We want flying cars, not creepy robots that take care of grandma, study says

April 19, 2014

To engineers, inventors, and software developers, science fiction is the stuff of inspiration for the future.

However, science fiction also holds many cautionary tales for ways in which technology can get out of control.

Much of zombie-lore revolves around the idea of intentional modification of DNA could result in the production of monsters. The 1997 film “Gattaca” portrayed a grim future where too much understanding of genetics leads to discrimination of people seen as defective.

In Dean Koontz’s 1973 sci-fi novel “Demon Seed,” which was adapted into a 1977 movie, a woman becomes imprisoned in her home by an artificially intelligent computer that taps into computerized controls that have been installed around the house for convenience.

While true artificial intelligence has so far proved elusive, more smart appliances that connect to the Internet are being integrated into the home. Think Nest’s smart thermostats and fire extinguishers and Samsung’s Internet refrigerator.

Read the full article @ csmonitor.com.

Do you know what The City is about?

April 17, 2014

The City is coming July 1, 2014. But do you have any idea what it’s about? Well, here you go! Read the below and get excited to enter The City!

The city changed my life and showed me that the world is deeply mysterious. I need to tell you about her and some terrible things and wonderful things and amazing things that happened . . . and how I am still haunted by them. Including one night when I died and woke and lived again.
Here is the riveting, soul-stirring story of Jonah Kirk, son of an exceptional singer, grandson of a formidable “piano man,” a musical prodigy beginning to explore his own gifts when he crosses a group of extremely dangerous people, with shattering consequences. Set in a more innocent time not so long ago, The City encompasses a lifetime but unfolds over three extraordinary, heart-racing years of tribulation and triumph, in which Jonah first grasps the electrifying power of music and art, of enduring friendship, of everyday heroes.
The unforgettable saga of a young man coming of age within a remarkable family, and a shimmering portrait of the world that shaped him, The City is a novel that speaks to everyone, a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, it’s a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart.

'Dangerous Dozen' authors share their writing inspirations

April 11, 2014

Joyce Lamb, author of Found Wanting
My very first influence was Sidney Sheldon. Yes, this was back in the ’80s. I got my first urge to write a book after finishing Rage of Angels. It did NOT have a happy ending, and I was not happy about it. I vowed then to write a book that WOULD have a happy ending. So take that, Mr. Sheldon. : )
Dean Koontz has also been a huge influence. His character development and dialogue especially have inspired me. My favorite Dean Koontz book is Lightning. I can read that book over and over again. Love the heroine who bounces back repeatedly and the theme that destiny always struggles to reassert itself. Chills.
And Nora Roberts, of course. It wasn’t until I read Hot Ice that I realized that what I was writing myself was romantic suspense. LOVED that book and consumed every book I could get my hands on after that to study how she does it. Amazingly, of course.

Read the full article @ USA Today.

Odd Thomas Film Reviews: The Final Chapter

April 11, 2014

Just two this week and no new ones for six days. Really folks, this should end it.

• Blu-ray Review – Odd Thomas – St. John News
• Don’t watch ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ with your mom – USA Today

Latest McDonald editions with Dean's introductions

April 9, 2014

The new editions of John D. McDonald’s Condominium and The Girl, the Gold Watch & Everything with intros by Dean came out yesterday. Please remember that all of these new editions contain the same introduction.

New cover design for The City

April 8, 2014

Newly released “updated” version on the left, “original” version on the right. Which do you prefer?
 

Dean Koontz: Oh Behave!

April 5, 2014

Just found another show on Pet Life Radio titled “Oh Behave!” which interview Dean back on 3 Novemebr 2008.

Say the name, Dean Koontz and it is understandable if you shudder involuntarily. After all, it is strongly advised to read many of his books with the lights on – unless you like being spooked. But Koontz chats with host Arden Moore about one notable – and delightful exception — his latest release, Bliss to You: Trixie’s Guide to a Happy Life. Discover how a Golden Retriever named Trixie brought out the best in this world-renowned suspense author, why Koontz describes dogs as “beauty without vanity” and more on this special episode of Oh Behave!

Listen, read & download the episode @ PetLifeRadio.com.

April 2013 Interview @ Sliver of Stone Magazine

April 5, 2014

Dean Koontz, who recently finished a novel–INNOCENCE– was interviewed by M.J. Fievre for Sliver of Stone Magazine.
M.J. Fievre: Dean Koontz, I’m a big fan. I love your work for its unabashed brand of storytelling, the Odd Thomas series particularly, pushing well beyond the boundaries of the expected, into intricately designed worlds with bodachs and silent ghosts, and even elements of science fiction. In an interview with Publishers Weekly, you mentioned that you give your characters free will, “just as God gave it to us.” Are there really no limitations you place on your work and the places you’re willing to go?
Dean Koontz: When a story suddenly takes an astonishing turn that I never anticipated, I sometimes pause to consider whether the twist is over the top or in some other way damaging to the narrative. If it isn’t just a gee-whiz-this-would-be-cool idea, if it comes out of giving the characters free will and letting them evolve, it is in my experience always a good direction to follow, even though I may be wary about where it will lead. Recently I finished a novel that had an experimental structure, an unusual first-person voice, a philosophical point of view contrary to that found in most of the pop culture, and some surprises of an epic nature that required careful preparation to sell to the reader. I expected pushback from some editors and publishers here and/or in other countries, but the book has been received with unalloyed enthusiasm everywhere, as one of the best things I’ve ever done. If I’d kept the characters on a tight leash and been timid about letting the story expanded to the farthest corners of its potential, editors might have liked it, but not as much, and it would have been a lesser piece. The biggest rewards, creatively and even financially, require risk, sometimes a lot of risk.

