Wednesday, January 28, 2009

On Charlie's Angels--On Steroids

Rarely does an author make such an impact in such a short span of time."
~Romantic Times Magazine






HANK: Charlie's Angels on steroids.

Can't you instantly picture it? And now you can read all about them in Jordan Dane's brand new book in her brand new SWEET JUSTICE series--EVIL WITHOUT A FACE.


You all know the scoop on Jordan: her three "No One" debut suspense novels came out back to back in 2008. They're suspenseful, gritty, intriguing--and darkly humorous. If you like Allison Brennan, and Carla Neggers, and Lisa Gardner (and who doesn't...?), Dane's books are right up your(dark and dangerous) alley.

But for all of her wild success, Jordan's ascent to bestsellerdom was not quick. Not easy. And she still seems a little--amazed by it all. Which is part of her charm.



She doesn't make a plot outline. She used to work in the oil and gas field. (Ask her what her motto was.) She and I both adore the very generous Sharon Sala. Jordan wrote her first book in--well, you won't believe how long it took her.


***And here are the magic words: Three winners! Jordan has graciously offered to give away three copies of EVIL WITHOUT A FACE to be chosen at random from those who leave a comment! Thanks, Jordan.

HANK: So, Jordan. Can you believe it?

JD: Hell, no. I feel like that kid who crawled under the tent at the circus to get in. Someone is going to find me and kick me out. This whole thing has been surreal like it’s happening to someone else. There were so many roads not taken too. I had turned down the first agent offer because it didn’t “feel” right. And I also turned down the first book offer that would have split up my first debut series. Very strange how things happen. That’s why I feel it’s so important for an author to follow their gut and believe in their voice.

HANK: Your books are so fast-paced, such page-turners, so tension-filled and exciting. I picture you at your desk, typing as fast as humanly possible, the stories and dialogue pouring out. Is that how it happens?

JD: Yes, that’s exactly how it happens. NOT! In reality I’m a nit picky editor of my own work (some might say compulsive) and I painstakingly choose each word as if my life depended on it. And with each new book I learn more about craft and about myself. Some parts of any book seem to flow easily while others are like giving birth to a bowling ball. Ouch! I wrote my debut book – NO ONE HEARD HER SCREAM – in six weeks while I was on medical leave after major surgery.


During my medical leave from my work in the energy industry, I was whizzing through three fully edited chapters a week, but I had time to think through the story and knew where I wanted to go, even though there were two complex plots woven into this story. (Since I don’t plot, this was a challenge, but I like challenges. Bring it on, sista!) I now write full time and retired early from my energy job, but the writing process doesn’t get any easier. I find that my mind never shuts off. I’m always working.


HANK: When people say wow, overnight success! Do you howl with laughter? Or just howl?

JD: I’m prone to howling in general, but yes.
The phrase—overnight success—usually induces a chuckle or two. I first got the idea to write a book in 2003 after being an avid reader for years. Writing had been a passion since I was a kid too. And for three and a half years—until I sold in June 2006—I wrote every night for three hours and longer on weekends, doing two jobs at one time. (My debut book was actually only the second suspense book I had written and my fourth manuscript.)

I joined writers’ groups, both online and local. And I attended writers’ conferences, submitted proposals to agents and publishing houses, and I entered national writing contests. I worked my writing like a business, a very serious endeavor.

I had gotten to the point of telling myself that if I never sold, I would still write because I had to. It had become a part of who I was and improved my quality of life so much. I had tapped into a creative side of my life that I had forgotten, but now didn’t want to let go. I wrote because I had to. Thank God Avon made an honest woman out of me.

HANK: So--tell all about the Sweet Justice series!

JD: I abso-friggin-lutely love this new thriller series – Sweet Justice. The initial idea came from my fascination with the way criminals have gotten smarter in how they perpetrate crimes. They’ve taken to online criminal acts and gone more anonymous and thus have become harder to prosecute when their crimes overlap law enforcement jurisdictions. I thought I could empower the reader to wield sweet justice through the lives of the three women in my new thriller series.

And the idea behind these three women came from a conversation I had with my editor who mentioned Charlie’s Angels. I told her I couldn’t see me doing Charlie’s Angels unless I did it my way. Charlie’s Angels on STEROIDS! I also liked the idea of writing a series about three very different women.

