Authors in Television Series, Movies and a Bit More...

I wanted to give you guys a heads up about the new ABC show “Castle,” which
premieres Monday, March 9. Not only does it star the very handsome, and always
funny, Nathan Fillion, it’s about a mystery novelist who ends up helping to
solve real crimes. Oh, and it’s actually really good. The chemistry between
Fillion and his co-star Stana Katic is nothing short of hotness.

Fillion did do some research by checking out some of the popular writers of the genre. “I’ve been reading some Clive Cussler, James Patterson and a lot of Robert B. Parker,” says Fillion. “Something Parker has done very well is his attention to detail. That’s, also, I think, one of Castle’s strengths. He pays very, very close attention. He’s a spoiled brat. He does kind of his own thing. He’s kind of in his own world, but he’s a clever guy.”

Oh, and here’s a little insider information. Check those faces carefully around
the poker table when Castle is playing cards. Some of your favorite writers
just might be sitting there. But I won’t spoil the fun by naming names. (Smile)

This is also a fantastic month for books from real-life novelists. Some of my
favorite people have books out and I can’t wait to tell you about them.

The first, Highway to Hell, is from one of my dearest friends, and favorite writers, Rosemary Clement- Moore. “I’m so excited about Highway to Hell, coming out,” says Rosemary. “It’s a story I loved telling, because it’s set in South Texas ranching country, where I’m from. An accident on the way to South Padre Island strands Maggie and Lisa in a no-horse town, where all the townsfolk think that El Chupacabra (A sort of a Latin American cross between a vampire and Bigfoot) is killing their livestock. Well, of course Maggie, the supernatural world’s answer to Veronica Mars, has to investigate.

“I love that, just as I was finishing the book, there was this ‘big’ news story
out of South Texas that a rancher had found a strange creature in horse
pasture. Could it be a chupacabra? I sent the news link to my editor, who wrote
back and said, “I thought you just made that up!’ And I said, ‘Some things are
too awesome for authors to invent. We only take the ideas and run with them.”

I had a chance to read an early copy of Highway to Hell and I can tell you it is awesomeness! The lovely Jaye Wells has been a friend for years. She was one of the first who welcomed me into the Dallas Area Romance Writers, and I’ve adored her ever since. I cannot wait for you guys to read her new book Red-Headed Stepchild. “Sabina Kane first spoke to me when I was driving down the road,” says Jaye. “She said, ‘Digging graves is hell on a manicure.’ Her tone was so matter-of-fact, so world weary, I had to know more. Little did I know that first line would take me to a world filled with vampires, mages, demons and faeries. This is just the beginning of Sabina’s story, and I hope readers have as much fun reading it, as I did writing it.” I adore she who is Kimberly Frost, and her new Would-Be Witch is an absolute must-read. Tammy Jo Trask come from a family of witches, but doesn’t seem to have any powers of her own. When a family heirloom is stolen she tries to cast a spell to find it, but experiences disastrous results. She turns to the very rich and highly magical Bryn Lyons, but there’s a problem. The Trask and Lyons’ families aren’t exactly on friendly terms.

“Before getting into witchcraft, Tammy Jo is a pastry chef, and I’ve been asked
why I chose that occupation for her,” Kimberly says. “There’s a reason Tammy
would be drawn to such a profession and it’s revealed in Book 2, but I also
think I was influenced by the town I was living in at the time, Hershey,
Pennsylvania.
It’s amazing place where the streetlights are shaped like Hershey candy kisses.
I don’t believe that it’s a complete coincidence she ended up an aspiring
chocolatier.”

Jana DeLeon always makes me laugh. Trouble in Mudbug doesn’t disappoint. “Maryse Robicheaux can't help heaving a sigh of relief at the news that her not- so-beloved mother-in-law has kicked the bucket,” says Jana. “The woman was rude, manipulative and loved lording over everyone as the richest citizen of Mudbug, Louisiana. Unfortunately, death doesn't slow Helena Henry down one bit. “Being haunted – or more like harried – by Helena's ghost isn't even the worst of Maryse's problems. Close to making a huge medical breakthrough, she's suddenly been given an office mate, and the only thing bigger than Luc LeJeune's ego is his sex appeal. Maryse would bet her life the hot half-Creole is hiding something. Especially because it seems someone's out to kill her. But getting Luc to spill his secrets while avoiding Helena's histrionics and staying alive herself will be the ultimate bayou balancing act.” Oh, and for you Nora Roberts Fans… Lifetime has turned Northern Lights, High Noon, Midnight Bayou and Tribute into television movies. They kick off with Nora Roberts ’ Midnight Bayou” on Saturday, March 21, and then air each Saturday thereafter. Some of the stars in the films include LeAnn Rimes, Eddie Cibrian, Jerry O’Connell, Faye Dunaway, Emilie de Ravin, Ivan Sergei, Cybil Shepherd, Brittany Murphy and Jason Lewis. Until next time... Candy

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Candy is a nationally syndicated entertainment columnist, who has interviewed just about every celebrity there is in Hollywood and written thousands of articles. She is the author of the Charmed & Dangerous series including Charmed & Ready Charmed & Dangerous, Charmed & Deadly, and Like A Charm. Her latest book The Demon King and I is available now!

Her non-fiction prose includes Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy, and essays in Alias Assumed: Sex, Lies and SD-6, and Five Seasons of Angel. She's also the entertainment critic providing the latest on TV, film and celebs for the radio station 96.3 KSCS. And she's the managing editor for FYI Television.

You can visit Candy daily at her blog or her website