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The Long Silence (sort of)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Sorry it's been a while since I've posted here, but for those who have been following on Twitter, I've been probably a bit TOO chatty. it started out as a tweet here and there, now it's grown into a monster. I think it's that immediate gratification you get. Post a tweet. Engage with others within minutes. I had raised the question of what breed of dog I should consider as an addition to the family (and why). Here's a pic of the current household:
The question generated a slew of responses. Some heartfelt, some hilarious. I will post a pic of the answer to that question in a couple more months.
But now back to business. The Doomsday Key is due to hit shelves in paperback in another 3 weeks (May 25th). For those catching up, I hope you enjoy the mayhem.
But there's more Sigma coming later this summer. The Devil Colony, is slated for the first week in August.
This summer's book is a big story (and one of the reasons the book got shifted by a month) with some huge surprises coming up, including the return of an old Sigma Force teammate. So what's it about? Here's a rough-cut of the jacket copy.
Deep in the Rocky Mountains, a gruesome discovery—hundreds of mummified bodies—stir international attention and fervent controversy. Despite doubts to the bodies’ origins, the local Native American Heritage Commission lays claim to the prehistoric remains, along with the strange artifacts found in the same cavern: gold plates inscribed with an unfathomable script.
During a riot at the dig site, an anthropologist dies horribly: burned to ash in a fiery explosion in plain view of television cameras. All evidence points to a radical group of Native Americans, including one agitator, a teenage firebrand who escapes with a vital clue to the murder and calls on the one person who might help: her uncle, Painter Crowe, director of Sigma Force.
To protect his niece and uncover the truth, Painter will ignite a war across the nation’s most powerful intelligence agencies. Yet, an even greater threat looms as events in the Rocky Mountains have set in motion a frightening chain reaction, a geological meltdown that threatens the entire western half of the U.S.
From the volcanic peaks of Iceland to the blistering deserts of the American Southwest, from the gold vaults of Fort Knox to the bubbling geysers of Yellowstone, Painter Crowe joins forces with Commander Gray Pierce to penetrate the shadowy heart of a dark cabal, one that has been manipulating American history since the founding of the thirteen colonies.
But can he discover the truth—one that could topple governments—before it destroys all he holds dear?
All summer I'll be running some contests in association with this big release. So stay tuned.
By the way, I'm also appearing this month on a great literary blog, Drey's Library. Here's a link to the interview, with more to come later this month. Drey's Library
That's about it. But just because:
Favorite movie this month: How to Train your Dragon AND Kick Ass (yes, that's a weird tie, but both films had me smiling for an hour and a half, for very, very, very different reasons)
Favorite book this month: Lee Child 61 hours (I've been a Jack Reacher fan for years and got my hand on an early copy of the latest. It's due out in a couple weeks)
Oh, I also went to prison this past month. As a graduate of the local FBI Citizen's Academy, I was allowed to tour Folsom Prison, including entering the cell blocks. I was accompanied by another local thriller writer, the fabulous Allison Brennan. She posted a long blog entry about the excursion. Click here.
Definitely made me appreciate my freedom!
Jim
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Comments
Name: drey Date: 2010-05-07
I'm not on twitter enough to catch all the cool people doing cool stuff, so boo hiss (to me)... Thank you for taking the time to come and hang out this month, I really do appreciate it. I started reading Altar of Eden last night, and am grumpy today because I have to work instead of just finishing the book! How to Train Your Dragon does kick ass. lol! Have a great weekend!
Name: lee Date: 2010-05-07
great blog--hope you find the right furry addition soon! And I can't wait for the latest Sigma--it's marked on my calendar with red stars and asterisks all around, as is 61 hours. The wait begins!
Name: Sarah Date: 2010-05-07
I can't wait for your new book! And yes, How To Train Your Dragon & Kick Ass were great! Looking foward to more of your books!
Name: Libby McKinmer Date: 2010-05-07
Great blog -- looking forward to seeing the new addition to the family in a couple of months (hoping it's a Kees, of course). I'm also looking forward to the new book -- I already got a notice that I can pre-order - yay! Being a Jack Reacher fan, too, will be getting 61 Hours asap. Lucky you to get an early read. The Devil Colony sounds really intriguing, as usual.
