The Selected

About the Author

Ron Collins Jr. is the author of The Selected series, a modern-day political thriller that asks what justice really costs. Before turning to writing, Ron spent more than twenty-eight years in the security industry, training officers and providing executive protection. His career gave him firsthand insight into human behavior, crisis management, and the difficult choices people face under pressure—experiences that now fuel the realism and intensity of his storytelling.

Influenced by authors like Lee Child, Mark Greaney, and Vince Flynn, Ron combines fast-paced action with a focus on morality, values, and the consequences of power. His thrillers deliver the adrenaline of high-stakes conflict while exploring the personal and ethical struggles behind every decision.

When he isn’t writing, Ron enjoys time with his wife and two sons, reflecting on history, and exploring how personal integrity can endure in a fractured society. Originally from San Diego and now based in the Pacific Northwest, he continues to craft stories that challenge readers to question where justice ends and judgment begins.

Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, The Selected, What is it about?

The Selected is a modern-day political thriller that explores what happens when the system of justice breaks down and the government creates a secret program to fill that void. The story follows Daniel Aurora, an ordinary man who is suddenly chosen to act as judge, jury, and executioner. While it is action-packed and intense, the real heart of the series lies in the moral weight Daniel carries. Every decision he makes forces him to confront questions of right and wrong, and what those judgments ultimately cost him as a man.

Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in your book, The Selected? Is it directed at any particular market?

The Selected will resonate with readers who love fast-paced, high-stakes thrillers but also want something deeper than just action. If you enjoy authors like Lee Child, Mark Greaney, or Vince Flynn, you’ll feel right at home with the intensity and suspense. At the same time, the story speaks to readers who are drawn to questions of morality, values, and justice in today’s society. It’s for anyone who wants to be entertained by gripping action while also challenged to think about the true cost of judgment

Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?

Some of my favorite authors are Lee Child, Mark Greaney, and Vince Flynn. Each of them has a talent for creating stories that combine relentless pacing with strong characters and high stakes. What I admire most is how their books never let up in terms of action, yet still manage to explore questions of loyalty, morality, and the grey areas of justice. Those are the same qualities I strive to bring into The Selected.

At the same time, I wanted my series to have something beyond action. Underneath the violence and judgment, there’s also a very human story about connection and love. Daniel’s relationship with Penelope grows quietly in the background, adding tenderness and vulnerability to his otherwise brutal world. That balance of adrenaline and emotion gives the series something for everyone—thriller fans will be hooked by the action, while readers who love character-driven stories will be drawn in by the human side of it all.

Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?

The best guidance I can give is to stay authentic to your own voice and keep writing, even when it feels difficult. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to other authors or chasing trends, but readers connect most with honesty and passion. Write the story you would want to read, and don’t be afraid to let your characters surprise you along the way, but don’t be to personally attached to the protagonist character. Let the characters authenticity shine organically.

It also helps to treat writing like a discipline. Some days the words will flow, other days it will feel like a struggle, but showing up consistently makes all the difference. Read widely, learn from the writers you admire, and then apply those lessons in your own way. Most importantly, remember that writing is about more than finishing a book; it’s about sharing a piece of yourself with others.

Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you? Do you have a website or a way to be contacted?

Readers can find out more about me and my work at my official website: www.roncollinsjr.books.com

There you’ll find updates on The Selected series, upcoming releases, and links to my social media platforms.For example, Volume 2 is coming out shortly. It’s a much bigger dive into the heart of The Selected Series.

My books are available on Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads, and the audiobook editions will soon be released on Audible and Apple Books through Dark Hills Studios.

I also enjoy connecting with readers, so visiting the website is the best way to stay up to date and reach out. I personally answer each reader’s questions.

Qn 6: What was your inspiration to write The Selected?

The inspiration for The Selected came from watching how broken systems fail ordinary people. After decades working in security and private protection services, I’ve seen firsthand how justice can be uneven, how power can corrupt, and how those left behind are often ignored. I wanted to explore what it would look like if one person was suddenly given the authority to step in where the system had failed. Not a politician or a soldier, but an ordinary man who must shoulder extraordinary responsibility. That idea became Daniel Aurora, and through him I could explore both the weight of justice and the cost it has on a person’s humanity.

Qn 7: The Selected centres on Daniel Aurora, who gains the power to be the judge, jury and executioner potentially. What was the most challenging scene for you to write?

One of the most challenging scenes for me to write comes later in the story, when Daniel begins to understand that his judgments carry ripple effects beyond the people he confronts directly. It wasn’t the action or the violence that was difficult — it was putting myself in Daniel’s place as he struggles with the moral weight of each decision. I wanted to make sure readers felt not only the intensity of the moment, but also the quiet devastation that follows when he realizes how those choices shape the people around him. Balancing action with emotional truth is always the hardest part, but also the most rewarding.

Qn 8: A gripping tale full of suspense, unchecked power and a fight against corruption. For those new to your work or to Action thrillers, how would you sell The Selected and attract readers of other genres?

The Selected is a thriller at its core — fast-paced, full of suspense, and driven by high-stakes confrontations. But what sets it apart, and what I think appeals to readers outside the action genre, is its depth. The story isn’t just about gunfights and judgment; it’s about a man trying to protect the people he loves while navigating impossible choices. Daniel’s budding relationship with Penelope, his loyalty to his family, and his struggle to hold onto his humanity make the series something more than an action thriller. It’s a human story set against a backdrop of corruption and power, and that balance is what draws readers in, even if thrillers aren’t usually their first choice.

Qn 9: Your background is in security. Do you draw any real-life experiences into your work?

Definitely. My 28 years in personal security and management and training of professional private security teams has taught me a lot about human behavior under stress, how people react when they’re scared, and the split-second decisions that can change everything. I bring that realism into the action sequences — making them feel authentic and grounded — but also into Daniel’s character. Security work comes with a weight of responsibility: people trust you with their safety. That sense of accountability, and the toll it can take, is something I’ve lived with and poured into the story. It keeps the book from being just action on the surface; it carries the emotional truth of what it means to be responsible for others.

Qn 10: What will you be working on next will there be a sequel to The Selected?

I’ve have already completed The Selected: Volume 2 and it is set for release in the next month. Which is very exciting. Volume 2, which is a much bigger dive into this story, it’s 36 chapters filled with action, suspense, and a deeper focus on character development, especially the bond between Daniel and Penelope. It takes the story further, with bigger stakes and more emotional depth, while staying true to the intensity of the first volume. Now I’m writing Volume 3, which will bring everything together. It combines the action and moral conflict of the first book with the expanded relationships and complexity of the second, creating a more layered and engaging continuation of the series. My goal is for each volume to grow — more thrilling, more complex, and more rewarding for readers who stay with Daniel’s journey.

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