MORE ON THE PREDATOR NOVEL

Yep, as stated I'm doing a Predator novel for Dark Horse. Here's the FAQ.

Why are you doing this?
Because I've always wanted to write a thriller set in the real world and this allows me to do that. Because I always thought Predator was a cool idea and even liked Predator 2 (the Predator 2 that existed beneath the smarmy production values). And, now that I'm 100% freelance, I can do many more different kinds of projects. In addition to a new novel of my own, you can also expect a writing guide, travel books, etc. And probably more mainstream non-fantasy fiction. Part of growing as a writer is really pushing yourself in terms of form and type.

What's the novel called?
Right now the working title is something like Predator: South China Sea or Predator: The Island.

What's it about?
I'm not sure how much of the plot I want to give away, but it does feature a huge transplanted African crocodile, an ex-Khmer Rouge colonel, a Romanian crime boss, a really pissed off Thai pirate, and, er, a rather unique Predator. Among other things.

Going to need any help with weapons research?
Dave Larsen, who did props for the Shriek movie and a knife that appeared in City of Saints is going to provide me any necessary information.

Would you consider doing other tie-in novels?
Probably not, just because there's a certain freedom with a Predator novel. I don't need to absorb backstory on tons of other existing characters or read up on previous installments (although I have read them for texture and approach). I don't think I'd be able to do a novel of this type that had pages and pages of stuff to bone up on.

Do you think it's odd to follow up Shriek, which is unabashedly literary (some would say ridiculously so), with a Predator novel?
Frankly, as Richard Morgan said to me, it's probably the perfect thing to follow up with. Something completely different. But with its own challenges. Heck, is it odd to be doing Best American Fantasy and a pirate fiction anthology? Just depends on your perspective.

Do you have any touchstones in mind for writing this novel?
I have always wanted to write a balls-to-the-wall action adventure novel. But those kinds of novels (and movies)--the good ones--always have very quirky, eccentric characters. So I'm envisioning this as half-way between one of those classic World War II quest films (with odd fellows teamed up on some Nazi gold caper), a good-old fashioned horror novel, and a dark SF movie, all with the structure and pacing of George RR Martin.

How do you get a gig like this?
A friend recommended me to the editor (who has been wonderful to work with) and she liked the initial concept and then the completed synopsis.

When will the novel be published?
It's due to be delivered and published in 2008.

Any promotional plans?
That's getting waaaay ahead of the game. I need to finish writing it, first. But Ann and I are determined to have a Predator novel release party here in Tallahassee at a local bar. Anyone who's in town at the time will be welcome.