Member - International Thriller Writers
I am a proud member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) association, and value their benefits and resources. Click on the image or title above to find out more.
Member - Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW
I am a member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW association and participate in the Lake Macquarie chapter meetings, training and critique groups. Click on the image or title above to find out more.
Biography
Steve Shipley
Welcome to the Steve Shipley Author Website! And thank you for your interest in the adventures and intrigue of the Blake Willis crime thriller series.
Steve is the author of the Blake Willis corporate and political crime thriller series, as well as a growing collection of non-fiction books focused on writing and practical life skills, including the best ways to enjoy wine, spirits, and other life pleasures.
With a background in mathematics, IT, and international business consulting, Steve spent years inside boardrooms and backroom meetings—often in developing and corrupt countries—gaining a rare perspective on how power really works. His thrillers blend that insider knowledge with page-turning suspense, uncovering how elites manipulate systems—and the elite team—his Blake Willis team—working to stop them.
Steve’s writing is grounded in real-world detail, whether it’s a financial or political conspiracy or a theft of rare whisky or artwork. Readers who enjoy sharp plotting, smart characters, and a touch of sophistication–that is easy to understand!–will find much to enjoy in his crime thrillers.
Steve’s non-fiction draws from the same depth of experience, blending clear, conversational guidance with insights that help readers grow, create, and navigate life with confidence.
Whether he’s exploring a high-stakes conspiracy or sharing tools to spark creative breakthroughs, Steve’s writing is designed to inform, entertain, and empower.
He lives in Australia, where he and his wife have their publishing company, InkIT Publishing, to foster their writing and author services business. He splits his time between storytelling, sipping good whisky and wine, and helping others tap into their potential—one book at a time.
All his books are available in Kindle or print format, and free to read for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
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Frequently Asked Questions—About Me
Want to know more about who’s behind the books? You’re not alone. Readers often ask where Blake Willis came from, how I ended up writing thrillers after decades as a CIO and corporate IT consultant, and what life now looks like behind the scenes of a writer’s desk. This section is for you.
Here, you’ll find a mix of personal backstory, reflections on my writing journey, and a few unexpected truths about how life experience fuels the fiction. Whether you’re a curious reader, fellow writer, or someone exploring your own creative path, this is where I share the “why” and “how” behind it all.
➡️ Scroll down to explore how I became an author, what keeps me going, and the passions that shape the worlds I create.
My Writing Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Every author has a moment—or a series of moments—that nudges them toward the page. For me, the journey from a global corporate IT consultant and member of the boardroom to being a crime thriller author wasn’t exactly planned. It unfolded through years of quiet observation, intense boardroom experiences, sometimes troubling ethical dilemmas, and a few personal revelations that demanded to be written down and reflected on.
In this section, you’ll get a glimpse into how I became a writer, why I chose crime thrillers, and what made me trade spreadsheets for suspense. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to reinvent yourself, or you’re just curious about the spark behind Blake Willis, you’re in the right place.
➡️ Pull back the curtain and explore how this whole writing adventure began.
When did you start writing fiction, and what inspired the switch from being an IT consultant?
I started writing fiction at 68—proof that it’s never too late to follow a new path. It wasn’t a master plan; the stories in my head just got too loud to ignore.
My first real switch wasn’t from consulting to fiction—it was from not writing to learning how. I had no formal writing background, but early mentors at Booz Allen saw something in me and taught me how to communicate clearly and persuasively. That’s where I learned the Pyramid Principle—consulting-speak at its finest.
From there, I wrote essays and paid research for tech clients, and even blogged about wine and technology. But a novel? I never thought I had a “novel” in me! That always felt like someone else’s dream—until suddenly, it was mine.
Why fiction—and why crime thrillers?
After decades in boardrooms, embassies, and high-stakes projects—often in developing countries—I saw the same recurring themes: power, corruption, espionage, and good people still trying to do the right thing. Fiction gave me a way to turn those experiences into something thrilling, thought-provoking—and honestly, fun.
