Z is for Zombies

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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It's the final day of the A to Z Challenge and I am grateful for all of the new blogs I've discovered throughout April - but also relieved it has come to an end. I actually maintained three blogs for the challenge - it started as four, but I can only stretch so far. I blogged here, of course, and over at the "other me" website I talked about movies I loved as a child, and then I wrote in character as Chase Duffy talking about things/people that inspire him.

All three of my blog posts today have a zombie connection. The "other me" is talking about Zombieland, a great horror comedy. And Chase is chatting about his love of Zombie fiction. Chase is way out of my target audience range, but I'm glad he's a fan of Zombie fiction, because the thriller book I'm currently working on. The book is called Madonna of the Bones - and aside from the title and the general theme, that's about all I'm going to say right now.

I love this book. It's been percolating for almost a year, and I've been plucking away at research, jotting down scenes, and outlining the plot. It might be the most well thought-out of all of my projects. Which is why, now that the A to Z is done, I'll be back to my weekly blog schedule - and spending the rest of that valuable time writing Madonna of the Bones. Well, that and a few other things I've got on tap.

Zombies. They're pretty cool, no?

How are you ending off the A to Z Challenge? Zombie apocalypse? 

- Dawn

Y is for Yikes!

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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Yikes! That's my favorite exclamation when I read or watch something that creeps me out. Well, unless it scares the crap out of me - then I scream, loudly. Just ask my friends. I'm kind of a chicken sometimes.

I like a little "yikes!" factor in my thriller reads, though. That moment when the protagonist faces one of their fears, or is wounded, or gets into a predicament *I* can't see his/her way out of - until the end of the book.

When I write, I'm always looking for some "yikes!" moments, usually at the end of each chapter. Cliffhangers are not always easy, but they're worth it if your reader turns the page.

What are some of your favorite "Yikes!" moments in fiction or theatre?

- Dawn

P.S. - It's Muse Avatar Monday and honestly, I scrolled through "hot male celebrity" lists for almost an hour looking for Mr. "Y" in honor of the A to Z Challenge. (I know, tough job, but someone had to do it.) The best I could come up with is Ryan Gosling. Hey, there's a Y in his name!

The Book In My Bag Today: The Fault In Our Stars, John Green

RESOLUTION 2013 STATS

Total words last week: 0

Total words to date for 2013: 72,804

Total pounds lost for week: 0

Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27

Books read last week: 0

Total books read to date for 2013: 7

Movies watched last week: 1

Movies watched to date in 2013: 6

X is for X-Men

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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Yeah, I know, X-Men is a BIG cheat. But I'm positive I'm not the only one from the A to Z Blogging Challenge hopping on the X-Men bandwagon today. Not a lot of X words to choose from. And yeah, I'm aware, it's not a thriller per se.

BUT, in this case, X-Men is a metaphor for action which IS something required for thriller writing. (Ha! See what I did there?)

There's actually a whole sub genre of thriller for action-adventure. Some of the writers in this sub-genre include Clive Cussler, Steve Berry, James Rollins, Lee Child and of course, the author that revitalized the sub-genre with The Davinci Code, Dan Brown.

I'm a fan of all thriller - but this is the sub genre I grew up with, and the sub-genre I buy for my father, my father-in-law, my mother, and well, it's the sub-genre I buy the most. Action! It's a good thing. Particularly if you write thriller - which I do.

And yeah, I know there are better action flicks. But do they start with X? No.

What's your favorite thriller sub-genre?

- Dawn

W is for Write

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I suppose it's a bit of a cop-out on an A to Z of thriller terms to use the "W" post for writing. But let's face it, if you're working on a thriller novel, it's not going to get done if you aren't writing. 

Have you ever read Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft? It's brilliant, actually. Filled with tips and tricks to hone your craft and get inspired. I read it once a year, kind of like my annual kick in the ass to remember some of the skills that can be lost when you're engrossed in the first draft of a new project. It's my editing bible. Have I used dialogue tags other than said? Have I filled the book with cliches? Stephen is good at (bluntly) reminding me why those things are "bad", particularly after I've read something that has been published - and yet, doesn't conform to those rules.

Perhaps one of the strongest messages in Stephen's book, however, is the reminder to write every day. Yeah, he writes 10 pages a day, which is somewhat easier when writing IS your day job. But being busy shouldn't be an excuse. One of my mentors, Steve Berry, was a full time lawyer while he was writing a bestselling novel a year. Amid the paperwork, court appearances, and full slate of meetings, he made time for writing. His dedication paid off.

