Saturday, March 12, 2011

To my loyal book readers/amigos, I am exploring a fifth novel. Question: Is there a particular main character/secondary character from one of my three previous novels whom you believe should have his own book? Or would you want to see a whole new character? Again, Take the Lead has a new character named Gabriel, a gay Cuban college writing professor in Boston so he doesn't count... just yet.
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9 comments:

  1. Terrence MossMarch 12, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    How about further exploring the Ray and Ronnie relationship from "Miami Manhunt"?

    And I've always loved the Tommy/Rico and the Ray/Rasco dynamics.

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  2. Johnny DiazMarch 12, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    Thanks T!
    I wrote a sample chapter in the voice of Ronnie in Boston and I introduced a new friend who inspires him to get out of Boston and discover another culture. The idea is still baking in my head. The risk I run with Ronnie is that he may sound like a younger Tommy Perez (both reporters, both Cuban, both from Miami, both in Boston).
    I am beginning to think I've exhausted the gay-Cuban-from-Miami-in-Boston thing. :)

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  3. Johnny DiazMarch 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    PS
    In "Take the Lead" my main character Gabriel and his wingman Nick from Providence have a similar strong and fun friendship as Tommy/Rico from Boston Boys Club. The chapters with Gabriel and Nick out in Boston, Quincy and Providence are really funny.

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  4. Terrence MossMarch 12, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    I like that idea. And with Ronnie being a bit younger, a desire for a career change or even a change of scenery will be great motivation to get him out of Boston and hopefully alleviate your concerns about him sounding like Tommy -- which I never thought as I was reading "MM".

    As for the gay Cuban-from-Miami-in-Boston thing...I'm probably biased because I really like Boston and your perspective of it, but I like your cast of characters and their stories.

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  5. Terrence MossMarch 12, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    PS to your PS -- I can't wait to read it. When does it come out?

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  6. Johnny DiazMarch 12, 2011 at 12:44 PM

    Thanks Terrence. Ronnie may be my new character afterall. With all the troubles of the newspaper industry, he realizes that being 24is a good time to switch careers and start anew.

    Take the Lead comes out in June.

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  7. Terrence MossMarch 12, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Thanks Johnny. I look forward to your interview with Ronnie. :)

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  8. acoolerclimateMarch 23, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Johhny! I'm a huge fan of your work, and of course I have all your current books. I will run to get your new one in June as soon as it comes out!!

    Anyhow, I love Tommy, he's my favorite. I guess I can relate to him, even though I'm not Cuban. I tend to react to things the way Tommy does. I really enjoy your use of Miami in your books along with Boston, it's a cool contrast.

    While I love Tommy, I'm wondering if his story has been told? I'm thinking it would be fun to meet some new characters. I like Ray too, perhaps some more on him?

    Just some background on me, I live in Central MA, outside of Worcester. Boston is 1 hour from me, but I don't go that often! I have a partner now who lives in NYC so I head that way every other weekend. But I know Boston well, and used to go to Club Cafe, particulary on Pride Day in June.

    Thank you very much, I really enjoy your writing!!

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  9. Johnny DiazMarch 23, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Hi acoolerclimate!
    Thanks for the post and for reading my books.
    I agree: I do feel that Tommy's story has been told (in Boston Boys Club and then Beantown Cubans and on this blog.)
    He will appear briefly in a few chapters in "Take The Lead." He's the key to a big develoment in the novel. But this is Gabriel's book.
    I also feel that I have told Ray Martinez's story (from Miami Manhunt.)
    Which leaves....Ronnie Reyes his love interest. I am currently developing a book around his story (where he leaves off in Miami Manhunt and winds up in Boston.)
    Email me your address so I can alert you of future book news.

    best,
    Johnny
    johnnydiaz@aol.com

    PS
    I've been to Worcester once this past summer and had some great drinks on Canal Street.

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