Monday, July 18, 2011

The Watcher Is Coming SOON!

by Aunty Cindy and Jo-Mama


AC: Hey Banditas and BBs! Did you notice the new covers on the sidebar under August releases? Did you also notice a name you haven't seen on a book cover until now? YES! Our very own Jo-Mama will have her debut release next month -- a scary, can't-put-down tale of romantic
suspense called THE WATCHER.




J-M: Aunty Cindy, this is a real squeeeeeee moment for me! Holding a proof copy of my book in my hands was beyond thrilling.


AC: I gotta agree! Seeing the uncorrected Advance Review Copy of your book ranks right up there in the Thrill of a Lifetime category!


As most of the Lair regulars know, we Banditas first met because we were all Golden Heart finalists in 2006. Jeanne, Cassondra, Suz, Jo and I were all finalists in the romantic suspense category. But Jo was THE BIG WINNER that night, and the book was THE WATCHER! Now, at long last, we all get a chance to read this award winning story. I've read it and I have to tell you it kept me up most of the night! THE WATCHER is a spooky tale of a serial killer and the people in law enforcement working to catch him.


J-M: Thanks, Cindy! That's a fine compliment for a suspense writer. But, not to worry, Bandita Buddies, there's plenty of romance in the story, too, as my hero and heroine work together to track down the killer.



AC: Jo, please tell us where you got the idea for this book and how you came up with such unique and fascinating characters.


J-M: The idea for my killer came from an abnormal psychology class I was taking at the time. I can't reveal too much about the killer's pathology or I'll give a key point away, but I thought, "If a person with this particular condition were to experience these particular traumas as he grew up, what might be the result?" I sort of ran with that idea and came up with my bad guy.


I wanted my hero to be a steady, dependable sort of guy, who ended up as deputy sheriff in this small town to escape a heart-breaking event in his past.

Kate Myers, my heroine, is a plunge-into-the-thick-of-things-without-thinking kind of woman. She's been tracking this killer for a long time.


AC: Ah yes, your hero Ben Slater is definitely DROOL worthy! I'm sure everyone who reads this book will adore him. Was there anyone you used as a "model" for this character?


J-M: I didn't have a real person in mind for Slater's physical attributes, but I definitely relied on the men in my life -- my four sons and husband -- as a template for his personality. My guys are very protective kinds of men.

The operative word for Slater is "steady."


After I'd long finished the book, however, I realized that he looks very much like Alcide in HBO's "True Blood." Here's a picture if you don't follow the series.

AC: Oh my! (fans self vigorously) I really must put this series in my Netflix queue!

Now, where was I? Oh, right! Your heroine, Kate is very much his match! She is also a forensic psychiatrist. How did you come up with her occupation? Anyone who served as her "model?"




J-M: Kate is tall and leggy, very California "fresh" and healthy looking. I wanted her to be smart and an expert in her profession. By the way, forensic psychiatry is a real career, a sub-speciality of psychiatry and often an adjunct to law and criminality. I may have taken a little literary license with the kinds of things my heroine can do, however!

AC: That's why it's called 'fiction' m'dear! And why we love reading and writing it! I can't wait for THE WATCHER to hit the shelves (and e-book readers) because I want to talk about some of the interesting plot twists without spoiling the story for others.

J-M: Thanks for hosting me, Cindy, and giving up your blog day to talk about my book!


AC: My pleasure!
I love to be the first one to interview you about your debut release.

Okay, everyone, I hope we have you intrigued enough to read Jo's book.

Don't miss our July 30 Launch Party for THE WATCHER here in the Lair!

What unusual occupations have you read about lately? Are there some different forms of employment you would like to see a hero or heroine of a book doing?

What was the last book you read that kept you awake at least half the night?

Also, send your snail mail addy to Jo at jo.lewisrobertson@yahoo.com to receive a free postcard of her book's cover and be entered in a contest to receive a print copy of THE WATCHER when it releases.





89 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yoo hoo...Jo and AC!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, the chook is going to be wearing a pink peony! Good for you, Jen!