I made a New Year's resolution on January 1 to write 500,000 words in 2013. Ambitious, yes, and likely not going to happen. Because even though I started out strong, putting in 1370 words a day for the first two months of the year, I tapered off when life got busy, or stressful.

Not to mention, I forgot that sometimes you need to take a break and re-read what you've written, plot the next few chapters, spend time researching, or yeah, catching up on the day job, family, or even just reading a good book.

I'm not beating myself up. I've written 80,000 words in 2013 so far, which has meant the completion of three books I'd started in 2012, a finished elementary school project, three quarters of a script, and the start of the second book in a series. Not bad.

And, there's still time! I won't make 500,000 words this year - it will be a miracle if I do. But I will write more this year than last year...putting me one step closer to achieving my writing dreams.

So, how much time do you spend honing your craft - even if your craft isn't creative?

- Dawn

V is for Vengeance

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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As a firm believer in Karma, the concept of vengeance - at least in real life - is both compelling and disturbing. But as a literary tool, particularly with thriller fiction, I understand its role. In fact, I'm often drawn to stories about it.

One of the surprise TV show discoveries of the last year for me was Revenge. If you haven't seen it, the title pretty much sums it up - but it's well done in that it demonstrates some of the consequences of revenge.

Of course, the vengeance theme has been around for billions of years, and even when the story is not centralized around it, there are often elements of vengeance and revenge throughout. Consider these great books, movies and TV shows:  Romeo and Juliet (or pretty much any Shakespearean tale), The Count of Monte Cristo, V is for Vendetta, 24, Game of Thrones, and True Blood. 

Vengeance was actually a central theme of my first thriller, Absolution - though some of that has been edited out in the re-work.

Got a favorite book, TV show or movie about vengeance? Share!

- Dawn

PS - Blogging about vengeance was just another excuse for me to share a picture of Jack Bauer, one of my favorite TV characters, played by one of my favorite actors - Kiefer Sutherland. Kiefer has been a muse avatar countless times.

U is for Underworld

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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When I started dabbling in storytelling, I had a weird fascination with the Underworld. Maybe I'd read too many horror books as a teenager. My earlier (unfinished) works starred lead characters such as Mephistopheles, Leviathan and Lucifer. (Charming, I know.)

Of course, Satan is the most well-known leader of the common underworld, but further research (and I loves me some research) exposes pretty interesting lesser known, and way cooler underworld rulers from different religions and mythologies.

I've since veered off the "underworld craze" favoring themes slightly less dark (for now), but I'm still fascinated with other "worlds" and mysterious unexplored places, like caves, black holes, and sunken ships. When I was a kid, I was desperate to go to space camp, determined to be the "first woman in space" (hey, I was naive back then...) and up until a few years ago, I kind of wanted to be a deep sea diver. But um, I went scuba diving in Hawaii, saw a really large shark RIGHT UNDER MY FEET and that was the end of my ocean exploration dreams.

Except in fiction.

These days, I'm addicted to podcasts. *cue nerdy music* Like one of my favorite magazine, Mental Floss, there are some fabulous things you can learn listening to podcasts like Stuff to Blow Your Mind and Stuff You Missed in History Class. Literally HUNDREDS of story idea buried within the gems of these two podcasts alone.

Now to polish off these other projects so I can work on one of them!

What underworld - or hidden world - most fascinates you?

- Dawn

T is for Thrillerfest

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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If you write - or read - thriller fiction, there's no better place to hone your writing chops, or let out your inner fangirl/boy than in New York July 10-13 for Thrillerfest, the spectacular annual conference held by the International Thriller Writers.

Never heard of it? *Gasp* You won't believe the line-up of amazing - and bestselling - thriller writers. Steve Berry, R.L. Stine, Michael Palmer, Anne freaking Rice! Seriously, there's no better chance to see all of your favourite thriller authors in one place.

Whether you're an aspiring author, a fan or an industry professional, there's something for everyone at Thrillerfest, including:

Craftfest - workshops and panel discussions featuring bestselling authors, ideal for aspiring and seasoned writers.

Agentfest - one of the best pitch opportunities for writers keen to secure an agent.

Thrillerfest - more workshops! Panel discussions! Lectures!

Banquet - the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest names in the thriller genre, eat some fabulous food, and take part in the awards ceremony.

