Thursday, August 1, 2013

Dying to Know... an update


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…

-        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.

-        The book is now listed on Midnight Ink’s website at: http://www.midnightinkbooks.com/product.php?ean=9780738739502

-        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!

-        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.

-        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.

-        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