Jessie Beckett is my bounty hunter who operates a little outside the law. Her childhood friend and voice of conscience is Sam Cooper who is an ambitious vice cop. And Alexa Marlowe is my international operative with a mysterious past who lives life on the edge. Alexa will eventually tempt Jessie with the idea of wielding justice her own way, by utilizing the vast resources of her employer, the Sentinels. Their covert organization is comprised of wealthy and powerful vigilantes who aren’t restricted by international borders or by the law. Jessie, Sam, and Alexa will give Lady Justice a whole new reason to wear blinders. And their brand of justice will be anything but sweet.

HANK: I can just hear the announcer saying that! Thanks, Jordan.

Now: Jordan takes the Jungle Red Quiz:

Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot?
I’d take Miss Marple for shots of tequila and see if she’d jump on the bar and put the ugly back in Coyote.

Sex or violence?Always sex. Except for Dirty Harry, who would pick violence?

Pizza or chocolate?
Although these are both food groups for me, I’d have to go with chocolate because you don’t have to wait 30 minutes or less.

Daniel Craig or Pierce Brosnan?You’re killing me here. Pierce for his humor and the wicked twinkle in his eye, but Daniel for his speedo.

Facebook or MySpace?
Oh, man. People are going to kill me here. I’d choose Facebook for fun. Myspace has all my crazy fringe dwellers there, but the code is complicated sometimes.

Katharine Hepburn or Audrey Hepburn?
Katharine, definitely.

Your favorite non-mystery book?
Stephen King’s Gunslinger series, his earlier books that he wrote in college.

Favorite book as a kid?I was thinking about this just the other day. I can’t remember the name but it was a fantasy with a flying horse. I was really into westerns too. Anything with a horse in it.

Making dinner or making reservations?Reservations, definitely. I would have reservations about cooking. Are you kidding me?

And now, the Jungle Red Big Lie. Tell us four things about you that no one knows. Only three can be true. We'll guess which one is false!


I rode in a school bus onto the frozen Bering Sea, above the Arctic Circle.
I was a volleyball coach for a Junior Olympics team in California during the 80s.
I have a tattoo.
I have the complete video collection for Adrian Paul’s Highlander TV series.

Don't forget to say hello (or guess the quiz Big Lie answer)for **your chance at a free book!
Thanks, Jordan!
(And anyone remember the book wth the flying horse?)

Friday: queries about query letters? Wendy Burt-Thomas explains it all to us. And will answer your questions!

60 comments:

  1. I don't need to be put in the drawing since that wouldn't be fair. ;) Just wanted to stop by and say I'm LOVING all your recent success and I'm looking forward to reading this new series.

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  2. Each week I pause at the (small) book area in my local supermarket to say hi to my friends--and there you are.

    We need more kick-ass heroines, as long as they're believable (don't tell me that's an oxymoron),
    and they don't have to fall in love at least once a book.

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  3. Hey, Jordan --

    I've got to read one of your books. Love that 'voice' - and despite that, I'm going with the tattoo.

    I notice all your heroes (not pc any longer to say heroines)have quasi-androgynous names. How'd you pick those names?

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  4. I love the idea of "Charlie's Angels" on steroids. Sounds like you've worked hard (and still are working hard) to stake your claim as a successful author--Keep at it!

    I'll definitely have to check out your work; it sounds great!

    ~Saoirse

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  5. Hey Jordan!

    Reading your books--I never say--oh, puh-leeze. That's impossible.

    How do you keep the action in the realm of possibility?

    Do you monitor yourself--asking "could that really happen"?

    Or do you just go with what feels right?

    Any advice about that?

    And I agree with Hallie. Maybe..you don't have a tattoo.

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  6. Hi Jordan, welcome to Jungle red and congratulations on--everything! If you have time, would love to hear you say more about "trusting your gut." That's not so easy for a beginning writer (or even one with experience!) What led you to turn down an agent, and then a contract? I think with the market as tight as it is, lots of us might be inclined to jump at anything that was offered!

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  7. I can't wait to read this book! It sounds great!

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  8. Oh my dear Jordan, this was just like sitting down and chatting with you, you delightful gal, you. And I agree with all of your choices when you had to "pick one", except for the chocolate/pizza thing. I'm pizza all the way, wait or not.

