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Down to the Wire... and Thanks!
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
I’ve heard that the March Madness contest ends this Friday (CORRECTION, April 6th, 2009). If you haven’t entered to win the 64 free books, you’ll need to do so before the end of the week. I also wanted to thank everyone who voted, campaigned, and went door-to-door promoting the book during this March Madness contest. You all rock!
As to my final competitor, Kim Harrison (For a Few Demons More), I dropped in on her website and passed on a friendly handshake as we finish this last week. She’s been ahead for most of this last round, but a final rally by you all saw Judas Strain pop into the lead. And at this exact moment, we’re 50-50. As to Kim, she was very gracious in returning the handshake. I’ve read her books, and I must say she seems very, very nice.
So again I wanted to thank everyone as we head down to the wire and encourage (if you have the strength) to keep voting. Click here to vote.
By the way, you can vote every ten minutes as often as you like.
Onto some other news.
As some of you may know, I’m currently the co-president of the International Thriller Writers group (along with Steve Berry). Just this week we announced the nominees for our annual awards. Here’s the shortlist of titles:
BEST THRILLER OF THE YEAR
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben
The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross
The Last Patriot by Brad Thor
BEST FIRST NOVEL
Calumet City by Charlie Newton
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
Criminal Paradise by Steven Thomas
Sacrifice by S. J. Bolton
The Killer's Wife by Bill Floyd
BEST SHORT STORY
Between the Dark and the Daylight (Ellery Queen Magazine) by Tom Piccirilli
Last Island South (Ellery Queen Magazine) by John C. Boland
The Edge of Seventeen (The Darker Mask) by Alexandra Sokoloff
The Point Guard (Killer Year Anthology) by Jason Pinter
Time of the Green (Killer Year Anthology) by Ken Bruen
THRILLERMASTER AWARD
David Morrell honoring his influential body of work
SILVER BULLET AWARD
Brad Meltzer for his outstanding charitable contributions
So if you’re looking for some good reading the above list is a good place to start. And by the way, a main character from one of the nominated books has a small cameo in this summer’s book The Doomsday Key. I’m curious to see who is the first to note that small detail.
Lastly some miscellaneous stuff:
Currently reading: The Overnight by Ramsey Campbell (a horror story set in a bookstore)
Saw a matinee of Monsters vs Aliens in 3D. Loved Insectosaurus. Cool 3D.
And my favorite television theme song (it’s the only show where I don’t fast-forward past the opening): Big Bang Theory
Okay, coming up next: more details about Jake Ransom (appearances, new microsite, new mysterious languages, and lots and lots of dinosaurs)
Comments
Name: Monica/Amarra Date: 2009-04-02
I'm wearing my finger out voting for you, Mr. Rollins, and have managed to coerce a few friends into helping too. One of them is actually so intrigued that he's buying your books! Even if Kim wins, it doesn't mean she's better than you, only that her fans have more free time. ;) Your fans know you're the best there is!
Name: Julie Date: 2009-04-02
I wish I would have known sooner that we could vote every 10 minutes. I tried voting a second time on the first day and it wouldn't let me, so I assumed once a day was the limit. (doh!) I'll do my best to remember to vote often today :D
Name: Mihir Date: 2009-04-02
The character who has a cameo in your book "TDK" is from another author's book.. I think I know who this character is :)
Name: Mama Dawg Date: 2009-04-02
I am so glad you're following me on Twitter now. If not, I would have never known you had a blog or were in a contest. I just went and voted for you. You're behind right now, but give me a day and I'll get you back up there! LOL! Anyway, just want you to know that I LOVE your books and am glad to now find your blog to read. Thanks.
Name: VilaD Date: 2009-04-02
I didn't know I could vote every 10 minutes either! I would have been much busier with the mouse clicker had I known that! So when is the last day we can vote, Friday 4/3/09? Jim, did you put the 10 minute voting information on Twitter and myspace too? I think that would help to reach all your fans and let them know.
Name: James Rollins Date: 2009-04-02
@VilaD Yes, I did tweet, myspace and facebook the info. however, Kim has a fierce following. I would imagine they have been pulling the late night hours clicking away :) Thank you everyone for the support. I would not even be here without you! Jim Rollins
Name: Boyd Date: 2009-04-02
Sheldon is the most hilarious character on TV! I also love the producer's comments at the end of The Big Bang Theory that you have to have a Tivo to catch. Not funny then, funny now!
Name: Julia S. Date: 2009-04-04
! I voted many times for you Jim....I tried to stuff the ballot box many times...and it didn't want to budge. Even while watching TV, stopping by my computer to vote while a commercial was on. Sigh...I hope you win! But if you don't....Judas Strain Rocks no matter what! You have won my vote every time. Good Luck!
Name: Randy C Date: 2009-04-02
I didn't know you were the co-president of an International Thriller Writers group, with Steve Berry no less. You two are two of my favorite writers. I look forward to both of your books each time a new one comes out. I already have the dates circled on multiple calendars, so as not to forget about them. Good luck in the competition. I, too, love The Big Bang Theory and its theme song.
Name: Chrissie Kennedy Date: 2009-04-03
Voting like crazy! I do hope you win as I adored The Judas Strain, and all your other books!
Name: Julie Date: 2009-04-02
I wish I would have known sooner that we could vote every 10 minutes. I tried voting a second time on the first day and it wouldn't let me, so I assumed once a day was the limit. (doh!) I'll do my best to remember to vote often today :D