Suz Brockmann's Most Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 4/26/08
Note
from Suz: If you have a question that isn't listed
here, try visiting my message
board at http://members2.boardhost.com/brockmann/
The gang of regulars who visit the board might be able to help.
ALSO -- I've got a scheduled visit to the board on August 14, 2008. Please drop
in and say hello to me then! (I'll be popping in to visit the board
several times throughout the day and evening!) Click HERE
to check out the archived Q&As from other BB visits!
Q: When is your next book coming out?
Suz: Into the Fire, book number thirteen in my Troubleshooters series, will be in bookstores on July 22, 2008. Force of Nature hits the stores in paperback on June 24, 2008, and my holiday novella called All Through the Night, comes out in paperback on November 25, 2008. All Through the Night is Troubleshooters book number twelve. (More about ATTN below...)
Q: Who's the hero of Into the Fire?
Suz: ITF's hero is none other than Vinh Murphy, former Troubleshooters operative and former Marine. Murph first made the scene in Flashpoint. In Hot Target, Murphy and his new bride, Angelina, get caught in a sniper attack. Murphy's badly wounded and Angelina is killed. ITF takes place about three years after that tragedy.
Q: And the heroine of this book...?
Suz: Readers will meet ITF's heroine, Hannah Whitfield, for the first time in the pages of this book. She's an old friend of Murphy's -- in fact, she was an even older friend of Angelina's -- she introduced them to each other. Hannah's a former cop, dealing with injuries sustained while on the job.
Q: Rumor has it Navy SEAL Izzy Zanella will be back in Into the Fire.
Suz: That's correct! Izzy will be joined -- of course -- by his posse: Gillman, Lopez and Jenk. And of course, wherever Jenk goes, Lindsey isn't too far away, so she's back, too. In fact, there are quite a few familiar faces from Troubleshooters Incorporated in this book. Dave Malkoff, Decker and Nash, Tess Bailey, Sophia Ghaffari, Tracy Shapiro... And watch for a scene with Navy SEAL Senior Chief Stan Wolchonok. (He's a big reader favorite!)
Q: Why does the name Ric Alvarado, the hero of Force of Nature seem so familiar?
Ric has appeared in the Troubleshooters series before! He was the Sarasota, Florida police detective who came to Gina's motel room after it had been burglarized in Gone Too Far. Force of Nature is set in Sarasota, where Ric has left the police force to open his own private investigator's business.
Q: Why write about Ric when we're dying to have Sophia and Decker's stories? (Or Izzy's story, or Gillman's, or Lopez's...?)
If you remember Gone Too Far, Ric runs into Gina again when she's filling in for a drummer in a jazz club, and... let's just say that even though he didn't have that many scenes in the book, yet he still made an impression on me. He's been lurking in the back of my mind ever since, and... well, the timing seemed right, and I wrote his book.
Q: About All Through the Night... What's a "holiday novella"? Isn't a novella really short? Aren't novellas usually presented in a collection, with novellas written by other authors?
Suz: All Through the Night is set during the holiday season, plus it's shorter than the other eleven books in the Troubleshooters series, so we're calling it a "holiday novella." Despite that label, All Through the Night is longer than the books I wrote for Silhouette -- it's longer even than Prince Joe, which had to be published with a teeny tiny font!
So in this case, no, this particular novella isn't all that short. And although some shorter novellas are published in collections or anthologies, with other authors, All Through the Night is completely on its own. It is, however, being packaged in a gift hardcover, which is slightly smaller in size than a regular hardcover, with a similarly lower price. (Makes a good gift, hence the name!)
Q: I heard a description of All Through the Night that says a popular Troubleshooters character is getting married. Who exactly is this novella about?
Suz: Jules Cassidy and Robin Chadwick! All Through the Night was a fun book to write. It was something a little different for me in terms of structure and storytelling. Many Troubleshooters characters who are reader favorites will be appearing in this story. Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke not only play a major part, but many scenes are written from Sam's point of view!
Q: Any plans to end the Troubleshooters Series?
Suz: Heavens no! Absolutely not! This series is open ended!
