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Sara-Moderator - welcome to our December Ballantine Ivy authors chat with Suz Brockmann and Dee Davis. We are on protocol, so type a "?" to be put in queue. I will tell you when to post your question. Thank you!!
SuzBrockmann2 - Yeah, you got it, PS!
Dedi - that sounds really good PS!
Mac - I'm still flying high over my news and typing my fingers to the bone to get this story ready to send in.
Lydia F - Diana you have all the luck. <G>
williska - ?
O - Is the the Knight family about the sister Moose
Sara-Moderator - but before we start, let's have Suz and Dee tell us about their fabulous December books!!
DeeDavis - No it's two two two Suz' in one
Mac - TAMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! es
Denise - I'd be happy w/ a spoiler or two....
Tina LM - ?
SuzBrockmann2 - LOL!
Sara-Moderator - INTO THE NIGHT and AFTER MIDNIGHT (a lot of NIGHT tonight )
moosehog - Dee Davis ??? I didn't know Dee was here . I love Dee . I think I should of payed better attention .
tami - hey Mac and Mary , Hi everyone
moosehog - HI Dee
DeeDavis - Thanks Moose!!!!
Lydia F - Hi Delyn
moosehog - I am pretty sure O
map - ?
Cissy - well, listen up, moose!
williska - Moose - what is in his left hand?
PS Mitchell1 - PS Mitchell?
DeeDavis - Moose you were celebrating Gaelen's newest!!!
Cissy -
moosehog - Dee , This is Diana from your other recent chat .(the one that Julie Kenner showed up to )
Sara-Moderator - oops MIDNIGHT RAIN (sorry, have a song on my mind)
Delyn - Good Evening Everyone.
SuzBrockmann2 - My fabulous December book is called INTO THE NIGHT and is kind of a SEAL Team 16 meets the West Wing scenario. Joan DaCosta comes to the Coronado Navy Base to set up a visit for the President and his daughter. Lt. jg Mike Muldoon is her SEAL liaison. Hijinx ensue...
Sara-Moderator - but still night
Sara-Moderator -
moosehog - Williska , I don't know . I have been hoping that Cissy and Sara would help up find out what's behind the right hand myself
DeeDavis - Left for dead along a deserted highway, Jonathan Brighton awakes to find himself physically weakened, mentally scarred, and the lead suspect in a murder investigation. The only bright point in his life is Katie Cavanaugh. Warm and beautiful, she is the one person he trusts. Until startling revelations make him realize nothing is as seems…. Midnight Rain -- Another fabulous BB book J
SuzBrockmann2 - Your turn, Dee!
Cissy - it's his rope, moose
DeeDavis - If I do say so myself
Cissy - sounds great, Dee!
moosehog - Dee
Chef Rhonda -
williska - Well, Moose, he could tie me up anytime!
DeeDavis - Regarding Henry meets The Fugative
Sara-Moderator - two great books for December, yup, Ballantine did VERY well!!
SuzBrockmann2 - Cool, Dee! I can't wait to read it!
Sara-Moderator - so, let's get to the questions. Let me say it is wonderful having you both here!
Sara-Moderator - williska has the first question (Tina LM, map in line)
moosehog - ROLMFAO You guys are on funny pills tonight
Mary f - Hiya Tami
O -
Sara-Moderator - I thought I better say that before I get overwhelmed with the questioners and the herd
williska - Ms. Brockmann. How do you keep your secondary characters (or your rabid fans ) from taking over the main plot of your books? In INTO THE NIGHT, while I enjoyed Mike and Joan’s dance, I was very interested in what Mary Lou/Sam/Alyssa were up to [can’t wait for that hardcover!] I ask this because despite the several subplots, you can read each one of your Ballantine books on there own. So as a writer, how do you keep the focus of the book on the main characters with several subplots & secondary characters?
PS Mitchell1 - that sounds very intriguing
DeeDavis - Ditto me, Suz!
SuzBrockmann2 - Thanks, Sara -- as always it's a pleasure to be here!
O - //tongue
O -
Denise - ?
SuzBrockmann2 - Williska, it's a case of me beating them back with a big stick!...
Sara-Moderator - and imagining Harrison as Jonathon isn't a BAD thing, mind you!
DeeDavis - LOL Sara... I am fond of the man
Melrose Plant - ?
