 | 2 Jul 09 |
On Tuesday I’m leaving for New York and Thrillerfest. I’m bringing my oldest two kids (13 and 15) and my mom. They’re returning to California the following Sunday, and I’m heading first to Boston to sign and have fun with my friend Hank Phillipi Ryan (details below) and then going to RWA in Washington DC. It seemed asinine to fly 3,000 back home then turn around and fly back to the east coast. Though, financially, it’s about the same for two extra nights in a hotel and cross-country air fare. But it would probably kill me. I’m turning forty this year, after all. No longer a spring chicken. (hee hee.)
But before then, I have a three day weekend, I need to pack, get my dry cleaning done, get my hair cut and colored, and finish a book. And I’m not talking about reading–it’s ORIGINAL SIN, the first book in my Seven Deadly Sins series.
This was the book I thought I’d have all the time in the world to write. Months. Nope. Publication date was moved up to February 2010. No wiggle room. The good news, I’ve been thinking about this story for six years and know my characters and the premise. The bad news, I’ve been thinking about this story for six years and know my characters and the premise . . . and the story does not want to end. It’s launching a series, which means I have to be cognizant of the set-up; build my world so I don’t write myself into a corner in book three; completely resolve the one story while still leaving enough questions to entice the reader to continue the series. And while I know my characters, I was never in their heads before I started writing the book, and suddenly they’re doing things I don’t understand. Which is not conducive to smooth, quick writing. I have several wonderful sub-plots related to the villain (the demon Envy) and I’m juggling them, but it’s taking time to resolve PLUS to keep the tension for the final show down. Which I haven’t *quite* figured out how it’s going to work.
So this is a quickie blog, apologies. But I have three important things to mention:
First, I’m guest blogging at Romancing the Blog today about opening paragraphs and author voice. I used Toni McGee Causey’s incredible GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS to show the strength of character and command of the story Toni has for this book. Which leads me to . . .
Second, Toni’s second Bobbie Faye book GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS went on sale Tuesday. Woo hoo! Go out and get it if you haven’t read it. It’s so worth it.
And finally, my Boston signing with Hank Phillipi Ryan:
Hosted by: MURDER UNDERBONES
When: Tuesday, July 14 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: Redbones, 55 Summer Street, Somerville MA
Food, drinks, Hank and me!
I assume Somerville is in or near Boston, otherwise I’m more than a little geography challenged 
So: buy Toni’s book. Read my RTB blog. And if you’re on the east coast, come see me in Boston!
© 2009 Allison Brennan. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award winning author Allison Brennan has published fourteen romantic thrillers with Ballantine, plus a novella and four short stories. She lives near Sacramento, California with her husband and five children. Recently, RT Book Reviews said, “A master of suspense, Brennan does another outstanding job uniting horrifying action, procedural drama and the birth of a romance — a prime example of why she’s tops in the genre.” For fun Allison enjoys wine tasting, swimming, playing video games, and—of course–reading. Her most recent release is CARNAL SIN, the second book in the Seven Deadly Sins supernatural romantic suspense series. Her Lucy Kincaid series will launch in January, 2011 with LOVE ME TO DEATH.
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Busy lady (as always), Allison. Wish I could hit Thrillerfest. While you’re there, maybe you can pin down the definition of “thriller” because I’m seeing book after book with “Thriller” on the cover that don’t match the “definition” — at least not according to what I thought a thriller was supposed to be, as opposed to a suspense.
How’s that for a pre-coffee sentence!
by Terry Odell July 2nd, 2009 at 5:26 amCan publishers do that? Move up the publication date on you? Oh boy. Well, good luck with all your crazy travel and Original Sin–which by the way sounds like a delicious series!
by Shannon Esposito July 2nd, 2009 at 6:40 amYep, they can. I could probably refuse, but then I’d be pushed way back. They have to juggle schedules and slot their authors for the best possible dates. My 2010 is the same as my 2008 schedule–Feb, June, Oct. Which I loved. I just wish I had more time for this book!
by Allison Brennan July 2nd, 2009 at 6:54 amAw, Terry, that’s the million dollar question! Sort of like the definition of romantic suspense–how much romance? How much suspense? What kind? They haven’t defined “thriller” and while there used to be a loose definition on their website, I can’t find it anymore.
To me, a thriller is more about the stakes and pacing than anything else. It’s a physical reaction to the story–blood pumping, goosebumps rising, compulsive page-turning. But honestly, what’s the difference between a thriller and suspense? Marketing
by Allison Brennan July 2nd, 2009 at 6:52 amAllison, you’re probably right. When I was researching the topic for a Sleuthfest panel, the line of demarcation (blurry though it may be) was the threat level. Thrillers were defined as “a genre of fiction in which tough, resourceful, but essentially ordinary heroes are pitted against villains determined to destroy them, their country, or the stability of the free world.”
And: Often, but not always, multi-national, high energy, involving major threats such as bio-terrorism, governmental crisis, nuclear weaponry, kidnappings, serial killers; often also high-tech.
So, when I see “thriller” on the cover, I expect the threat level to be more widespread. Too many seem to just revolve around the personal life of the hero/heroine, or a much more narrow area.
by Terry Odell July 2nd, 2009 at 6:57 amYou have my sympathies and, as always, my respect for your energy and drive. I foolishly planned a family vacation (our first in two years!) for the week before Nationals, so we could drive up to VA, stay with friends, sightsee in DC, then the gang would go home without me while I “conference” (if I may use that as a verb). Never again will I plan to be away the week before Nationals. Hell always breaks loose, there are always a million things to do, and I need that (this!) week to get ready for the conference.
You’re going to be flatlined by Rita night, but that’s okay. If pushed, I know you’ll find the energy to walk up to that stage and accept!
by Roxanne St. Claire July 2nd, 2009 at 7:11 amAllison, ONLY forty? You puppy! I want you to know that I’m actually going to get all gussied up, panty-hose, heels, and everything just to watch you get that RITA. And Rocki? I’m hoping to see you win the NRCA. I’ll see you at the reception announcing winners, I hope.
Terry, I’m with you on the definition of “thriller.”
Gah, I can’t believe Nationals is only two weeks away. I’m soooo not ready! *flail* Since it’s my first, I don’t want to come off looking like the total noob I am in actuality. LOL!
by Silver James July 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 amYou’re going to National Silver? Yeah! Introduce yourself!
by Allison Brennan July 2nd, 2009 at 6:37 pmI’ll be easy to recognize – the noob in the corner with my mouth hanging open going, “Allison Brennan! Rocki St. Claire! Toni! Heather! Deb! The other Deb! S.J.! Karin! Natalie! (if everyone is going) I didn’t put Jen on that list because I know she’s not going to be in DC. *pout* She has promised to make Nashville in 2010, and I’ve promised the first round of drinks. Heh! Maybe ya’ll should find me. I’m buyin’.
by Silver James July 2nd, 2009 at 6:49 pmI wish you and the family a safe and fun trip.
by HollyD July 2nd, 2009 at 3:37 pmHave fun, Allison! Can’t wait to see you in DC!
by Debra Webb July 3rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm