Ask James!

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Alicia wrote: "When you went to Iraq what was the most startlingly thing you saw/discovered/realized?

I know you were able to see handlers and dogs, but what else did you do over there? What was the biggest thing you took away from the visit (other than the idea for a story haha)? Thanks!"

The biggest surprise was a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there in Baghdad was a veterinary classmate of mine. It was a cool and unexpected reunion. The biggest takeaway? I was simply awed by the universal good cheer of everyone we met. Despite the temperature, the sand, and the long days, every man and woman in uniform remained upbeat and positive. An amazing bunch all around.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Mubashir wrote: "How do you find the time to read your fan messages at Goodreads?"

I do! I hop on Goodreads all the time, both to put my ear to the ground for feedback on a novel…or to discover a book everyone is talking about.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Alicia wrote: "What, if you were forced to chose one, is your favorite animal, and why?"

Wow, that is a toughie. If you put a gun to my head, I’m probably say I’m more of a dog person than a cat, but I love cats, too. It’s why I featured Tor-tor in Amazonia. But I also love BIG animals: horses, cows, pigs. And sadly I lost my 70 year-old parrot (named Igor) recently, so birds also hold a place in my heart.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Alicia wrote: "Do you have a motto or special outlook on life you'd like to share?"

Probably living by the golden rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Alicia wrote: "Other then reading and writing, what are some of your other passions & hobbies?"

Anything that gets me out of the house and into nature: hiking, kayaking, scuba diving. Right now, I’m training physically (and polishing up my rope work) for a big caving trip to Southeast Asia. Will there be a book in it when I’m back? What do you think?

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Abbie wrote: "Kamusta Mr. Rollins? I am really big fan of your writing. I am so addicted to it that it's all I talk about for weeks everytime I finish one of your books! I guess that's what's gotten my officemates, back at home, curios about you. Suffice to say, I got them addicted to your books too!"

Thanks for spreading the disease! Most appreciated!

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Abbie wrote: "P.S.

Me and my aunt kind of admire your time management. We can't help but notice that you really have a good time management going. With all your writing, and tours (I guess) and yet you still find time to enjoy movies and your pets, etc."

It’s all about trying to find that balance. Having a regular writing schedule is key. I have to produce those pages—good, bad, or mediocre—before I get to walk the dogs or hit that matinee. Once I have those papers in place, I can always go back and polish them until they shine later. If I waited for “inspiration” to strike me every time before sitting down to write, I’d barely get a book done every 5 years.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Malise wrote: "I hope that one day we'll be lucky to have you visit our French Caribbean Islands..."

Me too!

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Sam wrote: "Oh my, I just read the replies about Kowalski and I'm almost in tears!!! I can't wait, my gosh. He so deserves finally having a bigger role!"

I agree

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Grammyapa wrote: "Grammyapa wrote: "Good to talk to you. I heard you 3 years ago in Tucson and enjoyed your talk. You said that you liked to blowup things. Graham Brown was there too. Are you blowing up things in yo..."

Of Course!

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

C. wrote: "Thanks for the great books. I really like the new Tucker and Kane series. Hope you write many more of this team. I have quite a few of your Sigma books too. Keep up the great work."

Thanks, Roni. There will be another Tucker and Kane adventure. The manuscript is complete! Stay tuned.

[Paul]

James 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 sourc..."


Thank you! I forgot to mention that Blitz is a Czech breed I'd never heard of, though he looked just like a Belgian, perhaps a bit smaller. And he took his commands in German. ;o)

[Shannon]

Greetings from Benson Az! As an obsessive reader of your books I always wonder how you come up with your characters. They all have such distinct personalities. Do you know people and use them as models or just use your amazing brain to create them? And as Kowalski is one of my favorites I know got his start in "Ice Hunt". Can you explain how he came about? Thanks for being so awesome!

[Leona]

James wrote: 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.

Hopefully that has nothing to do with the translation of the book. I'd love to read them in English, but I'd need a lot of money to buy all of your books. It's a pity I can't get at least one of them for free. :P

[Dave]

No question, just a huge THANK YOU! Mr. Rollins for sharing so much with all of us. Cheers!

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Nathan wrote: "James, I am glad I stumbled across this group. This is my first exposure to your work, and I am pretty excited to get my first book.

