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Kevin Hearne Celebrates 10th Anniversary of The Iron Druid Chronicles

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In a fantastic event hosted by The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Kevin Hearne, the mastermind behind The Iron Druid Chronicles, celebrated the 10th anniversary of this beloved series. The event provided fans with insights into the creation and evolution of the series, as well as updates on Hearne’s current and future projects.

Patrick King, Science Fiction and Fantasy selector at The Poisoned Pen, introduced Kevin, who expressed his gratitude to fans for their support and enthusiasm.

Kevin shared his journey from the inception of the series, noting that when he first began writing, he never expected it would grow to such heights. He mentioned some entertaining anecdotes, like the time he misspelled “just desserts” as “just deserts” and fixed it in the reissued edition.

Hearne shared his excitement for the release of The Curse of Krakens, the third book in The Seven Kennings series, and discussed his other series, Ink and Sigil. He read excerpts from the bonus chapter, The Dead Flea Scrolls, and The Scroll of Sirius. Hearne also mentioned the possibility of a television adaptation and shared his experiences with Hollywood.

He also mentioned the reissue of the series with updated content, including new stories and jokes, and the collection of short stories and novellas, new bonus material exclusive to ebook and print editions. He also highlighted the role of readers and how their feedback influenced the reissue.

Hearne teased fans with upcoming projects, including a novella narrated by Oberon called The Buzz Kill and a short story in the anthology Unbound II. Kevin even hinted at a third book in the Inconsiderable series. As for the future of The Iron Druid Chronicles, he stayed tight-lipped about spoilers, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the series’ resolution.

Throughout the event, Kevin’s charisma and humor shone, further captivating his devoted readers. He also shared insights into his writing process, inspirations, and his early love for books like the Hardy Boys series.

If you enjoyed this entertaining celebration, hearing from Kevin Hearne and learning more about The Iron Druid Chronicles, share your thoughts on social media to spread the book-love. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on more exciting book-related events and releases.

Steve Berry discusses The Omega Factor with special guest host, Diana Gabaldon.

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Barbara Peters, founder of The Poisoned Pen, hosted a riveting session between bestselling authors Steve Berry and Diana Gabaldon in which they discussed the writing process, historical fiction, and inspiration behind Steve’s book, The Omega Factor.

During the session, Berry revealed the inspiration behind his book’s cover: “I adapted the image of a monastery from a friend’s house near Venice. The old and new pictures were perfect for the story.”

Diana Gabaldon, legendary author of the Outlander series, praised Berry’s ability to immerse readers in history. She remarked, “Steve does very well to concentrate everything into the viewpoint of his main character, making you feel like you’re living along with them.“

In the session, the authors delved into mysteries and thrillers, the importance of specificity in historical fiction, and their own experiences as authors. Steve mentioned his inspiration behing The Omega Factor and the historical significance of the Ghent Altarpiece, prominently featured in his novel, while Diana discussed her writing process and the interplay between different genres.

They also touched on the idea of expanding their series and writing books set in different locations. The conversation offered insights into their creative process and the joys and challenges of writing novels. They talked about the process of writing thrillers and the difference between a mystery and a thriller, with Berry explaining that while a mystery is about what happened, a thriller is about what’s going to happen.

Diana, with her vast experience writing historical fiction highlighted the importance of being specific in descriptions, mentioning author Sharon K. Penman as an example.

The event offered a fascinating glimpse into the minds of two acclaimed authors and their approach to storytelling and showcases the passion and dedication they bring to their craft. If you enjoyed the conversation between Steve Berry and Diana Gabaldon about The Omega Factor, share your thoughts on social media to spread the book-love. And if you want to stay updated on the latest book news and events, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dana Stabenow discusses Disappearance of a Scribe

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In conversation with Barbara Peters, founder of The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, Dana Stabenow discusses her new book, Disappearance of a Scribe, the second installment in the “Eye of Isis”, the trilogy of Ancient Egyptian crime novels that began with Death of an Eye. The event was both enlightening and entertaining, filled with fascinating insights into Dana’s writing process and the historical backdrop of her series.

During the conversation, Dana highlighted the beauty of physical books, especially those from her British publisher, which featured stunning maps and intricate cover designs. She also gave us a sneak peek into her writing journey and shared her inspiration for the series, set during the time of Cleopatra’s reign in Egypt and the transition to Roman rule.

Dana and her Barbara traveled to Egypt and discussed its historical significance, its transition from a fertile province to a desert country, and its complex political landscape during Cleopatra’s time. They touched on how her characters navigate this world, with a special focus on the series’ protagonist, Tetisheri, Cleopatra’s personal investigator.

