My friends,
It’s time for another update—there’s a lot happening.
First, I hope you’re all enjoying the summer as I toil away
at my computer writing two sequels to Dying
to Know and continuing in my day job fighting for truth, justice, and the
American way (wait, did someone use that line before me?) And I should tell
you, the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for…” is oh, so true. I’m living
proof. I’m not complaining, mind you, but holy crap what did I get myself into?
I’m working every day for my mortgage, writing before and after work and even
lunchtime, both days of the weekend, and… I’m missing time in there somewhere!
My eyeballs are getting “computer decay,” when I sleep I’m constantly waking to
make notes on plot changes and new stories, and my Labs have applied as
characters in my books for my affection. Even the damn cat attacks me at the
keyboard for attention. The cat! But alas, I asked for this and now I’ll deal
with it. Happily. Very happily.
So, here goes the spiel…
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Dying to
Know comes out the first week in January 2014 (no, that’s not still the
fall as planned, but it’s close). For Christmas, give an empty box with an IOU “Dying
to Know” and give ‘em the book two weeks later. They’ll love you for it. I
promise.
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The book is now listed on Midnight Ink’s website
at: http://www.midnightinkbooks.com/product.php?ean=9780738739502
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My novel is being sold as a paranormal novel.
Eh, okay, it’s really a murder mystery with a paranormal twist, but potato-potato,
right? In the end, I’m thrilled it’s out there!
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The first of two sequels to Dying to Know is done and with my draft editor. It’s called Dying for the Past and it’s the
continuing saga of Tuck and his characters. Dying
for the Past begins with the death of a mysterious philanthropist and soon
involves the Russian Mob, 1939 gangsters, and Soviet spies. In the story, Tuck
begins to learn about his past family and his roots in the pre-World War II
gangland days, in the OSS, and beyond. Each of the sequels will unravel more
and more of Tuck’s past and how he came to be so unique—back among the living
but not one of them.
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I’ll begin the second sequel at the end of the
summer and hope to pen out another different novel, unconnected to this series,
by year’s end. I’ve got a dozen or more sketched outlines of other novels (mystery
and thrillers), waiting for the time to write.
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I’ll be in Albany, New York, at the Bouchercon
Crime Writer’s convention September 19-22. Although my book won’t be out yet,
my agent wants me there to mingle and get involved. So, I’ll mingle and get
involved. If you’re around Albany, drop by for a drink or a meal. I’m good for
it!
My agent, the amazing Kimberley Cameron, also has another of
my novels, New Sins for Old Scores—a
murder mystery involving the returned spirit of a World War II OSS operative
helping a modern-day detective stop a murderous human-trafficking ring. Kimberley
will be looking for opportunities to put New
Sins out to the market soon. Who knows, maybe I’ll have two series in the
works at the same time. Then I can go without sleep for days at a time…
I hope you’ll grab my book when it comes out—all of them. Maybe
grab 20 or 30 for your friends, too. If you have dogs, buy 10 extra—Hercule is
a black Lab and a key character in my novels—your dog will respect your taste
in murder mysteries. I’ll gladly sign each and every copy. I’ll travel to your
neighborhood for barbecues and parties. I’ll attend signings at your library,
school, office, garage, corner store… I’ll wash cars for sales (okay, maybe
not), but you get the idea. I’ve got an amazing opportunity in front of me and
I don’t want to waste it.
More as it happens… (yes, I know, you just cannot wait).
Stay well and I hope you enjoy the books!
Tj