Jo and AC, really enjoyed the interview. Jo, just the title of this one has me intrigued - it's so creepy. Just right for a great romantic suspense. So glad this story is getting its time in the sun. It sounds fantastic. And hey, we get another launch party in the lair. You know how we all (well, except the cabana boys!) love those!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new release, Jo! The pic of the deserted shack and the hand on the cover is enough to give me the heebie jeebies. Can't wait to read it.

Unusual occupations for hero/heroines...hmm. The only one that comes to mind is Kate's heroine, Brooklyn Wainwright, the bookbinder murder magnet.

Best wishes, Jo!

Pink

Jane said...

Congrats on your upcoming debut release, Jo. Can't wait to read "The Watcher." I'm blanking on any unusual occupations that I've read about lately. The last book that kept me awake was Karen Rose's "You Belong To Me."

Christina Brooke said...

Yay, so looking forward to reading THE WATCHER! Thank you both for a fun interview.

Jo, I've only read what you had up on the Amazon contest that time but I loved what little I've read. You're a wonderful writer and I'm so glad you've decided to publish THE WATCHER. I hope it sells its socks off!

Looking forward to the launch!

Christina Brooke said...

Congrats on the rooster, Jen!

Mary Preston said...

I haven't read about any unusual occupations recently, if ever. I'd like to broaden my knowledge through reading about different areas & walks of life.

Unknown said...

well done Jennifer

I am in retirement mode and don't bother about jobs these days LOL
A huge congrats on your book Jo and looking forward to the launch party

Helen said...

Well done Jen have fun with him

Whoo Hoo I am soo so excited over this news I can't wait to read this one, it sounds fantastic I don't think I have ever read a book that kept me up all night LOL a couple of movies have though.

I have just finished reading Helene Young's Shattered Skies a romantic suspense and the heroine Lauren is a pilot for Border Watch and this was a great career and book.

Loved the interview Ladies and I am doing the happy dance here in OZ I am over the moon for you Jo and for us as we get to read it looking forward to the launch party

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Sugden said...

Wooohooo!! Can't wait for this book to be released! I'm always excited by a new romantic suspense, but especially so from our fabulous Jo!

Thanks so much for hosting Jo today, AC, and giving everyone a teaser for what is coming.

I find any form of investigative/ forensic work fascinating especially things like forensic computer or accounts investigating, code-breakers etc. I also find jobs that I haven't the courage to do - like smoke-jumpers, search & rescue guys etc.

The other thing I find fascinating is a job that's a behind the scenes job, that you wouldn't know about unless you were involved in the profession - like all the various people involved on a film set.

Anna Sugden said...

Ooh Jane, I just finished You Belong to Me and it was a nail-biting thriller that kept me reading late into the night too! I can always relay on Karen Rose, Lisa Gardner and Tess Gerritsen to keep me up late ... and to scare the life out of me!

Deb said...

CONGRATS, Jo!! This is exciting news!

Hmmm, haven't read about unusual occupations as of late. A book that kept me up later than usual was The Traveler's Gift. It wasn't scary, but it was interesting and fast-paced.

Joan said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Joan said...

Whoohooooo Congrats Jo Mama!

The story must be great I feel like I'm being Watched....no, wait.
That's Cricket :D

Anyway, the book sounds fantastic and thanks for the eye candy...grrrrrowl.

The only unusual occupation I've heard of is a guy here in Louisville whose sole job it to go scrap up roadkill

Ugh

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Yea Jo-Mama! We knew this day was coming, gotta tell you though if you scare me like some authors have we will have to talk...LOL

Janga said...

Congratulations, Jo! I have to agree that the cover is suitably creepy, almost enough to give me nightmares on its own. :)

I'm always fascinated by characters who have unexpected or unusual professions. One that made me envious was Lucy Fitzhenry, the heroine of Jennifer Greene's Blame It On Chocolate. She's a chocolate flavor developer.

Trish Milburn said...

Looking forward to getting this title and diving in, Jo. Congrats on its upcoming release!

jo robertson said...