I have a non-fiction book out, but have found that my true passion is fantasy fiction. I am finishing my first novel, and my question to you is: What were your first steps in finding a writing community / reaching out to like-minded authors? Specifically Fantasy / YA Fiction Authors.

Thanks for your insight!

Nathan"

Hey, Nathan, I look forward to reading your first fantasy novel! As to my first exposure to a writing community, it was here in town in Sacramento, California. I had not formal training in writing (no college courses or even online classes), so when I set out trying to learn about the craft and business side of this writing career, I joined a local writer’s club (Sacramento Suburban Writers). They offered monthly lectures and the larger group—some 200 people—would break down into critique groups. I chose one, and I’m still with the same group. They are the first ones to see any of my work: in it’s raw, fresh-from-the-computer state.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Sorro wrote: "James, I love your books! Just a few questions for you.

1. I loved seeing my hometown of Provo in The Devil Colony. How much research did you do to make it realistic? It certainly sounds like you visited BYU and these other locations and had at least somebody guide you around to find an interesting setting.

2. On the books where you collaborate with Rebecca Cantrell and Grant Blackwood, how does that process work? Does one or the other of you do the bulk of the writing?

Thanks for giving us such great books. I can't get enough of your universe! "

(1) I did indeed visit Provo and the BYU campus. Also a member of my critique group here in town is a BYU graduate, so I also picked his brain.

(2) When it comes to the collaborations, it’s pretty much a 50-50 split. We work together on a detailed outline, decide who would tackle which parts first, then exchange chapters and talk for 3-5 hours once a week to compare notes, talk about changes in direction of the plot or character arc, and to go over pages. These sections would often pass back and forth between us until we were both satisfied that we were maintaining a consistent style and voice. It’s a challenging endeavor, but very rewarding. I know I’ve certainly learned plenty from my co-writers and hopefully the same on their end.

[Joseph]

James wrote: "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 ha..."

I almost forgot a cheap plug! The Blood Cloth Syndicate! Check it out on Amazon, James! :-)

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Jason wrote: "Hi James, How do you manage your time when it comes to writing novels, whether it's the Sigma Force series or your stand alone works? What does your typical day of writing consist of? Thanks in advance. - Jason "

Hey Jason, my typical writing day is pretty much the same: I commit to write 5-7 double-spaced pages a day. I usually break that into two sessions with a break in the middle for a physical stretch. Then I’ll spend another 2-3 hours on the business side of writing (and yes, that includes Facebook time) and doing research or outlining. That’s about it. I do that 5 out of 7 days a week.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Danielle wrote: "First, thank you for all the great books. The Sanguines Series in particular is phenomenal! I've always admired the craft of writing and seek to write a novel someday. I have had some very interesting dreams that struck me as being the potential for intriguing story ideas. Has anything like this ever happened with you?

Also, have you read any of Gillian Flynn's books? She is quite good at creating psychologically twisted characters. "

I did read Gone Girl (in fact I just finished it two weeks ago) and thoroughly enjoyed it. And you are right about the characters in that book: twisted, twisted, twisted. As to dreams generating ideas, I can’t say that I’ve dreamt up an idea, but I have dreamt my characters out of a jam. Sometimes I paint my characters into such a corner that I can’t figure out how to get them out of that jam. But more than a few times, I went to bed thinking about that dilemma, only to wake with the answer.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Roni wrote: "Hello Mr. Rollins!

I have read (and enjoyed)all the Sigma books and was sad about the fate of Rachel and Father Verona, but that little twist in the end was nice. I too am very excited about the next Sigma book coming. =)

I was wondering if you listen to music (if so, who do you listen to?)when writing and if they influence the pace of the story or the characters?

Also I noticed you "borrow" names from friends, do you also borrow any telltale characteristics or mannerisms from them and can they tell?

Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to have this little Q&A with your readers! "

You’re most welcome! I do indeed listen to music. My go-to band is Dead Can Dance. For some reason their haunting melodic songs really do something to get my imagination working without overwhelming or distracting. As to including “people I know” in stories, I don’t think any author creates characters out of thin air. At least for me, I always have my eyes open for an unusual character to cross my path, or I eavesdrop on conversations and jot notes about some turn of phrase, accent, or mannerism. So be careful is you sit too close to me in a restaurant….you’re liable to end up in a book.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Lesianda wrote: "First, happy world book day. Thank you for all your great books, especially The Sigma series, thank you for the strong and inspiring characters ( and a big thank you for Painter Crowe - without a doubt my all time favourite character).