Name: gabriella Deville Date: 2010-05-07
Nice cover for "The Devil Colony". Is that a compass in the V? No t-square though, so it is not a Masonic symbol. Is it an existing symbol or did you make it up. Interesting. Yeah I especially liked Kick-ass. I just got back from Iron Man 2 and it is very entertaining. That's all. Give some feed back about the symbol? Mysterious. Thanks James
Name: Anna-Merle Merritt Date: 2010-05-07
Looking forward to the new one. Sure wish you could write one a month. Guess you do have to eat though. Your dogs are beautiful. If I had a dollar for everyone I have forced to buy Altar of Eden I could carpet the world. They all thank me after they read it.
Name: Stella Vieira Date: 2010-05-08
Oh no! Have a new adventure from Sigma and here, in Brazil, not yet reached the Last Oracle! ... James, please tell me if there is forecast the release of other books from Sigma in South America (if possible, of course) in English! ... I'm hoping the book Devil Colony! Big hug to you and Good Weekend!
Name: James Date: 2010-05-08
Just finished Doomsday Key again, great read! This subject was of particualr interest as I worked at an experimental agriculture facility tht included a world seed bank for small grains. As the local paper put it, "Aberdeen, site of a new world seed suppository." Gotta love small town press. Anyway, been a fan for years and never written, so thanks and keep on Rollin'
Name: Jackie Date: 2010-05-08
Ok, sooooo not fair that you got an advance copy on the new Jack Reacher book! At the same time though, good for you. I loved how he even had a tiny cameo in "Under the Dome". As to your next addition to the family, I suggest a Shiba Inu, 'cuz they sure keep things interesting ;D Can't wait til August.
Name: steven Bishofsky Date: 2010-05-09
Am thrilled to have some so good to read and something I'm able to get into and stay there. That brain cancer really complicates things but I'm happy to have found your books.
Name: Jo Rawlins Gilbert Date: 2010-05-09
I did Facebook but have avoided Tweets. Enough is enough! Also six months after my cat's death, have a new adult BluePoint - life is good! Keep writing - the new Sigma sounds good - I'm from Sioux country originally so should really appreciate it.
Name: Joyce K. Date: 2010-05-10
I already have been looking forward to Devil Colony, not knowing what it is about. The summary makes me want to read it even more!
Name: Chandra C. Date: 2010-05-12
I CANNOT wait until The Devil's Colony! I love all of your books and you should feel very proud that my husband is now obsessed w/your books as well. This is a man who only read the bare minimum in high school and college. In fact he really didn't like to read before I suggested he read Amazonia. Now he's hooked. I recently loaned a copy of Amazonia to my father-in-love as well, and I believe we have another fan up and coming. Keep up the good work!
Name: Lisa S Date: 2010-05-13
Woah! Loving the synopsis of The Devil's Colony - however, it does beg the question whether Sigma Force have been behind the problems of Iceland's recent volcanic activity :o Can't wait for it (I mean the book - not the ash) to hit UK shores!
Name: Ana Date: 2010-05-15
I want to cry... I loved the synopsis of the upcoming book, but the Doomsday Key haven't even come to Portugal... i really want to cry... and if Doomsday hasn't come yet, then who says the Devil's Colony will??
Name: Susan Tunis Date: 2010-05-17
I'm very inrigued with this talk of animals. We need to catch up! I'm not looking for a new addition to the family just yet, but if you happen to come across a very special kitten or cat that needs a home, please let me know. Thanks, Jimbo.
Name: Stuart Beeley Date: 2010-05-17
Hello I decided to post a comment after seeing the interest in a third family member of the furry kind, it's the miniature schnauzer for me small but sturdy great with people and they'll walk for miles.love the books I'm just trawling through the back catalogue in digital form as their not all available in the uk roll on august though for devils colony.
Name: Reggie Walsh Date: 2010-05-18
Hi James, I have not tried any books by Lee Child alone yet, but I enjoy his collaboration with Douglas Preston. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I am still traumatised from one of the books you mentioned earlier, Jack Kilbourn's Afraid.
Name: Matt Palmer Date: 2010-05-19
I can't wait for "Devil Colony"!!! I am re-reading the Sigma series to prepare for it and the farther I get the more excited I am! The new one sounds awesome and I am sure your fans won't be disappointed. "Altar of Eden" was great too by the way. Maybe we'll see more of Lorna Polk in a future novel? Perhaps she would make a great addition to Sigma! Thanks again for your wonderful books. Now get back to writing! :)
Name: Cory McCoy Date: 2010-05-23
I cant wait till the new book sounds like its going to be real good. I'm reading The Pacific right now its crazy what are troops had to go threw over the but its a good read but still like yours better lol
Name: Melanie Cooper Date: 2010-05-24
AUGUST???? The jacket was a tease... Can't wait! I have been waiting for another book since the day after Alter of Eden was released! It was nice to break away from the Sigma series, but I'll be happy to get Painter & Grey back! I love your books, Thank you! Maybe I'll try reading the new one slow...nah! Seeing I still have a couple of months, I'll be going out to get Warrior and Thriller to get me by!
