(Reprinted with permission of Schweizer Finanzzeitung)
Geneva, Switzerland - In an unprecedented move, a group of antagonists from author Chuck Driskell’s novels have teamed together to generate a plea to the publishing universe in the form of a letter. Numerous sources claim the primary author is Andreas Konstantinou, a terrorist financier previously believed to be dead after a 1994 Tel Aviv bombing. Despite the flowery villain-language of the letter, the prose is impressive considering Konstantinou is Cypriot by birth and learned English while at university.
Other unconfirmed reports indicate an intense conflict took place during the crafting of the letter, as several narcissistic antagonists were reportedly upset at their lack of inclusion in the letter’s content. Though no loss of life was reported, gunshots and cursing were heard coming from the antagonists’ lair in Geneva’s Pâquis area, known for its lively red light district.
When reached for comment about the letter, Chuck Driskell expressed concern and warned that none of the antagonists should be trusted. He singled out Rebekka Gräfin from Lahn’s Edge as the villain most likely to lure in unsuspecting victims. “She’s a genius. She’s dazzling. She’s aggressive. She’s unscrupulous and uses sex as a weapon. She’d make a fine American politician.”
Driskell denied associating with people similar to his antagonists, despite numerous reports to the contrary. “I refuse to admit that I run around with that type of person,” he said. “But even if I did, who could blame an author for simply trying to add a thread of authenticity to his works by spending time with unsavory people?"
The author continued to defend his alleged actions. "Flawed characters come in all shapes and forms. I remember attending a formal event in New York City where I sat at a table with a mixed crowd of a dozen professionals. Tuxedos. Sequined gowns. True blue bloods. And even among that crowd, you wouldn't believe the debauchery and treachery I witnessed.”
When pressed about the event in question, Driskell eventually confirmed it was the literary event Thrillerfest. He was seated with a group of authors, agents and editors from the publishing community.
The letter from the Driskell antagonists first appeared in the March 20th issue of Publishers Weekly and can be viewed at the following LINK.