 | 24 Apr 08 |
Okay, so it’s not an original title 
Let’s reverse the sentiment, however.
THE UGLY
* The vitriol against Tess Gerritsen by some commenters on the Dear Author blog site. I used to enjoy visiting DA to read news and first sale stories and support some of my friends who have been highlighted. I have commented occasionally. I do NOT like the tone of the comments regarding Tess’s tongue-in-cheek blog post on her site. Okay, they didn’t get her humor. State it and move on. Don’t jump all over a respected, classy woman who has done more to help authors, published and unpublished, understand the business as well as showing that we’re not heartless robots without emotion. I was going to blog about this today, but since JD Rhodes at Murderati did such an exemplary job explaining the situation that incited the attacks on Tess, as well as what happened after, I’ll send you over there to catch up.
THE BAD
* I haven’t moved yet or closed escrow, but it’s closer. We were originally suppose to close 3/19; then 4/11; now? I’m thinking 4/30. And even then, we probably won’t actually MOVE until after May 10 because we have to order some furniture, get the hardwood floors sealed, and a variety of other little things that are much easier to do before moving in. Fortunately, we don’t have to sell our current house. We wanted to move out first, paint, put in new carpets, etc before putting it on the market. But I had planned to be in and settled and WRITING in my new office by now; instead I’ll be spending a few more weeks at Starbucks . . .
THE GOOD
* I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve sold the first three books of my supernatural thriller series based on the Seven Deadly Sins to Ballantine.
My novella in WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE is a prequel to part of the series. It sets up Rafe’s backstory and conflict. Wait until you see what’s in store for him when he gets out of his coma.
I’ve been thinking about this series for nearly five years now. I came up with the concept in August of 2003, but after writing about 50-60 pages, I discovered that THE PREY finaled in a contest (under a different title) and I wanted to finish it. When I did, I realized it was better than anything else I’d done, so I queried it out, got an agent, and sold pretty quick. At that point, writing romantic thrillers–which I love–was my priority.
But, I’ve been thinking about this story ever since. I suppose you could say that it’s haunted me. We almost pitched it last time I was up for contract, but my agent (rightfully) felt I needed to firmly establish myself in romantic suspense before venturing into something a little different. I agreed, so we kept it. When the first Seven Deadly Sins book comes out, I’ll have 12 romantic thrillers on the shelf, and that seems a good place to add a second series.
I call it “supernatural” rather than “paranormal” because everything takes place in the known, contemporary world. The supernatural elements? The Seven Deadly Sins are demons on earth. I suppose I might say that by supernatural, I believe that these things *may* happen or have some historical truth behind them. I’m relying heavily on Judeo-Christian beliefs and history because that’s something people have some knowledge about. I’ll take some liberties, of course–this IS fiction–but I probably won’t venture too dramatically outside of the “norm”–if you can call demons “normal.” LOL. I do have a fictional representation of Hell in my mind, and plan to set some scenes there. It should be . . . interesting.
Haven’t you wondered about the Seven Deadly Sins? What makes them deadly? What if they were truly deadly? What if Envy was a demon who fed and multiplied our internal envious feelings, resulting in murder, thefts, rape, mutilations, torture and other atrocities?
When we look at violent criminals, we often think that no human being could be so cruel. What if a demon really did “make him do it?”
One of my inspirations came from Stephen King’s NEEDFUL THINGS, which is my favorite book of his after THE STAND. In it, a new curio shop opens with “needful things”–things (junk) people want desperately. They see something that no one else sees. The objects are cursed. People start doing things they wouldn’t normally do. A friendly competition between churches turns deadly. It’s a scary book (of course, it’s King!) But the idea that people start behaving as they otherwise wouldn’t . . . what if I turned that around? What if the “deadly sins” within each of us is brought out, nurtured by a demon, developed to it’s natural conclusion? Which is, of course, death . . . because they are DEADLY sins, after all. So people who truly are without Envy, or Lust, or Gluttony wouldn’t be affected . . . but how many of us can honestly say we’ve never been envious or another? That we’ve never eaten or drank more than we should?