    Huge congrats on your new series. It sounds incredible and when I can dig my way out of my driveway 9we just got 12 inches of snow) I'm going to pick it up and dig right in. For anyone who hasn't read Jordan -- shame on you! The upside is, you can now get all of her books and read them without waiting for the next!

    Susan

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  9. Hey Rinda---I love seeing you here. You're the BEST! I think this will be your year, woman.

    And Sheila--the occasional kick ass moment--properly timed--is a joy to behold. But I always like to temper the attitude with a real live human being under all the bravado. So I agree that anyone who can kick ass, should be believable. It makes it more fun to imagine they really do exist.

    Hey Hallie--I hadn't noticed the androgynous names but I do like the idea that my characters have nicknames. Jessica Beckett is Jess in her POV and Jessie to her friends. And Samantha is Sam or Sammie to her childhood friend Jessie. It makes them seem familiar. Alexa is the only one without a nickname but she doesn't strike me as the kind of woman who would respond to one.

    And Saoirse--I saw your comment on my facebook page about my latest book trailer. I take my writing seriously, but I rarely take myself seriously. There is usually a touch of tongue in cheek humor to my trailers. I'm glad you liked it. In this new series, I've been able to infuse a bit of my strange humor into these characters and I just love it. Makes the writing fun.

    Thanks to all of you for your comments.

    Jordan

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  10. Hi Jordan and Hank.

    I don't know how I managed to miss your suspense books but I'm going to make up for it now. When someone mentions Carla Neggers and Lisa Gardner, both of whom I read, I just know that I'm going to like your work.

    I'd guess from your quiz...that the lie was you were a volleyball coach for the junior Olympics. The rest of them seem to coincide with the all too brief interview which I greatly enjoyed reading. I can see you with a Tatt, out on a frozen Bering Sea because of the adventure of it all, and I love the Highlander series and only wished I had all the episodes. You're so lucky. Yumm! Adrian Paul.

    By the way, Madeleine L'Eegal's Wrinkle in Time book might be what Jordan is talking about. It's the first in a quartet series. Here's the URL to check the cover:

    http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=k2_JGLZhSDMC&dq=madeline+l%27engle&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=8CGviltUh8&sig=zjvhXPj5UIus63gTpYF3_fo4iCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=result

    I loved that series with Meg and Charlie almost as much as I loved the Chronicles of Narnia series.

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  11. Hey Hank--Yeah, I try to keep it all real. I imagine myself in some of those predicaments. My characters are much braver than me, but I've scared myself more than a few times. My mother wonders how I sleep.

    I do lot of research too. Much of what I write about is inspired by real crimes and I use experts to help make sure my writing is as accurate as it can be for fiction. I'm a fanatic for research.

    The thing that I struggle with most is the infusion of romance. I love the added dimension of conflict between a strong man and woman. But recently the talented author Karen Rose said that if you can delete your romance story line from the plot and the story doesn't make sense any more, then you know you've got the right blend. Everytime that man and woman get closer, you make it worse for them and torture them for being together. It ramps up the stakes and I loved Karen's thoughts on that.

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  12. Hey Roberta--Yeah, trusting your gut is not easy. At the time I did that, believe me I agonized over the decision. But I had my day job and I was making a great living so I could afford to take risks with something I felt passionate about. I had people telling me all the time that I should start with category romance--like that was somehow easier to write. Well, no way that it is. And writing with tip sheets to guide my plotting wasn't going to work either. I had just gotten to the point that if I never sold, would I continue to write at the pace I was doing it--working in essence two jobs. And I decided that I liked my new quality of life with writing being a major part of it. So my writers journey was more important than selling at the time--believe it or not.

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  13. Hey SUSANNNNN!!! My thrillerfest buddy. How are you? I love your writing. And we're supposed to be on a Night Owl Romance (NOR) live chat soon. I can't wait for us to do that together. Thanks for the chuckle and for taking the time to stop by. I hope we can see each other on the conference circuit this year. I'll be at Bouchercon. Will you?

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  14. I love Miss Marple and tequila shots. LOL. I can only say that I hope that you have the entire Highlander series (yum) and I can't wait to read your book.

