James’s Comments (group member since Apr 08, 2014)

James’s comments from the Ask James Rollins - Wednesday, April 23rd! group.

Sharon wrote: "May 13th is my 45th birthday!!!! What an AWESOME present to myself... a new James Rollins book and the start of a new series !!! Where do you get most of your ideas from?"

First: Happy Birthday!
Second: I don’t know, but I hope they never stop.

Bryan wrote: "Howdy Mr. Rollins! First off, you the man! I love your work especially the new sanguine series. I would like to ask you if you were aware of any kind of misprints for your novels ? I have a copy of the blood gospel with about fifty pages that are. Would love to post ya a picture of it. Would be great to get your signature on it but I don't think you will be coming to Nebraska anytime soon. Keep up the good work! P.s. I won't place the blame squarely on your shoulders for this "lack of detail"

Sorry to hear that. If you email me, I’m sure I can twist my publisher’s arm to get you a corrected copy. And/or you could always mail me your copy and I’d be happy to sign it!

Pen wrote: "How do you create the authenticity to your books? I realize the scientific and historical aspects can be researched in a variety of ways. The authentication I am referring to are things like 1) have you or do you actually visit the locales mentioned, such as Budapest? and 2) have you ever actually worked with military canines or did you seek out someone who does/has? Out of curiosity, how far would you go to achieve that type of authentication? Love Sigma Force. Patiently (sort of) anticipating The Sixth Extinction. "

(1) I have indeed visited Budapest (including that graveyard in Tracker), but you don’t have to necessarily travel to create that authenticity. My novel Sandstorm takes place mostly in Oman. I got those details about the country by becoming penpals with a local who gave me all the telling details to craft that authenticity.

(2) I met handlers and their dogs in Iraq during a USO tour about three years ago and visited Lackland Air Force Base, where they train military dogs. Plus my sister adopted a Belgian Malinois (the same breed as Kane), so I get some personal one-on-one time with a Kane look-alike. It’s from her that I learned that the breed’s nickname (Mal-igators) is accurate. They are BIG chewers.

Kira wrote: "Hello all! Hello Mr. Rollins! Seeing how everyone has already asked all the questions I had in my head (can't wait to read the answers!), I guess I will be bold and ask if it would be possible to name a future character after me? Kira is a very unique name, and it would be cool! Thank you for being super cool! Love the books."

I like that name, too! I’m writing it down now.

Jourdan wrote: "Hello James,

Hello James, I am a big fan of your books. I have read all of them (and I just finished Innocent Blood yesterday; can't wait for the third book). I first came across your books in 2010 when I started getting back into reading for pleasure and I think your books are at the top of my favorites list.

My questions are:

1. The Kill Switch, a full-length novel featuring Tucker Wayne and his dog Kane, is due out in May. I was wondering what made you decide to create a separate series for them?

2. Now that Rachel Verona is dead (as of The Eye of God; which you signed for me when you came to Kansas City, are you planning on developing Gray and Seichan's relationship further?

3. Your first books where all standalone. I've read all of them, but my favorite is Deep Fathom. Since you have branched out into several series novels, do you plan on writing more standalones?

4. My last question is about Deep Fathom's main character Jack Kirkland. He briefly appeared in Bloodline to help Sigma Force and it's mentioned that he was wearing a wedding band. I am just curious as to whether Jack and Karen Grace, another character from Deep Fathom married following the events of that book? I know it is a small detail but it kind of drives me crazy not knowing what happened to the characters afterwards.

Again, I love all of you books and look forward to The Kill Switch and The Sixth Extinction coming out this year (as well as future works).

Thanks! I definitely appreciate it!

(1) Tucker and Kane were recruited in Bloodline by Sigma, but the pair always struck me as lone wolves (so to speak). So it only seemed natural for them to have their own books—not that you won’t see Sigma in there at times, too.

(2) There are some BIG surprises for Gray and Seichan…that’s all I can say.

(3) Yes, I have five ideas for stand-alone books. Now I just have to find the time to write them.

(4) Yes, Jack married Karen. That mention of the wedding band was inserted for those who read Deep Fathom. I’m glad you picked up on that detail.

Jordan wrote: "Three questions: Will we ever see the return of the Guild in one form or another?

Do you have an endpoint in sight for the SIGMA series or is it more set up with story arcs?

Who do you think would win in a fight; Grayson Pierce or Tucker and Kane?"

Two against one? I think Gray would be in trouble (especially with me if he harmed Kane).

But I will say that I don’t have an endpoint for the Sigma series. I do have plans for all the major characters, and there will be shake-ups, new arcs, and new blood over time.

Kait wrote: "Hello James Rollins. I first came across your books through your work as James Clemens which I picked up Shadowfall to read over a school related trip, I finished it in a week because I couldn't put it down and the same thing happened with Hinterland, then the Banned and the Banished series, My record is Wit'ch War, read in three days. I've only just started your Sigma force series and other stand alone novels which I love just as much as your fantasy books, but every so often I reread the Godslayer chronically because it's my favorite. Last I heard, the 'working' title for the next book was Godsword, and I believe I read that you were having a problem with your publisher, but this is old information, is there any news on the Godslayer front?"

In short: more books coming. To get more current information and updates, check out the new James Clemens website (JamesClemens.com).