I’m also really excited about my characters. There are seven main characters, three of which are, I guess, the “primary” main characters. There will be several romantic subplots, as well as strong police procedural elements. There will always be a crime–in fact, each story is set up with a very human and very real crime. The difference? In order to catch the killer(s) my team of characters must first stop a corporeal demon who feeds and grows stronger on a “deadly sin.”
Book one is about envy. A coven of teen-age witches unwittingly release the Seven Deadly Sins from their underworld prison. A high school girl is found dead in the woods with no apparent cause of death, and her best friend is missing. Three people are drawn to the small California town: a reclusive woman from Ireland with more experience with demons than she wants; a former seminarian haunted by the massacre—and the memories—of twelve dead priests; and a true crime writer who thinks the whole thing is a hoax. It is tentatively scheduled for publication in November 2009.
I will continue to write the same dark romantic thrillers I’ve been writing to date. In fact, after TEMPTING EVIL and PLAYING DEAD come out this year to conclude the Prison Break Trilogy, I have the first three books of my FBI series in 2009—starting with SUDDEN DEATH in April. My FBI series will follow a core group of characters through major and violent crimes (with a different hero and heroine in each book, but a recurring team of characters.) Serial killers, mass murders, kidnappings, domestic terrorism, and the like. I’m very excited about the FBI series and plan to continue it beyond 2009.
And, in fact, I have another idea for a romantic thriller series based on the company my heroine works for in PLAYING DEAD.
My goal is to have a supernatural thriller that is very similar in tone and feeling as my romantic thrillers, just with supernatural elements . . . I’m a little scared about the new venture. To be honest, what if my readers don’t like it? But I’m also extremely excited. It’s a series that has been begging me to write it, and I know I would regret it forever if I didn’t do it.
WINNER!
Jessica, who posted on my blog last week and played my little brainstorming game, has won a copy of my entire backlist. Yeah! Jessica, you can have the books signed to you, to a friend, or mix and match. Just let me know! Email me at allison @ allisonbrennan . com (no spaces.) with your snail mail address and how you want the books signed.
You get:
THE PREY
THE HUNT
THE KILL
SPEAK NO EVIL
SEE NO EVIL
FEAR NO EVIL
KILLING FEAR
WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE (anthology)
Congratulations!
© 2008 – 2009, Allison Brennan. All rights reserved.
Allison Brennan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author of seventeen romantic thrillers and several short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews called Allison "A master of suspense." And Lee Child said of her Kincaid series launch, "A world-class nail-biter ... Brennan is in the groove with this one." For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, kids sports, playing video games, and "of course" reading. Her most recent release is IF I SHOULD DIE, book three in the Lucy Kincaid series. Watch for SILENCED coming on 4.24.12.
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Hi Allison,
by Toni Hingleton April 24th, 2008 at 7:11 amSorry to hear that the move hasn’t happened yet but soon you will be sitting in the new office with a view writing those wonderful books we all look forward to.
Your new series sounds great. Have to admit that I am not a paranormal fan but stories based on the 7 deadly sins set in the real world sounds right up my alley. Also glad to hear you will still be writing those romantic thrillers which always goes to the top of my TBR pile….
~toni
The new series sounds great! I loved the novella in What You Can’t See. Can’t wait to see more!
by Erin April 24th, 2008 at 7:24 amAllison, the new series sounds awesome, thriller suspense with a touch of the supernatural. Very Cool!!
by Amanda April 24th, 2008 at 7:56 amAllison,
I am much like Toni, and not a huge fan of supernatural stories – but I loved your novella – so these book will go onto the tbr pile – along with all your others. Your novella actually got me to read Nora Roberts new trilogy – Blood Brothers.
Sorry to hear about your moving problems – having moved multiple time in my life I don’t think that I have ever had a smooth transition – hopefully you will soon be working in the new office!
by Tiffany April 24th, 2008 at 8:21 amAllison, I can’t wait for this series! It sounds right up my alley!
by Amanda Stevens April 24th, 2008 at 8:24 amI was very sad to hear Tess is hanging up her blog. It just goes to show once again how much is lost in translation in the Internet. I’ve made comments here that have been questioned behind the scenes, and once explained there is that, oh, so that’s what you meant, clarity.