Whoooo hoooo, Jen! So glad you got the rooster today! He's been trying to insinuate himself into my new work space and generally being his annoying self.

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Anna and Jennifer! It's very exciting to finally see one of my books in print! And the electronic version comes out several weeks after the print version.

LOL, Anna, the cabana boys certainly get a workout on Launch days. We might have to give them bonuses this year!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Jen, I do love that deserted cabin. The original cover had a cabin, but as our own Anna pointed out, it was too "cozy" looking, so I searched until I found this one and the design team did all the rest.

I like books whose villains give me the "heebie jeebies" too! I'm reading one of Meg Gardiner's books and the villain's a real psycho. I like the thrill without all the gory detail though.

jo robertson said...

Yes, Kate's Brooke Wainwright and her job of book binder is one I haven't seen anywhere else. And the first line of her first book is a classic!

jo robertson said...

Hi, Jane! Karen Rose does write fast-paced suspense!

jo robertson said...

Thanks for the good wishes, Christina! We can only hope THE WATCHER captures readers' interest!

jo robertson said...

Hi, Marybelle, thanks for stopping by. There's probably a sub-specialty for every job you can imagine. My oldest son majored in MIS (management information systems) and I still don't know what that is LOL. In fact, I think the major no longer exists!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Barb! Good on you. That's what retirement is all about, right? Not having to worry about what job does what. Ah, good times.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Helen. I got your snail addy so you're entered in the drawing for a copy of the book.

Don't forget, ya'll, send your snail mail addy to me at jo (dot) lewisrobertson (at) yahoo (dot) com to enter the contest!

jo robertson said...

Helen said, "I am doing the happy dance here in OZ I am over the moon for you Jo and for us as we get to read it looking forward to the launch party"

Helen, you're the best!

jo robertson said...

I'm curious, Helen, what is a Border Watch job in Oz. Aren't you guys surrounded by water? I hope I'm not showing my geography ignorance LOL.

I haven't read "Shattered Skies"; I'll have to check it out.

jo robertson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jo robertson said...

Ah, yes, Anna, those smoke jumpers have to be relentlessly fearless. Not a job for scaredy me LOL.

I enjoy the forensics aspect of mystery-suspense books too. I took a long series of law enforcement classes and found them very exciting.

I heard a newscast the other day attributing the acquittal of the Anthony woman to the changing expectations of juries due to the proliferation of shows like CSI.

In truth, the wheels of justice move very slowly, not the 44 minutes allotted an hour show.

jo robertson said...

Anna said, "The other thing I find fascinating is a job that's a behind the scenes job"

I KNOW, so true. We went to see a production of "Alice" on Thursday night and my boys kept looking over the balcony's edge to see what the sound engineers were doing. It was quite fascinating.

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Deb! I haven't heard of "The Traveler's Gift." Can you clue us in? I'm all for books that keep me turning the pages!

jo robertson said...

Speaking of which, Anna, I love what TNT has done to Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles characters in the show by the same name. Talk about chemistry between two women. They have it in spades and it's great entertainment watching them interact with each other.

jo robertson said...

LOL, Joanie! Isn't it funny and darling and so darn cute how cats watch and watch without moving a muscle and then . . . POUNCE!

Can you tell I'm a cat person?

You're welcome for the Joseph Manganiello eye candy. He's very sexy looking. I just read he works out 6 days a week for 2 hours to keep that body in shape!

jo robertson said...

Joan said, "The only unusual occupation I've heard of is a guy here in Louisville whose sole job it to go scrap up roadkill"

Now that's just disgusting. But I guess somebody has to do it. We're always having dead possums being run over around here. They look like cat-size rats. Ugh!

jo robertson said...

LOL, Dianna! My bad guy is kind of freakish, but not like a Dean Koontz or Stephen King character. I still remember the number one fan in King's MISERY. She was one scary woman!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Janga, glad you like the cover.

Janga said, "One that made me envious was Lucy Fitzhenry, the heroine of Jennifer Greene's Blame It On Chocolate. She's a chocolate flavor developer."