Does it sound like I'm hard selling this conference? Good! Because truly, this is one event lovers of the thriller genre should NOT miss. Get thee to New York this summer!

- Dawn

S is for Suspense

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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My stomach can handle a fairly decent amount of gore - I don't run scared from images of blood (though put REAL blood around me and I'm a wimp), and serial killers running around with chainsaws don't terrify me - on screen.

Unless of course those same serial killers are lurking in a dark shadow, waiting for me to round the corner so they can POUNCE on me, and THEN cut me up with a chainsaw. Because, I admit, I am much more frightened by suspense than an all-out gore fest.

I love books and movies that make me jump. Saw did that for me, as did The Exorcist back in the day, and more recently The Lady in Black - which, wasn't necessarily a great movie, but it gave me more "jump out of my skin" moments than I've had in a while.

After Jack Kilborn's thriller Afraid, I actually slept with the lights on the next day, much to my husband's dismay.

Suspense. It's the key ingredient for a good chill in my opinion. Would you rather suspense - or gore? And, what's the most suspenseful movie you have ever seen?

- Dawn

PS - It's muse avatar Monday and my "S" muse of choice is Blake Shelton. While I'm not REALLY a fan of country music (save a few songs here and there), I AM a fan of The Voice - and watching Blake on it has inspired me to download a few of his songs. He's not half bad. And he's very easy on the eyes. Bet he'd even protect me during a suspenseful movie...

The Book In My Bag Today: The Fault In Our Stars, John Green

RESOLUTION 2013 STATS

Total words last week: 4565

Total words to date for 2013: 72,804

Total pounds lost for week: 0

Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27

Books read last week: 0

Total books read to date for 2013: 7

Movies watched last week: 1

Movies watched to date in 2013: 5

R is for Rollins, James Rollins

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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There are no original ideas - there are only original adaptations.

That's the lesson I learned from one of my favorite thriller writers - and someone who has given me invaluable writing advice over the years.

James Rollins is the NYT Bestselling author of numerous action-adventure thrillers, with his books translated into more than 40 languages. His novels repeatedly earn well-deserved five-star reviews. Action, characterization, adventure, and clever interpretations of science - what more could you ask for? They are brilliant!

I've attended many sessions with James at writer's conferences in Hawaii (I really miss those days), but it was during a great one-on-one discussion that the above lesson truly resonated. Years ago, I sat across  from James in his amazing office, surrounded by posters showcasing his NYT Bestselling status, copies of his books in various languages proudly displayed on a beautiful, wooden bookshelf. He'd just finished reading my thriller, ABSOLUTION, and given me some great feedback - and a mind-boggling blurb. Talk about surreal.

"So what else are you working on?" he asked.

Prepared for that question, I delivered a pitch for an action-adventure thriller I'd been rolling around in my head for months, maybe a full year. He sat and listened intently as I spoke of lost cities and conspiracies. I must have rambled on for almost ten minutes. When I finished, he calmly reached over to his bookshelf, pulled out one of his own novels, and said, "Sounds excellent! And a little like this book, one of my first."

Gulp.

Mortified, I read the back blurb. Despite having read (and studied) almost all of his books, I had not read this one - and the story in my head was eerily similar to James' published book. 

But here's the thing. James wasn't upset or mad. he didn't accuse me of "stealing his story" or something equally as ridiculous. Instead, he was encouraging, kind, mentoring. He explained that even if I wrote the story I'd explained to him, it wouldn't be "just like his" because I am not him (sadly, I don't have even a fraction of his talent). He actually suggested I write the thriller and then give it to him to read. I didn't write the book  - but I did learn an invaluable lesson. 

Stay true to who YOU are as a writer. There may not be any original ideas (not fully), but you have the power to give it an original spin. 

What's the most important writing lesson you've learned?

- Dawn

PS - James also gave me this great piece of advice: When writing first draft, post a note next to your computer that reads - I give myself permission to write crap today. First drafts should be crap. Sometimes I forget that.

Q is for Quentin Tarantino

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The first time I recognized the brilliance of Pulp Fiction wasn't because of the movie's director. As a life-long fan of John Travolta, I watched everything he starred in - still do, actually. He was amazing in Pulp Fiction. He's actually just kind of amazing.

But after watching Reservoir Dogs, I rewatched Pulp Fiction with renewed interest, and realized the true mastermind is actually Quentin Tarantino.

I have not seen everything Quentin has directed, nor have I enjoyed everything I have seen - but I know enough to know why so many actors want to work with him, and why so many critics praise his films. The guy knows what he's doing.

