 | 28 Jan 10 |
Sometimes, I’m at a loss of what to say. Those who know me well are laughing right now–Allison can always find something to say! But this week is upside down. It’s release week. I’m woefully behind on my schedule. I’d planned on going out to local stores and signing stock today, but didn’t because I’m reworking the last 100 pages of CARNAL SIN, my July release. And I’m not done, so tomorrow, no stock signings either. And I’d wanted to get a newsletter out Tuesday, to announce that ORIGINAL SIN is on sale . . . but that, too, fell by the wayside because of these revisions. And this morning I woke up with a mild sore throat. I’m fighting it with zinc and Airborne (take THAT you damn germs!) and so far . . . it hasn’t gotten worse. That’s a plus!
There are always so many things I want to do release week, but there’s that little thing of only 24 hours a day. And this Tuesday, the day my book came out, we had back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back (yes, five) basketball games. I made it to three and a half–catching both my daughters, the varsity boys and half the younger middle school team. And in between games, I had my laptop out–that not-so-insignificant issue that I need to fix the ending of CARNAL SIN.
And tonight Dan had a meeting and I had to do double-duty on practice drop-off and pick-up, so didn’t sit back down at the computer until 10 pm.
So you can see that thinking what I should write about is hard. As I often do when I get stuck, I look at my bookshelves. Sound weird? Well sometimes just staring at the books filling my shelves I can come up with an idea.
It didn’t work this time. So I looked at my desk. I have one stack of my Rita books–seven books, but I’ve already read two so I’m happy. Then another stack–with included a copy of ORIGINAL SIN (because I always pre-order a copy from both Amazon and BN.com–I’ve done it with every release and I think I’m a bit superstitious because I fear if I DON’T pre-order it’ll jinx it. I know, I know–dumb. But there you go.)
The book on top of ORIGINAL SIN is THE NEXT BEST THING by Kristan Higgins. I discovered Kristan when she entered the RITAs and I judged her book (I know, we’re not supposed to say anything, but this was two or three years ago and she won.) I loved it. (I can’t remember the title–was it CATCH OF THE DAY? It had the dog in the picnic basket on the cover, but my mom stole the book so I don’t have it on my shelf.) It is exactly the opposite of what I write. She writes warm, funny, heartwarming books that I adore. And THIS one has a cat instead of a dog (Go Felines!) So I always buy Kristan’s books ostensibly for my mom, but then I get another copy because my mom wants to keep the copy she “borrows” from me. (And yes, before anyone asks, I’m bringing my mom to RWA this year, okay? I think people are more interested in talking to her than me!)
So I stared at Kristan’s book for awhile (admired the cat–it looks like a Russian Blue persian on the cover, which reminds me of my old cat named Raider–yes, after the football team–though white and orange cats are my absolutely favorite.) Her book is about second chances, family, lost loves . . . second chances? I stared, hoping for blog inspiration, worried about my opening week sales (knowing you don’t get a second chance for opening week), frustrated that my revisions are taking longer than I thought (if only I could stop tweaking and ONLY address my editor’s concerns–but no, I have to touch every damn page); and stressed about the new release date for MORTAL SIN (8.31.10) because I don’t know how it starts. (Well, I was stressed more yesterday, because I didn’t know how it started or what happens in the book, but this morning driving to Starbucks I had a flash of the opening scene, so I think I’m okay now.)
And I thought, what would be the next best career after writing books for a living? I can’t imagine doing anything else. With all the warts and stresses and worries, I love what I do.
In fact, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I thought I should be an English teacher first (but I dropped out of college) and then I thought maybe a reporter. There was also a time, for about two years, where I wanted to be a Forensic Pathologist–like Quincy, MD. That was until I dissected a fetal pig in biology in 8th grade and went back to wanting to be a teacher/reporter on the way to author. (As an aside, I did observe an autopsy and didn’t almost faint–cough cough Brenda Novak cough cough–so maybe I could have been a forensic pathologist. We’ll just never know now, will we?)
So honestly? The next best thing to being a writer . . . is writing about other careers. I have the best of both worlds (hey, Kristan! That sounds like a good title for one of your books–THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. Ha.) Seriously, though. I get to talk to cops, FBI agents, forensic pathologists, lab techs, coroners, doctors (with a special SHOUT OUT to CJ Lyons who has always answered my questions with aplomb. (I’ve never used that word in a sentence–”aplomb”–meaning with “ease” “self-confidence” and “style.”) I learn about the job, go deep in my characters so I can find out what they think of their job, and for a few months, I become a cop . . . or a criminal psychologist . . . or a demon hunter. And that is the next best thing . . .
January 26, 2010
Now it’s time for some of that Blatant Self Promo. I can’t help it. It’s release week. ORIGINAL SIN is on sale . . . and I have had some amazing reviews I’m tickled about (because as you all know, especially Toni and Rocki and Karin who have seen the worst of neurotic me, I’ve been a teeny-tiny worried about changing genres.)
