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!