I’m finally able to spill the big secret I’ve been keeping.
If you’ve read this blog a while, you know I’m positively obsessed with true crime, especially unsolved mysteries.
So I couldn’t believe my luck when a production company emailed me, asking if I’d be interested in being the writer expert on their new true crime docudrama series.
Was I interested? Was I interested?! Do birds sing? Is the grass green? Is dirt…well, dirty? You better believe I was interested! Talk about the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cruise Ship Killers tells the stories of those who went missing or who were murdered on cruise ships. This is a lot more people than you might think. Hundreds of people have vanished while on a cruise, most never to be seen again. If you’re looking to get rid of someone, all that water presents an irresistible opportunity, I suppose.
While I’m being paid to talk about my obsession, delve deeper into these cases, and get all dolled up by a pro–not to mention the new audience that will be introduced to me and my writing–being an expert on a true crime docudrama is a lot tougher than I thought. It’s still the best gig in the world, don’t get me wrong, but being insightful and quick with a quip on demand, for hours at a time, ain’t easy. And I just know people are going to tear me apart on YouTube when the show airs, because that’s what people do.
Note to self: Don’t read the comments.
For those of you wondering what network will air the series and when, that information is still adrift. Once the first season is “in the bag,” Farpoint Films’ distributor will sell it to networks, most likely starting with international, followed by the U.S. But I’ll definitely keep you posted!
Cover Reveal!
Behold the cover for Not All Monsters, the all-female horror anthology, which will feature my story The Heart of the Lion. Publication is set for next fall. What do you think of this work of art by cover designer Don Noble?
Those Who Came Before on Net Galley
My supernatural horror Those Who Came Before, which Flame Tree Press will release in October, is already available for reviewers on Net Galley. So if you have a Net Galley account and would like to review it, I’d be forever grateful. The book is also available for pre-order!
People are dying at Strong Lake, and the worst is yet to come.
An idyllic weekend camping trip is cut short when Reese Wallace’s friends are brutally murdered. As the group’s only survivor, Reese is the prime suspect, and his story doesn’t make much sense. A disembodied voice warning him to leave the campground the night before? A strange, blackened tree that gave him an electric shock when he cut it down for firewood?
Detective Greyeyes isn’t having any of it—until she hears the voice herself and finds an arrowhead at the crime scene—an arrowhead she can’t get rid of. Troubling visions of a doomed Native American tribe who once called the campground home, and rumors of cursed land and a mythical beast plague the strangest murder case she’s ever been a part of.
Free books!
For those of you who like a little paranormal with your romance, check out this deal. Subscribe to some of the bestselling Paranormal Romance authors for a chance to win one paperback copy of Vampire Academy Special Edition by Richelle Mead, How To Save An Undead Life by Hailey Edwards, and Shades of Wicked by Jeaniene Frost, one Labyrinth art print, one vampire candle, and one werewolf plushie, plus 17 ebooks! That’s 20 new books total, plus some awesome swag to enjoy them with.
Some readers may be wondering what the heck City of Ghosts is doing in a paranormal romance giveaway. Well, ghosts = paranormal, and there are romantic elements, right? Besides, I’m guessing the majority of my readers would love to snag that adorable little werewolf. Am I wrong?
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The busiest term of my life is coming to a close–three more weeks!–so if you’re waiting for return blog visits and responses to comments, please don’t give up on me. I promise I’ll catch up as soon as I’m able, and will respond to the commenters on this post as soon as I can. Thanks for your patience!
The purpose of the Insecure Writers’ Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. To see a full list of IWSG authors, click here.
Congratulations! That’s awesome news! What an amazing opportunity for you.
I listen to Casefile True Crime podcast and was horrified by the Amy Lynn Bradley case and what may have happened to her. I went on a cruise when I was younger and had no idea such things could happen. This story was certainly an eye-opener.
I look forward to hearing more about this series. Best of luck! I’m sure you’ll do well. 🙂
Woo hoo! They picked the perfect person for the job. You’re gonna rock it!
Keep us posted when it airs. 😀
What a fantastic opportunity and so right for you! I’m so happy for you and I hope your show comes to the UK at some point 🙂
As for the haters, just ignore them. You’re the one living the dream while they sit at home leaving bitter comments about others.
Debbie
Congrats! That’s awesome news. ^_^
This is wonderful news! I’ve always been curious about how many people go “missing” on cruise ships. With the (few) cases actually publicized, it makes you think that there are many more that are NOT brought to our attention. I can’t think of anyone that could fulfill this role better than you!!
(I already pre-ordered the new book from Flame Tree, but did not know it was already on NG!!! 🙂
Oh wow, what an opportunity! That could lead to so many great things.
