By Darren Gilbert

Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about BookShots and what it’s all about?

BookShots are a series of short, action-packed novels of about 25 000 words that are marketed as “all thriller, no filler.” They are gripping reads that can be raced through in a couple of hours, making them ideal for reading on flights, or on holiday.

They will also appeal to non-readers who will enjoy the pacey, fast-moving format and hopefully get them hooked on reading as a result. There are two genres – thrillers, which I’m contributing to, and romances.

How did this opportunity come about?

My publishers, Umuzi Random House, asked me if they could put my name forward as a potential author when they first heard about BookShots.

Many months later, when the concept got under way, I was asked to submit a detailed story outline. After a nail-biting wait, I got the wonderful news that the BookShots team had loved my synopsis, and that it was a go.

What was your reaction on hearing the news that you has been chosen?

When I received the contract, I was told to keep quiet about it until the official announcement, but luckily I was able to tell my partner Dion, and we celebrated with a clandestine bottle of champagne.

I am excited and proud to be collaborating with such a big name in thrillers, whose stories are so well loved. I feel privileged to be the first South African author to have this opportunity, and I hope that many more of the awesomely talented writers in this country will be able to do the same in the future.

You contribution will be titled 26 Degrees South. Can you tell us about what to expect?

Without saying too much, it involves a determined American tourist trying to uncover a secret, a tough security operator hired to protect her, a cold-blooded assassin who has never failed at his job... and a race against time to reach a set of coordinates where a deadly crime is being committed.

Has there been any talk about when your story will be published?

The finished manuscript has to be submitted at the beginning of October, so I’m guessing it will be published in early to mid-2017.

For more information, visit jassymackenzie.com. Alternatively, connect with her on Twitter.