The November 2009 newsletter is out, kicking off the three months and sixteen days to publication day of A Night Too Dark.
Congratulations to Donus D. Roberts of Watertown, South Dakota, whose name fell out of the hopper to win the first of four free advance reading copies.
Donus, it’s in the mail!
The first of four preview excerpts is posted here. Click to read.
The Poisoned Pen Bookstore is throwing a launch party in Scottsdale on the day. Go here to join the Danamaniacs on Facebook so you can participate in their full-scale invasion of the event. Go here to reserve your copy of A Night Too Dark, because last year we ran out of books and ain’t nobody happy when that happens.
What one line would you use to describe the Kate Shugak television series if you were alone in an elevator with a Hollywood producer?
That’s the kind of conversation I’m having these days, but that was also an invitation. What would you say to that producer? Post your answer to the Comments at the bottom of this page. If you come up with something we can use (”There are a thousand ways to kill in Alaska, and Kate Shugak knows them all”) you’ll get, I don’t know, maybe a Friends of Mutt mug? And, of course, eternal glory.
If somehow you missed this week’s blitzkrieg of news on the Kate Shugak television series,
here is the story on KTUU (video upper right),
here is the story on APRN,
here is the story on Alaska Dispatch,
here is the story at the Anchorage Daily News, and
here is Mudflats’ terrific post, with photos.
Friend me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, check in often here on my website, and subscribe here to my newsletter for more news as it happens.
168 Comments
“In Alaska, every murder is in cold blood.”
(Um, seeing as he’s dead, Truman Capote can’t sue you, right?)
Kate is definitely not Alaskan Mush
Thank Heavens, it’s about Time!!!!!
Kate can bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face, warmth to your heart, and a chill up your spine all in the same “you can’t put it down” mystery novel.
Kate Shugack is Hot on the Trail of Cold Hearted Murder
“If strong women scare you, just wait until you meet Kate.”
The consumate Alaskan hero!
The Kate Shugak books are what “Northern Exposure” SHOULD have been!
Kate Shugack is hot on the trail of cold murder.
Kate embodies the Alaskan empowered woman; she’s comfortable in her skin, competent in her environment, hot-tempered, quick-witted, and cooly-calculating when faced with injustice, unethical behavior, or mistreatment of children.
Fighting for justice with trusted companion Mutt, facing dangerous animals and more dangerous crooks, Kate Shugak uses her heart and her head to live up to her grandmother’s dreams!
A Dynamo Detective Solving Alaska Crimes, Assisted by her Community!
Casting is crucial.
1. Kate Shugak — just don’t call her an Eskimo.
2. If you’re on Kate Shugak’s bad side, you don’t want to be in Alaska.
3. Kate Shugak is a crook’s worst enemy.
4. I’d love a “Mutt” mug!
Who would “play” Kate?
Alaska-Where men are men and Kate wins,always.
Go Kate and Dana.
If you wake up alive in the morning it’s only because Mutt has decided that she will let you.
If you have done wrong in Alaska’s beautiful Wilderness there are 2 ladies you don’t want to meet up with….Kate & Mutt.
Spenser, you made me laugh out loud.
“If you think Kate is tough, wait until you meet the Aunties.”
” Kate Shugak P.I.: Investigating Alaskan Murder thru Native Eyes”
Breathtaking - just like the scenery of Alaska!
“You don’t steal, rape or murder in Kate’s back yard.
And Alaska is Kate’s backyard.”
(with an background pic of Kate & Mutt in front of a snowy mountain) You just knew I had to get Mutt in there! Dana, This is an overdue project for you & Kate.
Hi I’m Kate Shugak and I hear tell you’ve got yourself a dead body.
Don’t change Kate and Mutt like they did Temperence on Bones. I hate it when they emblish the books for TV. I can not wait for it to be on. I hope they pick some one good to be Kate.
Real life, real relationships, real danger, in the real Alaska.
1. One Alaskan woman you do not want to mess with. And then, of course, there’s her dog.
2. Committing a crime where Kate’s on call? Bad idea.
3. Criminals beware.
4. If you plan to commit a crime in Alaska, you might as well invite Kate to lunch and let her know.
Congratulations Dana!
I think for television Kate should be dialed back 1/2 a notch . Push the background forward a little so that Kate has a canvas to act against . Mutt all warm and fuzzy until the situation warrants .
To know Kate Shugak is to know Alaska. As brutal and beautiful as the weather in any given day.
1. So many moose, so few permits.
2. *Real* women field-dress moose in their backyard.
Got a bunch more lol:
1. There’s only one way to keep Kate Shugak from busting criminals and that’s to kill her. Good luck..
2. The day Kate Shugak doesn’t solve a crime will be the day Mutt flies.
or
When does Kate Shugak fail to solve a crime? When Mutt flies.