It started with journaling and fragments of ideas. Then one day, while tagging along to a writer’s conference (my wife’s been helping authors for years), a few of her clients nudged me to try fiction. They said it might even spice up my non-fiction. I had a spark of an idea—FALSE TRUST—and figured, why not?
I didn’t plan to publish. But three weeks later, I had 30,000 words and couldn’t stop. Turns out, the movie playing in my head had a script—and I was the one meant to write it.
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Not at all. I used to hate writing—and assumed I was terrible at it. I was always valued for solving problems, not crafting prose.
But fiction? Turns out it’s just problem-solving with plot twists. I was fascinated by how a story could spiral out of control—characters misbehaving, timelines colliding—and how the act of writing was its own puzzle. Not just solving the crime in the story, but solving the story itself.
That challenge—of how to write the story itself? I loved it. And I was hooked.
What challenges have you had to overcome as a writer?
Shifting from structured consulting reports to storytelling wasn’t easy. I knew how to outline, follow grammar rules, and proofread—but writing fiction? That was a whole new game.
In consulting, you explain everything and back it up. In fiction, less is more. You invite the reader to connect the dots and make the story personal. Learning to convey more by saying less was a big leap.
Then there was the craft: weaving plot and character arcs, planting clues and red herrings, transitioning between scenes… it was multi-dimensional and, at first, overwhelming.
I discovered I had a knack for storytelling—but it still took years of learning the fiction craft before FALSE TRUST felt ready. And honestly? The hardest part has always been showing up to write, even when it doesn’t flow. After the first book, I wasn’t sure I had the stamina for a second—let alone a series. Turns out, I did.
What do you enjoy more—fiction or non-fiction?
I enjoy both—for very different reasons. Fiction lets me build new worlds. Non-fiction helps me make sense of the real one.
That said, there’s often more truth buried in my thrillers than readers expect—and occasionally a touch of storytelling magic woven into my non-fiction. Let’s just say I enhance reality for effect—without sacrificing accuracy.
Did you ever have a mentor or formal writing training?
No formal training. I really started behind the curve on this. My only writing was writing code! From that I learned structure and accuracy, but that wasn’t much help writing fiction! I’ve read my share of writing and publishing craft books—over one hundred in the last few years, with KM Weiland and Robert Ryan standing out as the most valuable. Mostly, I’ve learned by writing, revising, and listening to trusted feedback.
And when I need a second opinion? I’m fortunate to have a few accomplished author friends who don’t hold back—plus a wife who offers her own brand of “constructive” feedback, with zero filter and a lot of flair.
How do you research your stories?
It’s a mix of firsthand experience, obsessive Googling, expert interviews, and a healthy dose of imagination. I travel when I can—Tasmania for FALSE TRUST, Cambodia for FALSE LOVE, and Albany, Minnesota (including Saint John’s University) for FALSE HOPE.
We once got our car stuck in the sand in Tasmania while scouting a whisky heist escape route. My wife suggested I just use Google Maps next time.
While I don’t use AI to write my stories, I do use it for research. It helps me quickly explore complex topics—like medical imaging on an iPad, how casinos operate in Cambodia, or which weapons and vehicles suit a scene best. It’s like having an always-on research assistant—minus the attitude.
What does your writing routine look like?
I’m a plotter, not a pantser—I like structure. I spend two to three weeks mapping out the story scene by scene, with bullet points for what each chapter needs to deliver.
Then I write, one chapter at a time, until I’ve got a full draft. That can take a few months. After that, it’s all about revision—tightening, tweaking, and making the story sing.
Along the way, I’ve got a few trusted muses reading early drafts and offering feedback—sometimes brutally honest, but always helpful.
As for my daily rhythm? Mornings are my most creative time, so I try to write first thing. But as the passion grows, I’m often back at the keyboard in the evenings too. That said, I’m now in my 70s—I don’t pull twelve-hour days anymore. I break for lunch, a short nap, and make space for at least one Sabbath day each week to reset and recharge.
