Ask Nelson DeMille - October 18, 2012 discussion
Ask Nelson!
Greetings! I'm an American currently living and working in Moscow, Russia. I think of Charm School (one of my favorite books!) every time I get in my car and drive (a Honda, not a Trans Am, but probably easier to get parts for.) ; ) As a teacher, my question is about your process of writing. Where do you like to write? Do you have a special place? How do you capture those fleeting thoughts of great lines that come at unexpected times? Do you impose rules on yourself, such as working a set number of hours or pages at a time? Do you find you do more revisions in your head before you write the words, or after they are written? Thank you--answers to be shared with my class. I look forward to your next book! Barb
I am the leader of a book club in South Africa and we have recently read quite a few of your books. Our main question is how much research goes into every book and do you have the next one in mind while still busy writing one?
Hi Nelson-My first book I read of yours was "Plum Island". I quickly became a fan of John Corey and have read all the John Corey novels along with many of your others, such as "Golden Coast" and "The Gate House".
The John Corey character reminded me so much of the Sipowitz character from "NYPD Blue" created by Dennis Franz. What actor do you think they would choose if your John Corey series ever hit the movie screens?
I'm really looking forward to reading "Panther" and your discussion in GoodReads.
Several of your characters are very clever and notorious "bad boys" or "wise asses"...they seem to have much in common with Robert B Parker's Spenser and Brian Haig's Sean Drummond. Do you agree with the comparison? All are great reads.
Also think that Scott Brick is great and brings your stories to life. I do a great deal of driving and your stories make the miles fly by.
Thanks for your great stories!
Hi Nelson,My husband and I both have read and enjoyed many of your books. My husband would like to know what unit you were with and when you served in Viet Nam. He was with the 4th Infantry 1969-70.
Keep the John Corey books coming. His "smart mouth" atittude as well as thee great plots keep me coming back for more
The movie of The General's Daughter got me into your books and I've read and loved all of them. My favourites are the John & Kate Corey series, especially the Lion books, although the Paul Brenner and John Sutter series are almost as enjoyable. I know The Gate House seemed slow but the character interactions and build-up of tension were brilliantly handled. I remember half way through reading it, my wife (also a fan) asked me about it, and I said that not much was happening but it was still gripping.
Would you ever bring Paul Brenner back? Maybe in a prequel? The workings of the army investigative unit were fascinating in The General's Daughter and there's plenty of scope for exploring the realtionship with Cynthia?
Hi Steve. Yes, The Book Case is still available on Kindle for 1.99. I recommend it!Carol Caverly
Carol wrote: "Hi Steve. Yes, The Book Case is still available on Kindle for 1.99. I recommend it!Carol Caverly"
"The Book Case" is a good read but too short...LOL It's worth the read, though.
Brian wrote: "The movie of The General's Daughter got me into your books and I've read and loved all of them. My favourites are the John & Kate Corey series, especially the Lion books, although the Paul Brenner ..."Well said Brian! Couldn't agree more.
The Charm School. I have read your books and I have been engrossed. But The Charm School marched into my bedroom in the middle of the night, tapped me on the shoulder, and hauntingly whispered into my ear at 2am, "Wake up! Turn the page." Any plans to return to that scene of the crime?
@Larry I've also read Brian Haig's novels.i love both authors for the same reason: smartness characters!
I am a big fan of your work. The first book I read of yours was The Talbot Odyssey then Word of honor followed closely by Cathedral. Once I read Cathedral you really had your hooks in me. I then went on to read John Corey's stories and I love his character. I often wonder if you have based him on your own character. Thank you for giving me so much valued entertainment. I hope you enjoy creating a story as much as I enjoy devouring a story.
I ran across a copy of "the lion's game" several years ago, and it kept me up all night. Since then I've grabbed every Demille book I could find, and read them completely out of sequence--doesn't seem to matter. You gave me a different look at Viet Nam than I had in '67 & '68 with the 173rd abn. At the time I was too busy hating every square inch of ground, and every human in it, but it's perspective, I guess. Don't ever get tired of writing, please, because if you and John Sandford ever quit, I am well and truly screwed.