Dana’s deep research and personal experiences in Egypt shone through as she discussed various aspects of her novels, from murder methods involving Rhakotis sandals to the importance of historical records like tax and property filings, the importance of the Great Library of Alexandria in the plot, or her research on ancient construction materials.

The audience engaged with Dana in a lively Q&A session, covering topics ranging from Cleopatra’s psychology before her suicide and the strategic errors that led to her defeat at the Battle of Actium, to the historical accuracy of descriptions of food and beverage popular in Egypt, such as beans, citrus, fish, and bread.

The event was an enlightening and engaging event for history and mystery lovers alike. If you enjoyed this recap, share it on social media, and stay tuned for more exciting events by subscribing to our newsletter.

Kristen Ashley discusses Dream Keeper

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In a fantastic event hosted by John Charles, The Poisoned Pen welcomed a favorite local author, Kristen Ashley, to discuss her latest book in theDream Team series, Dream Keeper.

Kristen, known for her captivating romance novels, shared insights into her journey from a charity executive to a prolific romance novelist with over 80 published books. She humorously recalled her early days, when she knew “precisely” what she wanted to be, “but couldn’t get published.” Her determination and love for romance eventually led her to success.

Ashley shared her experience with indie publishing and how a government-subsidized program in England helped her get started. Being a hybrid author, publishing both independently and with traditional publishers, gives her the opportunity to collaborate with professionals while also maintaining creative control.

Dream Keeper is the fourth installment in the Dream Team series, blending characters from her Rock Chick and Dream Man series. Kristen explained, “It’s a younger generation. A lot of my readers wanted stories about the kids of the heroes and heroines from the past.” This series explores the lives of strippers and commandos, making for an intriguing read. Ashley shared her passion for music and how it influences her writing process. She talked about the songs that inspired Dream Keeper and the connection between music and emotions in her stories.

One of the hallmarks of Kristen’s books is the sense of sisterhood and empowerment they convey. She noted, “My brand is really about sisterhood and supporting each other, even if you don’t know that person”, as her stories inspired real-life sisterhoods among her readers.

When asked about writing series, Kristen revealed that it’s often organic. “You go in thinking something’s going to be one way, and it surprises you.” She emphasized her dedication to her craft, writing up to 20,000 words a day during a creative burst.

She also talked about her experience with audiobooks and how she collaborates with narrators to bring her books to life in audio format and reach a broader audience.

With regard to social media and the impact on her journey as an author, Kristen referred to the importance of connecting with readers on social media. She mentioned she prefers Facebook and Instagram, and humorously admitted to struggling with Twitter’s cleverness. She also touched on her passion for food, intricately woven into her books, and mentioned her cookbook, Dream Bites, and how the royalties from its sales go to women’s charities through her organization, the Rock Chick Nation.

Finally, Ashley shared exciting plans for the future, including a trip to Paris to connect with author friends and hints at upcoming projects, including a surprise release in January and the next book in her River Rain and Fantasyland series.

If you enjoyed this author event, please share it on social media and spread the book love. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more exciting author events and book news.

Susanna Kearsley and Diana Gabaldon at The Poisoned Pen

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In this captivating virtual event hosted by The Poisoned Pen’s Barbara Peters, renowned authors Susanna Kearsley and Diana Gabaldon share their insights on Kearsley’s The Vanished Days, in an insightful discussion that delves deep into the world of historical fiction. 

The authors discuss various aspects of their writing process – Diana’s kaleidoscope approach and Susanna’s puzzle-like method, that allows her to “find inspiration in the hidden corners of history”. Her words echo the charm that permeates The Vanished Days, a tale that bridges time and imagination and can be considered a prequel or companion book to Kearsley’s The Winter Sea.

They both agree that characters drive the plot, and they often let them dictate where the story goes. Kearsley emphasizes how historical characters can present challenges since there are gaps in their stories, but highlights that research helps fill in those gaps. They both acknowledge the need for historical accuracy and the importance of crafting a cohesive narrative, where each character and plot point fit together to create a compelling story.

Best-selling author Diana Gabaldon, renowned for the ‘Outlander’ series underscored “Susanna’s ability to blend history with emotion” which she described as “unparalleled.” As the conversation unfolds, they discuss the characters who navigate through history’s twists and turns. “Books like ‘The Vanished Days’ ensure that history lives on,” Susanna emphasizes, while Diana adds, “It’s like whispering to the past and the future simultaneously.”