Becky Lejeune at Book Bitch wrote:
“Brennan’s first paranormal outing is a winner. I love the detail that has gone into this book and can’t wait to learn more as the series develops.”
From Fantasy Rambler:
A terrific mixture of suspense, mystery and a lot of action with a hint of romance . . . I found myself repeatedly surprised by the turns in the plot. I have definitely been pulled into the world of the Seven Deadly Sins and I cannot wait until Carnal Sin releases later this year.
From Casee at Book Binge:
Original Sin is the start to what promises to be an amazing paranormal series. . . . I’m pretty sure that Moira will be on my list of top five heroines of 2010. She’s that good.
From RT Book Reviews:
“Suspense maven Brennan takes a decidedly supernatural turn with her new demon fighter series. . . . Her style of suspense readily adapts to the Urban Fantasy genre, giving it a darkly powerful edge. It’s shiver inducing!”
And here’s part of a review that is supposed to appear in the Providence Journal soon . . . cross your fingers that it makes it so I can use it, because I was floored when I got it.
“A scintillating new series… evokes memories of William Peter Blatty at his level best… Brennan shows a deft command of all things both normal and otherworldly in crafting one of the best tales of its kind since Dean Koontz and Stephen King were still writing about monsters. There’s no shortage of those here and the result is a new genre classic.”
I also want to thank my fabulous partners here at Murder She Writes for being so terrific and supportive, and how about our new bloggers? Amazing women, all of them.
What would be the next best thing for you? Or if you could have a second chance at something, anything . . . what would it be?
© 2010, 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!
Congrats on the release of ORIGINAL SIN. Wow you’ve had a busy week. Good luck with the revisions! I’m sure you’ll nail them. Congrats on the great reviews too. I am taking my copy of OS on vacation and will enjoy it while sipping cocktails in the sun
I have just recently discovered Kristan Higgins’s books and went on a backlist binge + pre-ordered The Next Best Thing which arrived yesterday…I’ve heard great things about her books and am eager to find out for myself.
Hugs,
by Pearl January 28th, 2010 at 6:22 amPearl
Cocktails in the sun? Reading without interruption? Can I come? Please?
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 10:23 amDon’t know about the reading without interruption as hubs and I do have some sightseeing and exploring my roots to do too but there WILL be reading time (I insist on it LOL)
Of course you can come. If you can make it to Dusseldorf Airport coming Tuesday, I’ll gladly take you with me
Hugs,
by Pearl January 28th, 2010 at 10:53 amPearl
It’s soooooooo tempting . . . . but alas the kids would balk. :/
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 12:27 pmAllison, I blogged on your release day – I should have promo’d OS for you!?! I know this is going to be a HUGE success for you, and you must just re*******lax because the packaging is gorgeous, and what’s inside is riveting.
Five basketball games? And I’m whining about having to go to a one-day dance competition on Saturday because I have a book due on Monday.
Lastly, Kristan Higgins’s books are one big bowl of Feel Good. Enjoy!
AND CONGRATULATIONS! xoxoxo
by Roxanne St. Claire January 28th, 2010 at 7:15 amYes, Rocki DOES swear, just not in public. She reserves her big naughty words for private beratings.
I adore Kristan and Love her books. I know it’s her voice–there are a lot of great authors out there. But she sucks me in and they are warm, fuzzy reads. And when you write as dark as I do, you sometimes NEED warm and fuzzy.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 10:25 amScampering by to say CONGRATS! Sorry I can’t linger long enough to say something more pithy.
by Terry Odell January 28th, 2010 at 7:57 amThat WAS pithy!
Thank you.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 10:26 amMy ORIGINAL SIN showed up yesterday! Big treat – it arrived with a couple of other books that I bought *for my daughter* ( I so stashed them in my room for me to read first
That is one mighty fine looking cover and I’m giving it sparkly blessings as we speak. Hope you get to enjoy release week a little! You are wonder woman!!
by sophie littlefield January 28th, 2010 at 9:50 amThank you Sophie . . . I love the cover, too. I was blessed by the Patron Saint of Cover Artists.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 10:26 amThis looks like an excellent book! Congrats on the great reviews!
by Tracy Sharp January 28th, 2010 at 10:11 amThanks Tracy! It was the book of my heart (or my fears!)
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 10:29 amHuge congrats on the reviews. You deserve them. I started feeling sick on Tuesday. I’m hoping I’ll feel better before the weekend.
I always think that there are a few things from the past I would change but then I figure no way. If I changed them I may not have my kids and nothing is worth risking that.
by HollyD January 28th, 2010 at 11:41 amHolly, I know exactly what you mean! Like one small thing in the past–if you changed it what else would that affect? Like if I didn’t drop out of college, I might not have met my husband and my kids wouldn’t be here, and that makes me shiver. I try never to live with past regrets because the past is gone. I’ve made lots of mistakes, I just try never to do it again.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 12:29 pmCongrats on your reveiws, thats great news! I have never read Kristen’s books before so I will have to check them out!