Although his latest work might be considered more horror than thriller (though I'm a fan of horror, his horror is a bit too weird for me), I consider Quentin one of the greats in thriller films.

What's your take on Quentin? Too much - or not enough?

- Dawn

P is for Psychological Thriller

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The thriller genre is broken up into several sub genres -  from action-adventure to erotic, I love them all. But my favorite, by far,  is the Psychological Thriller.

Described as a story in which a character's emotional stability is questioned, one of the most famous books in this sub-genre is of course, Silence of the Lambs by the brilliant Thomas Harris. One of my mentors, Gary Braver, says it is a perfectly crafted thriller - and I agree. The Hannibal character alone has become one of the most well-known villains of the literary world. Not to mention, the book has become a loose template for many new psychological thrillers. 

Such is the case for Heartsick by Chelsea Cain, whose serial killer Gretchen has been compared to the iconic Hannibal Lecter. I admit, I'm somewhat obsessed with Gretchen, even to the point where I understand why the protagonist is enamored with her. 

Cain's books may not receive the same technical praise as pretty much anything Harris touched, but Heartsick, and subsequently, the other novels in the series, demonstrate a clear understanding of the genre and a mind blowing talent. Gretchen's character is chillingly, and Cain's skill absolutely shines when it comes to drawing out reader emotion. I am invested in each of these characters - maybe too much so.

Not surprisingly, Cain's series has been optioned by FX for development of a TV show. Unless this show is somehow botched at the casting phase or veers too far from the books, I can't imagine it not being one of the most engaging shows on the small screen. I can hardly wait.

What's your favourite thriller sub genre? And, have you read Heartsick?

- Dawn

O is for Oops! (and Organized Crime)

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I got so caught up in spending time with my sister and nephew yesterday - and then the four-hour drive home - that I completely forgot to do yesterday's "O" post. So today, I'm playing catch up. Hence the "O" is for Oops.

But in the spirit of my thriller theme, "O" is actually for Organized Crime, the most well known example being, but not limited to, the mafia.

I have a bit of a fascination with organized crime - and not just because I'm Italian. (ha!) My interest goes beyond the mafia, and includes such infamous groups as the Hell's Angels motorcycle club and even some historical cults. I always look for the deeper reason for the "following" - fear notwithstanding, of course.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons I'm obsessed with the TV show Sons of Anarchy, or the new Kevin Bacon/James Purefoy show on FOX The Following. I know it is absolutely one of the reasons I loved Mario Puzo's The Godfather.

This was actually one of the first thriller books I ever read - a classic.

If you've not read it, I can't sum it up any better than this Goodreads blurb:

 A searing novel of the Mafia underworld, The Godfather introduced readers to the first family of American crime fiction, the Corleones, and the powerful legacy of tradition, blood, and honor that was passed on from father to son. With its themes of the seduction of power, the pitfalls of greed, and family allegiance, it resonated with millions of readers across the world—and became the definitive novel of the virile, violent subculture that remains steeped in intrigue, in controversy, and in our collective consciousness. 

See! What's not to love about that?

So, what do you think motivates "followers"? 

- Dawn

N is for NEED

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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A little self promo... "The other me" is almost finished the second draft of a young adult thriller that might be my most ambitious project to date.

NEED is the result of an experience with my dear friend, Rocky who, after meeting a woman at the airport, made a statement about her that stuck in my head for almost two years before I put pen to paper. That woman is an emotional vampire.

How chilling. I knew exactly what he meant after he made the statement - she was absolutely draining, to the point where I felt weak after only a few minutes in her presence.

Of course, this interaction is not worthy of a thriller novel - but I've taken some literary license and NEED is absolutely a chill-worthy story. I can hardly wait to share it.

You might form some assumptions about the book based on the background story and Rocky's proclamation. But NEED is not a supernatural thriller. It is, however, the most raw - and frankly, literary - piece of work I've ever written. Ironically, despite it's clear diversion from my norm, it's also the story that flowed from me the easiest. And yet, I figured it would take years to complete. Funny how that works out sometimes, right?

What are you working on right now that you thought would be more difficult to complete? Why is it easier?

- Dawn

M is for Mystery

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The differences between the mystery and thriller genres have always been a bit of a grey area for authors - well, except for the writers well-versed in mystery. Or thriller.

When I started my first novel, ABSOLUTION, I didn't really know if it was a thriller or a mystery - but maybe that's because I didn't understand how they differed.