SuzBrockmann2 - It's always a struggle to decide which characters appear in which books... I can't have them all show up because new readers would be completely confused!
PS Mitchell1 - PS Mitchell?
Betty D - ?
Cissy - imagining Harrison in ANY capacity's not a bad thing...
SuzBrockmann2 - It's not always easy!
Sara-Moderator - you want to be put in the queue, PS?
O - He is getting old looking
PS Mitchell1 - yes please
DeeDavis - I can live with that O
SuzBrockmann2 - I just finished writing GONE TOO FAR and one of my big concerns is whether it will make sense to someone who hasn't read the other books!
Sara-Moderator - absolutely NOT!! and I had a lovely screen of him with those sexy bare ankles until I felt obligated by motherhood to put up my missing baby's photo *sigh*
DeeDavis - You do it well Suz....
SuzBrockmann2 - My editor just read it and really, really loved it.
Dedi - ?
Cissy - oh dear...
Sara-Moderator - Now, Suz, we'll just insist they read all of them if they can't figure it out!!
Sara-Moderator - Tina LM has the next question (map, moosehog, O, Denise, Melrose Plant, PS Mitchell1, Betty D, Dedi in line)
Lydia F - Thanks Suz like we didn't want to read it before that..
SuzBrockmann2 - But she knows the other books rather well. We've actually found a reader who's never read the others who will be reading it as a first time reader. (How many times can I use the word reader in this statement?)
suesfad - Suz you're killing us here with that LOL
SuzBrockmann2 - GA
Tina LM - Suz & Dee...What did you study in college and how did you get started writing? And Suz....what are the chances of moving up the GTF release date..we will all donate to the fund.
Dark Angel - Finished the book! now h
BonnieJean Hamilton - hi al
Sara-Moderator - ladyrogue74, (and anyone I missed) welcome to our December Ballantine Ivy authors chat with Suz Brockmann and Dee Davis. We are on protocol, so type a "?" to be put in queue. I will tell you when to post your question. Thank you!!
Cissy - Hi to those coming in
suesfad - Yes
Dark Angel - have to for the next book
Tina LM - Suz...I'll read it for you to check
williska - Ms. Brockmann. How do you keep your secondary characters (or your rabid fans ) from taking over the main plot of your books? In INTO THE NIGHT, while I enjoyed Mike and Joan’s dance, I was very interested in what Mary Lou/Sam/Alyssa were up to [can’t wait for that hardcover!] I ask this because despite the several subplots, you can read each one of your Ballantine books on there own. So as a writer, how do you keep the focus of the book on the main characters with several subplots & secondary characters?
SuzBrockmann2 - Hey, Tina! I actually was a broadcasting and film major, creative writing minor. (And I dropped out halfway through my junior year to sing in a rock band!)
DeeDavis - LOL re GTF... I have a masters in public administration and an undergraduate degree in poli sci -- a very useful degree (she says with irony)
ladyrogue74 - Hi all
Sara-Moderator - williska? you asked that one already!
Dark Angel - wait*
Sara-Moderator - good political plots are a fine read, Dee
williska - Woops! sorry, that was a mistype - my question was already answered!
DeeDavis - I came to writing late in the game ...at least officially, I've been scribbling since I was two...but it took the big 40 to get me to actually write a book -- Everything In Its Time....
SuzBrockmann2 - And sorry, Tina, that release date is set in stone!
Sara-Moderator - map has the next question (moosehog, O, Denise, Melrose Plant, PS Mitchell1, Betty D, Dedi in line)
DeeDavis - I sang with a rock band, too.... but not as well as Suz <g>
O - how old are you DEE
SuzBrockmann2 - Hey, I don't know about that, Dee!
DeeDavis - Thanks... Sara... Dark of the Night was my nod in that direction
Sara-Moderator - so, singing with a rock band is a prerequiste to a fine writing career? Oh, dear, I am NOT telling Gwen!!
williska - Dee - I'm turning the big 40 tomorrow - maybe I should write a book?
DeeDavis - 43....
map - Suz, my question is...since reading your last few books, I have really enjoyed Max. Any future book for him to star in?
Sara-Moderator - so, do you two plan on emulating Stephen King et al and setting up a romance rock band? and touring! that would be something!
SuzBrockmann2 - LOL, Sara!!!
Cissy - you can't see Gwen belting it out on stage, Sara?