Now that's an occupation I could sink my teeth into (sorry, bad pun). Who knew there were different "flavors" or chocolate? Any job involving "treats" like that would appeal to me. I'd never survive working in a bakery!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Trish! It's good to have you back.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Morning all!
(Aunty rubs her bleary eyes.) Thanx bunches for coming out to comment on Monday morning... UGH!

I'm in retirement mode too, Barb (ain't it GREAT?!?!), but Monday is still tough. Can't quite get myself into the swing of a new week.

CONGRATS on the chook, Jen! Hope he behaves himself -- yeah, right! Maybe if you put him to work out on the deck... Naw, weather is too nice! Maybe bathroom cleaning duty? There's a job he won't like. ;-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Jane,
Is it just me or does this guy bear an uncanny resemblance to our Ever-Lovin Eric?!?!
AC
still drooling

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey VA,
I love to find out about those "behind the scenes" jobs too. In live theater, they have someone who stands just off stage and helps the actors make quick costume changes. I think Louisa has mentioned "dressers" from her opera days.

Anyway, I'd LOVE to be a dresser (or even more an UNdresser) for Mr.Manganiello! Or a few others... AHEM!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

EWWW! On disposing of road kill, Joanie.

Recently, I visited Mackinack Island (which has no automobiles, only horse drawn carriages and bicycles) and one of the busiest jobs was the poor guys who had to clean up the "road apples" left by the horses.

How'd you like to have THAT on your resume???

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Jo said, "...the cabana boys certainly get a workout on Launch days. We might have to give them bonuses this year!"

SHHHH! Don't give them any ideas! Paolo has already asked for hazard pay for tending Ermingarde. Of course the Romans all laughed at him, and Donna declined based on him being the only one who felt feeding and cleaning up after the dragon constituted a hazard. ;-)

AC
who is much more dangerous than Ermingarde before 10 am

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Janga,
Thanx for telling us about Blame It On Chocolate. Being a chocolate developer sounds fun, but I gotta say, I worked in a candy store in college and it put me off eating candy bars for about three years. :-P Hmmm, maybe working around chocolate would be a good idea...

AC

jo robertson said...

Aunty Cindy said, "Can't quite get myself into the swing of a new week."

It must be that awful food we had yesterday during our critique partner meeting over breakfast LOL

Jenn3128 said...

I am so excited for this book, sounds like it is right up my alley! Congratulations Jo!

Lisa Gardner's Say Goodbye was the last one I read where I was totally creeped out. This was the one with the spiders and I still shudder thinking about it.

jo robertson said...

AC said, "does this guy bear an uncanny resemblance to our Ever-Lovin Eric?!?!"

Ah, you wish!! This guy has nice flat ears. I'm sorry but Eric's stick out way too far for me LOL. But Joseph M. does have a fairly big nose, ha ha. My husband likes women with large noses. I haven't quite figured that one out yet as mine is fairly small. Hmmmmm.

jo robertson said...

AC said, "one of the busiest jobs was the poor guys who had to clean up the "road apples" left by the horses."

LMAO about road apples! What a spin!

jo robertson said...

Okay, AC, I'll keep the hazard pay on the Q-T. We already pay the boys quite handsomely IMO. And it's not like entertaining our lovely guests is a hardship.

Jenn3128 said...

Is there a link to where I can pre-order my copy?

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Jenn3138, I hope you enjoy The Watcher.

Spiders? They're a way of life in California. We've gotten so we scoop up the little guys and toss them outside. Except the black widows, of course. Squish on those babies!

jo robertson said...

