 As you can see, we haven't gone dark just yet (and we likely won't...well except in the humor department). Good thing too, cuz today is a special day here in the League Lounge. Joining us is the lovely and talented Michelle Maddox, author of the futuristic death game romantic thriller from Shomi, COUNTDOWN!!I had a bit of difficulty tracking down Ms. Maddox, it seems she wouldn't take my calls and you all know, I won't be ignored. But eventually I was able to convince her. Me: That's not too tight for ya is it? Michelle: Um... my wrists are burning a little bit. And what's that nasty smell? But...uh...I'm okay for the moment. I guess. *looks around helplessly* Me: I'm so glad you've come along peacefully. I've been reading your latest book, Countdown, and drinking a bit. Not too much, just something to take the edge off and don't worry, I'll get you that water. I promise. Anyway. Countdown. Your heroine's name is Kira. Did you snatch that from the roller disco classic Xanadu? Michelle: Wow, there's an obscure reference. Nice. But no, Kira's name came to me without snatching it from anywhere but thin air. Character names tend to do that with me. Me: So tell the readers a bit about Countdown, and don't try anything squirrelly while your at it. Michelle: *tugs at ropes* I resent the assumption of any potential squirrelly behavior. Anyhoooo.... COUNTDOWN is from Dorchester Publishing's Shomi line. It's about a woman forced to play a futuristic game show with a convicted mass murderer as her partner. There are six levels they need to complete to win their freedom. If they fail, they die. They're connected to each other and to the game itself through computer chips in their heads which, if they stray more than ninety feet from each other, will explode. Oh, and it's a romance novel. I've been getting great reviews on this, including my first 4-1/2 star Top Pick from Romantic Times. Rock on. Me: Your throat is sounding a little dry. There's something familiar about this book, I got a Richard Bachman vibe off the premise. Any reason why that should be? Michelle: *coughs hoarsely* I was inspired by many sources and The Running Man was one of them, although more the Arnie movie than the original source material. When I first got the idea I was going more for an Amazing-Race-on-Acid vibe since that show is based on working with a partner. The Running Man was just a futuristic game show where it's kill or be killed. Wasn't the guy from Family Feud in the movie too? Me: Don't be coy Maddox or Rowen or whoever you really are, you know all to well that Richard Dawson played that game show host with style and grace. *removes a box from under his chair--there's a series of buttons across the top*. Michelle: So...uh...what exactly does that high-tech gadget do? Me: Oh, I'll tell you. *pets the box lovingly* Each of these buttons corresponds to an electrified microchip implanted in my fellow League members brains. So don't plan on getting gamey, or... *presses button and a scream echoes through the building, this time male, though it could have been a little girl for the high-pitch of it* ...do you follow me? There's only 5 more now, but I don't mind goin' solo up in this bitch. Michelle: uhhhh.  Me: *suddenly smiling* Now, let's talk about the decision to go futuristic thriller, I'm reading Countdown now and it's fantastic, I'm on the edge of my seat. If it weren't for the bits of relief at the end of each "level," I think I'd have an aneurysm.Michelle: That was the general reaction I was hoping for. Me: And how about that pseudonym. Maddox. It's so aggressive, like an accusation. I love it. How'd you decide on Maddox and why go pseudonym at all? Michelle: I wanted something that sounded kick-ass. Sort of. Maddox, as I scoured the phone book one night for any last name that went well with Michelle, was the only one that jumped out at me. I wanted to use a pseudonym to separate my more violent, sexy stuff from my lighter Rowen paranormals. Me: Kick ass, huh? You think you're too cool for school, dontcha? Michelle: Me and my pseudonyms will kick your ass if you don't untie me soon you &**%$# @$$%!!! Help me! Somebody help me!!!! Me: I'm sorry to hear that. *pushes another button. More screams* Jaye so badly wanted meet you, too. Shame. *shakes it off* Now. You normally writes you up some spicy-ass vampiric romanticals. Have you abandoned your toothsomeness? What's next for your vamps? Michelle: Spicy-ass? Not sure I'd describe them as such, but yeah, I also write a vampire series called Immortality Bites for Grand Central Publishing. Next year the last two books in the five book series are out. Stakes & Stilettos in April and Tall, Dark & Fangsome in September. Basically I take my fledgling vampire heroine Sarah Dearly and make horrible stuff happen to her in a hopefully amusing and entertaining way while she tries to balance her bizarre new vampire life with her love life and not having very much success with either. The series has been so much fun to write -- and I just finished the last one. I'm really going to miss those characters. Me: Alright, you've been polite and compliant with my questions thus far, so I'll make you a deal. I'm going to loosen your ties, but just remember... *holds up the box, tweaks a purple button like a nipple* ...Jackie's next. Michelle: Don't hurt Jackie! She owes