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Warriors in the Ring
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
For those that were keeping count, three of my books hit the shelves last year--Jake Ransom, The Doomsday Key, and Altar of Eden. So life was a bit busy. Because of that load, I had to refuse many different projects over that past year. But one call to duty I could not ignore. I got an email from one of my literary heroes: George R.R. Martin. I've been a fan of Mr. Martin since I was in high school. I had all of his books. Then the man disappeared into Hollywood, where he created and wrote the television series Beauty and the Beast (a great, but short-lived series). He eventually returned to the literary world and produced the first book of an ongoing epic series, A Game of Thrones. The series has grown a rabid following (including yours truly). I also just learned that HBO is going to do a television series based on these books (each season will cover one book). So I'm stoked to see that come to life on the small screen.
George approached me to contribute a novella for an anthology he was putting together with Gardner Dozois (an award-winning editor). It was a book of stories from writers across many genres: Diana Gabaldon, David Morrell, Robin Hobb, Lawrence Block, Robert Silverberg, and many others. We were each given free range to tell a story centered on a "warrior." This warrior could be anyone we wanted: from the past, present, or future, even an entirely new world. The result is a massive volume of eclectic and surprising stories. It weighs in at a hefty 736 pages.
The "warrior" I chose to portray for this anthology is a bit unusual. The story is titled "The Pit." As a veterinarian, I chose to write the story from the viewpoint of a pit bull in a dog-fighting ring. It's a brutal story that exposes what's done in this cruel blood sport. The research I did for this story was quite disturbing. But the end result is what I consider some of my best work. I hope you enjoy it. The book is set to hit stands on March 16th.
As to more current writing, I'm hard at work on this summer's big Sigma book (The Devil Colony), where the true face of The Guild will be revealed. I think many of you are in for a shock (though one intrepid reader pieced together the clues dribbled in the books all the way back to Sandstorm and came frighteningly close to the truth). I hope to be able to share the cover with you all in a couple more weeks.
And just a reminder that coming out March 9th is the re-release of my very first book, Subterranean in HARDBACK. It's mostly a limited release to service the library market (paperbacks don't survive too long in a library). But the book will also be available for order through bookstores and online. But fair warning, the first printing of this hardback edition is VERY limited. Over the next two years (each March), we'll also be seeing hardback releases of Excavation and Deep Fathom.
What else? There's a few projects that I'm currently not allowed to talk much about (though again some of you have ferreted out some of those details). One of those projects had me flying a few times to Hollywood. More details to follow!
Jim
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Comments
Name: Jiyo Andrew Agacki Date: 2010-03-04
Release of 'Warriors' on March 16th? It's my birthday! Your work is always impressive, and I'm always looking forward to you next adventure. Gassho!
Name: Lee R. Date: 2010-03-04
Ha! The sixteenth is my birthday [too]! Mr. Rollins, you just made my day--I'm so ready to read this one, and the next in the Sigma series of course. Keep them coming!
Name: Dennis Royer Date: 2010-03-04
I'm a new fan having read both "The Doomsday Key" and "Altar of Eden." Now I'm ready to go back to the beginning and start with "Subterranean." I'm following you on Twitter and look forward to meeting you at Pennwriters in May.
Name: Aidan Morse Date: 2010-03-04
Hey James! I am a nineteen-year old fan of yours from Northern Virginia. I own and have read all of your books except the Crystal Skull novelization. I started reading your novels at the tender age of twelve! I hope you come to some bookstore in Washington DC for a signing during your Devil Colony tour!
Name: Tom Perkins Date: 2010-03-04
Hello Mr. Collins. Thanks for all the great books. I look forward to reading your new material. I have read most of your books but not in the order of sequence. After reading a part in "Sandstorm" regarding the pentagonal dodecahrdron I could not help but think of the northern pole of Saturn. Could the same rules apply to the reason for the hexagon on Saturn's northern pole? I am not an astrologist so excuse me if this has been asked already. Thanks.
Name: Margie Livelli Date: 2010-03-04
As soon as your books hit the shelves, I am there tobuy them . I stop people in the stores and suggest that they read your books. No one else matches your writing ability, knowledge of past, present and future times, and the intrigue you leave us with. Thank you. PS: Could you just write faster??? lol
Name: Tom Stodola Date: 2010-03-04
I have read all of your books (in order - that is what happe s when you read them the week they come out!). I am sure each fan has a different favorite book (mine is "Deep Fathom" with "Doomsday Key" a close second). I am just waiting for one of your books to make it to the big screen!
Name: Scott Blanchard Date: 2010-03-04
A co-worker let me borrow Map of Bones (I just thought the cover was cool). I read it and was immediately hooked on the Sigma series. I went to Borders and bought the entire set. I wish that someone (like a movie producer) would make a movie...but which one? They are all great, all the way back to Sandstorm.
