Am pissed, someon'es leaving do today. Pm me Loeffs and resons will biring a msile to ou r face.
That's easy for you to say. Multiple Vespers?
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited March 2010
All right, everyone...here's the cover art for Blood & Ashes---made public for the first time on ajb007.co.uk...
Cover Art Copyright 2010 by Daren Hatfield, used by permission. All rights reserved.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
That's a really great cover, Leoff. Certainly suits the genre/period. I can't wait to get hold of one. Although after all your promotional efforts on this site - it had better be good!
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
It being set in the 1940s, there's sadly no scope for cell phones in it. The only reason Casino Royale went ahead is because they struck a deal so that cell phones would feature prominently.
Any chance of a last-minute rewrite, Loeffs? Set it in present day, before the 9/11 attacks?
"This is where we leave you Mr Bond."
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Sir MilesThe Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,756Chief of Staff
That's a nice cover...well done Daren -{
Looking forward to reading this
YNWA 97
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Why a Colt Banker's Special on the cover.....thought Oscar was a S&W Man?
He is...but this was a great B&W illustration, from a stock photo website...and it was cheap! Daren's thing with the ampersand was a stroke of genius, IMHO B-)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Richard Chopping! You flatter me! Well, I'm glad so many like the cover - I certainly want it to please. I truly hope that readers will look at the art and think 'Oscar Jade' or 'Mark Loeffelholz'. Loeffs has put together an incredible novel, and I'm anxious to for everyone to see/read the final product. It's a bit unfair to Loeff that everyone sees what I've contributed and Mark not able to share the best part with everybody yet!
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
edited March 2010
-{ , my friend. This is all part of the deal...right now, your excellent work is the ultimate 'teaser trailer' for mine...and I aim to try to do yours justice.
There's nothing like the collaborative process, which I love...and I've been most fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented and generous people---nobody does something like this alone (if they think they do, they're kidding themselves!). RogueAgent's a part of this as well, as is my brother...and my editor, Erin, who continues to save my ass :007)
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Thanks for saying so, tsa...I'm certainly trying...though I have no illusions about not catching a few arrows after it comes out. For my proactive response to those, refer to the Fleming quote in my signature
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Thanks for saying so, tsa...I'm certainly trying...though I have no illusions about not catching a few arrows after it comes out. For my proactive response to those, refer to the Fleming quote in my signature
Craig's is better - and the best attitude to take.
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:
Cover Art Copyright 2010 by Daren Hatfield, used by permission. All rights reserved.
Bumping this to the current page, simply because I like looking at it...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Well, the book's had its final edit---except for the last three chapters (!), which I'm waiting for my editor to send me It's amazing what a few changed words and sentences (to say nothing of the odd deleted em-dash or semicolon) can do to the material. I'm very happy with it so far...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Loeffs: Congratulations! This looks and sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read it!
Please tell me those of us on the forum will be able to buy an autographed copy!
Being a huge fan of detective fiction this is GREAT news. While pursuing my Literature degree at Northeastern I took an amazing class: "Detective Fiction."
My Professor was good friends with the recently departed Robert B. Parker (he taught at Northeastern while he was writing his first Spenser novel) and he dropped in one day to teach one of our classes!
It was an amazing experience and I look forward to to placing my autographed copy (fingers crossed!) of "Blood and Ashes" next to my autographed copy of Parker's "Double Deuce."
The space on my bookshelf has been reserved!
Perhaps one day a wide-eyed college student will catch his breath (just as I did) when you casually walk into a classroom to tell everyone how it's done! {[]
On a different note, you've really struck a chord with me because of the setting:
I have a treasured picture of my Grandfather (taken by my Grandmother) in his Army Air Corps uniform as he's sitting on a bench in Miami Beach in 1942! They are no longer with me but I am incredibly excited to be able to experience what it might have been like there for them...on some level!
I suppose fate is tipping his cap to me once again and I am grateful!
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Loeffs: Congratulations! This looks and sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read it!
Please tell me those of us on the forum will be able to buy an autographed copy!
Thanks so much, Red...and you're right about Daren's work. My pulse quickens whenever I look at it Indeed, signed copies will be available from oscarjade.com...and I'll respond to PMs here as well.
Being a huge fan of detective fiction this is GREAT news. While pursuing my Literature degree at Northeastern I took an amazing class: "Detective Fiction."
My Professor was good friends with the recently departed Robert B. Parker (he taught at Northeastern while he was writing his first Spenser novel) and he dropped in one day to teach one of our classes!