Name: Marianne Date: 2010-05-24
I am waiting impatiently for The Devil Colony! Love the "teaser" on it. We have turned so many people onto your books!! How can we not! Awesome reading! We have a cairn terrier but I am a cat person and living rural I have several, both inside and outside. They are wonderful companions that keep you smiling daily in between their pranks. Right now we have three siamese kittens whose dad was an abandoned Lynx Point (and hasn't been around in over a month so I treasure his offspring) out of a pure grey mama cat. And the cutest little long haired calico kitten that is blind in one eye but what a "pistol". The cairn terrier loves the kittens and plays with the cats. It's too sweet to watch! You need to add a cat to your home James.
Name: R Bennett Date: 2010-05-24
You have a very handsome family. I think a Goldendoodle would be a wonderful addition to what already looks like a peaceful happy group. Very excited about the new book! I've been waiting since the Doomsday Key.
Name: Michael Silva Date: 2010-05-24
I'm a real big fan of yours. I really love the Sigma Force with all the crew and of course Monk, I hope they are all in your new book The Devil Colony. I have pre order my book al ready. I think it comes out in Aug. I like to read books by Lee Child too, his Jack Reacher are good. Keep up the good writing. a fan. Michael Silva
Name: Ashley Frank Date: 2010-05-24
All of my friends and family have to be getting annoyed with me talking about the Sigma Force series all the time and how excited I am for the next book to come out. I've been trying to get both of my parents to read the ones I own. Anyway. Can't wait for The Devil Colony! I absolutely love all the "fun" adventures Gray and everyone have all over the world, but it's great to see them sticking to the US for this.
Name: Barbara Booth Date: 2010-05-25
Thank you for keeping us all up to date with your newsletters. l enjoy reading about the new books. I love the pictures of your furry little family. I have 2 "grand-dogs" of my own. Thanks for the soooo exciting books. I will forever be grateful for the day I was browsing in Barnes & Noble, and the cover of "Amazonia" caught my eye! I have been hooked since then.
Name: Bogan Date: 2010-05-26
I've read all your books to date and looking forward to The Devil Colony. I'm not going to sugeest a specific breed for your canine family, just pick one with ears that stand up.
Name: sher Date: 2010-05-28
It's not my business, but having a golden retriever of my own, age 12, I know how sincere, and loving they are. If I were going to get another dog I think it would only make sense to get another golden, probably a spayed female. She would have to carry on in his place down the road.....
Name: fiorentino manganiello Date: 2010-07-24
Ho letto "La Mappa Di Pietra ", ottimo romanzo,giusto per chi ama l'avventura , e vuole imparare anche qualcosa in termini storico/scientifici . il che mi ha spinto ad acquistare anche i due successivi . Mi dispiace solo che nel blog è scritto tutto in inglese e quindi non sono in grado di capire che cosa c'è scritto . Comunque buon proseguimento a Mister Rollins e che la vena di scrittore non si esaurisca mai . E parafrasando Guerre Stellari : Che La Forza Sia Con LUI . Manganiello Fiorentino
Name: L Date: 2010-11-28
Looking forward to reading the new adventures, when available. Enjoyed hearing about your inspired (and inspiring) MISadventures contributions. Great interview. Unfortunately missed Allison Brennan's BLOG, too late on that one. Perspective from prison...freedom found. Fortunate.
Name: Peggy Date: 2011-06-29
just to tell you i've read ALL your books-just finished the devil colony...my goodness!surely there''s a continuation there yes???!!!...you just can't end it like that!can't wait for the blood gospel...but in my heart i will forever be a Sima girl!
Name: Peggy Date: 2011-06-29
just to tell you i've read ALL your books-just finished the devil colony...my goodness!surely there''s a continuation there yes???!!!...you just can't end it like that!can't wait for the blood gospel...but in my heart i will forever be a Sigma girl!ugh sorry for the repeat! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name: narfEdgerge Date: 2011-07-05
Very nice article.