me money! Okay, okay, I promise not to go anywhere, you heartless Zombie King. Satisfied?? *eyes the exit* Me: There now. Better? Good. Countdown is really cinematic, have you imagined who might play Rogan or Kira if Hollywood were to come calling? Olivia Newton John, perhaps? Michelle: I always cast my books with actors so I can see them in my mind as I'm writing. For Countdown I pictured Josh Holloway (Sawyer on Lost) as Rogan and Kate Beckinsale, sans English accent, as Kira. Me: Nice. I so can see that. Are you planing a sequel? Michelle: Nope. I like to mix my series books with stand alones and this is definitely a stand alone. I do, however, see myself writing similarly fast-paced romantic thrillers some time soon. Whether or not they'll be futuristics or grounded in reality will have to be determined. At this moment, I'm super-busy with my Rowen books. Me: Just a couple more, now. You're being so good. What are you reading, right now, and what made you decide on it? Michelle: Because I've been fascinated with the controversy surrounding the fourth vampire book from Stephenie Meyers, I've picked up the series from my TBR shelf and zoomed through New Moon and have just started on Eclipse. Loving it so far, although I'm sure I'll be disappointed in the final book. I'm also devouring about a dozen Harlequin Blazes since I'm writing my first book for that line right now. Me: *fumbles with the box, which falls on the floor...face down.* Michelle: *shakes off her loose restraints and darts out the storm cellar door to the shrieking refrains of a chorus of leaguers* Me: Damn. ***** You can visit Michelle at her website, where she blogs regularly (at least I assume that's where she's run off to). In the meantime, check out what she's been up to in her latest novel Countdown. And as an added incentive...leave a comment and automatically be entered into a drawing for a $15 Amazon gift card! That way you can buy Countdown yourself! We'll draw the winner on Friday so make sure to check back! |
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LMAO! That was great Mark and Michelle. I am already a fan of Michelle's and I have Countdown in my TBR pile. Can't wait for the next book about Sarah! I hope you haven't done anything to terrible to her Michelle. Mark, I was waiting for you to bring up Logan's Run when you were talking about Countdown. (Uh-oh. Did I just let how old I am show?)
(I should have proofread my comment better. Sorry for the delete.....)
I did a review of Countdown and loved it! (Even without the little box and all its buttons) I thought Bachman too although I described it as a lovechild between The Running Man and The Matrix.
Great interview Mark! And Michelle? I've got some aloe if you need it for those restraint marks.
Becky1
Can't wait to read Countdown. Definitely going to pick it up.
Bah...so much for being on a book budget this month. Now I must have Countdown...darn darn darn...hah.
~J
Very funny interview, so glad you convinced Michelle to hang around for awhile. Been hearing great things about the Shomi line, and since I already enjoy romantic thrillers, you've got me very interested in picking up this book.
I don't wanna turn into a rabid fangrrl but ZOMG, Countdown ROCKS. Dammit.
It really is fabulous and i love Rogan. Srly.
I'm kinda sad that there won't be a sequel but at the same time, I think you did a brilliant job at the end, although I do look forward to reading more of your fast-paced romantic thrillers. :)
[/fangrrlness]
Now that was a fun and entertaining interview. Why can't they all be that way! Cookies to both of you!
'Countdown' sounds like a book I need to buy and add to my TBR pile.
What a great interview!!! I can't wait for the book.
Um...planning on putting the magic box and chips on the market?? My hubby sure could use them on...um...for his employees.
Densie
OOO I have Countdown in my TBR pile too... I suppose I now have to bring it up closer to the top... :)
Countdown sounds like a fun read, I'm adding it to my reading list.
Poor, poor Jaye...
Anyway, great interview! I love Michelle's books, so it'll be interesting to see what her dark side is like.
LOL!
Countdown sounds great! Need to win that GC so I can buy it. *hint, hint*
My wrists do itch a little still, but the important thing is that I got away. Thanks for the interview Mark! *still nervous*
Thanks for the comments everyone... especially the complimentary ones. :-) I'm very easily influenced. I suppose it's a good job I'm not picking the winner myself...
LOL that was great! And yet, another book to add to my TBR pile....grumble.....
Natasha
I will have to buy Countdown. I have read your vamp series.
Lisa
Great interview!! I loved Countdown.
Loved the interview, Mark and Michelle! I didn't get the chance to pick up "Countdown" at National earlier this month, but I definitely plan to get it soon. :-)
I love the interview! and am sending the link to all my friends
have a good week everyone :)
That was fun! I should find the time to come over here more often.
Michelle, what have we told you about attending Mark Henry interviews? ALWAYS bring the stun gun. Or the .45.
COUNTDOWN sounds awesome, can't wait to read another great book by Michelle Rowen! WOO-HOO on the RT Top Pick!
(No need to enter me in the contest.)
Wow, you offer up a gift card and the commenters come flocking.
