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Find out more about an author who meets that criteria.

Justin Hale’s creative journey was born from the depths of a personal crisis. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he turned to writing as a means of coping with his wife's health issues and his own struggles with panic attacks and depression.

His "RUNNERS," delves into the enigmatic realm of cyberpunk. The story revolves around a covert group of assassins gone rogue, being chased by the shadowy government organization they used to work for. They run guns to survive in this dystopian, chaotic world. This book is a classic embodiment of the cyberpunk genre, drawing inspiration from classics like "Blade Runner" and the "Sprawl Trilogy" by William Gibson.

However, what truly sets "RUNNERS" apart is the lens through which Hale views this intricate world. He takes the stark realities of the modern world, including wealth inequality and class separation, and reimagines them through the distorted, funhouse mirror of cyberpunk. The result is a narrative that is not only thrilling but also serves as a powerful social critique.

A Methodical Approach and a Path to Success

Justin Hale's journey into writing started when he was in middle school. At that age, he was already recognized as a talented writer, though he remained skeptical of his own abilities. Yet, the seed of becoming a writer was planted during his formative years.

The path to his debut novel, "Runner's Novel," was not straightforward. At one point, he decided to pursue film, but external influences took him down a different route. It wasn't until the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, that he found the time and motivation to revisit his long-held dream of writing. Throughout the lockdown, he penned 50,000 words, a foundation upon which his novel was built.

The success of "RUNNERS" is evident through its numerous accolades, with overwhelmingly positive reviews from platforms like Indie Reader, Blue Ink, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and more. His work is favorably compared to masterful cyberpunk authors such as William Gibson, a testament to the impact of his storytelling.

A Vision of Fighting for Change

While success is certainly part of his journey, Justin Hale has a broader mission in mind. He wants readers to walk away with a powerful message: the need to fight for the world they wish to see. “I want my readers to come away from my book with the drive to fight for the world they want to see,” he says. “If we don’t see it when we look out the window, we need to fight for it.” His work challenges readers to consider the realities they witness outside their windows and recognize that they can be the agents of change.

The Road Ahead

The journey of Justin Hale is far from over. He's already at work on a sequel to "RUNNERS" and has plans for a trilogy. His passion for writing and storytelling continues to burn bright, offering readers the opportunity to explore the cyberpunk universe he so vividly crafts.

RUNNERS is available for purchase online and on Kindle Unlimited. To learn more about Justin Hale and his work, visit his website at RunnersNovel.com and join the conversation on Instagram: @JustinHaleYeah and @runnersnovel.