If you appreciate these insights, share this post, retweet, and spread the word and make sure you don’t miss out on the latest news from your favorite authors. Subscribe to our newsletter.

And if you’re eager to explore more literary wonders and connect with fellow historical fiction and mystery enthusiasts,  join The Poisoned Pen’s Historical Fiction book club to discover great books curated by our founder Barbara Peters.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss Bloodless

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In an engaging and enlightening conversation, celebrated authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss their 20th Agent Pendergast book, “Bloodless,” as well as their decision to set the story in Savannah. They mentioned that they wanted to continue the partnership between Pendergast and Agent Coldmoon, and felt that Savannah, as “probably the most creepy city in America, if not the world” was a fittingly eerie and atmospheric setting for the story. 

The novel follows Pendergast’s investigation into a series of blood-drained bodies that spark rumors of vampirism, although “Pendergast does not believe in vampires, or at least he’s pretty sure they don’t exist.”

Preston and Child delve into the partnership between Pendergast and Agent Coldmoon, highlighting their dynamic as they navigate the mystery. Their unlikely partnership emerges as a central theme, characterized by tension and collaboration while Constance contributes research skills and expertise that complement Pendergast’s enigmatic nature.

They also acknowledged the impact of the popular book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil on attracting tourists to Savannah, and expressed their hope that their book will bring more attention to the city while also providing an entertaining mystery.

Drawing inspiration from the infamous DB Cooper hijacking, the authors delved into meticulous research to accurately depict the 1971 airplane technology. Their commitment to authenticity shines through as they weave historical events into their storytelling.

One of the key challenges the authors navigated was crafting a story that concealed the identity of DB Cooper while intertwining supernatural elements with investigative intrigue. The result is a complex narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Throughout the conversation, Preston and Child revealed insights into their writing routines and the collaborative process that has fueled their partnership for 15 years. Their passion for writing and meticulous revision highlights the dedication behind their work. Their work involves between six and eight rounds or revision.

As the discussion concluded, the authors reflected on the beauty of exploring cemeteries around the world – a fitting end to a conversation that journeyed through mystery, supernatural elements, and the intricacies of character dynamics.

With Bloodless, Preston and Child continue to captivate readers, offering an immersive experience that combines historical inspiration, supernatural intrigue, and the enigmatic allure of their beloved characters. 

If you enjoy riveting mysteries with a touch of supernatural, you can’t miss Bloodless. You also can’t miss our newsletter with the latest news from our favorite authors. Subscribe here.

Jack Carr discusses The Devil’s Hand with Barbara Peters

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In a captivating virtual event held by The Poisoned Pen, bestselling author Jack Carr delved into the heart-pounding world of his latest book, The Devil’s Hand, in conversation with Barbara Peters. At the session, Carr discussed his inspirations, characters, and the creative process behind this gripping thriller, as well as the themes explored in his primal and visceral work The Terminal List.

Barbara introduced Carr reminiscing about their longstanding partnership that started with his debut novel. Carr shared his journey from military career to becoming an accomplished author, detailing his transition from service to storytelling.

Reflecting on his protagonist, Carr explained his motivation to continue Reece’s journey while exploring deeper psychological aspects. Carr’s engagement with current events and political climate also influenced the plot’s direction, as he addressed how adversaries learn from real-world occurrences. He emphasized the importance of adapting real-world experiences into his writing to make the story resonate and captivate readers.

The event provided fans with insights into Carr’s writing process, character development, and upcoming projects. He explained the story progression in his series, highlighting the themes of revenge, redemption, and the dark side of humanity.

The conversation also included Mark Greaney, who shared his excitement for the upcoming film adaptation of his book, The Gray Man and praised the talented cast involved in the project. Both authors expressed their support and admiration for each other’s work. Carr shared insights on adapting his works for screen and his approach to storytelling. “It’s a whole different medium, and I have a lot of respect for it,” he noted.

As the event concluded, Carr expressed gratitude for his readers and emphasized the significance of reader engagement in his writing journey. “I try to use those platforms as a way to say thank you to everyone because I couldn’t do what I love to do…without that,” he acknowledged.

The event offered a captivating glimpse into Jack Carr’s world of intrigue, action, and thought-provoking storytelling. If you enjoyed this event, share on social media to spread the word, and subscribe to our newsletter for more news and events with your favorite authors, or to discover new ones.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss The Scorpion’s Tail

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In an amazing online event hosted by The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, bestselling authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discussed their latest book, The Scorpion’s Tail, the second book in the Nora Kelly series.