Q: What's next, after Into the Fire?
Suz: I'm writing a book right now called Dark of Night, that's probably more of a direct sequel to Into the Fire than any other of my Troubleshooters series books have ever been. For example, the action in DON begins on the exact same day that ITF ends. Because of this, we're working to get this book into readers hands as quickly as possible. We've got a tentative release date of February 2009 for this one.
Q: Back to Sam & Alyssa... I heard you wrote a number of short stories featuring Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke. How do I find them?
Suz: There are, in fact, four separate short stories featuring the ever-so-popular Sam & Alyssa.
The first story can be found in the back of the paperback reissue of Flashpoint.
The second can be found in the back of the hardcover (non-bookclub hardcover, mind you!) of Hot Target. Due to a publisher error, it didn't get printed in the back of the paperback of Hot Target, but we tried to make up for the omission by putting it into the back of the paperback version of Breaking Point. (We also posted the story on-line. Click HERE to read it now.)
The third short story, Sam Gets an Assignment in Italy, was in the back of the Into the Storm hardcover. It should be in the back of the ITS paperback -- but mistakes have been made in the past, so I'm going to have to double-check to make sure of that!
New for 2007, I've written another exclusive Sam & Alyssa (and Jules Cassidy!) short story called Trapped. (It's my longest short story so far, and it's written from both Sam and Jules's points of view. Again, fun to write!) It's being printed -- exclusively -- in a special free promo booklet called Force of Nature Extras for Readers and Writers. You can get a copy of the FON Extras booklet by participating in my Force of Nature Virtual Signing, by going to the RWA National Conference Literacy Signing in Dallas in July, 2007, or by attending any of the booksignings on my Force of Nature booktour in August and September, 2007.
Q: What exactly is the Force of Nature Extras for Readers and Writers booklet?
It's a free promotional booklet, similar to last year's Reader's Guide to the Troubleshooters Series. There are two sides to the booklet -- and two covers. You ever see those children's books that have a story written in English, but then you flip the book upside down and the same story is told in Spanish?
Well, the FON Extras has one side (and a cover) for readers that includes short stories and an excerpt from Force of Nature. Some of the stories were previously e-published here on my website, during my Into the Storm Countdown, last summer. They are: When Frank Met Rosie; Thoughts on When Frank Met Rosie; When Jenk, Izzy, Gillman and Lopez Met Tony Vlachic; and a brand-new, never before published, exclusive short story featuring Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke called Trapped.
The For Writers side of the FON Extras booklet is an article on writing called Going Deep with Point of View. This article includes additional excerpts (used as examples!) from Force of Nature.
It's pretty hefty as far as promotional booklets go. We're working to make it the same size as last year's Reader's Guide, which came it at a whopping 56 pages. (And kudos to Ballantine for printing this, and giving it to readers for free! Most promo booklets are maybe 20 pages. This is massive! LOL!)
There will be a limited number of these Force of Nature Extras booklet printed --and for some reason not all bookstores are willing to carry this type of promotional item -- end result is that these things are never easy for readers to find. (And I apologize for that!) I'll be giving the booklets away during the RWA National Conference in Dallas in July, and during my Force of Nature booktour in August and September, as long as my supply lasts. (See my appearances page for my tour schedule!)
Good news is that Ballantine will be making this booklet available as a PDF download, so readers all over the world can access it on-line.
Q: How will we be able to access the Force of Nature Extras for Readers and Writers booklet on-line?
I'll post the link to the PDF file right on my website home page in mid-July, 2007, right after the RWA National Conference in Dallas. (Figure around July 16th. But give me a few days, in case I'm delayed!) I'll also be sending out an e-newsletter, letting readers know that the link is live. (So subscribe to my yahoogroup e-newsletter!)
Q: I can't make it to Dallas, and I don't live anywhere near one of the cities on your Force of Nature tour. How can I get a hard copy of the Force of Nature Extras booklet?
I'm giving away signed copies as part of my Virtual Signing for Force of Nature. Everyone who orders a copy of Force of Nature also gets (guaranteed!) a signed copy of the Extras booklet. So if you absolutely, positively must have one, that's the sure-fire way to get your hands on it.