Nelson, I'm a fan. Started reading you in prison after suggestion of librarian. Read all your books except "Babylon" my favorites are Spencerville and Word of Honor. One question, do you really think at the end of Gold Coast after her infidelity a man would go try to find her and see if "forever is forever???" I have written about the subject and my readers tell me I make more sense when my husband tells his cheating wife to go F... herself? I presume you wrote it like you did to set-up the Gate House. That would make sense. Anyhow just my two-cents worth. Simon
I have read all your books and like them all very much, especially "Up Country" and "Word of Honor". I echo other questioners in asking who you read.Thank you for all your books and I sincerely hope you plan on writing many more in the years to come.
Mr. Demille, I am honored to get a chance to ask you a question although I wish it were in person. From the moment I read The Charm School I was hooked with you! It was the first book of yours I read. Do you plan on doing a follow up, somehow, now that the cold war is over? It would be very interesting to see how you could do that. My least favorite (since someone asked me) is Spencerville but I'd read it all over again because I simply adore you! I can't wait until tomorrow to turn on my Kindle Fire and be able to start reading The Panther which I pre-ordered. I love John and Kate...if you could somehow get John tangled with a sequel to The Charm School I might just explode! I own every single one of your books and scour older book stores searching for the earlier ones in hard cover...thank you for sharing your talent with us. You truly are an extremely gifted writer. Thanks for your time.
Like so many of the prior posts, I’d like to say how much I’ve enjoyed all of your books – I’ve read every one, and my favorites are the Charm School and the John Corey books. My question is: how accurate are your stories that involve national security issues, like Night Fall, the Lion’s Game, Plum Island? You must have great sources in the NYPD and federal agencies, because they are so believable.
What I find fascinating about John Corey is he's unapologetically NOT politically correct. Communicating this on the page while making the character sympathetic can't be easy. Did you go into the series "knowing" John? Is he the hero you envisioned before you put pen to paper?Also, do you prefer writing a series to stand-alones? Why or why not?
While it's a difficult choice, UP COUNTRY is my favorite of your novels. Great plot, intriguing characters, a superb read plus an education about Vietnam. A remarkable book.
Jeffrey wrote: "Will you ever be coming to south Florida?"I want to know this too. southeast Florida?
Hello John,Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. I've read most of your books and am a big Corey fan and loved Up Country. Charm School rocked my world and really stayed with me for a while. It took a while before I could pick up another book.
My question is whether the events/issues going on in your life are reflected in your work on some level. The Lion struck me unlike any of the other books in the series. The violence was taken to new heights. It seemed carnal, even. Can you explain the difference?
There is not a book of Mr. DeMille's that I have read that is not a favorite (I am still making my way through all his books). I currently own ebook, paperback, and even the audiobook versions of The Corey Series, Up Country, Charm School and Spencerville. I adore Scott Brick (audiobook narrator) and very much reminds me of Nelson himself. One of the many other things that I love is the passion that goes into all of these books.
My question is this.....
Which of your Characters is the most like you? That carries the most qualities or experiences.
Also...
Who is your favorite Character to write about?
Thank you Mr. DeMille for all your wonderful stories and I look forward to more. I have The Panther downloaded as of Tuesday evening and I am itching to get into reading.
Best Wishes!
Zoey D.
<3
Mr. DeMille,I would like to express my sincere appreciation to you for taking time out of your life to communicate with your reader/fans.
I love your work; but something about the ending of Night Fall. I have reread this book several times and feel like I have missed some meaningful message that you were sending to the reader.
I am wondering if it's just me or was the ending written as a means to leave the reader disoriented like most felt during 9/11?
Thank you for your time.
Linda Munro
Word of Honor is one of my favorite all-time books, sparking two questions:1. How did you portray such realism regarding military justice?
