Cleaning off the desk, 2016 style

Earlier this afternoon, I hit the 100,000-word mark in my current WIP, Persuaded By The Reflections; Persuaded is the follow-up to The Long Crimson Line. Tallying that count up with the first draft count of the forthcoming Jaclyn Johnson novel Ticket Agent, plus the estimated ending of The Peg-Legged Privateer that I wrote in January, I end 2016 with about 218,596 words of fiction written. Rounding it up to a cool 219,000 sounds pretty snazzy, if I do say so myself.

Now, with only a few days remaining in the calendar year, I'm taking the time to recharge--in lieu of IBC Root Beer, I'm celebrating the 100K-word plateau with some reading and no fiction until at least January 2.

But in the meantime, it's not bad to look back on what I did this year, and also raise a beer in celebration:

In addition to 219K words written, I published three books. Yup, I released the seventh Jaclyn Johnson novel Chemical Agent, along with the third (and more than likely final) Alex Bourque mystery, Beach Blanket Bloodshed. Not only that, I also re-launched the two other books in that particular series with new cover art, as well as a bundle of those three books.

Earlier this month, The Peg-Legged Privateer launched.

And if you missed it, I had an awesome Plastic City Comic Con back in July. I've also had Jaclyn Johnson optioned for TV and film.

To say that I hit writing and publishing goals is an understatement. When I plot out my goals, I work my ass off to hit them. That has been my mantra since I started writing. I had a good year.

Sales goals, of course, is a different story. I took a loss this year, and I'll be re-assessing my sales goals--or deciding whether or not having them is a good thing to begin with--within the coming days.

I'll be sure to let you all know as the business plan comes into clearer focus--2017 is on the horizon.

www.seansweeneyauthor.com

A Casting Question: Who would play Jaclyn Johnson?

After I announced the optioning on Facebook last Friday, my pal Stephen Campbell suggested we play a little game called “Who will play Jaclyn Johnson?” in a potential future movie. Of course, I don’t know if I would have a say in casting should a studio pick the series up. Still, it’s always fun to throw around names.

Remember: this is just for fun. Others may have different thoughts, and by all means, add your thoughts to the comments section.

As Jaclyn: Hayden Panettiere, Ashley Eckstein, or an unknown up-and-comer

Wlad Klitschko’s wife and the voice of Ashoka Tano in Star Wars Clone Wars could fit the bill: both are relatively young and around Jaclyn’s age when she first appears in Model Agent. And both are blondes, so that works. I’ve always said I would want Panettiere as the lead, but Eckstein has the same qualities. A toss-up.

Of course, we may want to go with an unknown actress that audiences can grow to love instead of banking on automatic star power.

As Alex Dupuis: Geena Davis, Tea Leoni, or Jennifer Aniston

Alex’s character has to be not only tough, but a veteran actress who would command instant respect of not only the rest of the cast, but the audience, as well. Alex’s character resides between the ages of all three, and either could portray the no-nonsense director.

As Sarah Kendall: Kim Basinger

Vicki Vale is indeed presidential in my opinion, and Basinger has the ability to play a--spoiler alert--one-off character.

As Tom Messingham: Daniel Radcliffe or Matthew Lewis

For Jaclyn’s British boy toy, we would need an actor with dark hair, one who is recognizable, and one who can be the strength and comfort she needs in private without truly needing the spotlight; remember, Harry Potter never wanted it, and Neville Longbottom didn’t seem to mind the background. 

And if you think I mentioned that stuff for the Google hits, well, you know me too well.

As Melanie Ruoff: Sarah Michelle Gellar or Jessica Alba

We would need an actress in her late 30s/early 40s or thereabouts to portray the White House Chief of Staff. Gellar or Alba are right there.

As Eric Forrister: Unknown

I’ve never really given consideration as to who would play President Forrister before now, but he has to have that icy stare down for when he looks out over the South Lawn.

As Parkerhurst: Also unknown

I’ve always thought of Parkerhurst being a John Cleese-type of character, but I would have to think we need someone much younger, in the area of Jaclyn’s age or maybe a little older, in order to portray the CIA quartermaster.

As Salt: Also unknown

Another good question! We would need someone in his early 20s to portray the computer whiz.

What do you think? Do you think that’s an agreeable cast?

www,seansweeneyauthor.com

Jaclyn Johnson on the Big Screen? It may happen!

I can tell you I never tire of the refrain, "When does the movie come out?" when readers speak of my Jaclyn Johnson series. Honestly, I can't lie: it's interesting to hear that people enjoy the books enough to want to see it in their local theater, or on their television via Blu-Ray. And while I try to tell people, "It's never going to happen. I'm just an indie author," the last few years have made me dream big. After all, I do write the book like it's a movie playing in my head. I'm sure other authors feel the same way. It leads me to ask, "Why not? Why can't Jaclyn find her way to Hollywood?"

Can I let you in on a secret? I--and you, my dear readers--may not have to truly dream, nor ask that question for much longer.

Are you ready for this? I repeat: ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?!?!?! Over the last month or so, I've been discussing with a friend of mine in Hollywood about the potentials of a Jaclyn Johnson movie series, and late last week, I am happy to announce I have accepted his offer to option the series for TV and film. I'm signing the paperwork Wednesday (it's been a very long weekend, so I've been delayed), and I'll start writing up the pitch packet within the next few days.

*Breathes*

Now... let's be clear here: optioning the series does not guarantee the movies will be made. Let me repeat: it does NOT guarantee a movie or a series of movies will be made. It only allows my friend the opportunity to pitch the series to studio such as Paramount, 20th Century Fox, etc. If the studios want to make the movie, then they'll have that opportunity. Of course, the studios may not want it, or they have a busy production schedule. It happens. But still... the thought of my book series--a series that has surpassed my wildest dreams and imaginations--on the Big Screen, I can't help but get giddy at the prospects, and I am truly humbled at the opportunity.

So, even with that known: let me ask... who's excited? Who's ready for a Jaclyn Johnson flick? If you've been here since Model Agent came out in 2011, thank you so much for your support. If you're new to my writing, I hope you'll prep yourself for the potential future release of a movie by picking up the series for your ereader, in trade paperback, or in audiobook at the link below.

I'm over the moon, folks. I really am.

Jackie's coming.

www.seansweeneyauthor.com