FABULOUS news J.H!!! Congratulations!
Many congratulations, J.H. A fabulous achievement. Hope the show airs over here in the UK
Cruise Ship Killers! That is awesome. Congratulations. I will definitely watch it when the series comes out. And be very careful if I go on a cruise…
This is SUCH fantastic news! I am beyond happy for you and glad the producers had the sense to pick the most gifted writer for the job! I can’t wait to hear and see more! Congratulations, my friend!!
Wow! So much to celebrate! I’ll be watching when your show airs. Also, I am very excited for Those Who Came Before. I’d love to read and review it. Congratulations!!!
I am so excited for you! What an exciting opportunity and very well deserved. Congrats on the anthology and your upcoming release. It’s a great cover.
Congratulations! On everything!
Make sure you take time to enjoy all of your successes. 🙂
J.H you never cease to amaze me! Brilliant news on The Cruise Ship Killers. (I never fancied a cruise anyway) The cover design on Not all Monsters is very original … Double pupils in the eye never seen before! Rock on!!!
Wow. That’s awesome m. Congratulations!
What an amazing opportunity that dove-tails your interests and personality to a T! You will do fine. Let us knows when it airs, all right? The trolls do not matter. 🙂
Congratulations! What a fantastic opportunity. Wishing you mega success. Keep us informed as to the network that picks up the series.
Congratulations! That is AWESOME news!
And yes, don’t ever read the comments. On anything. Including this one.
That is BIG news! Many congratulations. This is very exciting.
That is beyond awesome! I can’t wait to check it out! You know, I’ve always been a little wary of going on a cruise. Guess I have a good reason…
THAT IS SO EXCITING!!!!! CONGRATS!
Kudos to you, J.H.! What an exciting new project. I can’t wait to watch the program.
Woot! That’s so awesome. I love how this post is bursting with great stuff. Grats!!
Looks like getting an agent worked for you. Congrats on all your success. Can’t wait to see the show.
Anna from elements of emaginette
Thanks Anna, but none of these particular opportunities came about because of my agent. I got the last few on my own, and the production company approached me directly.
However, she is working on something that sounds amazing. Hopefully I’ll be able to share that soon. 🙂
The Flame Tree book was sold before I signed with my agent, and she has no problem with me submitting projects on my own as well.
True Crime Expert – what an amazing accomplishment! You’ve worked so hard to establish yourself in this area of expertise. Looking forward to seeing the show, and bragging that I “know” the expert.
And congrats on the upcoming release!
What great news! I’m very excited for you and your amazing opportunity! Also, I cannot wait to read another new book from you. For all the insanity this year, It’s wonderful to see you having so much success.
Congratulations, I am thrilled for you. Awesome. I will be watching for the release of your show. That really is so thrilling to hear your successes.
Congratulations!!
That is awesome news!
SO excited for you–that’s fantastic news !! I LOVE true crime shows, so this will be a must-watch. And congratulations on your book–will check it out asap :).
YAY!!!! That is so exciting and RIGHT up your alley – Huge congratulations!!!
Major congratulations!!!! That is very exciting news.
Now, that is BIG news!! Congratulations, JH! I can certainly understand how busy you’ve been. That’s a blog post full of fantastic news. How long does/will your job as writer expert for the series last? I guess it’s a good thing that this opportunity isn’t ongoing, as you’ve got so many other projects to finish up! I’m extremely proud of you and happy for you and I hope the first season will be “killer”, so there will be many more Cruise Ship Killers seasons.
Congratulations on being selected for consulting on that series! Also congrats on you story being accepted into the anthology. I like that red-blacklight style to the cover; it’s kind of psychedelic.
Wow! That is incredible news. What an awesome/perfect fit opportunity. You must be so excited.
Fantastic news! I guess it’s true that good things come to those who follow their passions.
This is wonderful news! Congratulations. You are wonderful writer and I can’t wait to read your next book!
That’s so cool! You get to be a writing consultant for a TV show.
Congratulations on your upcoming releases!
WOW! The show writing sounds REALLY cool. Congratulations! You’ll do great!
I am so far behind on EVERYTHING these days, it makes me sad!!!!! But CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! I’m so excited that more people are starting to realize how in demand you should be. Those of us who adore you have known it for quite some time, it’s about time the rest of the world catch up! I look forward to hearing where I can watch at!! =)
Also, just pre-ordered my copy (HARDCOVER) of “Those Who Came Before” from Flame Tree Press… I have a feeling about this one, I think I’m gonna love it! Wait, I get that feeling about all your books. HA!
Proud of you, friend! Sorry I’m so late to the party, life has been crazy lately!!