2. Do you set out to create characters with integrity, or does that just happen along the way. Loved Ben Tyson.
Mr. DeMille. What a gracious gentleman you are for checking in with your fans here at Goodreads. Thank you again for letting me interview you for my B&N.com forum. The Panther is one of your best Corey Novels and one of your best all around. Here is my question - what do you think of book trailers.Thanks again
Debbie Haupt
By the rivers of Babylon is one of my top five books. Have you ever thought of writing a screenplay for it?
Hi Nelson, love your books and the sarcastic humour of the characters, especially those written in the first person. Do your characters basically have your sense of humour?Do you know how a book is going to end before you start writing or is the book an organic, living thing which follows its own journey? Do you know how characters are going to get out of situations or decide when they are in a dodgy situation?
Great stories, great characters an great humour, love it!!
Sm
Thank you Mr. DeMille for writing and sharing your outstanding adventures. Charm School was my first, and 22 years later, you are still my favorite! I truly appreciate that you have presented so many different characters and storylines throughout your novels, but keep true to your well researched and dedicated style. It must be gratifying to know that your words have delighted millions of people. Thanks too, for Scott Brick. He is John Corey to me. You two are the best dynamic duo since Batman and Robin! Please consider a southern CA stop on your next road trip.
My thoughts are similar to the previous comment by Gary. I knew a woman whose husband (former Special Forces) worked on security in Yemen prior to the USS Cole incident, and I was wondering how you get the background for your novel settings. Do you travel to Yemen? talk to US officials who have spent time there? I enjoyed "The General's Daughter" and like books with military settings. I worked as a Department of Army Librarian most of my professional life.
I love all of your work, but I am really a big fan of Spencerville. Will there be a sequel?
I first read Plum Island because a friend who once lived on Long Island recommended the book. It is a great story. How did you come up with the character of John Corey? What inspired you? and how long did it take for you to develop the story? Thanks
I just found your books on a quilt ladies bus trip. . . yep, the ladies love you. I am amazed by the writing, the subjects and what truths I see in the only book I've read: Nightfall. How in the world did you get it published, knowing what I know. Wow, I admire and respect your creative mind. God Bless you and keep going, please. I can't wait to read them ALL.
I am so happy to hear you have a new book coming out. You have been a huge favorite of mine over the years. Is there any talk of turning The Gold Coast into a movie?
Hi, This is Nelson. Thanks for all your questions and comments. For those of you asking about movies, Gold Coast has been in development for a long time and we hope to see a movie in the near future. The Charm School movie rights are owned by an independent studio and that's also in development. We're looking at the possibility of taking all 6 John Corey books and putting them on cable TV in a series format, possibly starring Aaron Eckhart.
For those asking about my audio books, Scott Brick narrates all the John Corey books and has narrated many of my other books. He and I will be appearing at Barnes & Noble, Union Square, NYC, on Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there.
A few people have asked me if I do all my own writing. Of course, I do. I don't have co-authors or ghost writers. You can tell that the style of all my books is pretty much the same.
For those who wondering about a sequel to Up Country with Paul Brenner, I don't have any immediate plans for a sequel, but Paul Brenner makes an appearance in my latest book, The Panther, starring John Corey and Kate Mayfield.
A lot of people have asked me about the humor in my novels. I try to reproduce how people actually speak in real life. People tend to make light of serious situations with quips and humor.
To answer the question, What's the best career decision you ever made? Back in 1974, I decided to quit the day job and become a full-time writer. After a number of paperback originals, I published my first major novel in hardcover, By the Rivers of Babylon, in 1978. Sixteen books later, I'm still at it and never regretted taking that risk.
Several people have mentioned my short story, "The Book Case," which is a Kindle Single, starring John Corey in his early NYPD days. I'm not a short story writer, but I had fun with this. Check it out if you have a Kindle.
Did you visit Yemen for research for The Panther? I have been eagerly awaiting a sequel to Wildfire. Is there plans for a sequel anytime in the future? I look forward to your books, I find them well written and you do not disappoint . Keep doing what you are doing and know that your writing is enjoyed and appreciated.