Since you are the author of a lot of my favourite books, it's really interesting for me which books are your favourite ones - I know it's hard to answer and a bit of a cliche when someone asks you "What's your favoutite this ot that" but there's always a book that you feel close to you, a book you read again and again, and it always makes you discover something new about yourfself or the world or just makes you smile("Black Order" is one of these books for me).

And one more question if I may - I've always been curious how do you chose the names of your characters, is it after people you know or you just feel their names fit them?

So thank you for your time, can't wait for the new books( by the way I've been missing Lisa a lot I'm happy she's coming back).

Greetings from Bulgaria..."

Oh, Lisa…she gets into so much trouble in this summer’s book (as does her brother Josh). But that’s all I’ll say. As to a book that really inspired me and I find myself re-reading passages is The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx. She uses language and sentence structure is such an unusual and freeing way that it just helps me loosen up. But I have many authors who I respect so highly, like the late Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park is still one of my all-time favorite thrillers and was a great influence on this summer’s Sigma book, The Sixth Extinction.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Lesianda wrote: "First, happy world book day. Thank you for all your great books, especially The Sigma series, thank you for the strong and inspiring characters ( and a big thank you for Painter Crowe - without a doubt my all time favourite character).

Since you are the author of a lot of my favourite books, it's really interesting for me which books are your favourite ones - I know it's hard to answer and a bit of a cliche when someone asks you "What's your favoutite this ot that" but there's always a book that you feel close to you, a book you read again and again, and it always makes you discover something new about yourfself or the world or just makes you smile("Black Order" is one of these books for me).

And one more question if I may - I've always been curious how do you chose the names of your characters, is it after people you know or you just feel their names fit them?

So thank you for your time, can't wait for the new books( by the way I've been missing Lisa a lot I'm happy she's coming back).

Greetings from Bulgaria..."

Oh, Lisa…she gets into so much trouble in this summer’s book (as does her brother Josh). But that’s all I’ll say. As to a book that really inspired me and I find myself re-reading passages is The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx. She uses language and sentence structure is such an unusual and freeing way that it just helps me loosen up. But I have many authors who I respect so highly, like the late Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park is still one of my all-time favorite thrillers and was a great influence on this summer’s Sigma book, The Sixth Extinction.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Kelsey wrote: "What was it like to work with steve berry on the face off book and is this a one time deal or are you going to work on a couple of stories together in the future"

It was fun. Future work, I don't know.

[Angela]

Hello. I am a huge fan of your work. My sister trains service dogs for military veterans and so I am particularly fascinated by Kane. Will he and Tucker be joining in on anymore Sigma series books or just remain independent from now on? Also I think your herion Seichen is one of the best emotional characters I have read about, where did you come up with her story?

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Yen wrote: "Good morning! It's 8am over here in Australia. Thanks for your reply to my earlier question about whether the Guild and "Bloodline'..
One more quick question: What are you reading for leisure right now? :)"

I’m just starting to read George RR Martin’s A Feast of Crows, along with Dance of Dragons. I found a site that lists the order in which to read the two books’ chapters chronologically (supposedly the order that Mr. Martin would prefer they be read). So I’m going to try to tackle that herculean task of reading those two 1000-page books simultaneously.

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Shannon wrote: "Greetings from Benson Az! As an obsessive reader of your books I always wonder how you come up with your characters. They all have such distinct personalities. Do you know people and use them as models or just use your amazing brain to create them? And as Kowalski is one of my favorites I know got his start in "Ice Hunt". Can you explain how he came about? Thanks for being so awesome!"

I had no thoughts of Kowalski continuing on as a recurring character when he stepped onto stage in Ice Hunt, but I loved writing him so much that I had to recruit him into Sigma. I wrote a short story where this recruitment takes place (“Kowalski’s in Love”…it can be found in an anthology titled Thrillers: Stories to keep you up all night, edited by James Patterson ). And as you might imagine with the big lug, nothing goes according to plan. As to creating characters, they are a blend of imagination, along with characteristics of people I know or met. I always try to create characters who I would want to hang out with (even the bad guys…okay, maybe not ALL of them).