They explained how they decided to spin off Nora from the Pendergast series and pair her with newly minted FBI agent Corey Swanson. They delved into the intricate relationship between their characters, Nora Kelly and Corey Swanson, shedding light on how these two strong-willed women navigate their differences in the face of a spine-tingling discovery.

The authors also discussed their inspiration for Old Bones, based on the Donner Party and a gruesome, lesser-known story that allowed them to blend fact and fiction. They also shared the challenges they faced with Paramount Pictures, who own the rights to the Pendergast character. They expressed their frustration with the studio’s inaction in making a Pendergast TV series or selling the rights to another studio, despite the popularity of their books.

The duo also shared their deep connection to the American Southwest and how it played a pivotal role in crafting the novel’s evocative setting. The discussion even veered into the rich history of treasure hidden within mission churches—a fascinating backdrop to the story.

Throughout the event, Preston and Child took questions from eager fans, peeling back the curtain on their writing process, sharing their favorite literary gems, and even pondering casting choices for a potential Pendergast series.

If you caught this enlightening exchange between two literary maestros, don’t keep it to yourself! Share on social media and spread the book-love. And for a regular dose of Poisoned Pen goodness, why not subscribe to our newsletter? You’ll get exclusive content and updates about upcoming book events.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss Crooked River

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In an engaging virtual event, bestselling authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss their book, Crooked River. The duo have been collaborating for over 25 years. They began the conversation by recalling how they decided to hold a live joint event back in 2012, when Doug suggested including Lincoln via Skype. “It’ll be like a real event, except without Lincoln in the room.”

The inspiration for Crooked River came from the real-life mystery of severed human feet washing up on beaches in British Columbia and Washington state. The authors conducted extensive research to incorporate scientific accuracy into the story, including studying drift analysis and lidar technology.

The authors reflected on their writing partnership and the intricacies of crafting thrillers. They acknowledged their intelligent readers, discussing the challenge of staying ahead of them while constructing compelling plots. They explored themes like the necessity of murder in thrillers and how suspense can be built without death, referencing Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.”

They also touch on their other projects, such as Lincoln Child‘s upcoming book “Death Match” and Douglas Preston‘s continued success with The Lost City of the Monkey God. They hint at future developments in the Pendergast series, including the possibility of bringing back certain characters.

As the event wrapped up, Preston and Child expressed their gratitude to the audience, who were treated to anecdotes, technical discussions, and a glimpse into the minds behind the bestselling Preston & Child novels. If you enjoyed the conversation, share it with your friends on social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and exclusive content from your favorite authors and your favorite independent bookstore.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discuss Old Bones

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In a virtual event hosted by Barbara Peters from The Poisoned Pen, authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child discussed their latest novel, Old Bones. In a lively and humorous conversation, the authors shed light on their collaborative process and the intriguing elements of their latest work.

The novel combines elements of archaeology, the Donner Party, and a mysterious lost camp. When asked about the division of labor in Old Bones, Child humorously admitted he did “most of the heavy lifting on this one.” Preston then shared how the idea to explore the Donner Party’s history and the mysteries surrounding it led to the creation of their captivating new thriller.

Throughout the event, the authors showcased their shared passion for archaeology, with Preston revealing his familial ties to the field. “Both Lincoln and I come from archaeological backgrounds,” Preston noted. “We realized that the Donner Party’s story was a perfect fit for our new series.” Child recounted his early fascination with archaeology, stemming from his grandmother’s influence, and recalled a childhood experience excavating an ancient ruin and discovering artifacts, which ignited his curiosity for historical mysteries.

The authors discuss the influence of other authors on their work, such as Arthur Conan Doyle, H.P. Lovecraft, and M.R. James. For this book, their research led them to explore intriguing aspects of the Donner Party story, including cannibalism, the challenges faced by the pioneers, and the mysteries that surround their ill-fated journey. In the event, the authors also discussed the main characters in the book, Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson, and how they handle the aging of their fictional characters.

As the conversation drew to a close, the authors hinted at potential future projects, touching on the possibility of revisiting beloved characters and exploring new settings. The authors mentioned their other writing projects, such as Douglas Preston’s non-fiction book Talking to the Ground, which was recently reissued with updates.

If you enjoyed this conversation and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child‘s anecdotes, genuine camaraderie and passion for storytelling, be sure to share it with your friends on social media. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Poisoned Pen newsletter for more exciting book news and author events.