O - That is not old Dee
SuzBrockmann2 - Oh, Map. Oh, my, oh my. Max. <sigh> Yes.
DeeDavis - Absolutely... Williska, I highly recommend it!
Sara-Moderator - yes, unfortunately, I have!! and she just changed to creative writing as a minor
Delyn - Hey, I'm in good company with DeeDavis
DeeDavis - There's a thought... me in spandex....
Sara-Moderator - oh dear!!
sdt2768 - ?
Dedi - that's my reaction to Max as well <big sigh> hmmm mmmm mmm
Melrose Plant - You can erase my name Sara, map just asked my question
Sara-Moderator - moosehog has the next question (O, Denise, Melrose Plant, PS Mitchell1, Betty D, Dedi in line)
moosehog - Dee , You have always written strong female leads who could hold their one on the pages of your books with any man , even the most handsome and virile of them , Where do these woman come from , is it just because that is how you see woman / yourself or is it just because it is just what naturally comes/ that is what happens to fit the story and which female character is the most like you and why ?On the opposite side which of your female Characters is the least like you and why ?
map - Great minds think alike Melrose.
SuzBrockmann2 - Who's next??
williska - We all love Max - OVER THE EDGE is one of my big favorites in the series. Suz did not pull her punches in that one!
Melrose Plant - Well, considering my IQ i might actually share my brain
Lydia F - HI Caffey
Caffey - Hi Dee!
moosehog - Hi Cathie ...
SuzBrockmann2 - Thanks, Williska!
Melrose Plant - someone must have the bigger part thogh map
Caffey - Hi Suz! (Cathie M here)
moosehog - Dee , You have always written strong female leads who could hold their one on the pages of your books with any man , even the most handsome and virile of them , Where do these woman come from , is it just because that is how you see woman / yourself or is it just because it is just what naturally comes/ that is what happens to fit the story and which female character is the most like you and why ?On the opposite side which of your female Characters is the least like you and why ?
Caffey - Hi there Diana!
Sara-Moderator - hi, Caffey, welcome to our December Ballantine Ivy authors chat with Suz Brockmann and Dee Davis. We are on protocol, so type a "?" to be put in queue. I will tell you when to post your question. Thank you!!
Caffey - Hi Lyndia and all
DeeDavis - Wow... good question. I think there's a little of me in every character I write.... good and bad.... I come from strong southern family with equally strong women... so probably there isn't a choice! I'm least like... hmmmm probably Katherine St. Claire, cuz I'd really miss the 20th century
SuzBrockmann2 - Hey, Cathie M! Nice to see you!
Dark Angel - Howdy all
O - Do you have an accent
Lydia F - HI Dark Angel
Sara-Moderator - hi, Dark Angel
DeeDavis - Would most like to be like Katie in Midnight Rain...the woman can kick some....well you know
Sara-Moderator - O has the next question (Denise, PS Mitchell1, Betty D, Dedi, sdt2768 in line)
Dark Angel - me?
Cissy - everybody has an accent!
DeeDavis - O -- only when I drink
Betty D - Suz, you do such an excellent job with your secondary characters. Can we expect to see more of David and Mallory
Dark Angel - Hi Lydia and Sara
O -
Betty D - iOh shoot,I'm sorry, I ws trying to be ready and screwed up
moosehog - On that note I must go and break up an arguement before it gets out of hand . I will try to come back soon .....Kids !!!!!
DeeDavis - Hi Caffey!!!!
Sara-Moderator - Betty, we are on protocol, wait until I call you to post, pleaes
PS Mitchell1 - That is so cool about your editor, is it all done now? Can you tell us where does GTF take place?
Caffey - Dee
moosehog - everyone for now .
Sara-Moderator - ok, betty
williska - By Moose!
O - Suz when is "Wes" story coming out . Dee what make you want to write?
Dedi - bye moose
Melrose Plant - Bye Moose
Lydia F - Bye Diana
Sara-Moderator - O, are you asking a question?
PS Mitchell1 - sorry, I had it loaded and it went off by itself...
SuzBrockmann2 - WILD, WILD WES will be out in September 2003.
DeeDavis - It's pure and simple... I've been a story teller since the moment I could talk....and I've always found a sheet of blank paper intriguing
williska - [wisper] Caffey - how do you get the Santa icon? He is cute!