Q: Can I get a copy of the Force of Nature Extras booklet by sending you an over-sized self-addressed, stamped envelope?
Absolutely. U.S. readers can send a self-addressed 8 x 10 envelope, with $2.16 in postage stamps affixed to:
FON Extras booklet
PO Box 5092
Wayland, MA 01778
As long as supplies last, we'll send you a free copy of the book. (As of 4/28/08, we've got plenty of copies left.)
Q: When will Into the Storm be released in paperback?
Suz: July 31, 2007!
Q: What happened to the first book titled INTO THE FIRE?
Suz: That title was changed by the publisher to INTO THE NIGHT. Same book, different title! (One of those mysterious last minute decisions made by the sales and marketing department!) This summer's book now has the INTO THE FIRE title. Go figure.
Q: What was up with the title change from WILD WILD WES to NIGHT WATCH?
Suz: This title change was done by the publisher (Silhouette Books) to make this book sound more like a mainstream suspense. Again, it's the same book -- it's just got a different title!
Q: Do you have plans to end your Tall, Dark & Dangerous series about Navy SEAL Team Ten for Silhouette Intimate Moments?
Suz: To be honest, I intended to continue the series, but I'm not sure what I'm going to do now that the Silhouette Intimate Moments line has ceased to exist. I was flummoxed, too, when Silhouette changed the format, making the Intimate Moments significantly shorter. (I don't write short very well. My novella is a good example of that -- it's longer than most people's novels....) So right now I'm not sure what's going to happen. I DO know that I still have quite a few stories left to tell. I've been wanting to write Thomas King, Rio Rosetti and Mike Lee's stories, and I've had a book outlined for Ashley (Colleen Taylor's friend) and the SEAL nicknamed Spaceman for years now... (Here's a fact: if a writer wants to tell a story, it will be told. Somehow, someway. Have faith in that!)
Q: How many series have you written about SEALs and what is the order of the books?
Suz: I have two different series, both ongoing!
My "Troubleshooter" series from Ballantine includes (in this order):
My "Tall, Dark & Dangerous" series for Silhouette Intimate Moments (currently being reissued by Mira Books) includes (in this order):
Q: What's up with the title change from IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR to HAWKEN'S HEART?
Suz: HAWKEN'S HEART was my original title for this book. But because it was originally published in December, the powers that be decided all Silhouette Intimate Moments for that month would have Christmas-y titles. Never mind the fact that up to this point in the series, the books' titles all included the heroes' names! LOL! Anyway, since the reissue of this book was available in April 2005, a not quite so Christmas-y time of year, we decided to change the title back.
The book includes, on the cover, the words: "Previously published as IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR." The last thing I want is for readers to think it's a new book, not a reissue. I also wrote a "Dear Reader" letter for the front of the book, to explain the title change.
Q: My bookstore doesn't have the earlier books in your Troubleshooters or TDD series. How can I get them?
Suz: All of the Troubleshooters book are available, new, in paperback from on-line booksellers, such as www.bn.com. Or you can ask your local bookseller to order them for you. I've included all of my books ISBN's (this is a number that a bookseller can use to order the books) here on my website. Click HERE to go to my Troubleshooters main page, and HERE to go to the TDD main page, where you'll find links to each of the books in these two series.
The TDD books that haven't yet been reissued are much harder to find. THE ADMIRAL'S BRIDE was reissued in April 2006, which leaves IDENTITY: UNKNOWN, GET LUCKY, TAYLOR'S TEMPTATION and NIGHT WATCH out of print and very hard to find. My advice is to check out my links page, where I list booksellers who specialize in hard to find, out of print books.
Also, don't hesitate to email the publisher at www.eharlequin.com and let them know that you're looking for these books to be reissued. They take reader requests pretty seriously. (Author requests... not taken so seriously! LOL!)
Q: What's the timeframe for the next reissues of the TDD series? Will all of the books in that series be reissued?
