'The scripts by Stirling Silliphant combined action with ideas and so impressed Morrell that he decided to become a writer,' his website reveals. In 1960, at age 17, Morrell became a fan of the classic TV series, 'Route 66,' about two young men in a Corvette convertible traveling the U.S. He was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. JACK CARR, BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND FORMER SEAL, ANNOUNCES NONFICTION SERIES, ‘TARGETED,’ ON TERROR EVENTSĭavid, thank you for all you do for those of us new to the ranks and for sharing your gift with the world.ĭavid Morrell is the award-winning author of 'First Blood,' the novel in which Rambo was created, as Morrell's own website details. If you have seen the movies but not read the book, you are in for a surprise.įor more on David Morrell, Rambo and sage advice on writing, spend some time on David’s website.

I hope to put the learning to good use.Happy birthday to David Morrell, born on this date, April 24.Ī personal hero and a literary icon, David Morrell created the character Rambo in his 1972 debut novel, 'First Blood.' Since its publication, it has never been out of print.

I learned a great deal about characterization, plot, and pace as I sailed through these pages.

The riveting question is how these personalities will emerge at the end, not who will live or die, win or lose.I certainly understand why this magnificent story has been used in literature classes since the time of its release. The character of these two men jumps out as the pages turn like hot lead from a machinegun. There is, of course, strategy and violence in the chase as the two war heroes undertake their chess game. Sheriff hassles Rambo assuming him to be a vagrant hippy and the chase begins. He runs into a sheriff who is also a highly decorated Korean War hero. Vietnam Medal of Honor winner wants to regroup by wandering around the country with long hair and beard circa 1968. The novel is a masterpiece! The plot is simple. David received the Thrillmaster award for 2009 from the ITWA at its Thrillerfest meeting this year.First Blood marked the appearance of John Bambo in literature, followed by his glorious movie career. I had not read his work until my current campaign to read the work of all recognized thriller writers. David Morrell is credited by the International Thriller Writers Association as being one of the founders, if not the founder, of the current genre of thrillers.

First Blood by David Morrell