A thriller is loosely defined as a story in which the reader is waiting for something significant to happen - for the protagonist to stop the bomb from exploding on a speeding bus, for example. The reader experiences a vicarious thrill by identifying with the hero and the danger he/she faces.

A mystery, on the other hand, is a novel of revelation - with the action being more mental than physical (though they can certainly encompass both). A significant event has occurred - generally a murder - and the protagonist's job is to discover the who, and the why. The villain and the details of the cime remain unidentified, and the showdown between the major foe and the protagonist doesn't happen until the final scene.

Based on that, ABSOLUTION is absolutely a thriller - with um, mysterious elements.

I read a lot of both genres and throughout the A to Z Challenge I've identified some of my favorite thriller authors, with more to come. But, I grew up on Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton - two really awesome mystery writers. My favourite, I admit, is J.D. Robb. So much so that I named my male English Mastiff, Roarke.

Got a favorite mystery writer? Tell me about one - I kind of miss reading the genre.

- Dawn

P.S. - It's Muse Avatar Monday! How about a little Shemar Moore for "M"? Go forth and INSPIRE.

The Book In My Bag Today: The Fault in Our Stars, John Green

RESOLUTION 2013 STATS

Total words last week: 0 (This plague is killing me...)
Total words to date for 2013: 68,239

Total pounds lost for week: 1
Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27

Books read last week: 0
Total books read to date for 2013: 7

Movies watched last week: 0
Movies watched to date in 2013: 4

L is for Lee Child

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I saw Lee Child speak at Thrillerfest a few years ago. Despite his crazy success, he's very humble, and in fact, said these untrue words: I don't really know much about writing.

If you've read Lee Child book and are a bonafide "Reacher Creature" (an ode to his main character Jack Reacher), you absolutely know this is a bold-faced lie. Lee Child is one of the most talented thriller writers in the industry.

His style is unique. There's no flowery prose in a Jack Reacher book - his sentences are short, to the point, as tight as it gets. At first, it almost seems choppy, sometimes repetitive, until you realize the staccato is part of the writing charm. 

Lee Child's books are fast-paced. The dialogue is effective. And even though Reacher is not a typical hero (aka: he isn't Tom Cruise and it's sad Tom was cast for that role in the movie adaptation), I don't know many women who aren't crushing on him. 

What's perhaps most inspiring - or frustrating - about Lee Child's publishing story is that writing wasn't what he wanted to do. He started his first book because he had just lost his job and needed to earn a living for his family - and figured writing a book would do the trick. (Don't we all?) His first effort, The Killing Floor, was picked up by a publisher, and he's never looked back.

Never read a Lee Child? Start with the first, if you can.

Are you a Reacher Creature? How do you feel about Tom Cruise being cast in the coveted role?

- Dawn

K is for Killer's Instinct

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The amazing Judith Graves and I just finished the first draft of Killer's Instinct, a thrilling Young Adult paranormal to be published by Leap Books sometime in late 2013.

I'm really excited about this book, not only because I was able to co-write it with the very talented Judith Graves, but also because it's just a creeptastic story. Here's the blurb:

Where there is NO life – there’s Hope…

Hope has always been a bit of a freak. But when her mother crawls from her grave and her undead corpse goes MIA, Hope’s last thread of normal snaps with a vengeance.

Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster slayers seems the only course of action. And the best bet at tracking her mother down.

Killer's Instinct is co-written with Judith by the "other me" - who is also doing the A to Z  Blogging Challenge. Why not come hang out for awhile? I'm talking about movies...

Hey writers! For the month of April, Leap Books is taking unagented submissions for their new e-novella line, SHINE. Learn more here!

- Dawn

J is for Jack the Ripper

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you wanted), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I've always been fascinated by historical bad guys - particularly unsolved mysteries, or notorious serial killers, like Jack the Ripper.

There must be hundreds of fictional adaptations of the Ripper story, from books, to movies, and most recently, an entire TV series. I haven't checked out Ripper Street, but I have read dozens of books about Jack the Ripper, and at one point, co-wrote a script for a potential TV show featuring Jack. 

Even though the script wasn't picked up, I suspect my fascination with the Ripper is far from done, and even now, the idea for a book lingers at the top of my To Be Written idea pile. But since books about Ripper started almost immediately after the murders happened, I'm still working out what my unique angle will be. Goodness knows there are a number of theories to choose from.

