Friday, July 12, 2013

Summer Reading Mailbag

Happy Summer, everyone! Here is the annual summer mailbag, where I summarize the most common reader questions I've been sent over the last few months, and try to answer them somewhat coherently.

If there is a question you have that aren't answered here, you can email me at derekbkclb@yahoo.com and I'll be sure to quickly get back to you. And look for future updates at
Twitter (@DCicconeBooks) and Facebook (Derek Ciccone Book Club).

(Thanks to Christopher Regan for supplying the photo)

Will there be any new books out soon?

I've been in the writing dungeon typing away the last few months - which isn't a bad place to be considering the heat in Connecticut this summer! - and new books are on track to be released before the end of 2013. The first is a stand-alone thriller called The Jack Hammer, which should be out later this summer. I'll post plenty of updates as the day gets nearer and clearer.

Will any of your books have a sequel, or be made into a series?

While I do enjoy coming up with new characters for each new story and adventure, and all six books currently out are stand-alone, the short answer in YES! The first is planned for later this year, and is the followup to Officer Jones. When we last left JP Warner and friends, he'd finally made it back home (and a lot of stuff I won't mention in case you haven't read it) but in the upcoming story, the hard part for JP will be staying there. It is coming along very well, and I think those who liked Officer Jones will really enjoy it.

Will there ever be another Painless?

Probably the most common question I receive. Thrilled that so many connected with the story and the characters in it. I don't know about "another" one, but YES, I do plan for Billy and Carolyn to return. I thought I needed to figure out a way to do it - if it became a situation where armies were chasing them every book, it would become totally ridiculous IMO, and cheapen the original story. So in that way, it isn't built to be a continuing thriller. But I found that there is plenty of twists and turns in the "normal" life of Carolyn Whitcomb and her painlessness to make a compelling story, and reason to continue. Haven't broken ground with it yet, but something to keep on eye on for 2014.

What books are available in paperback, hardcover, and can I get one signed?

Painless, The Truant Officer, and The Trials of Max Q are all available in paperback, and can be purchased at most places where online books are sold - Amazon, Barnes Noble, etc. Painless is the only one currently in hardcover. Two more books - Officer Jones, and Kristmas Collins are in the process of being turned into paperback, and my hope is that they'll be ready for the holiday season.

As far as getting a signed book - ABSOLUTELY!! The best way is to drop me an email at derekbkclb@yahoo.com and I'll work with you to come up with the best way to get it to you. If you haven't already purchased the book you want signed, please hold off on purchasing until you contact me, which I've found makes the process easier.

I saw your book listed under something called Breakout Books on iTunes, what is that?

Painless was chosen by Apple last February to be among a small handful of books in the initial Breakout Books category for the "Mystery and Thriller" category. BB is a commitment Apple/iTunes made to promoting independent books on their front page, and I was very honored that Painless was included. It was picked by their review board based on reader reviews and sales, and since I never reviewed the book or bought a copy, really you're the reason it's there, so thanks!!! Wrote more about it here last February.