Jenn, I'll put the link up as soon as I get the finished proof back from Amazon. Should be around July 25 (I'm hoping). If you have a Kindle or other electronic reader, you should wait for the electronic version, however. It'll only be $2.99. Whoooot!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LOL on Eric's ears, Jo. You KNOW what I say about them, but it is not fit to repeat on a 'family' blog! ;-)

And Dr. Big likes BIG noses?!?! Was he frightened by Barbra Streisand as a youngster?!?! I gotta admit, on her, the nose looks good. Can't imagine her with any other... But YOUR nose is definitely small. Do. NOT. Understand. Men.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

You are soo right, Jo-Mama. It is NO HARDSHIP for the cabana boys to work for us and all our lovely BBs here in the Lair. That's why we always have a pile of resumes that must be carefully screen before we hire NEW cabana boys. It's a tough job (and a bit unusual too!) but MOI is always willing to make the sacrifice! Anyone wanna help me?

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hey Jen,
Jo should have all the details (and links) to order The Watcher at her Launch Party on the 30th.

Trust me, it will be worth the wait to get this book!

AC

Jenn3128 said...

Thanks Ladies! I'll continue to wait patiently.

Jo - we had a black widow crawl across my living room floor the other day, I just about lost it (she's dead now). That's nice that you put them outside, I do not. I scream for my almost 6 year old...she loves them and decides whether or not they live or die slowly in her jar.

jo robertson said...

Jenn said, "she loves them and decides whether or not they live or die slowly in her jar"

Oh, that's wicked. I used to just squish them but my grandson was an arachnafyte (I think I just made up that word) and insisted we put them outside so they could live.

jo robertson said...

Oh, yeah, Cindy, that job of screening the new cabana boys is terrifically stressful! Some of them are just so darned pretty!

jo robertson said...

LOL, AC, not big noses like Barbra Streisand, but big like long instead of cute and perky. I'm sure Barbra would've had a nose job years ago if she hadn't been worried it'd screw up her singing.

Helen said...

Jo

These are planes that fly over the coastline with lots of survilance equipment watching for smugglers and unusual things going on trying to keep our borders safe

Have Fun
Helen

Becke Davis said...

Congratulations, Jo - I'm doing a happy dance for you!

Becke Davis said...

Sorry, I was distracted by that picture of Joe Manganiello. As to the last book that kept me up reading all night? Well, Anna's book was one of them!

Jo - Congratulations on all your contests wins, too. I'm impressed!

Nancy said...

Jennifer, congrats on the bird!

Jo, I'm so excited for you, and I can't wait to read this book! Though I may have to pick my time if it's that scary.

I didn't realize so many of the banditas finaled in RS. No wonder we love our boom around here.

The last unusual occupation I read about was smokejumping, in Nora Roberts' spring release, Chasing Fire. It's a fabulous book though I'd call it fiction/SRE, not romance. The firefighting scenes are amazing.

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Nancy. Yes, we had quite a group of us in the romantic suspense category in 2006.

I haven't read Chasing Fire yet, but it's on my TBR list. So many books . . . so little time.

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Becke, I appreciate your good wishes. Now I'm assuming Anna's book that kept you up all night was because of the smokin' hot sex scenes, right? LOL.

Yes, Joseph M. is a huge distraction and True Blood has promised that he'll get together with Sookie Stackhouse this season now that she's broken up with Bill, so we'll see a lot of him. A. Lot. Of. Him.

jo robertson said...

How fun, Helen. It'd be very entertaining to set a book about smugglers off the coast of Australia.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Becke!

Nice to 'see' you here! Hope your writing is going well.

Ah yes, Mr. Manganiello is QUITE a distraction... QUITE! And ROFL over Jo's Seeing. A. Lot. Of him. Oh YES INDEED! Sign me up for that. ;-)

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Nancy!

I think there were 8 or 9 romantic suspense finalists in 2006. How lucky that most of us landed here in the Lair!

Smoke-jumping sounds like a very exciting job, and perfect for a novel. One I've wondered about, but probably wouldn't lend itself that well to fiction, is those window washers on the tall buildings. Our tallest buildings downtown are only around 20 stories, but can you imagine the people who wash the windows on the skyscrapers in NYC or Chicago?!?! YIKES!

AC
who used to work on the 16th floor and didn't really want a window office

Nancy said...

AC wrote: One I've wondered about, but probably wouldn't lend itself that well to fiction, is those window washers on the tall buildings.

