Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Meet Captain McKenna


One of the breath-catching and goose bumpy moments for authors is when we finally see the cover for our book; doesn't matter if it's a first book or a fiftieth book--it's still a thrill. For me, it's like that moment in Walt Disney's Pinocchio, when the story's little hero changes from a wooden puppet to a "real boy." Because, after months of breathing life into the characters and story via my (coffee-splashed) keyboard, finally seeing the cover makes all those hours feel solid and tangible. Especially since my fabulous publisher, Tyndale House, works very hard at capturing the characters and sense of story, right down to having the designer (mine is the very talented Mark Lane) read the book.

If reader feedback (complete with sighs) is an indication, my publisher was spot-on with the cover of CRITICAL CARE and its depiction of Dr. "McSnarly" Caldwell. And from the reaction at a recent Spring Sales Managers meeting (reports of whoops and whistles from the female faction), I'd say they may have even topped themselves with the cover of DISASTER STATUS.

Pictured above is our new hero, fire captain Scott ("By the Book") McKenna, along with heroine ER charge nurse Erin Quinn.

Just for fun, here's a "teaser" draft of the back cover copy to give you the basic storyline:

Charge nurse Erin Quinn escaped personal turmoil to work at the peaceful California coast. But when a hazardous material spill places Pacific Mercy Hospital on disaster status and stresses staff, she’s put to the test. And thrown into conflict with the fire department’s handsome incident commander who thinks her strategy is out of line.

Fire Captain Scott McKenna has felt the toxic effects of tragedy; he’s learned to go strictly by the book to advance his career, heal his family, and protect his wounded heart. When he’s forced to team with the passionately determined ER charge nurse, sparks fly. As they work to save lives, can they handle the attraction kindled between them . . . without getting burned?



Pique your interest? I hope so! Though the book will not release officially until April 1st, it already available for pre-order on Amazon and Christianbook.com. I'll be posting Chapter One on my website soon, and will be conferencing with editorial staff regarding marketing plans this week. Months in advance, we're already on a roll! That's the way it is in the book publishing world, juggle, juggle. Just today I've booked an interview for CRITICAL CARE, received the cover image for DISASTER STATUS, and am starting a final read through for CODE TRIAGE, which is due next week. Makes me sound a little like the White Rabbit, pulling out my pocket watch and muttering:

"I'm late, I'm late. For a very important date. No time to say hello, goodbye--I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!"

But I'm not. Not late. Not fussed--and I have plenty of time to say hello. To all the wonderful readers who having been sending notes, via phone call to 40 gracious book sellers last week, to folks I've met at signings, and now . . . to my newest hero.

I think Tyndale House did a great job on the cover, don't you? And I'll be counting the months until I can share this new book . . . and let you meet Captain McKenna.

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I love the cover. I can't wait to get my copy and read it. Since it is coming out in April it will be a birthday present for me. =)

Anonymous said...

Hello Capt. McKenna! :)

I can't wait to read it Candy!

Ronie Kendig said...

OH MERCY!!!!!!

MJFredrick said...

Ohhh, this looks right up my alley ;)

L M Gonzalez said...

Oh Candace! I "Can't" wait to read this one even though I sobbed throughout the last one - but in a good way. :)

Lupe

Unknown said...

Congratulations!

CandaceCalvert said...

Teri, I'm an April "baby" too--the 2oth. When's yours?

CandaceCalvert said...

Bridget--thanks. Can't wait to share!

CandaceCalvert said...

Ronie--LOL, you give a whole new meaning to the Mercy Hospital series! ;-)

CandaceCalvert said...

Mary, you are Queen of firefighter romance--I'm honored by your interest. :-)

CandaceCalvert said...

((Lupe)), you're the best. I love having you as a fellow author, friend, and reader. :-)

CandaceCalvert said...

Thank you, Gina--dream come true, for sure. :-)

Mocha with Linda said...

Ooh, you're whetting my appetite! Can't wait!

CandaceCalvert said...

Linda--I'll see that you get a review copy, girl! :-)

Debbie said...

Oooo...nice cover. I can't wait to read it, but at least I won't have to wait as long as everyone else!

CandaceCalvert said...

Debbie--can't wait to share it with you! :-)

Unknown said...

Sounds great! I've always had a weakness for firemen! ;)

CandaceCalvert said...

Thank for stopping by, Katy--and I agree: I've worked with so many awesome firefighters. Real hero material.

Julie J. said...

I can hardly wait for this one to be released! I have a soft spot for firefighters. My nephew is one in Tallahassee and then there are those that I work closely with in the field.

Does Capt. McKenna come with the book?!?! LOL

CandaceCalvert said...

Julie--thanks for stopping by! I agree, totally, about firefighters. In my long years in the ER, I worked side-by-side with them, mentored the EMT's and paramedics, held on tight during Code Three ambulance runs and treated a few firefighters in the ER for injuries, too. Plus (so common) several of my fellow nurses were married to firefighters.
As for the good Captain coming with the book . . . I'm still trying to wangle a way to meet Dr. McSnarly from Critical Care! Will let you know. ;-)

Unknown said...

Could the men on your book covers be any more gorgeous? Holy smokes!!! I can't wait for this book to come out. :-)

CandaceCalvert said...

Oh, I agree, Sharon. My Tyndale designer is the best--though apparently he gets teased mercilessly for going through stacks and stacks of gorgeous guys for my Mercy Hospital covers. Trust me, I thank him. :-)

Can't wait to share this story with you!