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  15. Faechilde--I can't wait to answer officially to all these guesses about what's true or not.
    And thanks for the link to that book. I'll have to check it out. I've been obsessed with finding it. In a way, I probably should not look too hard. If I reread it now, I might wish I'd left it a fond memory. But if your link is a new book along the same line, then I'm going to enjoy it. Thanks.

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  16. More books to add to Mt. TBR! I love finding new authors to follow. It staves off that panic of "but what if I run out of things to read?" And in the event the publishing industry ever collapses, I'm prepared; I'm the reading bunker.
    Much love,
    PK the Bookeemonster

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  17. Mare--You know what they say, "There can be only one."

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  18. PK--I never worry about the publishing industry going away because there will ALWAYS be the need to tell stories and read them. Our methods might change and our traditional means might evolve, but the art of telling a story and being drawn in as a reader go back much longer than any recent economic downturn or invention.

    Here's a GREAT article on the topic from author Mel Odom who has written over 150+ books under various pen names and under his own name.

    http://storytellersrole.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-are-storytellers-important-in.html

    But I love how Mel writes about why storytellers are important.

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  19. And the funny thing is that Jordan is one of the perkiest, most positive people that you'd ever meet--and she writes these wild, scary stories. Plus she has an amazing sense of adventure. I'm going to keep my guess a secret because I know for sure one of them is true....

    You go, sweet Jordan! Love you!

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  20. Laura---And you are the poster child for SWEET writing DARKLY SCARY, girlfriend. Your southern gothic prose is amazing and atmospheric. You've kept me up nights...in that great way a scary book can. Thanks for the good wishes and sending you back the same in 2009, girl.

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  21. This interview was as fast-paced and interesting as I imagine her new series to be. I will definitely be on the lookout for it in the bookstore.

    Jordan sent me a copy of No One Heard Her Scream and I sent in a pic of my husband reading her book on the golf course instead of playing. We both loved the book! Thank you.

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  22. I enjoyed meeting Jordan in this blog entry, as well as meeting her in person this past Saturday.

    She is a an interesting person and writer. I'm over 3/4 finished with No One Heard Her Scream. I don't have nearly enough time to read.

    Vivian
    http://vivianzabel.blogspot.com

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  23. G'morning, Jordan. I want to be you when I grow up. Wait. I'm older than you are. Dammit.

    I'm curious about your inspiration? Does an idea hit like a bolt of lightning or does it simmer like a Hollywood starlet in a producer's hot tub?

    Nothing about you would surprise me but I'd have to go with the tattoo. (Actually, I'll be surprised if you DON'T have one...)

    -PJ (aka Silver James)

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  24. Well, your mother may wonder "HOW you sleep" with all the excitment and suspense in your books--but I wonder WHEN you sleep!

    What's your schedule like? Was it a tough transition after you gave up your day job? Or was it glorious?

    AND how do you balance writing, editing, promoting and plain old thinking? Oh yes, and having a regular life?

    Faechild--that's a great idea. (I did love that book! And I just read it again to write an essay about it for Hallie's 1001 books website--and I must say it's still terrific.)

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  25. Hey there Helen--Great to see you here. And thanks for the reminder of that great hubby pic. You're a HOOT!

    And Vivian--It was great meeting you on Saturday. I look forward to seeing you at the Edmond library or at an OWFI event. I'm speaking at the OWFI conference in OKC on writing thrillers. It will be my first time there. I'm looking forward to networking with other OK authors.

    And Penny--I'm not sure about a soaking starlet in a hot tub, but ideas usually come to me from headlines. There's nothing scarier than real life. And sometimes I combine idea like I did in EVIL. I can't say exactly what I did without giving away part of the plot, but I like to let things percolate in my brain. And research can sometimes solidify my thoughts. I've got strange collection of newsclippings in a file too. Everything from man eating plants to articles on the rain forest and skateboarding with Christian Slater.

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  26. Well, Hank--I have a crazy schedule that changes day to day, depending on my husband's work routine at the airlines. He's on a crazy routine now where he gets up at 3:30AM and many days after he leaves at 4:30, I'm in the office working. He gets off at 2:30 and I like to have time with him before he heads off to bed. But that's when I get back to it. Like I said, crazy. When I'm in the middle of a project, I can have all sorts of weird hours. I write when I feel the pull.

