POLL: Favorite Passarella Book
FAQ, Recommended Books & Other Lists
Q: Can you explain the copyright in WITHER and WITHER'S RAIN?
A: The copyright for WITHER'S RAIN should read "Copyright © 2003 by John Passarella." The copyright for WITHER remains "Copyright © 1999 by Joe Gangemi and John Passarella." WITHER was co-authored (by Joe Gangemi and John Passarella) under the the single pen name J.G. Passarella. WITHER was written by John Passarella alone and the copyright should reflect that. Therefore, the copyright in WITHER'S RAIN is incorrect. Passarella comments, "Hey, that might make the first edition of WITHER'S RAIN a collector's item! Buy a bunch of copies. Just in case.<wink>"
Q: What's the status of the feature film version of WITHER?
A: Manifest Films (a Hollywood production company) bought the film rights to Wither in November 1997 via Columbia Pictures. Manifest hired a screenwriter, who has submitted several scripts. Unfortunately, the studio did not like any of those scripts enough to greenlight (i.e., finance the production of) the film. For now, the movie version of Wither is stuck at the script stage.
Q: Will the film rights to Wither ever revert to you (and your co-author)?
A: No. Columbia bought (permanent) film rights to the book; they did not purchase an option on the film rights. Options renew after a period of time, usually on an annual basis, for a period of years. Eventually, an option might revert ownership to the author(s). Colubmia bought Wither outright. Unless they sell the rights to another production company or studio, they retain the film rights forever, for all intents and purposes.
Q: Is Wither part of a book series?
A: While Wither was not originally intended as a series novel, I have since taken Wendy Ward, my main character from Wither and turned her into a series character. Wither's Rain is a stand-alone sequel to Wither. Unlike Wither, Wither's Rain is not co-authored. Same goes for Wither's Legacy.
Q: When can I read Wither's Legacy?
A: Wither's Legacy officially goes on sale October 1, 2004.
Q: Do I have to read Wither to enjoy (and understand) Wither's Rain?
A: Strictly speaking, no. If you start with Wither's Rain, the events from Wither work as backstory. In other words, you'll find out what you need 24-jul-06Rain. Obviously, I hope you will have a more rewarding experience by reading the books in order. While I intend Wither's Rain and future volumes in the series to stand on their own merits, my characters evolve (i.e., grow older, move away, die, etc.) Just be warned that by ne24-jul-06poilers concerning earlier entries.
The same structuring applies to Wither's Legacy. I try to provide enough backstory in Wither's Legacy so that the reader doesn't need to read (or reread, if it's been a while) the prior books to follow the current storyline.
Q: Have you met the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel?
A: Unfortunately, no. I'm just a big fan of the shows.
Q: Will you ever write a novel that isn't part of the Wendy Ward series or based upon TV shows?
A: In October 2005, look for Kindred Spirit, a stand-alone supernatural thriller. Also, I'm working on the first book of a new series that will begin as a "loose" trilogy, that is, three books with a broad story arc connecting them but which otherwise will work as stand-alone volumes.
Recommended Books
Some books I highly recommend, linked to their respective information pages on Amazon.com. Note: there are two sections below: books for writers and books for everyone. Otherwise, no specific order.
Books Recommended for Writers
- STORY by Robert McKee belongs on every writer's reference shelf. Even though it is subtitled "Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting" STORY's principles apply to novels just as well. After studying STORY you will know where and why your stories contain weaknesses. More importantly, you'll know how to fix them. (nonfiction)
- The Writer's Journey, 2nd Edition, Mythic Structure for Writers, by Christopher Vogler. Vogler takes Joseph Campbell's theories about the universal qualities of the hero's journey (The Hero With A Thousand Faces) and presents them in a manne24-jul-06stories more effective by learning and using the 12 stages of the hero's journey, and how to employ the mythic archetypes to greatest effect.
- Stephen King's On Writing, is billed as a writers guide for aspiring writers, but has more to offer than one might expect. The book begins and ends with interesting autobiographical material. The middle section is a no-nonsense and readable guide to writing fiction that beginners and seasoned writers can appreciate. Currently 40% off! Now available in PAPERBACK! Currently $5.59 at B&N online.
- Dark Thoughts: On Writing: Advice/Commentary from 50 Masters of Fear and Suspense. From Amazon: "Stanley Wiater... has thematically grouped well-selected quotations from horror creators: major influences; the day-to-day work of writing; choosing a form (short stories, novels, comics, or movies); fame and fortune; the game of making movies (as seen by Wes Craven, John Carpenter, David Cronenberg, and George Romero, among others); sex and death; censorship; personal fears and philosophies; surprising advice; the function of horror; and "Where do you get your ideas?"
- Finished your first novel? Looking for an agent? Check out the 2003 Guide to Literary Agents from Writer's Digest Books.
Whenever possible, support your local independent bookseller.
Recommended Books: General Interest
Note: More book cover thumbnail images below.
- The Infinite, by Doug Clegg. Publisher's Weekly calls the first hardcover in the horror line from Leisure Books "Electrifying... haunting...evocative." Check out the official Doug Clegg website.
- Introducing, Guilty Pleasures, the first in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. Anita Blake is a Vampire Hunter and Zombie animator. The series is a noir-detective / horror / romance combination that works well. Hamilton really ratchets up the tension to unbearable levels. The Laughing Corpse and Circus of the Damned follow.
- Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson is an involved and involving tale of cryptography during World War II and in the present date. Lots of interesting characters and humorous observational tangents in this award winning book, but at over 900 pages, it requires a dedicated reader. Also, check out cyber cult classic Snow Crash.
- The Keep (reissue) by F. Paul Wilson is a terrifically creepy novel about, of all things, a vampire in a Nazi fortress. Wilson has a whole new take on the vampire mythos. Yes, they made a 24-jul-0624-jul-06nd was enthralled.)
- The Stand, Complete and Uncut: This is probably my favorite Stephen King title. A "SuperFlu" wipes out most of the world's population. The few survivors are divided into two camps representing good and evil. And they are preparing for the final battle.
- Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons: A creepy tale of mental predators. This began, I believe, as a short story and became a meaty novel. As I recall, it has a slow build but a big finish.
- I Am Legend by Richard Matheson: Imagine a world devastated by plague. All the survivors are vampires... except one man. And they know where he lives.
- The Wasp Factory by Iain M. Banks: This is one of the most disturbing books I have ever read. A psychopath awaits the return from an insane asylum of his psychopathic older brother.
- Dune by Frank Herbert: Possibly the most important science fiction novel of all time (winner of the Hugo and Nebula awards). Herbert creates an amazingly complex world and culture. Available in hardbound (pictured below) and paperback. A mini-series aired on the SciFi Channel December 2001, followed by the sequel mini-series " Children of Dune."
- Gateway by Frederik Pohl: An exciting SF tale about the discovery and dangerous use of ancient alien technology. I discovered this book years after its initial release. Better late than never.
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Last update: 24-jul-06
