Fresh Fiction Blog | Marie Force | Launch Week for FATAL JUSTICE

Thank you so much for having me today to discuss FATAL JUSTICE, book 2 in my new Fatal Series. I thought it would be fun to talk about some of the ups and downs of writing a series featuring the same hero and heroine in every book. Each time I come up against how really difficult it can be to write the same characters book after book, I remind myself I only have one person to blame for these challenges: ME! After all, it was my big idea to write a romantic suspense series featuring the same couple in every book.

Luckily, with three books written, a novella under way and a fourth full-length book contracted, I still love Sam and Nick, my D.C. homicide detective and U.S. Senator who are trying to make it work in the Washington fishbowl. After I finished the third book in November, it became clear to me that I need a series “bible” with a list of all the characters, what book they appeared in, etc. In addition, I needed to create “character sheets” for each recurring character that include everything I know about them. To give you an idea of how involved this process can be, the character sheets for Sam and Nick were four pages each!

So far, I have indexed only the first book, Fatal Affair, and that took me an entire weekend! Ack! I’m thinking I should pay my daughter (15 going on 30) to do this for me. What do you think? Keeping all this information in my head is driving my brain to a full-on meltdown. If I continue this way, I will be drooling by mid-year. Something has to give! So as soon as I can, I’ll be back to indexing books 2 and 3. One of the benefits to the indexing process is that it gave me ideas for future storylines for Sam, Nick and their sprawling cast of supporting characters.

I’ve mentioned the difficulty of writing these books, so it is only fair to address the other side of the coin, too. Slipping back into the “Fatal” world gets easier with every book. I know these people, I know their friends and family, I know how they all think, and yet I’m still discovering new and previously unseen facets to their personalities—and that is so much fun!

Here’s a little bit about book 2, FATAL JUSTICE:

She looked into the dead face of the man she'd dined with the night before

Standing over the body of a Supreme Court nominee, Lieutenant Sam Holland is hip-deep in another high-profile murder case. The fact that she was one of the last people to see Julian Sinclair alive just complicates things even more. On the plus side, her relationship with Senator Nick Cappuano is heating up—but it's also attracting a lot of unwanted media attention and blinding flash bulbs.

The pressure is on for Sam to find Sinclair's killer, but a new lead in her father's unsolved shooting puts her in unexpected danger. When long-buried secrets threaten to derail her relationship with Nick, Sam realizes that while justice can be blind, mixing romance with politics has the potential to be fatal...

I’m really excited to get FATAL JUSTICE out to readers this week! You can find it at http://ebooks.carinapress.com under the Romantic Suspense tab. This is the start of a big year for Sam and Nick. Coming up in February, we’ll be asking readers to help us plan their wedding. Watch my website and blog for more information about how you can participate in the wedding planning and qualify to win some great prizes. Then in July, watch for book 3, FATAL CONSEQUENCES. In September, we’ll release the Fatal wedding novella, FATAL DESTINY, and then comes FATAL FLAW in February 2012.

I’m happy to take any questions readers might have about the Fatal Series or any of my other books, including my Feb. 1 print release, EVERYONE LOVES A HERO. Sam and Nick are also happy to take questions! If you want to talk writing, parenting teenagers, puppies and senior citizens, I’m your girl. If you want to talk about the new season of the Bachelor and whether Brad will actually choose someone this time around, bring it on! I’ll give away a copy of FATAL JUSTICE to one commenter. Thanks again for having me!

Marie Force is the author of FATAL AFFAIR (June 2010) and FATAL JUSTICE (Jan. 2011), Books 1 and 2 in her new Fatal Series from Harlequin’s Carina Press. Book 3, FATAL CONSEQUENCES, is coming in July 2011, FATAL DESTINY in September 2011 and FATAL FLAW in February 2012. “This novel is ‘The O.C. does D.C.,’ and you just can’t get enough.” (RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars for FATAL AFFAIR). In its July 2010 issue, RT Book Reviews named Marie a “Future Star of Romantic Suspense.”