Why are you publishing as an indie author instead of going the traditional route?
I had the chance to go the traditional route—and it was tempting. Upfront payment, a support team, and the cachet of a big-name publisher. But the numbers told a different story: indie sales are growing faster, and publisher resources are shrinking.
Between my wife, a few skilled contractors, and me, we’ve got the experience to handle most of what publishing requires—and more importantly, we keep control. Indie publishing is a slower road to success, but it’s ours. We set the schedule, shape the brand, and build momentum on our own terms.
It’s a long game, but we’re in it for the long haul. And when we hit that flex point—when the books find their wider audience—we’ll be ready to scale.
Life Behind the Pen
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s more to writing than plot twists and page counts—and more to me than what’s printed on a book jacket. This is where you’ll meet the person behind the pen.
Here, I share glimpses of the life that shapes my stories: where I live, what I love, and how decades of travel, consulting, and curiosity have colored my characters and settings. Some of it’s personal. Some of it’s playful. All of it’s part of the journey.
➡️ If you’ve ever wondered how fact and fiction blur in my world, this is a good place to start.
Where do you live now?
I’m based in Australia—about two hours northwest of Sydney. We live on a vineyard, which makes for a pretty inspiring place to write (and sip).
That said, we’re always open to new adventures. If you’re a fellow creative and ever up for a house swap—let’s talk. You bring the story, we’ll bring the view.
What do you do when you're not writing?
I read constantly—mostly crime fiction—always studying the greats and sharpening my craft. I’ve rejoined a gym to stay fit, though I’m more consistent with food and wine. Sharing a great bottle and a meal with friends is one of life’s best pleasures.
I still keep a toe in the tech world—advising, consulting, and moderating VIP roundtables on AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. Funny thing is, almost everything I do feeds into my writing.
My wife and I are also working on keeping a Sabbath mindset—taking real breaks, traveling more, and unplugging completely when we can. Turns out, rest fuels creativity too.
How has your life experience shaped your characters?
Deeply. Blake’s voice echoes my own worldview. Bronko’s loyalty and Rebecca’s drive? Both drawn from people I’ve known—and a little bit of me.
They say, “write what you know,” and it turns out, most of my characters have at least one foot (sometimes two) planted firmly in my past.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to for research or inspiration?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite wine—I could maybe narrow it down to ten, but one? Impossible. I’ve loved many.
That said, returning to Saint John’s University while researching FALSE HOPE was something special. And Cambodia? Unforgettable. Beautiful, brutal, and layered—it inspired FALSE LOVE in ways I didn’t expect.
Even close to home, I find inspiration. Many scenes are sparked by places within a two-hour radius of where we live. It’s part of why we chose to call this place home.
Do Blake and Rebecca reflect you and your wife?
People who know us often think so—and yes, there are echoes. Blake shares some of my background, and Rebecca reflects parts of my wife’s strength and heritage. But let’s be honest: we don’t chase criminals or dodge bullets. The biggest threat we face is carpal tunnel or a sore back from sitting at our computers too long.
Blake and Rebecca are fictional—larger than life, more dangerous, and far more dramatic. Thankfully, our marriage involves fewer conspiracies and kidnappings. But both couples—the Willises and us—eat well, drink well, and share a relationship built on love and loyalty.
I’ll leave the criminals, the bullets… and the rocket launchers to them.
What are you reading right now?
Always a mix—thrillers, writing craft books, and the occasional curveball outside my usual lane… even romance! I read to sharpen my craft, and I learn from every author—good, bad, and in between.
I stay close to my genre, so writers like Vince Flynn, Dan Silva, David Baldacci, Brad Thor, Kyle Mills, and Mark Dawson are regulars on my list. I also enjoy classic crime and detective series—especially those rooted in Minnesota, where I grew up. John Sandford, Brian Freeman, David Housewright, and William Kent Krueger all hit that sweet spot.