Name: Sara Date: 2010-03-04
I am so excited for the next sigma book. I'm currently finishing up Alter of Eden, and I loved the doomsday key! I am excited to find out who is behind the guild, I look forward to being shocked. PS. I'm routing for Seichan and Grey, I want them together and her to be a good guy... however I never know what she's gonna do next and she'll probably end up being the head of the guild lol. I was mad that she wasn't in Black Order or the Last Oracle, I also must add that the Judas strain and Map of Bones are ones I read over and over again on the transit into work every morning. I think you're a great writer, I've read everything you've sent out there and I too would love it if they would make movies out of these books!!
Name: Judy Darting Date: 2010-03-05
Hi, I'm a retired grandma from a very small Kansas town. You are by far my favorite writer. I am currently devouring Alter of Eden and now I'm hyperventilating since reading about your upcoming book, The Devil Colony. I have turned both my adult daughters into "Rollins" fans, and now my 14 year old grandson is reading Subterranean. Thank you for so many hours of enjoyment. I hope you write dozens more books. You are awesome!
Name: Julia S. Date: 2010-03-07
Hey Jim! What's this I read? Hollywood?! Alright! >High Five< Warriors sounds great too! I love all your books. It's hard to pin down a favorite. Every one of them blows me away. And everyone of them is mind-visually stimulating! >They read like a movie in your head<. Some days I'll be walking along and a chapter from one of your books just magically pops into my head like a vivid memory. Strange...but very, very cool! Keep up the great work. We all need an adventure to escape to...and your books do the trick.
Name: Rachel E Date: 2010-03-12
I am so excited for the Devil Colony, and quite jealous that another reader pieced together some of the clues! I think I will be going back and re-reading them all before June! Keep writing!
Name: Devra Date: 2010-03-13
I love ALL of your books! Once I start reading, I cannot stop. I agree with everyone else: we need movies! I have NO idea about the Guild...hmm. I'm a Missourian, so I was stunned to hear you went to Mizzou. I'm stuck in the land of the Jayhawks now, though...who to root for? Lol. Anyways; keep writing! Your stories are wonderful!
Name: Jim M. Gau Date: 2010-03-15
Did someone say the "H" word?! Like in Hollywood?! Well, I say, "Lights-Camera-Action!" Hope it wasn't just a sightseeing tour! About time someone started making some good thriller movies out of your books; been wanting that for years! If that's what's on the docket. though, just be sure you keep artistic control over plots, etc.; you know what you are doing better than alot of screenwriters and directors who mess up a good book's premise. Faith in you, Jimmy-R. Keep up the great work...and if there might be a movie in the offing, I'm gonna go pace the floor in joyous anticipation! Now where did I put those track-shoes? Ciao for now, Jim M. Gau
Name: Lola Date: 2010-03-15
I love the Sigma series, I just finished reading the Doomsday key and finished it in one day. I just could not put it down! It's really nice to inmerse myself in your books and forget about all my problems. I hope Seichan & Gray stay together (or at least sleep together); I really can't get into Rachel's character, she strikes me as rather weak. Good Luck and God bless you.
Name: Jonathan Bechtold Date: 2010-03-19
Hi my name is jonathan bechtold and I am 15 and I have to say I love your books you go into the perfect amount of detail unlike tom clancy who goes into too much detail and looses you and another thing I love about your books especialy the sigma ones is that throutout the series the chararcters change some are killed of some turn out to be moles so on, and that your books always start and continue fast paced. whenever my friends ask for book suggestions I always tell them to start with sandstorm and if they don't love it come back and noone has come back yet. Keep 'em coming and I'll keep reading them.
Name: Melanie Grimes Date: 2010-03-20
Subterranean arrived today. Looking forward to re-reading the hardback edition. Thanks for a good excuse to curl up in the arm chair, Jim.
Name: Thomas Cecchino Date: 2010-04-01
Mr. Rollins, I first purchased The Doomsday Key at an airport that had a special get Map of Bones free and I was immediately hooked on my way coast to coast. By the time I landed in LA, I had almost finished Doomsday and getting off the plane, I went immediately to a bookstore and purchased as many of the SIgma series as I could. In a way I was sorry for reading Doomsday first but I have enjoyed every one of them leading up to it. I just purchased all 5 of your 1st books starting with Subterranean and can't wait to start them as soon as I finish Alter of Eden. Keep them coming and as an avid reader and traveler, I do believe your way on holding the reader is unlike any other author that I have read. Clive Cussler was my hero and I have read all his Dirk Pitt novels but I truly believe you are his equal!!!!
Name: James Evick Date: 2010-04-16
Mr. Rollins, thanks for all the wonderful stories. Im a 34 year old father of 6 and love to read when I find the time. Amazonia is my favorite book with The Doomsday Key a close 2nd! Are there really clues to figuring out who is behind the guild??? Think im gonna go back and reread the series. You did a great job with Indiana Jones, they couldnt have picked a better writer!