Marie is the author EVERYONE LOVES A HERO (Feb. 2011), LINE OF SCRIMMAGE (Sept. 2008) and LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT (July 2009). Of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, Booklist said, “With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” Wild on Books said, “LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” Marie is also the author of TRUE NORTH and THE FALL, available as ebooks via Amazon.com and Smashwords.

Since 1996, Marie has been the communications director for a national organization similar to RWA. She is a member of RWA’s New England, From the Heart and Published Author Special Interest Chapters.

While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and she is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of Emily, 15, Jake, 12, and a feisty dog named Brandy.

Find her at www.mariesullivanforce.com, on her blog, where she runs the popular weekly Romance & Oreos Book Club, on Facebook, and on Twitter. Marie loves to hear from readers. Contact her at [email protected].

Comments

Looks really intregiueging? I love mysteries that grab you right off the bat.
(Donna Hay 1:30am January 6, 2011)

This book sounds so exciting hut I want to go back to the beginning and get the other books to read.
(Kathleen Bianchi 1:32am January 6, 2011)

Love these types of books! This one sounds really exciting too. It must be hard writing a series just to keep it fresh and not sound repetitive after a while. Any time you can get your daughter to help you will be a plus. Who knows, maybe she'll follow in your footsteps. Have a wonderful 2011!
(Karen Gervasi 6:23am January 6, 2011)

Sounds like really good reading! Cudos to you for taking on the challenge of writing a series and keeping it fresh each time.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:26am January 6, 2011)

just read my first book cant wait to get them all
(Brenda Hook 6:30am January 6, 2011)

Hi there,
You guys are off to an early start around here!! Thanks for the kind words about the series. I'm so glad it interests you!! Karen, my daughter is a wonderful writer, even if she doesn't think so. She may follow me yet. Since I wrote this blog, I hired one of my reader pals to do the indexing for me and that is going to save my sanity!

Look forward to chatting today!
(Marie Force 8:22am January 6, 2011)

Bpook sounds great and I'll be picking it up soon. Best of luck I'm sure it will be a hit.
(Vickie Hightower 9:11am January 6, 2011)

I'm so looking forward to reading this, Marie! I loved the first book.
(Robin Kaye 9:16am January 6, 2011)

Thanks, Misty! Hope you enjoy Fatal Affair and Fatal Justice!

Hi Vickie, thank you so much! I sure hope so! :-)

Hi Robin, so nice to see you here! Thanks for checking out Fatal Justice! Hope your launch week is going well! xoxo

Thanks Anthonia! Appreciate that!
(Marie Force 10:54am January 6, 2011)

I love mysteries and this one sounds really good!!!
(Leagh Christensen 11:12am January 6, 2011)

Looks like a great book, and I would be happy to help plan a wedding>
(Vikki Parman 12:08pm January 6, 2011)

I'm so out of the loop with my reading, since other obligations kept me away from books and doing other things. How did you stay out of my radar?? Your books are definately on my TBR list!! I love these types of stories, and the combination can't be beat!! I found your blog refreshing, and I'm sure that your books will be just as animated and exciting!! Thank you for waking me up more than my coffee did this morning. I really needed it!! lol Have a wonderful New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:14pm January 6, 2011)

I would love to win this book It sounds like my kind of mystery. I have enjoyed all of your books and hope to win this one for my winter reading pleasure.
(Carol Donnermeyer 12:17pm January 6, 2011)

How do you stay fresh with your story lines with everything changing and happening so fast in DC?
(Sue Farrell 12:20pm January 6, 2011)

Congratulations on your success, present and future!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 12:21pm January 6, 2011)

Hi Leagh, glad the new book appeals to you! While the Fatal books are definitely "stand alone," I do recommend reading Fatal Affair first so you get the full picture. :-) Hope you enjoy them!