    And the transition from my old day job wasn't hard at all--except that once I started to write full time, I don't ever turn it off. My mind is constantly working. Even when it looks like I'm watching TV or relaxing, my brain is working. I hear the voices of evil men in my head and I like it. :)

    But doing what you're passionate about is always a good thing. I can't believe I get to do this full time. It's not really work for me. Glorious describes it.

    I'd like to get better at having a regular life. If I could figure out what that is, it might help too. The balance I have is a little lopsided but I hope as I feel more secure that I'll kick back a little. I want to be Merline Lovelace when I grow up. That woman travels all over the world and still manages to write and do more deals. She really enjoys herself.

    As far as editing, I edit every day for the work I wrote that day, but I also re-edit and re-edit to get the work as tight as I can. I usually look to delete works or layer in emotion. I don't have beta-readers any more. I don't have time to make sure they get it before I have to turn it in. But my editor - the fabulous Lucia Macro - and I work well together and we're in sync with how a book should hang together. I love working with her and the staff at Avon.

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  27. Wow, to turn down an agent and an offer...girl, you have cojones! How much research do you do before beginning a book? And does your husband really not mind your years of spending three hours a night working on your fiction? What a guy!

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  28. the horse was pegasus. I have the story in a book of short stories with an original illustration by And Warhol. (Different story than Pegusus.) Without e-bay, it might be worth a mint.
    I vote no on the tatoo.

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  29. Peg--It's not cojones--it's OVARIES. But I don't have those any more either.

    I do some research ahead of time for big items such as locales that I would write the story in. But most of the research comes up as I write the story. Sometimes for a single line, I might spend a great deal of time if I like the concept. And some of the research may not result in a single line of use, but I keep the tidbits in my head for use at another time. My real life experiences--especially the ones from when I lived in Alaska--really have added to my work.

    And my husband has been the most supportive person with all this craziness. He not only takes care of the house, but he grocery shops and makes me breakfast when his work hours permit. I'm usually working for hours by the time he gets up so he brings me coffee and reminds me to eat. Then we plot about how to kill people over java. And he's gotten me out of big jams with plot when I need to brainstorm. He's an amazing guy. I am very lucky to have him.

    He told me once that he's never seen anyone more driven by passion in his life. And when I got my first bookcovers, he looked down at them and walked away--only to come back a second later with a tear in his eye saying, "My God, you're going to be in a library." He got me crying too and we hugged each other. It was the best celebration I could ever have hoped for.

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  30. Hey Jordan!

    Fancy meeting you here! (Usually it's Facebook...) Just wanted to wish you luck with the new book. You are an inspiration.

    Oh, and I'm going to guess that #2 is the lie...

    John

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  31. Jordan -

    I wasn't going to comment until I read your response to Peg about your husband.

    That moment of looking at your first bookcovers is one of those golden moments in life - that recognition that you've both done the "right thing" - He in supporting you and you in pursuing that passion and letting the dream in you live. Many have the dream - but not the passion - it's takes both doesn't it?

    You are a lesson in bringing life to passion.

    Thank you!

    MTV

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  32. Love Jordan and your books. I think the lie is that you were a volleyball coach for the Junior Olympics. But where is your tattoo?

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  33. Hello Jordan...

    I'm going to guess you were not the volleyball coach. Because I suspect you might have a tattoo...that says Take A Front Row Seat To Suspense...and includes that blue eye logo of yours. If you don't, you probably ought to get one.

    Best of luck on your new series. You are a great comrade!

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  34. BTW you guys--I posted a blog on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/jordandanebooks asking for readers to send in their pics holding my book or spotting it on bookshelves. My blog is called - EVIL IS EVERYWHERE! Give EVIL a Face - YOURS!

    Contact me at my blog or on facebook or thru my website if you have a pic to send. I'll post a slide show and on my HarperCollins site too.

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  35. Hey there John--Great to virtually see you here. I'm sending you my best wishes for 2009 and I hope to see you at another signing--YOURS this time.

    Hank--when do I get to tell which is the lie? ALL this virtual guessing is killing me. You guys are cracking me up with all your guesses.