Lydia F - Hi Suesfad
SuzBrockmann2 - Which is a long, long time from now, considering the book was finished last July!
beth1 - .
suesfad - Hi
Sara-Moderator - so, Dee, you write long hand? wow!!
O - that is too long
Caffey - wow Suz.
Sara-Moderator - Denise has the next question (PS Mitchell1, Betty D, Dedi, sdt2768 in line)
williska - Thanks Caffey
O - Why is that Suz
Denise - Suz, I *love* Mike! Will we be seeing more of Cosmo and Izzy in the future?
Dedi - JULY? That ain't fair, gonna have to have a long long talk with them publishers!
Caffey - Yw
DeeDavis - no... only when I'm really stumped.... blank computer screen is just like a page to me....
Caffey - i'll be patient Suz
SuzBrockmann2 - Thanks, Denise! Yes, Cosmo is a minor secondary character in GONE TOO FAR.
Sara-Moderator - ah, okay, Dee. I wondered. You seemed like a modern kind of gal to me!
Caffey - Dee, Barbs may not be able to get here, but she raved aobut your book on one of the groups
SuzBrockmann2 - And Izzy will definitely be back, too.
Lydia F - ?
Sara-Moderator - and no way do you look 43, btw!
williska - I always feel like I'm in Brockmann withdrawal after a read her books because I can't wait to see what happens next. And then she teases us with stories about them already written and we can't see them for another 6 months!
DeeDavis - with a computer jock for a husband...
Dedi - I do so agree williska!
Sara-Moderator - oh, cool, I liked both I and C too!! (not named after kramer, was he?)
Sara-Moderator - it would be embarrassing, Dee!! I know!!
DeeDavis - Barbs wrote me a wonderful letter.... I taped it up on my computer!
Sara-Moderator - PS Mitchell1 has the next question (Betty D, Dedi, sdt2768 in line)
O - Sucking up Sara how do you know what she look like
DeeDavis - LOL
SuzBrockmann2 - I tried to get Silhouette to switch dates -- I have an April IM -- I thought maybe they could switch that with WES but they said they couldn't. They'd already done advertising for both books... <sigh>
Caffey - She's a wonderful lady dee
PS Mitchell1 - Cool that your editor really loved it, is GTF all finished? Can you tell us where GTF takes place?
map - Bye everyone. Bye Suz and Dee can't wait to read the new books!! Happy holidays!!!
Denise - True, williska! I tried to reaf ITN slow to enjoy the 'fix' but...sigh...I ended up finishing in a day
Dedi - bye map
Lydia F - Bye Map.
Dark Angel - Bye Map
Caffey - Map
DeeDavis - Thanks Map!!!
O -
sdt2768 - For Suz, Did you consider not having Max in the hotel room and Alyssa answer the door in ITN?
Denise - bye map
SuzBrockmann2 - I'm going to do one more polish of GTF. It mostly takes place down in Florida.
sdt2768 - sorrry - accidental
Dark Angel - good question!
williska - Denise - I know what you mean - I finished INTO THE NIGHT - well, into the night! I think is was 4 pm before I finished!
Cissy - Hi Roe
DeeDavis - Boy do I understand polish... am currently doing same to Dancing In the Dark
Sara-Moderator - hold on to that question, sdt
PS Mitchell1 - can you take the kicking thing out? My poor Sam
SuzBrockmann2 - Yeah, the little message box zaps the message to the chat room board, so you can't load up your question very far in advance...
Caffey - to those coming in
O - Hey that is a "Bruce' song
CindyR - Hi Suz
Roe - Hi everyone
SuzBrockmann2 - Trust me, PS.
Denise - ?
sdt2768 - thanks for the info
DeeDavis - It's a little scarey.... technology taking over
Cissy - Hi Bea and Cindy
williska - Woops - I meant 4 am! LOL
Lydia F - williska- i do that all the time with Suz book. I will start it and think I am going to bed right.
PS Mitchell1 - I do, I like Mary Lou now, sigh...
Sara-Moderator - Suz, did you answer PS?
PS Mitchell1 - yes
DeeDavis - Well, in this case... it's got to do with Frank Sinatra....and a serial killer
Caffey - I love your cover Dee
Denise - Don't read Prey Dee...
Caffey - ?
SuzBrockmann2 - Yeah, I think so -- Did I PS?
DeeDavis - Lydia and williska.... that's the best compliment that you can give an author....staying up to keep reading is the highest honor of all