringe
If you enjoy espionage, covert ops, global threats, or just a damn good chase scene, you'll feel at home here.
Thank You for Being Here
Your support — whether you've read one book or all of them — means everything. Writing may be a solitary craft, but stories only truly come alive once they're in the hands of readers. So welcome. I'm glad you're here. Let's get to work building this world together.
Please feel free to join my mailing list, and if you've enjoyed any of my stories, ratings and reviews help more than you know. They set the algorithm to suggest my book to other readers.
Be sure to check out my News page, where I announce fun stuff — like podcasts I'll be on. I'm on Jim Hirtle's The Last Story podcast on February 10th at 7 PM EST, discussing Beyond All Measure and my upcoming prequel, Who Is Blake MacKay.