Do you have a historical bad guy (or good) that you're itching to write about?

- Dawn

I is for Isles

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you wanted), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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There are a few thriller writers I will literally run to the bookstore for. Steve Berry, Lee Child, Sandra Brown, and this guy - Greg Isles. 

Not every Greg Isles book is a hit with me, but his earlier work, for sure, is brilliant. A perfect fusion of creepy and crafty. His skill is mesmerizing, and his plots keep me turning the page well into the night. A seriously skilled author. If you've never read an Isles book, start with something like Sleep No More. One of my faves.

Over the years, I've read a number of articles about Greg Isles and his writing process. One of the quotes I've never forgotten goes something like this: If you write your book in spurts and starts, how can you expect your reader to read it in one sitting? 

I understand what he's saying. Often, I start off strong writing a book, and then taper off for a bit - start something new, get bogged down in the day job, go back and edit the first few chapters, etc. For me, there's always a danger in losing momentum that way, forgetting the story, or even dimming some of the spark that compelled me to start writing the book in the first place.

To combat this, Greg Isles spends a few months researching and plotting his book. When he has the outline finished, he packs up and takes off to a remote cabin where he has no phone, no Internet, nothing but his laptop and his notes. He stocks his fridge with food, and then starts writing. Thirty days. Non stop. He bangs out a first draft.

I love this concept. Impossible for me to take off for a month - though I've been toying with the idea for some time. That said, I'm trying to practice a bit of the Greg Isles process. Instead of going back to edit what I've written, I'm going to power through the first draft of this new project. No stopping. Just writing every night - at least 1500 words. Even if they're super rough.

Because, as the old cliche goes: Editing rough work is easy. Editing a blank page is impossible.

What's your process? Are you more an Greg Isles kind of writer or does slow and steady win the race? When you read a book, can you tell when an author has plodded through the story? Inquiring minds want to know!

- Dawn

H is for Hannibal

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you wanted), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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One of my mentors and dear friends, Gary Braver, once told me that Silence of the Lambs was considered a perfect thriller - in structure, in creep factor, in writing style. I'd have to agree, and even suggest that Hannibal Lecter is perhaps the one of the greatest villains of all time. 

Of course, Thomas Harris' creeptastic Hannibal character is a staple in pop culture, portrayed most famously by the great Sir Anthony Hopkins. A tough act to follow.

Which is why I wondered how the new TV series, Hannibal, would fare given the iconic role would be played by Mads Mikkelsen, most known for his bad guy character in Casino Royale. Don't get me wrong - he's creepy in his own right. But can he be as compelling a Hannibal as Hopkins?

Yeah, I think he can. Though I've only seen the pilot episode for Hannibal, I'm already hooked. Mikkelsen's accent is thick, but his mannerisms, his creep factor, and his dialogue is very Hannibal worthy indeed. 

The series is a TV adaptation of Red Dragon, another near perfect thriller novel by Harris. The pilot was beautifully shot, and while I admit, not everything made sense, I've got the gist of it - and the gist is brilliant. Like Fox with The Following, NBC is taking some risks with Hannibal and bringing a bit more thriller to prime time TV.

I, for one, am pretty excited about that.

Watching Hannibal? What do you think of Mads Mikkelsen?

- Dawn

G is for Gore

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The line between horror and thriller is somewhat skewed in my opinion.

While I recognize there does not need to be guts and gore in thriller books, I don't mind a little bloodshed in my literature. I just prefer it isn't gratuitous. Few books straddle this precarious line well.

Afraid, by Jack Kilborn does. Five psychopathic murderers trained to be part of a classified government-sanctioned special unit. Five Hannibal Lecters with Rambo training. Oh, there's bloodshed. Plenty of gore.

But it's so well done, it doesn't feel over the top. It's REALLY well done.

I love a good horror tale and day of the week, but the ones that stick with me have a little brains behind the brawn. I prefer Saw to Hostel, for instance.

How about you? Where do you sit on the gore scale? Like your books with a little more blood, or do you prefer to be Afraid? 

- Dawn

P.S. It's muse avatar Monday and I choose Adam Garcia for my "G" muse. You may recognize him from Coyote Ugly. Yeah, me too. And that's about it. My latest thriller has a character with an accent - I loved Adam's in Coyote Ugly. Seems as good a reason as any to make him my muse this week.

