Friday, April 8, 2011

Random "Dead"ness

No, that isn't the cover for the re-release of Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between. I considered using it, but I love the covers by Skyla Dawn much more. Since the re-release isn't too far away (May 3rd!) I figured I'd do a blog and share ten random things about Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between.For those of you who enjoy the story, I hope that this blog is somewhat entertaining.

1. Rhiannon's Law was the original title.

2. Disco's name wasn't me trying to be (or thinking I was) brilliant. At the time I was a huge Chris Evan's fan (still am). He was in the movie Street Kings and I "thought" his character's name was Disco. I loved the name and incorporated it into the book (as well as a running joke). Later I discovered Chris Evan's character was actually Paul "Diskant."

3. Cash's name in the original manuscript was Disney. The running joke was that Nala had gotten a disco globe to put in Gabriel's room as a prank (hence his nickname), and they called Cash "Disney" since he was a Walt Disney movie fanatic. This was changed to ensure there were no conflicts with the House of Mouse.

4. In the original ending, Disco was killed. I won't ruin things aside to say that if you've read the book and know what happens to Paul, put Disco in his place. It was a very emotional scene and was done because I've always envisioned Rhiannon with Paine. I figured if Paine let Disco die, it would create a ton of angst in future installments. Unfortunately, when my mother-in-law said, "Hell no," I re-wrote the ending to what it is today. The cliffhanger wasn't a ploy to sell books. It was a way to stick my tongue out at my mom.

5. Rhiannon's name DOES come from the Fleetwood Mac song. Her last name, Murphy, was taken from Robocop. Yes, you'll find a lot of eighties throwbacks in my work.

6. I wrote the book in roughly six to eight weeks.

7. Contrary to what some people think, I have NEVER been to New York. If there are mistakes, they are all mine. If things are correct, you can thank my fabulous friend Tytus (Anthony Fernandez). I had to purchase a map, mark locations, and spend hours on the phone with him learning how Rhiannon would travel and which routes were best.

8. There was one song I listened to often when writing Dead (it kept coming on random on iTunes). So if I had to name one song that reminds me of the book, that would would be it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCAltNXWKow (it is a music video for The Boondock Saints -- I couldn't find another with just an image). Although it should be stated that I listened to a lot of Nine Inch Nails and M83 as well.

9. I had no intention of publishing Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between. It took my mother-in-law six months to convince me to give publication a shot. I started out with Crimson Moon, then I submitted Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between.

10. I envisioned the book to be much darker than it turned out. As a consequence, future installments will reflect what I wanted but didn't fully achieve. *cue Twilight Zone music*

So there you go. Ten random things about Dead. Is there anything you're curious about? Leave me a question via a comment and I'll do my best to answer. ;-) Have a great weekend!

12 comments:

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

I think this is too cool to read. :) Thank you for sharing these great random things. They really do have meaning to them now too. :)

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Hey Melissa, I hope you're doing well. I figured this would be something fun. One day I'm thinking I might post some deleted scenes that weren't used in the book. :)

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Oh thank you. :) We're doing well. :) Hope everyone gets better soon there. I've heard of the sick little ones. Not fun. So, hoping for you and them all get better soon.

I do think it's neat to learn these little tidbits on books. Really gives more insight into them. I enjoy reading them.

And deleted scenes would be cool to read too! :)

Thank you!

Rosalie Stanton said...

Oh, these are excellent! ... of course, I already knew most of them. :P But it's always fun for me to see how your creative process works. :) (The answer is brilliantly).

And 'Dead' is an amazing book. Absolutely amazing.

Sharon S. said...

That is cool, kind of a behind the scenes book style . I am now kind of pulling for Paine (got to love the tortured soul) I love dark so bring it on!

6 to 8 weeks is mind boggling.

Lawfrog said...

I love stuff like this! Random, interesting facts. This is great and definitely post the deleted portions sometime. That would be fascinating to see.

Madelyn Ford said...

Sharon, don't tell her that. She's evil I tell you, evil.

Then again, she knows if she ever does anything to Disco, I'll never speak to her again. :)

(And Jaime, the whole thing you told me about Disco and the-you-know-what doesn't count, cause you know my obsession with that thing)

Sharon S. said...

@Madelyn- hey, no talking in riddles around the fans! So not fair .

Oreoparris said...

That was a great prelude to the re-release. I actually knew a few of those, shocking! And I think I speak for the rest of us when I say that we would LOVE some deleted scenes!!! And of'course the only question I have is one you won't answer.... she ends up with Disco, right. I will be waiting with fingers crossed for TRS!!!!!!

Madelyn Ford said...

Ohh, I know. I know. *waves hand in the air*

Okay, Sharon, I'll behave. I promise.

Michelle R said...

Can I borrow your Mother-in-Law. She is too cool to keep for yourself! Of course, that would mean borrowing your husband, I'm not sure that you would go for that (or he would go for that as well). :)

Anna said...

I have REASON to hope for Paine and Rhiannon! :) How many books are planned to complete the story arc?