Ami
Please help. I can not find answers to questions. Alex Markman
A lot of people have asked me about my writing habits and research. First thing to know is that I write all my novels longhand, usually two or three drafts, and then my assistant puts it into typed form on the computer. At that point, I can do my edits and rewrites on the computer. I generally start writing about noon, fortified by coffee, and stop writing about 7 or 8 at night, though when I am on a deadline, I will write to midnight. I use the mornings to take care of emails and fan mail, etc. I do most of my research on the internet, though I still like to travel to the places I'm writing about. Also, I do extensive interviews with people who are in the professions that I am writing about, i.e., airline pilots, FBI, NYPD, and so forth. I generally don't have a comprehensive outline for a novel, though I have a general idea where it's going. I like to let the novel take shape as I'm writing it. My research notes and interview notes are always handwritten, the way a journalist does, and I try to weave the research into the novel without sounding like I'm publishing my research notes. My books usually take 18 months to write and I estimate that about one-third of that time is spent on research. Every writer has a different way of approaching a novel and when I ask novelists these same types of questions, I find that some of them like to begin in the early morning hours and work to noon and take the rest of the day off, some are true night owls and begin when most people are sleeping, a few write longhand like I do, and most do three to five drafts, the same as me. What we all have in common is we find it is a very lonely profession, at least during working hours.
Regarding stand-alone books or series books, all of my earlier books were stand-alones and I never intended to write a series based on a single character. However, when I introduced John Corey in Plum Island in 1997, I discovered that my readers really loved this guy. So I made the decision to bring back John Corey in The Lion's Game, where I introduced his future wife, FBI Special Agent Kate Mayfield. The Panther is my sixth John Corey novel, and of course I intend to bring him back, either for the next book or the one after that. A lot of people have asked me about bringing back Paul Brenner from The General's Daughter and Up Country. Brenner, you may recall, was played by John Travolta in the movie of The General's Daughter. So what I've done in The Panther is to bring Brenner into the story in a major way. John Sutter (The Gold Coast and The Gate House) is another character that readers seem to like, but I have no plans to bring him back, unless the movie version of The Gold Coast is made.
Mr DeMille,The first novel I read of yours was Plum Island, and I loved it. Your style of writing is very easy to read and it draws the reader in. You also manage to appeal to a very wide audience, I know both my father and my Grandfather have read probably all of your novels, and I am not far behind them.
My favorite book was Charm School followed closely by The Lions Game.
I would love to see Charm School made into a movie, any plans?
Tracy
Do you read reviews written by 'ordinary' people? Or even reviews in big newspapers? I know some authors never do.
Alex wrote: "Please help. I can not find answers to questions. Alex Markman"
Alex, any post that is by "Nelson" is the answer to a question. Hope that clarifies!
Nelson wrote: "Hi, This is Nelson. Thanks for all your questions and comments. For those of you asking about movies, Gold Coast has been in development for a long time and we hope to see a movie in the near fut..."I'm excited to hear that movies are in the making for these novels. I love the idea of the John Corey series being made into a cable show...that would be so great!
So many people have asked me about The Charm School, which seems to be a big favorite. Interestingly, this is a Cold War spy thriller, published in 1988, the year before the Wall came down, right at the end of the Cold War. Yet a whole new generation who didn't live through the Cold War seems to have taken to this story. I know that The Charm School is used in college history classes that relate to the Cold War period, which makes authors happy. I went to Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1997 to research The Charm School. It was a really creepy place during the Soviet Era and I think I captured the essence of not only the city of Moscow, but the feeling of oppression and danger. I always recommend this book to younger readers who may be curious about that period of history. The movie rights to The Charm School have been sold and hopefully we'll see a feature film in the near future.
I wondered which of your novels has been the best seller, and if you have a personal favorite?
I love your work, have read all your novels and some a couple of times. My favorites are Gold Coast, Spencerville and Talbot Odyssey.
Like other readers I'd love for you to write a sequel to Up Country.
Looking forward to The Panther.
Matthew, Sydney