RESOLUTION 2013 STATS

Total words last week: 0 (OUCH! Gonna have to haul ass this week...) 
Total words to date for 2013: 68,239

Total pounds lost for week: 0 (8 days sick and I haven't been working out or eating much...gonna have to haul ass this week...)
Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 26

Books read last week: 1 (yay! Scarlet by Melissa Meyer. SO GOOD!)
Total books read to date for 2013: 7

Movies watched last week: 0
Movies watched to date in 2013: 4

F is for The Following

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I'm addicted to a *few* high stakes, high drama shows on TV right now - Walking Dead, Hannibal, Game of Thrones, Homeland, Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad and probably my favourite series right now, The Following. 

Never mind the kick ass cast (hello Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy, I love you), but I'm really enjoying the fact that FOX is taking a bit of a risk and upping the thriller component on a regular cable show. It takes a lot for me to get creeped out, but the uber charming, kind of sexy and brilliant serial killer (and cult leader) Joe Caroll (played by Purefoy) repeatedly gives me the heebie jeebies.

The show has been compared to 24 - and if you've followed my blog long enough, you'll know I'm not only a MASSIVE 24 fan (I own all seven seasons), but also think Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer was unbeatable (and hot!) 24 had *sniff* cliffhanger episode endings, random and shocking deaths, and some fabulous plot twists. While The Following lacks a bit of the same action, Kevin Bacon is an impressive tortured hero, the storyline is compelling, and most of the characters are engaging.

It was while watching the first season of 24 (years after everyone else was on the bandwagon) that I made my first difficult decision for my thriller ABSOLUTION - I killed off a character I loved and knew the reader would be shocked to see die. It turned out to be the best decision possible.

There is much to be learned about writing books from watching TV. If you're writing thriller, you might want to take a look at The Following.

Are you watching The Following? Discuss!

- Dawn

E is for Espionage

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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Did you know that The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum is credited for being the first thriller written in the style we know today? 

I loved that book - and pretty much every book in the Bourne series, not to mention Matt Damon in the movies. Action, romance, espionage. How can you go wrong? 

By simple definition, spy fiction is a genre that focusses on spy-like activities, and general tales of espionage. Of course, the genre has been around a lot longer than The Bourne Identity - it's actually one of the most popular sub genres of thriller, with the Bond character making almost everyone's "top spy" lists. 

There's something interesting about espionage. People like to know secrets - especially those unable to keep them.

I confess, when I was younger, I wanted to be a spy. Didn't you? I used to be relatively good at keeping secrets. I'm fascinated by people who work at organizations like the CIA - in real life and in fiction. I love reading real stories about espionage. But for some reason this is not a genre I've attempted...yet.

That said, I'm addicted to the TV show Homeland, and I see at least a short story about espionage in my very near future.

So - got a favorite Bond? I love Sean Connery. Yes, even over Daniel Craig.

- Dawn

D is for Death

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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When I first started writing, I thought you could tell how "thrilling" a story was based on the number of dead people at the end. 

But, after reading a number of thrillers by a few of my favorite authors, I began to realize it's not the number of deaths I should be worried about, but rather, the way the deaths occur. In fact, some of the best "thriller" books I've read have nary a murder. Killing a character isn't the only way to make a reader's pulse race or give them a thrill.  

The death count in my first book, ABSOLUTION is quite low - but they matter, including the live burial in the opening scene. I still remember writing those words, questioning how, having never killed anyone (obviously!) I'd be able to fake authenticity. The scene didn't come easy and required considerable research into things that I erased from my Google history almost immediately.

I've since killed off a dozen or more characters, and I'm still unnerved when I sit down to write the words. But I'd by lying if I didn't admit to loving the research a little. There are some fascinating ways to die...

What are the more difficult scenes for you to write? Not a writer? What's your favorite thriller - and is the death count high?

- Dawn

C is for Cliffhanger

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I have a love/hate relationships with cliffhangers.

I understand their function, particularly in the thriller genre, and I'm relatively good at them. But, so often, the desire/need to craft that perfect cliffhanger turns into an overwhelming amount of pressure. The ability to end a sentence, paragraph, a chapter in such a way that will demand the reader turn the page. It's tough!

Some thriller authors - like James Patterson and Steve Martini - have this fictional ploy down to a science. 

In simple terms, a cliffhanger is a climax split in two - the main character gets shot, and the chapter ends. It is the question that hovers in the dark space between pages, or the maddening "to be continued"  at the end of your favorite TV show. 

