On January 8, 2014, my first novel of the series, Dying to Know, arrives on the bookshelves. Dying for the Past will be out later that year sometime (to be determined).
Okay, that’s just too corny for even me. But what the heck,
I gave it a shot.
Here’s the real news of late—and I’m sorry it’s so long,
I’ve been busy!
This past month has been a wild ride. Earlier, I reconnected
with an old colleague of mine, Stephen Frey—as in New York Times Best Selling
author, Stephen Frey, http://www.stephenwfrey.com – author of eighteen thrillers. Steve was a principal at my former employer
where I was COO. That was a ride worth loving and hating all at the same time.
Steve and I reconnected a couple weeks ago and he was kind enough to give me
some advice and a blurb for my upcoming book. I hope that one day I can repay
the favor, if not to him, perhaps to some other up and coming author. At least
I’ll be buying him some lunch and good wine next month.
Next, I finished up the last of my edits for Dying to Know (due out on January 8 and can
be pre-ordered at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Midnight Ink websites… hint,
hint). It was thrilling and scary at the same time. Thrilling to be getting
ready to go to the presses. Scary that I worry about my debut novel falling
flat. So here’s the deal. I did the math. If every one of you buys 100 copies,
I’m damn near sure it might be a best seller. What do you think, huh?Okay, maybe not.
I also recently completed the first of two sequels Midnight
Ink bought. This one, Dying for the Past,
is the second installment of Oliver “Tuck” Tucker coming to terms with his new
profession—a dead detective. Tuck finds himself being stalked by 1930’s
gangsters while he hunts the killer of a mysterious philanthropist. He also
must confront his family’s past—one he never knew existed—and all the while
trying to prove that his wife, Angel, was not raised by yet another killer. Dying for the Past continues the series’
exploration of how Tuck and Angel—assisted by Bear Braddock, his living police
partner, and Hercule, his dedicated albeit lazy black Lab—come to terms with
Tuck’s dilemma on how to be back amongst the living but not one of them. (For
those of you just tuning in, Tuck is, err, dead. Yet his character runs the
story!) Get the book. Read it. You’ll get it.
Each of the Dying to
Know books will unravel bits of Tuck’s family heritage—all the way from the
roaring 20s to the modern day. Each story will have a historical subplot based
in fact. Or facts as I choose to portray them. See, writers don’t lie. They
just plot-twist.
My agent, the incomparable Kimberley Cameron, already
accepted Dying for the Past with
minor edits. It’ll be off to Midnight Ink post haste. Now it’s time to begin
the second sequel, Dying to Tell—are
you starting to see the theme here?
My next adventure this past month was attending the
Bouchercon Mystery Writers conference in Albany, NY. For those of you who don’t
know, I grew up some thirty miles south of Albany. So it was good to be back
for a visit. 
Bouchercon was a fun conference, albeit difficult to mingle.
My fellow writers were scattered around Albany in different hotels, the
conference center was an up-hill mountain climb without benefit of Sherpa
guides, and much of the local city bars and restaurants closed in the evening.
But never believe that you can take good food and wine from writers. No. Cannot
be. We found a way—though in small clusters. The highlights of my trip were
having lunch with a dear, sweet pal from my past—Christine—who has been a close
pal for twenty years. She and I had lunch and told lies about ourselves (well I
did, she was rather honest I think). She’s a great lady and all you NY bums
better pay attention!
Next was the super-highlight of my trip. I was privileged to
spend a few moments chatting with the queen of mystery writing—Sue Grafton. Sue
gave a wonderful interview on stage at the conference followed by a reception.
She received a Lifetime Achievement Award (although they’ll owe her another at
the rate she knocks out best sellers!) When we met, she was gracious and
interested in my work, charming, and, above all, one of the classiest ladies
I’ve ever met. All authors—unknown and famous—should strive for her talent and
charm. I will.
Alas, this is the end of my update. Beginning next month, I
will begin a routine blog entry on Dying
To Know and its series. I’ll also be guest blogging at the Midnight Ink
blog spot, http://midnightwriters.blogspot.com.
So look for me here and at www.midnightwriters.blogspot. So
anytime you find someone who needs killing (in a book, honest NSA), flash a
giant “Tj” in the night sky. If I see it, maybe I’ll call. Eh, maybe not.
