Unusual Suspects

There’s a new Laurie King on the shelves—a new LRK short story, at any rate:

Long long ago, in a galaxy far away, I did an event we called “Writer’s Improv,” which meant I sat down one lovely May morning and wrote a story with the world looking over my shoulder, online. That day I wrote what turned out to be about a third of the final story, which eventually I finished and gave to Dana Stabenow for a collection called Unusual Suspects.

And it’s a nice story, and all the others in the book are nice stories, but to my mind the most interesting part of “The House” is that my Writer’s Improv was intended as a demonstration of the writing process, from first idea to polished product. And since it’s on the shelves now, all three thirds of it, I’ve posted a page on the web site that has the original text and a detailed commentary on the writing—and more to the point, the rewriting—process.

It’s here. But I warn you: for the end of the story, you’ll have to get the book. (If you want a signed copy, drop a line to my local guy and I’ll sign them when I’m in.

Posted in

8 Comments

  1. LaideeMarjorie on December 1, 2008 at 11:47 am

    I am sure that Dana had no control over this, but the fact the Charlaine has a bigger font size for her name on the cover than you (and the other authors) is just plain unfair. Do the folks at Ace Trade really think that Charlaine’s tie-in to television should bring her more prominence? Sheesh. (Or perhaps there is some other reason for this beyond my fathoming!)

    Okay, that’s my rant for today and I’m sticking by it.

    –Marjorie

  2. Strawberry Curls on December 1, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    Hummmmmm, it wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact there is an announcement of a new Sookie Stackhouse story just above Charlaine’s name would it? TV exposure does bring in new readers.

    Now, Laurie, if you could just develop a deal with one of the cable networks to produce a program about two wondering Arabs who appear to be a scribe and his brother, but in reality they are not brothers, or Arabs, but are instead British spies. Now that might stir up some interest. Just say’n.

    I couldn’t stand the idea of what the movie producers or TV networks might do to BEEK so thought Ali and Mahmoud might be less painful, but only just. –Alice

  3. Chris on December 2, 2008 at 10:53 am

    Copies of this have already made it over here – should have one by the weekend, so I’m greatly looking forward to your story. I’m not normally a fan of Short Story Collections, as it’s rare for me to find many I like in one volume, but this is too tempting! Any chance you can persuade your publisher that we’d really appreciate a volume of all your own short fiction…?

    Chris

  4. Bachi on December 3, 2008 at 3:43 am

    I like the way you think Chris!

  5. Roxanne on December 3, 2008 at 11:24 am

    [If you want a signed copy, drop a line to my local guy and I’ll sign them when I’m in.]

    Done and done. I have placed an order for your book (for that is how I think of it–as your book) with your “local guy,” a nice fellow named Jan, who talked cats with me and told me of their bookstore kitty named Bookie. Any bookstore with a cat is my kind of bookstore.

    Roxanne

  6. LaideeMarjorie on December 3, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    Roxanne,

    Hey, Roxanne!

    I, too, was in contact with Jan at Crossroads, but with regards to “The Language of Bees”. If anyone else wants to contact them (and help out an indie bookseller), here is what Jan said:

    “It looks like the “on-sale” date will be April 28, 2009. we’ll have plenty and Laurie will be in early to sign, so that we can ship on the 28th. I don’t have a website – so the easiest way is to give us a call @831-728-4139 with shipping info and you CC #.Lauie can personalize your book.”

    I had been in touch with them, because sadly, I do not have an independent bookstore near me any more. So, for Laurie, I will happily order from her closest bookstore.

    –Marjorie

  7. Meredith T on December 3, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    I remember very distinctly watching as words (only some, due to our antique computer) appeared on the screen. I had vaguely wondered what became of it — et voila! More work for patient Jan and signing for Laurie. best//Meredith

  8. Kerry on December 10, 2008 at 10:19 am

    I, too, remember the event, and the distinct thrill of seeing one of my prompts included! I can’t wait to see the final story, and will definitely be ordering the book from “your guy”. From what I can tell, Charlaine Harris is a very nice lady, but give me an LRK heroine every time . . .

    Now, I’d love to hear more about this intriguing cycle of stories set in and around a Central Coast middle school . . .

Leave a Comment