Suz: The plan was to reissue them all -- but they seem to have fallen off their schedule. Currently, there's no schedule for the reissues of IDENTITY: UNKNOWN, GET LUCKY, TAYLOR'S TEMPTATION, or NIGHT WATCH. Sorry 'bout that.
Q: When will the romances you wrote for Bantam Loveswept be reissued?
Suz: They're starting to be reissued now! Ladies' Man, the book that defined "hard-to-find" was reissued in August 2006. Summer 2007 will see the release of a trade paperback-sized 2-in-1 of Stand-In Groom and Time Enough for Love. (TEFL was my one time travel romance -- fun to write!)
Forbidden, a romantic suspense with a Montana rancher as the hero, will be reissued on September 25, 2007.
I'm hoping that, in the not-too-distant-future, Bantam will reissue a trilogy of romantic comedies that I wrote, set in the fictional town of Sunrise Key, Florida.
Q: Will you be writing a book about George from BODY GUARD, and will he be getting back together with Nicole or Kim?
Suz: Yes, I have plans for George. I recently transferred him into Max Bhagat's FBI Counterterrorist Team in my "Troubleshooters" universe! You'll be seeing more of him. As for Nicole or Kim -- well, you never know! (I'm not saying! <g>)
Q: Will Jules get his own story?
Suz: Ah, Jules. I love Jules -- and he's featured prominently in HOT TARGET and BREAKING POINT, as well as this August's (2007) FORCE OF NATURE.
It was really interesting to me to note -- while I was out on the road -- just how many people asked me that very question about Jules. I gotta tell you, not only do I love Jules, but I love the fact that a openly, flamboyantly gay man is one of my most popular characters. (I have many gay friends as well as a gay son, and the world -- America! My beloved America, the land of the free and home of the brave!! -- sadly isn’t always so open and affirming. There are places where my son and my friends can’t go without having to hide the fact that they’re gay -- it would be physically dangerous for them otherwise! I hope that this is changing -- it’s just not changing fast enough for me!)
You know (you got me started talking about Jules!) I love the fact that the world I’ve created in my books -- a diverse American world filled with the same variety of people who live in my urban American neighborhood -- has been so enthusiastically embraced by readers.
I have neighbors who are Caucasian, African American, Asian American, Italian American, Irish American, German American, Hispanic, Native American, Polish American... And on and on... as well as tall, short, fat, thin, gay, straight, bi, young, old, middle aged... Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Druid, Wiccan, atheist, agnostic... The list goes on and on and on. IDIC, like Mr. Spock says, you know? Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations! That's what makes America great. We’re a melting pot of all kinds of people -- all unique and fascinating (my buddy Spock would agree!) in our differences, but all alike in our quest for equal rights and freedom.
So will Jules get his own book someday -- not just a subplot in someone else's? I want to say yes, so heck, I'll say yes! LOL! But at the same time, I can’t help but think how sad it will be if he does meet someone special, someone he’d want to spend forever with, only to find that they can’t get married because most of the United States doesn’t recognize gay marriage!
But times, they are a-changing! I have hope for the future! (And plans, perhaps, to have Jules move to my own home state of Massachusetts, where he can say "I do" to that special someone...? <ggg> Stay tuned...)
His road will be rocky (remember what I put Sam and Alyssa through!) but this I promise: you will definitely see more of Jules in future books!
Q: Will Sophia and Decker get their own story?
Suz: Sophia and Decker, who first appeared in FLASHPOINT, put in a brief appearance in HOT TARGET, and returned in INTO THE STORM.... How about I simply say, "You have not seen the last of them," and leave it at that! <ggg>
Q: Who’s your own personal favorite character from your books?
Suz: At this point, it’s probably a toss up between Charles Ashton (from THE UNSUNG HERO) and Jules Cassidy.
Both of those characters were incredibly fun to write. Another guy I adored writing was Jamaal Hawkes from HEART THROB.
Spending time with all three of those characters was a tremendous pleasure.
In terms of SEALs from Team Sixteen, my favorite character remains Kenny "WildCard" Karmody... but Izzy Zanella may be on the verge of giving him a run for his money!