Vikki, glad to have you on the wedding planning committee. We're setting it up like the Today Show with different choices every day. Looking forward to that!

Peggy, thank you so much for your kind thoughts on my blog. I have to confess that by the time I reach the end of the blog tour, I am usually sick of myself and my books. Haha! Glad that I am doing a good job of hiding that for you! :-) Appreciate being added to your TBR. That is very sweet of you!

Hi Carol, thanks so much for reading my books and for stopping by today! Glad to have you as a reader!

Hi Sue, that's a GREAT question! I have to remind myself that this is FICTION, and no one expects my political world to match up exactly with the goings on in Washington. I am also careful to not "bog down" the books with the tedium of Nick's job. Legislating hardly makes for scintillating reading, but networking and relationship building and constituent issues can add some spice to the books. Ironically, immigration features heavily in the first and third books and I mention the issue of "anchor babies"in book 3. There it was yesterday front and center on CNN. So there are some opportunities to be "cutting edge," but I walk a fine line there, too, because today's big issue is tomorrow's history. Another concern is that politics and religion can be hot-button issues for a lot of people, so that's another mine field to be navigated CAREFULLY. I was delighted with the Jan 3 release date for Fatal Justice because the book opens on Dec 31 with Nick being sworn in as a new Senator--the same week the new Congress begins work in real-life Washington. I'd like to say we planned it that way... Well, maybe the Carina ladies did, but I didn't! Thanks for the great question!

Thanks so much Marjorie! Nice to s
(Marie Force 12:30pm January 6, 2011)

Hi Marie,
I love reading a series with the same characters. It's always nice to know what they have been up to :)
What are you currently reading?
(Yuka Liew 12:34pm January 6, 2011)

Love a good series and this one sounds like a must read.
(Shirley Nienkark 12:37pm January 6, 2011)

I'm sorry to say, I've never read any of your books! FATAL JUSTICE sounds awesome! Thanks for giving us a chance to win a copy! Happy New Year!!
(Robin Weiss 12:56pm January 6, 2011)

I'm always looking for a new author and this sounds good! Contests on
the new releases and good luck :)
(Dawn Vaeoso 1:11pm January 6, 2011)

Both mystery and romance are ingredients that I like in a book. Fatal Justice sounds like a winner.
(Anna Speed 1:14pm January 6, 2011)

I love a good mystery. This book sounds really interest. Always good to find a new author. Always nice to be able to win a new book coming out. Thank you.
(Diane Castiglione 1:23pm January 6, 2011)

Thanks, Robin, Gina, Pam, Dawn, Anna and Diane! Appreciate your interest in my
books!
(Marie Force 1:35pm January 6, 2011)

This does look like a really good read. And if this blog is a sample of your writing...then I am already hooked...hehe!!!

Gotta go and put these books on my wishlist.

Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 1:37pm January 6, 2011)

I usually read historical romance but this really caught my attention. I love the mixture of politics, mystery and intrigue with romance tossed in for a plot that sounds like pure genius.

This is convinced me that it's time to expand my reading to a new genre.
(Jeanne Miro 1:39pm January 6, 2011)

The Fatal books sound great. I'm looking forward to reading more. Thanks for visiting.
(G S Moch 1:43pm January 6, 2011)

Thank, Valerie! I'm so glad you liked the sample and I love having another
reader in Germany where I have a few reader friends! Hope you enjoy!

Jeanne, glad to have caught your attention! I don't know about pure genius--
probably more like organized chaos. LOL! I am a BIG fan of the historical
myself and tend to gravitate to that genre most often until my recent spate of
romantic suspense.

