The Next Big Thing
THE NEXT BIG THING is a chain of book and author recommendations. One author tags a few others, who then each tag others. The idea is that we all help people out there learn about all the good stuff that’s just out or coming soon. Kane Gilmour tagged me on his blog and now it’s my turn.
1. What is the working title of your next book?
My next hardcover novel is ISLAND 731 and I specify hardcover because really, you never know if I’m going to shoot something out before its release in March 2013.
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
Research. This is one of those awful books that was inspired by a documentary that made me ask what other horrible things Japanese during World War II. The answer to that question is actually quite long, horrid, and within the pages of ISLAND 731, one of my darkest novels to date.
3. What genre does your book fall under?
It’s a thriller, but I think qualifies as horror, action-adventure and a bit of sci-fi, just like all the rest of my books. But you’ll find it shelved with the thrillers.
4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I have no idea. Too many characters and not enough time to imagine who everyone would be! That said, I’d take Jason Stratham or Bradley Cooper for just about any of my heroes. Those guys make me want to get in shape and then generally kick ass.
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The crew of the Magellan, a research vessel studying the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is marooned on an island where strange creatures guard a dark past that is still very much present.
6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This one is coming out from Thomas Dunne Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press.
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Three months, which is actually long for me these days. I tend to finish most books in half that time, which is how I publish 5 -6 a year.
8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
The Island of Dr. Moreau meet Relic by Preston-Child, but crazier, darker and bigger.
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
See question 2. And the subject matter disturbed me…which means I needed to process it, put it in a book and disturb my readers. Yeah, my job is to mess with people’s emotions.
10. What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
All of the historical elements are real. There are going to be a few things where readers say, “no, that couldn’t have happened. That’s far to sick and twisted.” Well people, especially those feeling wartime desperation, do things they would never consider otherwise. But what’s truly disturbing is that these crimes were forgiven for their crimes because the U.S. wanted their research, research our scientists could never get away with. What did they do? Read the book to find out.
I tag:
Chris Kuzneski
Jonathan Maberry
Scott Sigler
Karen Dione
Joe Nassise
JEREMY ROBINSON is the author of more than thirty novels and novellas translated into ten languages, including the wildly popular new novel, SECONDWORLD, as well as PULSE, INSTINCT, THRESHOLD and RAGNAROK, the first four books in his exciting Jack Sigler series. Visit his website at: www.jeremyrobinsononline.com