    And MTV--You brought a tear to my eye. Yes, that was a special moment with my husband. I tell him that he's the cornerstone to every hero I will ever write. And it's true.

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  36. Julie---It's great to see you here, sweets. Your book Stalking Susan was one of my favorite reads in 2008 and it was your debut. You've got big things ahead of you, dahlin'.

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  37. Is the book with the flying horse by Mark Helprin??

    Great interview! I think you're right to take that chance with Miss Marple, because with Hercule Poirot, it's be a definite "Non." :)

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  38. Becky--I thought Hercule's mustache would itch much more than Miss Marple's.

    Ewww---can believe I just said that...and wrote it. And left it without deleting it.

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  39. Jordan -

    That's because, truth be known, you brought a tear to my eye, but big boys don't cry - they just grovel and sniffle a bit :-)! I know the feeling exactly - from both sides - as a supporter and as the one supported and it is truly a great feeling on either side. To me getting to celebrate the other person's triumph is as important as my own. I touch my heart as I write this - I touch my heart for all those willing to embrace their passion. For all those willing to bear "no" to get to "yes". For all those who say no to an agent. For all those that say - not yet. It's not ready...

    Also, one other item about going with your gut - I learned to always respect myself as a writer and what AND how I am called to write -

    Quick story - I wrote a movie about something that happened in my life with a friend of mine who is a prize winning reporter - he was responsible for story - I was responsible for everything else. In my naiveness, I thought, well he's the professional writer, I'm the newbie so let him lead. Still, I kept feeling something was off about a key character - short story - reporters tend to spin things - so, if Mr. A wears a black hat it stays black or gets blacker. This does not help character arc. I had assistance from two different and very experienced professional screenwriters who noted to me what was off. It EXACTLY in every detail matched my gut feel. I then fixed it. Not a simple fix either - because as you know it was like pick-up sticks. Keep the good in place, but pick out what isn't working.

    I still haven't sold that movie, yet... it's a great story, too. I touch my heart to those that persevere...

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  40. MTV--Maybe your time for that script has not come yet. But if it sticks with you, then I think it's a keeper. Have faith, baby.

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  41. Could the book be The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge? The horse is really a unicorn, and the story isn't so much about the unicorn, but it is MY favorite childhood book (and JK Rowling's as well).

    mbunting@sbcglobal.net

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  42. Great insight. That antsyness arises every once-in-while and you say to your self - WTF, did I miss the boat. Answer:based on your comment - no dummy, you're just at the dock a little early :-)!

    Thanks, Jordan, I really appreciate that sentiment!

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  43. I can't wait to read your book. I see we have similar tastes. I wanted to guess for the drawing. I say you were not a Volleyball coach. Just a guess!

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  44. Oh,Becky--I LOVE Winter's Tale. It's my favorite book ever. You, too?
    Oh, my gosh. It's fantastic. I'm not sure it ever got enough fame.

    Anyway. Back to the fabulous Jordan. Even though she didnt delete the mustache remark. :->)
    (Oh, I just figured that out..)

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  45. Oh,Becky--I LOVE Winter's Tale. It's my favorite book ever. You, too?
    Oh, my gosh. It's fantastic. I'm not sure it ever got enough fame.

    Anyway. Back to the fabulous Jordan. Even though she didnt delete the mustache remark. :->)
    (Oh, I just figured that out..)

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  46. Chiming in late to welcome you, Jordan. You've certainly generated a lot of activity on our site.

    And Hank--I too lurved Winter's Tale. It stayed with me to this day.

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  47. It looks like I have plenty of new book references to try and rekindle my childhood. Thanks to everyone who made a guess on the book.

    And I think that I will reveal the LIE in my statements by saying that...hmmmmm

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  48. I like suspense...sue me.







    I don't have a tattoo. But thank to Julie Kramer, I will remedy that tomorrow. I like the blue eye brand idea.

    I actually played very competitive v-ball for years while I was up in AK and was an official coach for the 14 & under girl's program of the USVBA. We coached kids for 10months out of the year and took them to compete in Davis CA. And I not only played on several teams (coed & women's) but I also coached many adult teams and served on my local sports association board as league rep. I managed my teams, had a former guy olympian stay at my house while he was in Anchorage coaching me and my coaching friends, and I competed in the west coast zonals in Hawaii. V-ball is one of the best things that ever happened to me...and the first team sport I ever played.

