Blog A Go-Go: FAQs

There are a few questions that have been cropping up quite often in reader mail, so I thought I'd give the answers here and possibly save some folks the trouble of e-mailing. (If, however, you would still like to e-mail to say nice things, please do.)

1. When is your next book coming out? My best guess is next winter. I can't give you a specific date because the publishing industry is a mysterious and arcane business. I can tell you that Silent on the Moor is essentially finished. This means I have written it and my editor has approved it. There are still a hundred little housekeeping chores to take care of in tidying up the manuscript, but it is done and I am on to the next book.

2. Is your next book a Julia Grey book? Nope. After Silent on the Moor, I am taking a break from the Julia Grey series to write something completely different. Well, not completely different. It is historical and mysterious and the female character is English, so there are points in common. But none of the Julia Grey characters will carry over to the new book, and the new book is not part of a series.

3. Will there be more books in the series? At present, the best answer I can give is, probably so. There are LOTS of factors that go into making that decision, and the decision doesn't rest with me. I love writing the Julia Grey books, and would be perfectly happy to write more. I also love the challenge of writing something different. Either way, I get to write, so I win!

4. Are you coming to my town? Unless you live in my neighborhood, probably not. (Aside from the good people of Phoenix! It's my first trip to the desert and I have to admit, I'm very curious what my hair is going to do.) I have local signings in the works, and online events at Second Life. Actual appearances are listed on the lefthand sidebar of this blog as they are confirmed, so always check there for the most accurate information.

5. Can I get e-mail updates? Well, of course. I would be charmed. Just e-mail me at deannaraybourn@yahoo.com and I will happily add your name to the list. I send updates very infrequently and NEVER share your information.

6. Have the film rights been sold? Not yet. A few production companies have expressed interest, and we will see what develops (extremely bad pun not intended). At present, I still hold the rights.

7. Who would you like to see cast if there is a film of the Julia Grey books? I know this sounds impossible, but I actually don't care. My feeling--no doubt honed from years of watching my husband mount theatre productions--is that once I sell the rights it is someone else's story to tell. I've had my chance, and it would be silly and ungracious for me to interfere with someone else's turn. All I ask is unlimited access to Gerard Butler if he's cast.

8. When will the audiobook of Silent in the Sanctuary be released? It's out! If you prefer your fiction digital, pootle over to Audible.com and get your copy now. There was great response from the audio version of Silent in the Grave, and I'm told this one is just as well-presented.

9.Why does the book look like...(insert description)? Any questions regarding the physical production of the books are best referred to the publisher. If I ran them off in my basement, I would know more about the actual production side of the business, but alas, once I turn a book over to my editor, I don't see it for months. Decisions are made regarding the physical appearance of the book, and aside from very kindly asking for my input and approval of the cover art, the publisher is responsible for all of them.

10.Will you speak to my book club? I am happy to phone into book clubs for discussion, calendar permitting. Just e-mail me at the address above and we'll try to work out the details.

11. Do you answer your own mail? Yes, all of it, except for the gentleman who wrote to express his surprise that a woman had actually written a book he enjoyed. To him, I can only say, yes, a woman DID write the book you enjoyed. Did a woman read it to you as well?