Love or hate them, they are a necessary evil. For a society that struggles to maintain consumer attention, cliffhangers offer a bridge to your audience, a reason for them to turn the page, to buy your next book, to perch on the edge of their seat and suspend disbelief. For you.

No easy task, my friends.

What are some great examples of cliffhangers that made you come back for more?

- Dawn

B is for Berry, and Braver

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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I couldn't possibly write a "B" blog post about the thriller industry without including the two thriller authors who have mentored me over the past few years - Gary Braver and Steve Berry.

Yeah, I know I mentioned them in my A post, but it's not a cheat to mention them again. Not when each has been so instrumental in driving my career forward. If not for Gary, and his incredible patience, encouragement and sheer talent, I may not have continued striving for a career in writing. 

And, over the past couple of years, Steve's firm craft lessons have taught me how to write tight and write well - his succinct, but always bang on, advice has made me a better writer. 

If you've never heard of Gary Braver before, look him up now. Right now. In some ways, he's one of the most under appreciated thriller writers in the industry. Gary writes medical thrillers that make me squirm. His premises are brilliant - and frightening - and the execution of his words is, frankly, mind boggling. 

The first book I read of Gary's was GRAY MATTER, and while there have been some thrilling books before and after this one, it remains my favorite. With just the right blend of science and fiction, Gray Matter is creeptastic! Medical thrillers have never been my genre of choice - Gary makes me question that, though. He's amazing!

And Steve. A multi New York Times Bestselling author, blending history was seat-of-your-pants thrilling action. Dialogue that drives the plot forward. Characters that leap from the page. Tight, tight writing that propels each and every story forward. There's a reason Steve Berry is one of the industry's top selling authors. And yet, he remains such a humble man. I adore him. Steve's road to publishing hasn't been easy, but he's making the most of it now. What an inspiration!

Looking for a great Steve Berry book? I've read (and loved) them all - but The Charlemagne Pursuit may still be my favorite.

Who are your mentors and how have they helped you get to where you are today?

- Dawn

PS - I would be remiss not to mention Sandra Brown in the B category. While Steve and Gary have mentored me, I have always aspired to be like Sandra Brown. One of my favorite writers ever - and a master of the thriller genre. 

A is for Absolution...and Arlee...and Adam

Last year was my first crack at the A-Z Blogging Challenge, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing Arlee Bird. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge, to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?

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The first real book I ever wrote was called ABSOLUTION. I say real, because before it, there were a couple of feeble attempts - a middle grade titled JACK OF HEARTS, a really bad romance called CARNIVAL DREAMS, and a book of horrible poetry that never quite made it to my parent's coffee table. It's okay, I understand. 

Here's the premise for ABSOLUTION:

CAIT WILLIS expects weird, especially as a reporter for Skeptic Magazine, but when her newest assignment to debunk one of the world's most sacred Christian rituals turns deadly, she uncovers a conspiracy tracing from Hollywood's elite to the runways of Milan, where she must nail a killer before he commits the ultimate sin.

ABSOLUTION has since been re-named BLOOD OF THE FALLEN and you can read an excerpt of it here. Don't get too attached though - the book is going through a major overhaul following some advice from my mentors.

My "career" as a thriller writer has been blessed. Several years ago, I attended my first Maui Writer's Conference and was placed in a class with the incredibly talented Gary Braver. To this day, I don't know that I would have pursued a career in writing without Gary's encouragement, enthusiasm, and absolute belief in me. 

Subsequent conferences led me to other amazing mentors, like Steve Berry and James Rollins. Both have given me invaluable advice not only for this book, but also writing thriller. 

Having met the deadline (whoop!) for two of my other (non-thriller) writing projects, I'm excited to get back to Cait's world.

Providing I make it through this year's A-Z Blogging Challenge. To help me, is this week's muse avatar, Adam Levine. A perfect A muse, no?

Doing the challenge? Comment with your link and I'll come check it out! Happy blogging...and happy first day of April.

- Dawn

The Book In My Bag Today: Scarlet, Melissa Meyer

P.S. - It's Monday, so I also have to do my weekly resolution stats. Factoring in being super super sick, not too shabby!

2013 Resolutions Stats

Total words last week: 10,477 
Total words to date for 2013: 68,239

Total pounds lost for week: 0 (Damn Easter Eggs)
Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 26

Books read last week: 0 (this is horrible! But deadlines were met. That deserves a reward.)
Total books read to date for 2013: 6

Movies watched last week: 0
Movies watched to date in 2013: 4