Read the full interview @ SliverOfStoneMagazine.com.

2008 Interview for Barnes & Noble

April 5, 2014

Cousin on Odd Thomas Reviews

April 5, 2014

Just three new reviews this week. This may be the end…

• Blu-ray Review – Odd Thomas – Dodge City Daily Globe
• Odd Thomas: Blu-Ray Review – Mania

• ‘Odd Thomas’ holds more than a few surprises – Wichita Eagle

Anna gets in on the act

April 3, 2014

My fellow Dean Koontz collector Noah just pointed out to me that Center Street will be publishing ASK ANNA: Advice for the Furry and Forlorn, on 28 October 2014 and that it’s available for pre-order on Amazon.com right now.

Between the pages of ASK ANNA, you’ll find advice better than a belly rub. Dogs everywhere run to Anna with their questions about love, food, proper etiquette in the dog park, sibling rivalry, how to cope with lazy owners and a myriad of other topics. , and Anna’s advice solves all problems and Brighten Every Dog’s Day.
Anna begins her counseling by putting dogs at ease. Her motto: ” Let Me Hold Your Paw and Help.”
Anna’ advice to owners is: “Read this book and get a clue about what your dogs really think of you!”
Here’s a special message from Anna:
Dear Person,

My dad, Dean Koontz, is a writer, as you might be aware. For years his first golden retriever, Trixie, also wrote books, which sometimes made the best-seller list. I vowed never to be a writer.

I barely have enough time for all the belly rubs, ball chasing, bird chasing, tug-of-war, and posing cutely that is required of me as a golden retriever, not to mention all of my non-professional interests, such as the new translation of Proust that I have undertaken, and learning to pilot a hot-air balloon.
Nevertheless, I have written a book of advice for dogs. It’s not a matter of ego, which anyone who knows a golden retriever will attest. It’s not about money, because all the earnings I receive from ASK ANNA will be given to Canine Companions for Independence, which provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities. What it’s about is giving back to my community–which I feel obliged to do especially because of all the park grass I’ve ruined with little round brown spots.

Thank you for your support.

Uncle of Odd Thomas reviews

March 29, 2014

Now that the DVD and Blu-ray have hit the streets in the US, it’s time for another review link dump…

• Blu-ray Review: ‘Odd Thomas’ – Blog Critics
• “Odd Thomas” Brings Laughs and Scares – Aleteia
• Blu-ray Review: Odd Thomas – Technology Tell
• Blu-ray Review: Odd Thomas – Brietbart
• Odd Thomas – Now Toronto
• Action/Adventure ODD THOMAS Comes to Blu-ray/DVD Today – BWW Movies World

• Odd Thomas Blu-Ray Review – We Got This Covered

Wilderness and Other Stories

March 22, 2014

It looks like there’s a new and very interesting audio release coming out this fall: Wilderness and Other Stories.

“The world is a machine that produces endless surprises and mysteries layered on mysteries.” Wilderness, a darkly intriguing story, was originally published as an exclusive e-book short in the Fall of 2013 as a prelude to Dean Koontz’s new novel of mystery, suspense, and strange wonder—Innocence. Addison Goodheart was born in an isolated home surrounded by a deep forest, never known to his father, kept secret from everyone but his mother, who barely accepts him. Only in the woods, among the wildlife, is Addison truly welcome. Only there can he be at peace. Until the day he first knows terror, the day when his life changes radically and forever . . . The other twelve short stories in this audio collection span Koontz’s career as a writer from 1966 (Kittens) to 1989 (Trapped). They were collected and published in an anthology entitled Strange Highways (1995). Of the fourteen stories that were anthologized in Strange Highways, only the short novels (Strange Highways and Chase) and one short story (Down in the Darkness) were ever recorded.

• Format: Audio CD
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release Date: September 9, 2014
• ISBN-13: 978-1480574373
• List Price: $14.99

• Format: MP3-CD
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release Date: September 9, 2014
• ISBN-13: 978-1480574397
• List Price: $9.99

Saint Odd release date & details

March 22, 2014

Amazon.com has a page up for the final Odd Thomas novel, Saint Odd. No cover art yet but here are the particulars that are available:

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bantam
• Release Date: December 9, 2014
• ISBN-13: 978-0345545879
• List Price: $28.00

Items for sale

March 21, 2014

I’ve got some items for sale. Quality and rarity varies and in some cases I have multiple copies available. Leave a comment if you have a question or drop me a line via the contact form if you want to make an offer.
          

Odd Apocalypse promotional item

March 21, 2014

Look what showed up in the mail today. Probably one of the most obscure items now in my collection. A poster tube from the 2012 San Diego Comic Con promoting Odd Apocalypse.




 

Phantoms promo materials

March 17, 2014

Here’s two items stuck inside my second printing hard cover edition of Phantoms.
My educated guess is that this is material that would have been sent out with advance copies of the book and not a second printing of the hard cover. But then again I’ve never seen a copy of an ARC or proof of this title so I can’t say they exist. (Please feel free to supply evidence to the contrary.)

Letter from the Strange Highways ARC

March 16, 2014

Just found this little item stuck in my ARC copy of Strange Highways:

Dean on beta

March 16, 2014

Just picked myself up a copy of Demon Seed on beta. Looks like Watchers was the only other film released on beta and I have a line on a copy or two. On the laserdisc front, I just discovered that Phantoms was released in that format so I’m on the look out for one of those too.

Science Fiction Book Club ad from 1987

March 15, 2014