Bobbi wrote: "I am a HUGE fan of yours and have read all of your books! Do you think any of them will become a movie? If so, who do you think should be Gray, Painter and Seichan?"

The series has been optioned, so they may make it to the big screen. As to who could play them, I seldom play that game, simply because I’ve lived and breathed these character for close to a decade, and they’re as real in my own mind as my best friends. And no actor compares.

Maria wrote: "Are we gonna get more female characters in the Sigma book? Love the books and adore Seichan... just wondering if there will be more apart from her and Kat"

Lisa has a big role in The Sixth Extinction, along with the introduction of another major female lead, a California park ranger (and her dog Nikko).

Felix wrote: "I would love more stand-alone novels!

1)Will there be a"Seichan," stand-alone? Her character cries out for her own back-story!

2)Will The " God Slayer," series ever have a conclusion?

Your stories always rock!"

More stand-alones are in the works. As to Seichan, she had a solo adventure in the short story “The Skeleton Key” and she played a major role (including big reveals about her back story) in The Eye of God. But I can see Seichan getting into more mischief on her own.

As to Godslayer, there are 3 more books coming! Check out JamesClemens.com for more information.

Brenda wrote: "Hi, James.Thank you so much for answering our questions and reading our comments. I just wanted to let  you know that I have read "The Devil Colony" and I LOVED it. I have also purchased another of your books, "The Doomsday Key". I will be reading that soon. I'm sure I will be reading as many of your books as I can get my hands on. I'm a big fan of your work after just one book. I look forward to becoming more acquainted with your work.All the best to you. Brenda"

Thanks, Brenda. I hope you enjoy The Doomsday Key. It’s one of my favorites.

Joseph wrote: "Hi James, Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions from us! I'm currently working on my second novel. It revolves around some very sensitive subjects. I wondered if you have any general advice for other writers about how to deal with touchy/violent issues in their work. Thanks a lot. – Joey"

Be bold. Don’t shy away. Story=Conflict. The best stories come when you tear off that bandage or turn over that rock.

Steven wrote: "Hey James, Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider ? Or Both ...together?"

Indiana Jones (I mean, I did write the novelization to the last movie), but I also played the latest Lora Croft game and had a great time.

Rebecca wrote: "I love all of your books, they keep me on the edge of my seat. The Sigma Force books and the stand alones are some of my favorites including,Ice Hunt,Amazonia, and Map of Bones. Just wondering will there be more Sigma Force books to come since you have started The Blood Gospel Series and the Tucker Wayne Series? I'm excited to read all the new books and the older books I haven't gotten to reading yet. Thank you!"

There will indeed be more Sigma novels, and you don’t have too long to wait. The next Sigma novel comes out this August, titled The Sixth Extinction. I’m describing it as Amazonia on steroids.

Ritu wrote: "my question is .. what or who is your inspiration? And what it takes to be a writer?"

My parents are my inspiration. My mom was the one who got me reading at a young age and we shared books throughout our lives. My father taught me to “go for it,” to chase your dreams with all your might. Both were critical to be becoming both a veterinarian and an author. What does it take to become a writer? I think you need to be a storyteller at heart, then it’s just a matter of learning and polishing your craft. It’s that simple.

Delusive wrote: "First of all, hello. :) I've started reading your books only recently, so far I've read four of them and I must say I really like them. The only question that popped in my head was you mentioning the Serbs as terrorists (in Deep Fathom - I realize it's practically 10 years old or so, but never mind)... Do you really think they are terrorists? They're my neighbouring country and I've never heard such a thing. :P Hopefully I'll be able to track the rest of your books in another library, since mine is rather poor on the subject of your books. I'm really glad I discovered you as an author, my days are so much more fun because of the adventures in your books - and sometimes a bit scary."

Hmm…I don’t recall mentioning Serbs as terrorists. I have Serbian friends, one very close, so I hope I wasn’t painting an entire country as terrorists. I’ll have to pull out that book and see what I wrote.

Paul wrote: "I recently went on a ridealong with a Redondo Beach police department K9 unit. Keeping in mind that police and military dogs might be trained differently, I was wondering if your sources told you the same thing about the dog's motivation. I asked Officer Richie if Blitz's motivation was to please him, and he answered that was partly true, while the other was to have his toy. "This is like sex to him." If not, what other reasons might a dog have for wanting to carry out a human's orders?"

Kane also has an unnatural love for a red Kong toy (which you’ll see in The Kill Switch), so in that regard it’s the same as Blitz’s motivation. But the Belgian Malinois breed does form deep bonds with their owners, and they have a strong “desire to please” attitude.

Tyler wrote: "I am a HUUUUUUGE fan! I also like to think of myself as a decent brewer. I was wondering, do you drink beer? If so, what type of is your favorite? I am brewing a new one to celebrate the release of the Tucker Wayne story."

I’m drinking a beer now (Sam Adams). * lifting his bottle to wish you luck on your release*

Abbie wrote: "P.S.

I hope you visit Toronto again. *finger's crossed*"

Me, too! Love the city!

Abbie wrote: "Hey James, I wonder if there's any chance that you would feature or use Philippines too for one of your books? Since you came close in Deep Fathom. We have a lot pretty good mysteries back home you know."

I’m sure I’ll get to the Philippines. I got close in The Judas Strain, too. So I’m sure I’ll make landfall there soon.