I'm currently working on two Katie Bonner projects. The first of which is the third book in my three-book contract with Berkley Prime Crime. I won't know until at least February if they will review the series. These days, with so many authors going independent, if they DON'T offer me a new contract, and I still feel that I have more Katie stories in me, I can always write them to keep my readers happy. (So what once was a horrible circumstance isn't as tragic as it once was, thanks to e books.)So what's the second project?
Well, for now it's a (psssssst!) secret. But the beauty of it is I get to explore Katie's backstory/background like I haven't been able to do in a novel. (Backstory is a real no-no.)Not that I haven't done this kind of thing in the past. I have a whole notebook of stories chronicling Jeff Resnick's life. The problem is that they aren't mysteries or psychological suspense. So they are destined to never be made available to readers. Unless there's a TREMENDOUS demand, and let's face it, so few readers have found the series that that's never likely to happen.
So what's the difference?
The new Katie project is likely to expand readership for the Berkley series, or at least for those with e readers, because that's the only sensible way to offer the book, and it's so far been a LOT of fun to write.
It's a lot more fun than ditch digging.
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Why are back stories a no-no?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the first two books in the series? I can't seem to find them at amazon for my kindle? I have loved all your books so far and would love to try another series of your books.
ReplyDeleteLaura, my notebook of Jeff back stories are tales that explain how he came to live with Richard, the reasons behind some of his life choices. I wrote them as character sketches. One of them is about their first Christmas together. (A disaster.) Another has Jeff meeting Brenda for the first time. Another is about the murder of Jeff's wife, but none of them are mysteries and I'm afraid too many people would just be confused about them or wonder WHY they weren't mysteries. They were fun for me to write, but aren't necessary for the reader to know about in order to enjoy the books beginning with Murder on the Mind.
ReplyDeleteSue, so far there is only one Victoria Square book available. It's A Crafty Killing. The Walled Flower will be available in February. I'm currently writing the third book, and this special project.
My Jeff Resnick Books are:
Murder on the Mind
Dead In Red
Cheated By Death
Bound By Suggestion
and there's a short story that goes between Cheated and Bound. (Bah! Humbug--it's only available for e readers.)
I'm almost finished with another Jeff short story (must get back to it) that is a bit of a mystery. Just haven't figured out how it ends yet.
I can't wait to hear more about this secret project with Katie. When will it be available?
ReplyDeleteOoo February!! Can't wait!!
ReplyDelete