There are some thing in my past I would like to change or have a do-over on!
by Quilt Lady January 28th, 2010 at 12:00 pmWhen you want to smile and feel good about life and have a quick, happy read, Kristan is definitely your girl! If you want to be scared, read me
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 12:30 pmWell, if enough of your fans blog and tweet about your book, maybe it will help. I blogged about your new series and linked to your site and Murderati. Good luck with EVERYTHING this week.
I’m so glad you found Kristan. I love her books.
Can’t wait for OS to arrive, hopefully today.
)
by Martie Hoover January 28th, 2010 at 12:39 pmThank you Martie!!! I appreciate all the support.
(And Kristan is such a nice person, too! Her husband helped me with some firefighting questions for Cutting Edge.)
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 1:22 pmYay, release day! I was thrilled to see the stacks already being depleted in 2 stores on Tuesday. The cover is gorgeous, and like Rocki said, what’s inside is RIVETING.
I’m not sure what else I’d do as a second chance. Sometimes I think crazy fun travel writer girl would have been a blast, but I wouldn’t have met Carl or had my kids, so that’s out. Then there’s this irrational part of me who would love to have a coffee shop–something warm and homey with books and wifi and lots of yummy eats and drinks and then I realize I would actually have to be there, working, instead of being there, lounging and writing, and I get bummed. There’s nothing remotely that cool around here. I am sometimes very very tempted to start it up. Except, again, the whole working at that part.
by Toni McGee Causey January 28th, 2010 at 12:50 pmToni! No way. I have ALWAYS wanted to have a coffeehouse/bookstore/hang-out spot. Always!!! Since I was in high school and there was this little one near an old theater in Palo Alto. I loved it, and thought of all the ways I’d make it better
And me too! I don’t want to do the work, I just want to order the books 
. . . and hang-out . . . and have my own table to write and stuff. But my mom used to own her own store, she can run it for us. Of course, finding a location convenient for both of us to commute to . . . might be hard, LOL.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 1:01 pmoh, that’s hysterical! I’d love your mom to run it. She is so freaking cool.
But yeah, the commute might kill us!
by toni mcgee causey January 28th, 2010 at 2:54 pmCongratulations on release day. I just started Original Sin and I already love Moira.
So happy you decided to be a writer so I have excellent books to read.
by Jill James January 28th, 2010 at 2:50 pmThank you Jill!!!! And I wouldn’t want to be anything other than a writer. I don’t know if I would be as happy. (Or as stressed, but you take the good with the bad, right?) And I love Moira too. Really love her. I think she’s my favorite heroine. I just edited a scene where I really liked her attitude, very tough but you can see the fear under the surface.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 4:28 pmCongrats on the rave reviews, Allison! I still haven’t read Original Sin–it’s the carrot on a stick for me right now. I get to read it when I get caught up on the essentials of my to-do list.
by Jessica Bacon January 28th, 2010 at 3:12 pmI really can’t think of what my perfect/alternate career choice would be. It would have include working from home, as I do now, so I can be close to my kids, but I think I’d thrown in a few more benefits. Bigger paycheck, bigger house (ie., office above the kids’ playroom), and a nanny. Definitely the nanny. I am sooo not Allison Brennan or Brenda Novak.=)
Happy release week! I can’t wait to plunge in to ORIGINAL SIN. The reviews are wonderful. It’s funny to hear how superstitious you are about jinxing things. Maybe you should just have confidence that your success isn’t a lucky fluke but the result of hard work and talent!! Just a thought.
Have a great week and be sure to celebrate.
by Laura Griffin January 28th, 2010 at 4:27 pmDon’t jinx me! It’s hard work, talent . . . AND luck! Also, I fear that the more I love a book, the worse it’ll do . . . I know, insanity, thy name is Allison.
by Allison Brennan January 28th, 2010 at 4:36 pmre*******lax
LOVE IT!
So second chances? Can’t think of any, well I can but if I got a second chance I may not be sitting where I am, and I really like the view from here.
by Karin Tabke January 28th, 2010 at 5:35 pmHi Allison
by RKCharron January 28th, 2010 at 6:50 pmThank you for this post. I hadn’t heard of Kristan Higgins before. Congratulations on the great reviews. I’m looking forward to reading ORIGINAL SIN (I love how it says Book One right on the cover – promising more!)
All the best,
RKCharron
Yay! Release week! I still think this is the most amazing cover I have ever seen!
by Debra Webb January 29th, 2010 at 9:00 amty for magnet and bookmark orginal sin!
by tami January 31st, 2010 at 3:24 pm