As some of you already know, I've just signed on to do three novels based on my Fangborn world! Awooo! Actually, it's three novels AND three short stories, as described in the trade press:
“Multiple Edgar, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity-Award nominee and winner Dana Cameron's SEVEN KINDS OF HELL, in an urban fantasy series, pitched as “Dan Brown with Fangs,” and featuring the Fangborn shapeshifters and an archaeologist, to David Pomerico at 47North, in a three-book, three-short-story deal beginning in March 2013 and continuing with alternating stories and novels every six months through the fall of 2015, by Josh Getzler at Hannigan Salky Getzler (World).”
The books will be available in all formats (print and ebook). This means I'm expanding my horizons: a new project, with a new set of characters, in a new genre, with a new publisher. You can bet I'll be keeping busy in the foreseeable future!
As you can imagine, I'm wicked psyched about this! Ever since I started writing about the Fangborn in “The Night Things Changed,” I've loved that 'verse, and now I get to explore it on an epic scale. Siblings Gerry and Claudia Steuben take part in the adventures, but I'm introducing a new protagonist: Zoe Miller is a young archaeologist with more secrets—and more problems—than most.
When I shared the news with my fellow Fatales, jubilation reigned, and they immediately jumped to the most important question: Who will star in the movie(s)? Can Hugh Jackman and Benedict Cumberbatch be in the film? Where will the premieres be?
While there are no plans for a movie (but, hey, anyone know a studio head?), it never hurts to dream. It got me thinking: Who would play the Steubens? Who would play Zoe? Who would direct? Clearly, it was time for a little game of “Fantasy Casting.” Any actor, director, etc., living or dead, from any period, any movie. This is what I came up with:
I know Gerry the best, so he was easy: I've always seen John Krasinski as Gerry. All-American, hopeful and earnest, I think he's a great fit. Also, he's a local boy, born near Boston, so he's familiar with how we talk around here.
Claudia's always been a little harder for me to pin down: she's empathetic, but tough, and a little uptight. Maybe Jessica Pare, who plays Megan Draper, from "Mad Men?" She looks right, but can she fight? Perhaps Rose Byrne, who played Dr. Moira MacTaggert, in "X-Men First Class?"
The first thing I said when I was saw Mary Elizabeth Winstead in "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" was: I don't know that she is, but to me, she's Zoe! Some casting choices are easier than others! Maybe you'll see her as Zoe, too, when you get to read Seven Kinds of Hell in 2013 (boy, do I love saying that!).
So, Gentle Readers: have I nailed it, or missed it by a mile? Who would you cast in your favorite books?
"...when you get to read Seven Kinds of Hell in 2013 (boy, do I love saying that!)."
And boy do we enjoy hearing that!
Posted by: Toni L.P. Kelner | July 09, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Thanks, Toni!
Posted by: Dana | July 09, 2012 at 11:56 AM
This is the first time Hell will be Heaven! Looking forward to Seven Kinds of Hell in 2013!
Posted by: Joan | July 09, 2012 at 04:23 PM
John Krasinski's page said his wife is actress Emily Blunt. I loved her in Wild Target - she'd be a great Zoe! A smarter, funnier, better-looking Lara Croft!
If there are 7 kinds of hell, then Hugh Jackman and B. Cumberbatch could be written in somehow in one or more of them. Surely underlords or high-power diocese lawyers would be working down there.
Posted by: Mary | July 09, 2012 at 05:30 PM
Thank you, Joan!
Ooh, I like Emily Blunt, Mary! And regarding Messrs. Jackman and Cumberbatch: I'll see what I can do. It's a strong motivation!
Posted by: Dana | July 10, 2012 at 05:46 AM
Some enchanted evening, you may see just the right face on your television screen. It'll be love at first sight. Your agent will talk to his/her agent. Movie magic will happen. We can dream.
Posted by: Charlaine Harris | July 10, 2012 at 07:45 AM
I am soooo looking forward to these books and stories!
As for either Jackman or Cumberbatch- well. yeah.
Posted by: Kelly Saderholm | July 11, 2012 at 11:05 AM
Ah, Charlaine, from your mouth...
Thank you, Kelly!
Posted by: Dana | July 12, 2012 at 12:02 PM