Adventures with War Dog Kane
James Rollins, New York Times best-selling author and veterinarian, joined Tim in this episode to talk about his recently released short story, Tracker, and mystery novel, Bloodline: A Sigma Force Novel, both of which focus on Captain Tucker Wayne and his war dog, Kane. Tim asked James how he came up with the idea to write Tracker and use it as a lead in to Bloodline, how his career as a veterinarian helps him to write his best-selling novels and why he decided to publish Tracker in e-book format only. Tim also asked him what he hopes readers will take away from reading Tracker and Bloodline. If you have enjoyed any of the previous 7 novels in the Sigma Force series, or any of his other individual adventure thrillers, you’ll definitely want to listen to this episode to find out more!
BIO:
James Rollins is the author of six thrillers in the bestselling Sigma Force series (Sandstorm, Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, The Last Oracle, and The Doomsday Key); the blockbuster movie novelization, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; and five individual adventure thrillers. Publication date for his sixth individual adventure, Altar of Eden, is December 29, 2009. Rollins is also writing the Jake Ransom series for kids and adults. The first volume, Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow, is in bookstores now, and the next release, Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx, is due in Spring 2010.
Known for building high-octane adventures on a solid science foundation, Jim juxtaposes the familiar with the exotic and then turbo-charges his tales with suspense. Always mindful of historys legacy, Jim reveals how secrets, some hidden for centuries, can change the course of human events. His novels explore how advancing technology can impact society not just by the physical threats of unchecked developments, but also the spiritual and moral challenges that result. The true terror of technology is not the cogs and the wheels, but how it will change us, he says.
Explosive, Page-Turning Adventures
Jim has brought readers at least one book a year since his first thriller, Subterranean, was published in 1999. His novels have been deemed perfect "summer reads" by reviewers in publications as diverse as People magazine, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly. His books have been translated for readers in 32 countries outside the United States.
Read more about each James Rollins novel
Going Global - With Books, Laptop, and Backpack
The exotic locales of James Rollins novels have emerged as a hybrid between imagination, research, and Jims extensive travels throughout the United States and Europe, as well as New Zealand, the South Pacific, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America. Recent travel includes book tours and stops across the country and several European nations, meeting readers and giving talks, seminars, and media interviews.
In recent years, much of Jims travel has involved meeting readers in small and large groups, at writing and fan conferences, and even at seagoing seminars. Jims mentoring skills and generosity have made him a popular writing instructor and guest speaker for workshops, symposia, conventions, and other forums throughout the country. He is among the core faculty of the annual Hawaii Writers Conference and Retreat.
Commitment to provide opportunity, nurturing, and supporting the genre and its new writers
In 2005, Jim joined other luminaries in the genre to create International Thriller Writers, Inc., to recognize and promote the thriller genre, to provide opportunities for mentoring, education, and collegiality among authors and industry professionals, and to grant awards for excellence in the genre. In 2009 Jim served as the Co-President of ITWalongside Steve Berry.
The Storyteller's Story
As a boy, James Rollins immersed himself in the scientific adventures of Doc Savage, the wonders of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, and pulps featuring The Shadow, The Spider, and The Avenger. From there sparked the desire to become a writer himself. Already an accomplished storyteller, spinning elaborate tales that often were at the heart of pranks played on his brothers and sisters, Jim went on to hone his writing skills.
Before he would set heroes and villains on harrowing adventures, however, Jim pursued a career in veterinary medicine, graduating from the University of Missouri and establishing a successful veterinary clinic in Sacramento, California. This hands-on knowledge of, and interest in, medicine and science help shape the research and scientific speculation that set James Rollins' books apart.
When Jim is not writing, touring, giving seminars, or making presentations, he can be found spelunking, scuba diving, hiking, and/or traveling. Jim and his two- and four-legged family members live amid chew toys and paleontological treasures in Northern California.