It was an amazing experience and I look forward to to placing my autographed copy (fingers crossed!) of "Blood and Ashes" next to my autographed copy of Parker's "Double Deuce."
The space on my bookshelf has been reserved!
Perhaps one day a wide-eyed college student will catch his breath (just as I did) when you casually walk into a classroom to tell everyone how it's done! {[]
I'm humbled beyond my ability to state it. If I can accomplish a mere fraction of what the great Mr. Parker did, I'll be very happy indeed. There have been so many giants in this genre...someday I'd like a chance to be good enough to shine their shoes.
On a different note, you've really struck a chord with me because of the setting:
I have a treasured picture of my Grandfather (taken by my Grandmother) in his Army Air Corps uniform as he's sitting on a bench in Miami Beach in 1942! They are no longer with me but I am incredibly excited to be able to experience what it might have been like there for them...on some level!
I suppose fate is tipping his cap to me once again and I am grateful!
It seemed a rich time and place in which to put a gumshoe...I aim to have as much fun there as I can. I wouldn't be surprised if Jade and Clark Gable end up side by side at a bar in the next one (he trained with the Army in Miami Beach)...
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I'm looking forward to taking a trip to the Miami Beach/South Beach area in the near future. That's the one part of Florida I haven't spent a substantial amount of time in!
Is there any chance Oscar might head to Key West in one of your next novels? Maybe he could rub elbows with Hemingway?
Wasn't this around the time he had the boxing ring in his backyard?
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Is there any chance Oscar might head to Key West in one of your next novels? Maybe he could rub elbows with Hemingway?
I'm sure he'll get there at some point! Eventually he'll travel to other states/regions as well---he's going to be a terrible flyer. I want to do something with the old Pullman train cars as well B-)
I think Jade is always going to surprise me...I just found a great quote, and it definitely applies here:
"It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does." - William Faulkner
At least Jade isn't hard to keep up with---he has a limp
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Mr MartiniThat nice house in the sky.Posts: 2,707MI6 Agent
So Loeff? Do you have Oscars second adventure already planned out?
Some people would complain even if you hang them with a new rope
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
So Loeff? Do you have Oscars second adventure already planned out?
The basic story---yes. I'm going to start outlining it while I promote B&A...and will be composing by summertime
I've got the first line, which I'll preview here:
"There is a terrible wisdom in the eyes of the dead."
-{
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Great opening line! Fleming would have loved that!
Thanks {[] Fleming is probably a bigger influence on me than the usual suspects (Spillane, Chandler, Hammett, et al.), since I read him first (at a very young age). That's actually why I write Jade in 'third' person instead of 'first,' which is more standard for the genre.
Do you reveal any of his background in the debut, or will that come to light as the stories progress?
I think so...but it will be a very gradual thing. Jade isn't one to talk about himself much, and there's a lot he still hasn't told me, but he's definitely got a chip on his shoulder. In B&A we learn of three different careers he either had or tried before becoming a P.I....
I think it would be intresting to see him progress as a character throughout the novels. Each could reveal something about his past?
Very possibly He's still a relatively young man when we meet him in B&A, but I get the feeling he's had a lot of disappointment and tragedy...and some of it is bound to tie into whatever situations in which he'll find himself.
Thanks Pen! That came to me pretty quickly---unusually so. I'm still wrestling with possible titles for the piece, though.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
LoeffelholzThe United States, With LovePosts: 8,998Quartermasters
Well, it's been sent off to Erin (my editor) for one last 'formatting sweep,' then I'm uploading to my publisher. It's funny how much agony is involved in letting go. I'm reminded of dropping my first son off for preschool, for the first time.
I can't make it Hemingway or Faulkner from here. The little tyke will walk or fall on his own.
Looks like June 2010 for a release timeframe. Much later than I'd hoped. But I hope everyone enjoys it.
Check out my Amazon author page!Mark Loeffelholz
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
RogueAgentSpeeding in the Tumbler...Posts: 3,676MI6 Agent
Comments
Fair enough...Daren, make a note of this! Strike the word "once"
That's easy for you to say. Multiple Vespers?
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
By loeffelholz at 2010-03-10
Cover Art Copyright 2010 by Daren Hatfield, used by permission. All rights reserved.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
can't wait to have this beaut on my shelf/in my school pack.
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
http://apbateman.com
Bond’s Beretta
The Handguns of Ian Fleming's James Bond
Any chance of a last-minute rewrite, Loeffs? Set it in present day, before the 9/11 attacks?
Roger Moore 1927-2017
Looking forward to reading this
He is...but this was a great B&W illustration, from a stock photo website...and it was cheap!