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Amanda wrote: "Any plans in the works to write a follow-up to Altar of Eden? Or other books more directly inspired by your career as a veterinarian?"

hanks for asking. Actually I do have an entire outline for another story involving Dr. Lorna Polk. How could I not want to revisit one of the only veterinarian heroes appearing in thrillers?

[James, Author of The Kill Switch]

Kelsey wrote: "I am a huge fan of yours I have been told writers write what they know about and was curious how much of you personally is in the stories like are you most like painter or gray"

I always say that Gray is the guy I wish I could be. It’s one of the joys of writing. For the time you’re writing, you get to be that person. If I had to pick one trait shared by Painter, Gray, and myself, it would be one of intense curiosity, of a desire to look over the horizon at what’s coming next—good or bad. Oh, and Painter has a fetish for single malt whiskey. So does a certain author.

[Mubashir]

James wrote: "Mubashir wrote: "How do you find the time to read your fan messages at Goodreads?"

I do! I hop on Goodreads all the time, both to put my ear to the ground for feedback on a novel…or to discover a..."

"Yeah, James Rollins replied to me!!!!!!" *Jumping around in the room*

[Vishal]

I have read ur every sigma book till date.bt the main ingredient which always force me to read ur book other than mysteries & cliff-hangers,it is gray-seichan
I know dat u are nt willing to give any hint about the relationship between gray & seichan ..
bt i really want to know about it..any info for now would be highly praised.

waiting for THE SIXTH EXTINCTION is intolerable

[Nathan]

James wrote: "Nathan wrote: "James, I am glad I stumbled across this group. This is my first exposure to your work, and I am pretty excited to get my first book.

I have a non-fiction book out, but have found th..."

Awesome! I would love to hear what you have to say. I appreciate your willingness to check it out.

I am from a small town where there are no writing groups (or at least any that I can find online), so I am trying to find any online groups. I would love to do in-person meetings, cause there is definitely something about face to face collaboration that cannot be replicated, but until something like that pops up, I am locked into online groups. Are you aware of anything like that?

As for your books, I am a fan of paranormal/thriller, so what would you suggest I start with? From your site, it looks like either the Sigma Series or the Sanguines Series would be a good starting point.

Thanks again for your insight and behind the scenes looks yesterday. I enjoyed following along.

Nathan

[Kat]

James wrote: "Yen wrote: "Good morning! It's 8am over here in Australia. Thanks for your reply to my earlier question about whether the Guild and "Bloodline'..
One more quick question: What are you reading for l..."

Mind linking me the site? You can msg me if you don't want to post it here.

[Sunny]

No question, James, just a thank you for being so agreeable to respond to so many questions. And thank you for years of reading pleasure. Looking forward to many, many more.

[Rodrigo]

I'm so sorry your books stopped being published in spanish. Do you know anything about it? Is something you can do so I can read you again?

[Danielle]

Oh wow yay thank you so much for replying to mine and all of these other questions you are amazing

[Vanessa]

how many books do people read in a day.

[Track]

as a retired librarian, and presently run a B&B, and an avid life long reader...I tend to read about 6-8 books at a time, different formats and such, so in the course of a month probably 20 -24 or so.....Not a speed reader...just utilizing my own personal collection of about 12,000 volumes and 2 e-readers full of books....

[Christine]

James what's your favorite movie and song and food and color and tv show and weather season and holiday and book?

[Danielle]

Christine wrote: "James what's your favorite movie and song and food and color and tv show and weather season and holiday and book?"

Um, I thought I might say, I don't think he is doing this anymore. It ended on Wednesday last week.

[Vanessa]

how many books does 8th grader read a day and what type of books should they be reading in 8th grade?

[Cary]

Hi James, I love your book, I have each and everyone of them and I am always looking forward for a new one. My only problem with them, being from the Dominican Republic and being spanish my native language, is that whoever helps you with the spanish in your books doesnt know enough spanish... The sentence structure tends to be backwards, the use of articles and pronouns tend to be incorrect, but I have just learn to look the other away and skip any word in spanish in the book... I love you, keep giving us those great adventures!!!
Ps. I read the books in english