Well, I don't think you could build a story around just that. I couldn't, anyway, but what if one of those people saw something . . . ?

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Helen,
Thanks for the info on Shattered Skies and your Border Watch. Sounds like a potentially exciting and even dangerous job!

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Nancy said: "...but what if one of those people saw something . . . ?"

HA! I think you could write a really GOOD story with a window washer main character! You've stirred my interest with just that question.

AC

Beth Andrews said...

Fabulous interview, AC and Jo! I'm so excited to read The Watcher and can't wait for the launch party. I have a feeling it's going to be a wild time *g*

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Thanx Beth!

Most of our launch parties tend to get a bit wild... But only in a GOOD WAY, of course! ;-)

AC
who must tell Sven to order extra liquor

Louisa Cornell said...

I HATE THIS BLOGGER!! And the feeling is mutual as it ALWAYS eats my posts!


Good catch, Jennifer! Keep him busy!

WOOOOOT on the release of your book Jo-Mama!!

Great interview Aunty Cindy and I LOVE that eye candy. That man is all day hot and worth at least FIVE HOT DAYUMS!

Can't wait to get this book in my hot little hands, Jo. I LOVE to be scared to death!

Karen Rose is one author guaranteed to keep me up all night WITH the lights long after I've finished the book!

I LOVE Kate's book binder series. I love learning about the art and the mysteries always keep me guessing!

I am fascinated by those forensic anthropologists who sculpt faces onto the skulls of victims in the hope of identifying them. Amazing stuff!

Pat Cochran said...

Congratulations on the upcoming release
of your book! I plan to join in your "Happy Dance" on the 30th! (I also plan
to get lots of rest before then so as
to be able to do the dance!! LOL)

As for unusual jobs, DS1 works for one
of the major theaters here in town on
their stage crew. It's not really that
unusual, just a wee bit on the possibly
dangerous side! He told me recently,
that he was almost "mushed" by the
scenery in a couple of last season's
plays! He thought it was amusing, but
his mother didn't!

jo robertson said...

Heights don't bother me much, AC, but being outside and way up there, blowing in the wind, would be quite scary. I guess window washers can't have vertigo LOL.

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Beth, for stopping by. It feels like it's been a long time coming!

jo robertson said...

AC said, "must tell Sven to order extra liquor"

Uh, ummmm, and extra Pepsis please!

A day without Pepsis is one when I forgot to put on my bra.

jo robertson said...

I'm so sorry, Louisa. Blogger can be a real PITA, so I doubly appreciate your stopping by.

Louisa said, "That man is all day hot and worth at least FIVE HOT DAYUMS!"

Oh, yes, and that poor Anna Paquin apparently has to do a number of nude scenes with Joseph M. this season Ah, what a chore!

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Pat!

Stage crew is such an interesting job, I think, and in the larger theatres can be quite harrowing, I imagine. You sure have to know what you're doing and move quickly.

megan said...

As Jo's "editor", I must say this book is awesome. I couldn't put it down!
Love you Mom!

LilMissMolly said...

Congrats on the release. It's been a long time coming, hasn't it? :D

Louisa Cornell said...

Does Anna Paquin need a stunt double? I'm just saying...

jo robertson said...

Louisa said, "Does Anna Paquin need a stunt double? I'm just saying..."

ROTFLMAO! I'm sure she doesn't, tiny little thing. Quite disgusting LOL.

She's done nude scenes on that show before.

jo robertson said...

LilMissMolly, thank you so much! Yes, it seems forever and a day since I quit teaching and started writing in earnest.

jo robertson said...

Hey, there, Megan, my awesome copy editor! You did a terrific job!

Lance said...

Best book I've ever read.

jo robertson said...

LOL, Lance, thanks for stopping by and adding your acerbic comment!

Karyn Gerrard said...

Congrats on your upcoming release Jo! Sadly I will be on vacation and will miss the launch party so *throws confetti* WHOOO hooo! to you!

Books sounds just wonderful!

I can't think of any unusual occupations. I thought maybe a chest shaver for those cover models, is there such a job? *snort*