Turns out, you can leave Minnesota—but you never stop reading about it. Those books bring back a flood of fond memories. I can picture the Perkins where Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers grab breakfast—it’s the same one my wife and I used to visit regularly. Or Nina’s jazz club in Cathedral Hill—one of my favorite dining spots. The settings may be fiction, but they feel like home.
Do you have a favorite book you’ve written?
That’s like choosing a favorite child. But I’m always most excited about the next one.
That said, I loved the challenge of writing FALSE START and FALSE LOVE (coming November 2025). They’re layered geopolitical thrillers, full of subplots, moral ambiguity, and international intrigue.
But FALSE HOPE holds a special place in my heart. I spent four years at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota—and I’m a longtime admirer of The Saint John’s Bible project. Many of the characters in that book were inspired by real friends, faculty, and mentors from my time there.
So unlike wine or travel destinations—where I struggle to pick a favorite—FALSE HOPE has been the most personal and meaningful so far. It also reflects the biggest leap in my writing craft, so in many ways, it’s my best work to date.
What do readers often get wrong about you?
That I’ve worked in intelligence or espionage. I haven’t—but I’ve worked with people who have.
In the corporate and government worlds I’ve operated in, the stakes were often high enough—intellectual property theft, corruption and coverup, political interference, corporate espionage. Let’s just say I’ve seen enough to write the stories… and in a few cases, had to leave a country quickly to avoid jail—or worse.
How can I follow you on social media?
You’ll find me on all the usual platforms—Substack, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, X, and more. But if you really want to hear from me directly, Substack is the place. That’s where I write regular notes, blog posts, and soon, launch my podcast. It’s where my community lives.
If you’ve been on this website’s email list, no worries—it’s already been migrated to Substack. You don’t need to do a thing. And if not, you can sign up here.
For convenience, I’ve curated all my social media links in one place. You can find and follow me on your platform of choice via my LinkTree account.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Start. Then start again. Write. Read. Rewrite. And most importantly—don’t wait for permission.
You don’t need a perfect outline, a publishing contract, or someone’s blessing to begin. You get better by doing—not by asking. Writing is a craft, not a gift. The more you work at it, the more your voice sharpens.
Read widely, especially in your genre. Study how the greats do it—and how the not-so-greats don’t. Learn from both. Don’t fear revision; it’s where the magic happens. And remember: done is better than perfect.
If you’ve got a story burning in you, let it out. You’ll be surprised where it can take you.
Start. START NOW! And even if it is only a minute or a sentence, it’s a beginning.
This is the beginning of my first memoir, Shadows of the Bottle. And how it started with one sentence.
The blank journal page stared back at me like a dare. The page banner, digitally embossed with the words Your Story Matters, challenging me. I was intrigued and annoyed in equal measure by its audacity. My story mattered? Really? That seemed like an idea for someone else—someone with a more extraordinary life, someone who had triumphed over the kind of challenges that make memoirs worth reading. I was a writer of crime thriller novels and practical non-fiction books. Personally, I did not feel I had a story to tell. Or did I? I typed a few words: Alcohol was always present. Then I closed the journal and moved onto other things.
That’s how it started—with one sentence: Alcohol was always present. And a month later, I had a completed draft.
My Books
Blake Willis crime thriller series available now as eBook, paperback, or hardcover and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Coming Soon!
Books #4 and #5 of the Blake Willis crime thriller series are just around the corner. Detailed release information is coming soon.
Non-Fiction
Non-fiction lifestyle books on growing up around alcohol and alcoholics, and still being able to appreciate wine!
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"Steve writes to excite and thrill."
"As a political junkie, I can’t wait to read this."
"Fast paced, thoroughly modern cyber crime thriller. Well researched with attention to detail across many disciplines. In the style of Dan Silva. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
"This is a fascinating book that includes murder, kidnapping, deception, fraud and whiskey. Well worth the read."