As for the house. I think in your next book you need to whack a broker and a contractor.
As far as the sale of the Seven Deadly Sins series? Finally! I told hubby last week and he said, “Is that the one she was talking about in Reno.?” Yup, that be the one. It’s been a while, and glad to see it sold so very nicely too.
by Karin April 24th, 2008 at 9:52 amCongrats on the big sale, Allison! Sounds like a phenomenal series. I can’t wait to read it.
by Elisabeth Naughton April 24th, 2008 at 10:13 amHi Toni: Thanks! I’ll admit, your comment is the exact reason why I’ve been nervous about pitching this idea. The paranormal isn’t up everyone’s alley, even though it’s big right now. But Kay Hooper has her psychic FBI series, and those are paranormal and they’ve been around for a long time, and will continue to be around. My mom, who doesn’t love paranormal, loves Kay’s book, so that’s sort of the level of “supernatural” I’m aiming for. Maybe a little more, because I’ll be getting into the demon’s head like I get into my serial killers now.
Thanks Erin! I’m so glad you liked the novella
Hi Amanda! I’m very excited. And it’s something a little different so I need to push myself. Five years ago, I wasn’t ready to write it. I didn’t have the skill. Don’t know if I do now, but I think I’m close . . . so I’m going to really push.
Thanks Tiffany! I have the Blood Brothers on my shelf. I was nervous about reading it while I was pitching my idea, but I’ve heard enough about it to know that it’s very different than what I have planned. Whew!
Hi Amanda S (wow, two amanda’s today!) Thanks
Karin, so funny that Gary remembered the idea! I hope that means it’s memorable. I’m trying to get my one-liner put together. It’s harder than I thought, but I’m reading SAVE THE CAT! now. I’ve had it for months, but finally picked it up while I was getting my hair cut and colored today.
Hi Elisabeth! Thanks
I can’t wait to write it . . . but I have three FBI books to write first.
by Allison April 24th, 2008 at 11:18 amCongrats, Allison! Wow, busy busy! You are the bomb.
I feel so bad for Tess. She is SUCH a kind person, and I know her intent was just humor. Lordy. Love the backlash.
by Natalie April 24th, 2008 at 12:09 pmDitto, Natalie.
by Allison Brennan April 24th, 2008 at 3:33 pmCongrats on the book deal. I thought we had heard the last of Rafe, but I’m glad we’ll get to see what happens to him after the coma.
by Jane April 24th, 2008 at 3:38 pmJane, I actually planned the novella as a prequel to the series. When I *almost* pitched the series last year, I was struggling with Rafe’s character. In the 100 pages I’d written, I didn’t feel like I had a good grasp on him. When I was asked to write the novella, something clicked–I saw the potential for creating Rafe’s backstory. He was in the coma for the entire novella because I didn’t want to share exactly what happened during his time at the Mission and during the slaughter–Anthony and Skye pretty much figured it out, but there is definitely more. We also know that he witnessed evil firsthand. He’s going to be one of the most interesting characters, I think, especially since he has the memories of the dead with him.
Anyway, Anthony and Skye are also going to be regulars in the series. Anthony’s the intellectual and a rock. Skye is a cop. They’re going to need a cop to smooth things over with the locals. And I really, really adore Anthony.
by Allison April 24th, 2008 at 11:45 pmCongratulations, Allison. You’re an inspiration to a wannabe writer of suspense fiction. I wish all the success with your book deal.
I love suspense novels and will be keeping an eye out for your books and others you have listed here. I’ve just finished reading Mary Martin’s The Osgoode Trilogy and found it a great thrill ride through engaging characters, devilish villains and an emotionally charged storyline that builds to a gripping climax! Worth checking out.
by Peter April 24th, 2008 at 11:56 pmSorry I’m late Allison, we’re painting, and my computer was down all day yesterday. Anyway, congratulations! Seven Deadly Sins sounds great! For myself, I enjoy variety in my reading and I think a lot of readers feel the same.
by Jen April 25th, 2008 at 5:26 am