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Yup, loved that- love the whole thing, actaully! Richard Chopping* eat your heart out...
*(Sadly died a couple of years ago)
There's nothing like the collaborative process, which I love...and I've been most fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly talented and generous people---nobody does something like this alone (if they think they do, they're kidding themselves!). RogueAgent's a part of this as well, as is my brother...and my editor, Erin, who continues to save my ass :007)
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Thanks for saying so, tsa...I'm certainly trying...though I have no illusions about not catching a few arrows after it comes out. For my proactive response to those, refer to the Fleming quote in my signature
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Craig's is better - and the best attitude to take.
http://apbateman.com
Bumping this to the current page, simply because I like looking at it...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Loeffs: Congratulations! This looks and sounds fantastic! I can't wait to read it!
Please tell me those of us on the forum will be able to buy an autographed copy!
Being a huge fan of detective fiction this is GREAT news. While pursuing my Literature degree at Northeastern I took an amazing class: "Detective Fiction."
My Professor was good friends with the recently departed Robert B. Parker (he taught at Northeastern while he was writing his first Spenser novel) and he dropped in one day to teach one of our classes!
It was an amazing experience and I look forward to to placing my autographed copy (fingers crossed!) of "Blood and Ashes" next to my autographed copy of Parker's "Double Deuce."
The space on my bookshelf has been reserved!
Perhaps one day a wide-eyed college student will catch his breath (just as I did) when you casually walk into a classroom to tell everyone how it's done! {[]
On a different note, you've really struck a chord with me because of the setting:
I have a treasured picture of my Grandfather (taken by my Grandmother) in his Army Air Corps uniform as he's sitting on a bench in Miami Beach in 1942! They are no longer with me but I am incredibly excited to be able to experience what it might have been like there for them...on some level!
I suppose fate is tipping his cap to me once again and I am grateful!
Thanks so much, Red...and you're right about Daren's work. My pulse quickens whenever I look at it
I'm humbled beyond my ability to state it. If I can accomplish a mere fraction of what the great Mr. Parker did, I'll be very happy indeed. There have been so many giants in this genre...someday I'd like a chance to be good enough to shine their shoes.
It seemed a rich time and place in which to put a gumshoe...I aim to have as much fun there as I can. I wouldn't be surprised if Jade and Clark Gable end up side by side at a bar in the next one (he trained with the Army in Miami Beach)...
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I'm looking forward to taking a trip to the Miami Beach/South Beach area in the near future. That's the one part of Florida I haven't spent a substantial amount of time in!
Is there any chance Oscar might head to Key West in one of your next novels? Maybe he could rub elbows with Hemingway?
Wasn't this around the time he had the boxing ring in his backyard?
I'm sure he'll get there at some point! Eventually he'll travel to other states/regions as well---he's going to be a terrible flyer. I want to do something with the old Pullman train cars as well B-)
I think Jade is always going to surprise me...I just found a great quote, and it definitely applies here:
"It begins with a character, usually, and once he stands up on his feet and begins to move, all I can do is trot along behind him with a paper and pencil trying to keep up long enough to put down what he says and does." - William Faulkner
At least Jade isn't hard to keep up with---he has a limp
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
The basic story---yes. I'm going to start outlining it while I promote B&A...and will be composing by summertime
I've got the first line, which I'll preview here:
"There is a terrible wisdom in the eyes of the dead."
-{
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Will the reader discover in "Blood and Ashes" how he got his limp?
Do you reveal any of his background in the debut, or will that come to light as the stories progress?
mountainburdphotography.wordpress.com
Thanks {[] Fleming is probably a bigger influence on me than the usual suspects (Spillane, Chandler, Hammett, et al.), since I read him first (at a very young age). That's actually why I write Jade in 'third' person instead of 'first,' which is more standard for the genre.
Absolutely...in the first two pages, as a matter of fact.
I think so...but it will be a very gradual thing. Jade isn't one to talk about himself much, and there's a lot he still hasn't told me, but he's definitely got a chip on his shoulder. In B&A we learn of three different careers he either had or tried before becoming a P.I....
Very possibly
Thanks Pen!
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
I can't make it Hemingway or Faulkner from here. The little tyke will walk or fall on his own.
Looks like June 2010 for a release timeframe. Much later than I'd hoped. But I hope everyone enjoys it.
"I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
"Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
Congrats to you and darenhat both! {[]
Batman: "The Hammer Of Justice is UNISEX!"
-Batman: The Brave & The Bold -