This past July I journeyed "over the pond" to
Dublin, London, Paris and Amsterdam. It was a wonderful trip,
originally scheduled as a media tour to promote Simple Genius.
Although I did attend book signings and gave dozens of interviews,
what it actually turned out to be was an incredible research trip,
laying the groundwork for an international plot in the Spring 2008 book.
I’m putting the finishing touches on the
Spring 2008 book. I’ll share more information about the Spring book
soon, but until then, enjoy Stone Cold on November 6th.
Below are some of the photos we took along the way.
"Stiletto in the Ghetto"
July 6, 2007: Dublin is an amazing city. The Spire of Dublin,
dubbed the Stiletto in the Ghetto. Each time I visit Dublin I find I am
more and more drawn to its people and history. There used to be a
statue of Lord Nelson on the site of the spire until the IRA blew it up
in the 1960’s.
Book Signing in Dublin
July 6, 2007: Here I’m doing a quick signing in Dublin. While signing, I had the
chance to meet a fan from Michigan. Small world. Unfortunately, that
photo didn’t come out…
At Malahide Castle
 
July 7, 2007: I’m in front of Malahide Castle,
privately owned by the Talbot family until 1975. I decided to walk in
the footsteps of one of my characters in the Spring 2008 book.
Escape from The Merrion
 
July 7, 2007: And what research trip would be complete without plotting a hair-raising escape from one of Dublin’s most renowned hotels, The Merrion.
This hotel blends into the neighborhood landscape, posing as a
townhouse or private home. These are the types of locations thriller
writers dream about — appearing to be one thing, when in reality… they
are quite another.
On the Stena Explorer at 40 Knots
  
July 8, 2007: I’m on the high-speed ferry across the Irish Sea to Wales. The Stena
Explorer HHS from Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, to Holyhead, England, is a
huge ship and still tops 40 knots. What I’m doing is something the
character does in the new book, sending a signal to someone else on
board. Following the sea crossing, I headed to the nearby train station
for my trip into London.
Dinner at Mayfair
July 8, 2007: A relaxing dinner with my British publicist, Katie James (left), and editor, Maria Rejt (center) from Pan Macmillan at Scott’s in Mayfair.
Ahhh - The Savoy!
 
July 9, 2007: While in London I stayed at the legendary Savoy Hotel. And not a bad view from my hotel room window, which is the same view my character has in the Spring 2008 book.
The Collectors in the Tube
July 10, 2007: I’m posing in front of a digital ad for The Collectors at Kings Cross Station in London. The Tube advertising for the book was everywhere thanks to the creative and marketing staff at Pan Macmillan.
Borders and the "Beeb"
 
July 10, 2007: Busy with book signings, here at a Borders in London, and media events such as live on BBC Radio.
Photos for the London Press
July 10, 2007: And the ever-so-popular photo shoot behind The Savoy for some of London’s newspapers.
Some Time in Central London
  
July 10, 2007: Aside from the book signings and interviews, I did get some time to explore Covent Gardens and central London. I really enjoy spending time at spots like the statue of Lord Nelson at Trafalgar Square — which shows up in the Spring 2008 book.
Through the "Chunnel" and Off to Paris
 
July 11, 2007: I say goodbye to London as I hop the Eurostar
to Paris for lunch with my French publishing team. I honestly love
Paris. It’s a beautiful city and charming architecture and history
filling every street and avenue.
Quick Shots of Paris
  
July 11, 2007: A quick shot of the Champs Elysées and l’Arc d’Triomphe. And I couldn’t pass up such an unusual piece of art — it screams… “I’m melting!”
Speaking Dutch in Amsterdam
 
July 11, 2007: Again, book events and interviews, now in Amsterdam, Holland. What I
hadn’t planned for was having to speak Dutch on the radio! After some
very quick lessons and tips on pronunciation, I recorded the promo. Not
knowing a single word in Dutch, I was shocked that I was actually able
to pull it off
The Wet and the Small
 
July 13, 2007: Amsterdam — a city that also figures prominently in the Spring 2008 book. And no, I’m not that big, the car is that small!
|