Thanks, G.S. Hope you enjoy them!
(Marie Force 1:47pm January 6, 2011)

I love mysteries and I love series. The Fatal books sound really good!
mom1248(at)att(dot)net
(Patsy Hagen 1:57pm January 6, 2011)

Hello fellow Rhode Islander (my husband grew up in Newport and I in Cranston).
Happy to hear of your success. I love the premise of your books. What better
place for such happenings than the beltway. I definitely will be looking for your
books.
(Sandra Spilecki 2:17pm January 6, 2011)

This book sounds great. I love a good mystery.
(Cheryl Lynne 2:20pm January 6, 2011)

Definitely have this series down on my TBB list... :)
(Colleen Conklin 2:32pm January 6, 2011)

Thanks for the chance to win. This looks like another great book.
(Barbara Andersen 2:40pm January 6, 2011)

This series will definately go into my keeper library. Keep up the good work. Jacqueline Wyllys
(Jacqueline Wyllys 3:02pm January 6, 2011)

Love a good mystery with likeable characters. Keep up the good writing!
(MaryEllen Hanneman 3:19pm January 6, 2011)

Thanks Patsy! I'm glad they sound good to you!

Thanks, Joanne, same to you!

Hi Sandra, I love meeting fellow Rhode Islanders! I was born in Newport, grew
up in Middletown and live now in Portsmouth. I love it here! I lived elsewhere
for 10 years and was sooooo glad to come home! I work for a company in
Washington, so it's my home away from home. Thrilled to be setting a series
there.

Thanks Cheryl, Colleen, and Barbara!

Jacqueline, thanks for adding me to your keeper shelf. Delighted to be there!
(Marie Force 3:21pm January 6, 2011)

I've been more interested in series that keep the same main characters. Most seem to switch to the romances of friends or family members to make a trilogy. The political world also makes an interesting setting. I'll be looking out for this series now.
(Carol Drummond 3:24pm January 6, 2011)

sounds great would love to read this.. makes me excited for the chance
(Danielle Pontow 4:09pm January 6, 2011)

Carol, that is music to my ears. I had a feeling there would be reader interest in a
romance series about a couple traversing life's ups and downs. I am so glad you
agree! Hope you enjoy the Fatal Series!

Thanks, Danielle! :-)
(Marie Force 4:24pm January 6, 2011)

I can't wait to read more. Well done I say!!
(Mary Preston 4:46pm January 6, 2011)

Awww, thanks so much, Mary! So glad to hear that! Thank you.
(Marie Force 5:05pm January 6, 2011)

the book sound great best wishes for the top for it i tweeted and face book you
(Desiree Reilly 6:23pm January 6, 2011)

Congrats on your new release! Sounds very entertaining!
(MaryAnne Banks 7:30pm January 6, 2011)

I've been slowly collecting all of your books. Love the storylines. This one sounds great.
(Maria Antunes 8:02pm January 6, 2011)

I love the idea of the same characters thru a series! ps I hope Brad does find love & can accept it.
(Diane Sallans 8:24pm January 6, 2011)

Thanks Desiree!

Thanks, MaryAnne!

Maria, thanks for checking out my books. So hope you enjoy them! :-)

Thanks, Diane! I knew there were readers out there who would embrace Sam
and Nick! I am pulling for Brad, too. I really liked him a lot on the premiere!
He seems like a changed man.

Thanks, Lisa, Clio, Brenda and Clicia!
(Marie Force 9:27pm January 6, 2011)

I love a good suspense and mystery series. I always want to figure out who dunnit and why behind the crime.
(Kai Wong 10:04pm January 6, 2011)

This certainly sounds like an intriguing series with unusual characters. The touch of humor is something I can very well accommodate. I'll have to look up your books at Carina.

Have fun writing more of these!
(Sigrun Schulz 1:15am January 7, 2011)

Girl, the line you picked sure sounds scary. I want to flip the pages to see what was attached to that dead head.
(Alyson Widen 8:52pm January 7, 2011)

I have not read any of you work, but this sounds like some thing I would really enjoy reading....
(Joyce Bruner 3:37pm January 11, 2011)

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