Wednesday, January 29, 2014

DEAD: Darkness Before Dawn


Yep...it is just about here. The newest chapter in the DEAD saga is almost ready for release. I have never been so nervous prior to a book's release. This one is different...let me tell you why.

It is no secret to fans of the series that this baby is slated for 12 books, but here is a peek behind the curtain such as it is. When I write, there is a formula. You already know that there is the three chapter rotation between Billy/Steve--Geeks--Vignettes. Each has 6 chapters per book for a total of 18 chapters each. Also, the tale is told in three book arcs. I try to make sure and provide closure for main story issues with each third book in the series. That means that the middle book of each arc sort of gives you that "Empire Strikes Back" feeling. I mean, I was one of the kids who stood in line for the premier of the second and third installments for original Star Wars movies. How the heck could Lucas do that to us? We are left with Han having been captured and frozen and Luke discovering who his father was in that oft-parodied "I am your father!" moment. And what the heck was Yoda saying..."There is another?" Say What!

So yes, I know the felling of being taken to the edge of a cliff and then dangled over it. This chapter in the DEAD series is probably the biggest batch of Cliffhangers I have ever left readers with. It is a big risk, but at this point in the series, I have to hope that the reader is vested enough to see this as a thrilling moment and not be disappointed.

So here is another secret. My target length for each chapter is around 6,000 words. That gives you about 108,000 words per book. As I begin book 9, I am preparing for that final three book arc. Here is where it gets tricky; obviously these stories could go on forever.  I don't think that is fair to you, the readers. Although I am in the development stages of the DEAD: Snapshot series which will be single books having a start-to-finish story that may or may not have "guest appearances" by characters you know and love...or hate. Book 9 has chapter targets of 10,000 words. Yep, this baby will come in at around 180,000 words. THAT IS A BIG BOOK! But it has to have everything in place for the final drive.

So, please return your tray tables to the upright position...we are set for takeoff. Keep your eyes on my Facebook Author page for word of the release and availability.

14 comments:

  1. I hate cliffhangers, but I love them too. I know some people think they're a cheap tool, but they do serve a purpose. Not only does it keep the book/movie/show in the mind of the fans, but it also drums of speculation and gets them talking. I say just go for it and don't worry about the backlash! The bigger the cliff, the better!

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    1. Thanks, Debra...and I gotta admit, this is a pretty dark chapter in the series. The title was SUPPOSED to be DEAD: Spring, but a few chapters in, I was like, "I can't call it that, things are just to dark and bleak."

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    2. I like to save my Ava for when my "homework" is done. I may have to save her for a while, if this book is going to have me on the edge of my seat. I will need the comedic relief!
      I am looking forward to this next book, too, for all of the anxiety the scenes create for me. I want 'my friends' to be safe. Please don't hold that against me. I still have no ereader and expect a real book, please.
      Good luck with the next chapter. I know you will do what is right, whether or not I like it. Aint no Disney up in here!
      Jamie Smith

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    3. And the good news is that I am chipping away at the new Ava. "Next, On A Very Special That Ghoul Ava" is the title.

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  2. Bring it on Todd, your fans are ready and we can handle anything!

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  3. i try to save myself from cliffhangers, by saving the books up; lol. i love the dead series!! i'm very excited about the new books!! can't wait!!

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    1. And I am already hard at work on number 9 before 8 has even been released, but it looks like a July release date for book 9.

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  4. Well, I guess I better get a jump start on all my homework for the week. I will be completely unavailable to do anything remotely human until I finish the book. And I agree with Debra, the ability to speculate and hypothesize on the future of the story can be just as fun as devouring it in one sitting.

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    1. And I will be ready to hear all of the "what ifs" along with the "how could you" comments that come on the heels.

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  5. I'm one of those that usually dislikes cliffhangers. BUT that is usually in the first book in a series. If I'm really not that invested in the book and/or characters then I shouldn't feel like I wasted my time reading it. But this far into a series...especially this series...a cliffhanger isn't a big deal at all. I'll be reading all the books you decide to grace us with. Can't wait! Love the cover, too. :-)

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  6. I have been waiting for your new book. I have been a fan of the walking dead and I'm also a big reader. When I first started looking for a book to read I wanted something similar to the walking dead and came across your books. I must say I fell in love with your dead series. I thought it was going to be realeased January 2014 how much longer to I have to wait?

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    1. It is already out...perfect reading for this weekend.
      http://www.amazon.com/DEAD-Darkness-Before-TW-Brown-ebook/dp/B00I6HKQ94/

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    2. I'm so happy your book is hear. I wrote the comment above and did not see your book was right in front of my eyes. My bad.

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