And of course I really love Sam. And Cosmo definitely intrigued me, from way back. Sometimes it’s not the noisy ones (like Kenny) who tug on my sleeve and ask for their story to be told. Cosmo just kind of lurked, leaning against the wall, looking at me from behind those mirrored sunglasses... (His book is HOT TARGET, available now in paperback.)
Q: What’s Troubleshooters Incorporated and how do they fit in with SEAL Team Sixteen?
Suz: Although I've mostly written stories featuring characters from SEAL Team Sixteen, it was my intention from the start to create three groups from which to select the heroes and heroines (main characters) of my books. SEAL Team Sixteen is the first group, Max Bhagat’s FBI Counterterrorist (CT) Team is two, and three is the group I allude to at the end of GTF -- a group of civilians (kind of a Mission: Impossible type team, with personnel who have a variety of backgrounds including former SEALs, former CIA, former FBI, and maybe even an ex-con or two! LOL!) -- Tom’s new team. The company is called "Troubleshooters Incorporated." (I was originally going to call 'em "SOS, Incorporated," but I found out that there was a real civilian team with a too similar name!)
Oftentimes civilians can go places where the military or govt agencies can’t. There are countries where we just can’t send in the CIA or even a team of SEALs without serious repercussions if those people were caught. But civilians... The US Govt. can simply say, "Hey, they’re tourists. We can’t keep tourists from visiting your country..."
I also thought that, by creating Tom’s Team, I could open up a whole new set of plots and story scenarios. Up to this point, the focus of these books has been counterterrorism. But a civilian team like Tom’s could conceivably do personal security (bodyguard) work. They could set up security systems, accompany people as they traveled overseas in dangerous areas, etc. etc... With them, I can move in new directions and not limit myself to stories about counterterrorism.
At the same time, the way the world works today, there’s lots of "task forcing." Groups like the FBI and the SEALs often work together -- I’ve used that in my books many times. But consultants from the private sector can be pulled in as well. And it’s also entirely likely that some of the active duty SEALs from Team Sixteen might approach Tom for extra work (and extra cash!) while they’re on leave. (So look for guys from Team Sixteen showing up in books that focus on Troubleshooters Incorporated!)
So I’ve got big plans for these books -- and no intention of ending this series.
Q: When are you coming to visit the West Coast?
Suz: I visited the West Coast in summer 2005, on my BREAKING POINT tour. Sorry I missed you! I expect to be in California for the RWA National Conference in July 2008.
Q: I've written a book but I don't know anything about the publishing business. Do you have any advice?
Suz: First thing you need to do is to join an organization such as RWA -- Romance Writers of America. Even if you're not writing a romance, there's still lots of great information to be gleaned from a group like this -- information on rules for submitting manuscripts (including format!), finding an agent, deciding if you even NEED an agent, etc.
RWA has 8000 plus members and most of them are striving to become published. It's a great source of information in terms of how the publishing biz works. The group has local chapters in just about every state in the U.S.
First thing you should do is check out the RWA website at www.rwanational.org
There's a list of local chapters on this website -- you can find the one that's closest to you.
Chapters have monthly meetings -- a great opportunity to network with writers in your area. The meeting usually includes some kind of writing workshop (presented by either a local author a guest from out of the area). Local chapters also often have chapter conferences -- similar to the national conference, but on a slightly smaller scale. Other chapters offer retreats -- similar to a conference but with a slightly less formal format.
Also, some chapters offer writing contests, which is a great way for a new writer to get feedback and notice in the industry. I was a finalist judge in NJRW's contest last year, along with an editor and an agent. Again, great exposure for new writers.
The national organization has a terrific monthly publication called the Romance Writers Report, and they have a national conference each July -- 3 solid days of workshops and programs (on both writing and the publishing business) and networking with other writers, both published and unpublished. This coming year the conference will be in Dallas. It's a huge event -- around 2000 people attend each year.
There are similar organizations for mystery writers and SF writers, I believe. I'm most familiar with RWA -- I think it's a great organization and well worth the yearly dues, IMO!