    And yes, I was in the bus on the frozen Bering Sea. I was as shocked as some of you when the driver made that announcement. I was also a race official on the Iditarod trail for the Iditaski race...where I flew in a small plane off a frozen lake and landed on a frozen river in the middle of nowhere in the dead of winter.

    And I stared down an angry mother moose (where I could feel her breath on me) after she charged me and my friends on a marathon race on a remote bike trail. All we had between us was a thin tree. A very funny story.

    And yes, I am a fan of Highlander. My husband thought I should have the WHOLE collection, but I loved the gift. "There can be only one."

    So...that's the virtual truth about the lie.

    Thanks to everyone for stopping by and posting a comment. You guys made me feel very special today and I appreciate it.

    Best wishes to all of you in 2009!

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  49. Wow! I'm yhe 49th to leave a comment. Went down to the local Books a Million to pick up the latest, but alas, they're not in yet. That's what I get for living off Broadway.

    Gonna have a Scotch in your honor, Bud. You make me proud.

    Hugs,
    den

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  50. Ah, Den--BAMM has it in the storage room. You know how these things go. I don't go shelf hopping until I know they are out there. It's a crushing disappointment if I don't see them there.

    Send me a pic when you get the book and send it to me. I'd love to put another face on EVIL.

    Cheers!

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  51. Jordan! You're amazing...and it was wonderful hosting you today. You're a terrifically good sport--and we learned a lot. We'll have to have a reunion in real life--at Thrillerfest maybe?

    Congratulations on your wild success. You're an inspiration. And the genuine article.

    We'll pick some winners...and post them here at the end of the day Friday.

    And those who came to visit Jordan..We hope you come back and chat with Jungle Red! We have a blog chat on Mondays, where we each put in our two cents (or more.) Wednesday is guest day-and we have some fantastic ones coming up. And Fridays is 'anything-can happen' day!

    But come back tomorrow for more chat about evil...and then Friday for the guru of query letters!
    She'll be here to answer all your queries about queries...don't send yours in unitl you check here.

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  52. I'm late coming here, but what a great journey to publication. Loved your answers and your voice, and I'm sure I'll love your books.

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  53. You're not late, Edie! Welcome..and come visit again soon.

    We'll be posting the winners of the books tomorrow--so there's still time to enter!

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  54. Hey Edie--Great to have you here. I'll be poking my virtual head in today to see who is stirring up trouble. And the authors on this blog are amazing. Check them out too.

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  55. Reading Miss Marple & eating chocolate during the commercials of a Katherine Hepburn movie sounds like a great day to me.

    Please add my name to the drawing for the book. The idea for Evil Without a Face is a good twist.

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  56. Jordan, Congrats on your success. I wish you MEGA sales. Great interview. di

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  57. You started your first book in 2003 and it was published in 2008. That sounds VERY fast to me! Not overnight, but I know so many writers who've been toiling away for much longer, and have written a half dozen books or more. And yet, they are still unpublished. Congrats on all your success. You've obviously worked very hard!

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  58. I started writing in 2003, but my first books sold mid 2006. It took two years for the books to get packaged by my publisher because they needed a hole in their release schedule to allow for 3 books back to back. Everything got escalated.

    I sold quickly, but I focused on writing. I didn't dwell on one manuscript. I kept writing so I would have inventory if I sold. And that's how it worked out.

    Thanks for your comment, anonymous.

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  59. I love the concept of your new books that "the initial idea came from my fascination with the way criminals have gotten smarter in how they perpetrate crimes. They’ve taken to online criminal acts and gone more anonymous and thus have become harder to prosecute..."

    that absolutely fascinates me!

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  60. Jenny--You have to have a very devious mind to think like a criminal of this nature too. I sometimes scare myself. But after researching a number of cases for story ideas, I began to see a pattern that I found fascinating too. And within my series is a covert group of international vigilantes who dole out "Sweet Justice" their way without the law or jurisdictions. It gives the reader a sense that justice can be served in the fictional world, but wielding that kind of power can be a slippery slope for those in charge. And my series will delve into that too. The heady nature of power can be intoxicating, but can also blur the lines between good people and bad.

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