Fun interview, although I just lost a couple hours of reading time now that I have to watch Xanadu again.
lol This book is on my wish list. :D Can't wait to pick it up. Great interview Mark!
I've been wanting to read this book. Sounds interesting and I've been seeing good reviews.
I really love the Shomi line and Countdown sounds great. Enjoyed and laughed during the interview today. If your picks were Josh Halloway and Kate Beckingsale for this, I must read! I love SAWYER.
Countdown sounds great, I've added it to my wishlist.
Countdown's at the top of my TBR. Now if only I had time to read it...
Great interview! :)
Another great MH interview, complete with electrodes. Man, I love this place.
Countdown received a rave review from one of the BBB groupies not long ago. It is definitely in my TBR pile. ;)
Can I tie you up for your interview with us? LOL
Countdown sounds great.
I loved Michelles book.
And I gots a signed copy muwahahahaha.
sounds great looking forward to reading it.
oops the above is me!
Synde
Countdown sounds great! Did you do any cool research for the book?
Michele... I left the stun gun at home. He had the element of surprise behind him. Also, donuts. I was helpless.
BittenByBooks... I believe we're scheduled already for Sept '09, yes? BYOE (bring your own electrodes). ;-)
AmyS... research? Qu'est-ce que c'est? LOL. Actually, I don't think I did a lick of research for this book. No wait, I researched teenaged underground networked gamers. Seriously. But other than that... not so much.
I had a funny (um, funnier) comment, but the internet stole it when I clicked on Publish Your Comment. Apparently I can't even get published HERE. Figures.
I enjoyed the interview.
Great Interview! (funny)
Michelle~ 'hope your wrist are feeling better soon'...hehehehe
I Love Michelle's Vampire books. I have Countdown on my to read pile.
Hi Mark~
Mark with your winning interview style...I am quite surprised to see that the masses are not lining up to be interviewed by you. I have heard that some people really really like being tied up.
Hi Michelle~
Countdown sounds really great. I love the people you have chosen to represent Kira and Rogan...you absolutely cannot go wrong with Josh Holloway...he is absolutely gorgeous!!
Great interview and Michelle I am very glad that you were able to escape...or finish up the interview so nicely!
Countdown is fraggin awesome. One of the characters was a scary dude. It was excitement and suspunse all the way.
I hope you've been untied Michelle(slippin ya a pocket knife)
Hugs, Danette
Mark - where can I get one of those special key boards? I have some friends, I mean enemies, that could use a good shock...at least something other than my potty mouth.
Michelle, I have your Immortality Bites series and absolutely love them - I sure I'll love Countdown also...Richard Dawson used to give me the creeps on Family Feud...I always wondered how many people got cold sores from him. Do your characters get cold sores? Never mind, I'm sure they are too HOT to get cold! Gina, Springfield, IL
Mark - where can I get one of those special key boards? I have some friends, I mean enemies, that could use a good shock...at least something other than my potty mouth.
Michelle, I have your Immortality Bites series and absolutely love them - I sure I'll love Countdown also...Richard Dawson used to give me the creeps on Family Feud...I always wondered how many people got cold sores from him. Do your characters get cold sores? Never mind, I'm sure they are too HOT to get cold! Gina, Springfield, IL
Mark - where can I get one of those special key boards? I have some friends, I mean enemies, that could use a good shock...at least something other than my potty mouth.
Michelle, I have your Immortality Bites series and absolutely love them - I sure I'll love Countdown also...Richard Dawson used to give me the creeps on Family Feud...I always wondered how many people got cold sores from him. Do your characters get cold sores? Never mind, I'm sure they are too HOT to get cold! Gina, Springfield, IL
Fun interview! The book sounds interesting! I'll be sure to look out for it next time I visit the bookstore! :)
I'm adding COUNTDOWN to my TBR list.
Countdown sounds terrific! Michelle must be quite a versatile author; I've read a couple of the Rowen books, and they were great! Thanks!
Countdown sounds like a great read and this is a fantastic interview.
Lol. Great interview! LOVE Stephen King's Bachman books so now I'm all excited!!1
Loved Countdown! And I passed it on to my kid's Kindergarten teacher. Just doing my job to corrupt a teacher of young minds...
Charming interview!
I'm going to have to add this to my wishlist!
Thanks!
Katie
See, there's an idea I haven't tried - tying her up so she'll talk to me! I've just settled for stalking her at her signings.
Countdown was great, and I'm looking forward to what comes out of that mind of yours next.
Amber sent me :) Countdown sounds like a great read!!
Great interview! Love the other books and now cant wait to read Countdown.
Y'all are too funny.
Michelle and Mark great interview.
Thanks, you all are
nutjobs........
Wow that book sounds really good might have to download it on the Kindle! LOVE thr Sarah Dearly books
drat, Its friday. Is it too late to enter? probably. Anyways, sounds like a cool book and what a cool interview! :)