May 29th, 2009
Aaaah!
I am agony as I type this, folks. I just twisted my ankle!
Aaargh!
I’ve had “Jello ankles” since I ruined them playing high school football. They’ve rolled on me a hundred times over the past fifteen years (sidebar: If a coach ever asks your son to play “pulling guard/tackle” tell him to say, “No!”)
But enough of my belly-aching.
First, I’d like to thank all of you who came out to support me at February’s ConNooga (www.ConNooga.com). My wife would say my ego is already so big that it has its own moon in orbit, but I honestly appreciated all the kind words regarding Chance Fortune from the fans, friends, and school teachers who came by our table. I’m sorry I didn’t get to spend more time with each of you. It honors me that you have read the books and become part of the Chance Fortune family.
On that note, please e-mail me and let me know what you think about ‘Shadow Zone. I’d love to hear from you!
In other Chance Fortune news, I’m still in talks with two prominent publishers of audio and graphic literature about the possibility of featuring the books in those realms. Anyone who knows me knows I’ve loved comic books my entire life. I’m also a voracious listener of audio books. Having ol’ CF in either media (Or both!) would be Christmas, Thanksgiving, and the Vernal Equinox all rolled into one for me!
Hopefully, I’ll have good news for you within the next couple of months (Yes! A long time! I know!). But if not, as always, I’ll keep trying(related note: a potential cinematic adaptation of the Chance Fortune series is also still in the works).
In regard to other pending projects, my manager is diligently shopping around my middle-grade Christmas-noir-mystery, The Long Silent Night. To date, the work has been highly complemented–but ultimately turned down for one reason or another–by a few prominent publishers. But my manager and I believe in the story, so we’ll keep plugging away until something gives.
Also, just this week, I’ve completed the first draft of another novel titled, Lost on Dragon Island. The story is a mix of Robinson Crusoe, Japanese mythology, fantasy, science fiction, and, you guessed it, dragons!
But don’t expect your typical Western-fantasy-dragon-fare here. My beasts are Asian-influenced, earth-spirits who are forces of nature unto themselves. Dragon Island moves me out of middle-grade territory into that of young adult. Without a doubt, it is the darkest thing I’ve written (aimed at a younger audience) thus far. In all humility, it grabs you by the throat from the beginning and keeps squeezing until the last page.
I’m pretty excited about it!
There have also been some recent, wonderful developments in my private life. I won’t get into them here, but if you know me personally, feel free to inquire via Facebook or such. I’d love to share!
Until next time, keep reading!
All my best,
Shane Berryhill
www.shaneberryhill.com
P.S – If you live in Hamilton County (TN) and would like to see the Chance Fortune series on the school reading list(s), please contact school cooridnators Andrea (pronounced ‘Ondrea’) Johnson or Gena McKeena at (423) 209-8678 and request that the books be added to the list(s). Also, if there any teachers reading who would be kind enough to formally request that ‘Shadow Zone be placed on the AR list, please shoot me an e-mail at shane@shaneberryhill.com and I will send you the required info.
WHAT I’M READING:
Fear Itself by Walter Mosley
Mystery noir set in 1950’s L.A. Written by famed African-American author, Walter Mosley. If you like his “Easy Rawlins” series, then you’ll love his other tough guy, “Fearless Jones.”
Every Last Drop by Charlies Huston
After a brilliant initial outing, Charlie Huston’s vampire-noir series continues to decline in quality. This may be my last foray into the world of “Joe Pitt.” My advice: read book one, Already Dead, and call it a night
Shogun by James Clavell
Slow moving at first, but once it gets going, James Clavell’s classic novel of ancient ….Japan…. throws more intrigue and swindling at you than an episode of HBO’s The Sopranos!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES SEVEN TO SEVENTY:
Shade’s Children by Garth Nix
Gritty, fast-paced, and intelligent, Garth Nix’s tale of children living under alien rule on a post-apocalyptic Earth is a truly dangerous book for boys and girls of all ages. I loved it!