3. It will be a sweltering day in Alaska when Kate Shugak doesn’t solve a case.
4. Tough as the Chugachs and just as deadly.
5. With an attitude comparable to the Chugach Mountains, you’ll never want to be on her bad side.
6. Sherlock’s got nothing on her.
7. As beautiful and as dangerous as Alaska itself.
I am so glad to hear this is going into production. These are bar none some of my favorite books. Made interesting by plot line, but attention to detail of what life is really like in Alaska. So remember to get the little details right. Keep it real, not Hollywood dreamland and unrealistic special effects.
Good shows are really hard to come by these days and I think this series will be outstanding. I hope you are picked up on major network or at least give us a place we can watch them online. I know I will be glued to every episode!
After thought.. if you haven’t cast yet… what about Irene Bedard? she is actually from Alaska and is a top rated Native American Actress. Might help create a bigger fan base.
In Alaska, One Woman, her Mutt and murder………what more do you need on a cold winters night?
I love Mary B’s suggestion! Here is one more:
If you think Mutt is intimidating, wait until you meet Kate.
Size doesn’t matter.
“Buy this series or i’ll rip out your spleen and riverdance on it.
Worked for the Nightside books…
A main dish of sex and murder, served up with sides of relevant issues and emotions, by a native Alaskan woman PI, in some of the wildest scenery in America.
(I was going to mention things like politics and religion but decided that wouldn’t help sell the show to a tv producer!)
A woman and her wolf conquer crime in the Alaskan bush.
(Okay, so Mutt is “only half” wolf — semantics never bother Hollywood)
1. Kate Shugak: don’t EVER piss her off.
Did I win? Huh? Did I?
“What one WORD would you use to describe the Kate Shugak television series if you were alone in an elevator with a Hollywood producer?”
Uplifting!…especially if I were an Alaskan Native.
It’s a modern-day Daniel Boone turned detective - and she’s a babe!
Tough, attractive Native Alaskan solves big crimes in the Bush with the help of her amazing dog.
Ninety of the scariest pounds in all of Alaska…..and then you have to face Kate.
Go Dana!
A mixture of Murder She Wrote, Northern Exposure, The Andy Griffith Show and Rin Tin Tin.
In Alaska, everything about murder is different, except the color of the blood.
I love to watch Kate Shugak in action, but I’m glad I have a TV to keep up with her.
Make sure and find someone perfect for Kate’s part - remember she is strong and independent, but she still needs the attention of a special trooper.
Meet Kate Shugak — she’s one tough broad working the Alaskan wilderness, fighting crime with courage and her secret weapon, Mutt.
Exotic, Alaskan, female PI with an intelligent dog (Appeal to 1) mystery lovers; 2) the 43 million dog owners in the U.S.)
The Kate Shugak series is addictive to anyone who loves a fantastic woman with strong values, ethics, amazing abilities, vulnerability, and a devotion to her native Alaska and its people who are described so thoroughly.
Can’t wait for the series. Just hope it is true to novels and not some Hollywood studio version.
Ruggedly suspenseful
Awesome ! I can`t hardly wait for the tv show. I love the books and have read everyone and now waiting for ” A Night to Dark “. I just hope you make the show as good as the books are. They are awesome and keep me reading and reading. I hate to put the book down. I`m hoping Kate and Jim will finally get married. I love Mutt too and wish I had a nice smart dog like her. A native woman would be great to play Kate. Keep it real and keep it in Alaska with real Alaska scenery !
One-liner:
Independent scarred Native Alaskan investigator and her loyal ‘Park Rat’ friends bring justice to a series of do-badders who mess with Alaska and the lifestyle it represents.
She’s driven, dedicated, and deadly on or off the frozen tundra.
Alaska = Kate and Mutt!
Sex, murder, bears, moose, a wolf, a woman with a heart of gold and a spine of steel, and it has nothing to do with Sarah Palin.
tagline for Kate Shugak tv seriesA series of mysteries set in various locations throughout Alaska solved by savvy Native Alaskan P.I. Kate Shugak, accompanied by her loyal dog, Mutt.
A girl and her dog trying to claim a way of life, disturbed by outsiders in a land of old ways and new criminals. The odds are good, but the goods are odd when Kate and Mutt catch you in their Kate Shugak mystery series. Peace out
Tagline :
No trail is too cold for Kate Shugak to follow
In the Last frontier, she’s your last resort
It’s a story about the most fierce Alaskan native woman that you hope never to meet.
Kate is cool and calm like a glacier in the sun, but a fire burns inside her to make things right.
Kate makes me proud of my Alaskan heritage. She also represents a terrific role model for women as strong, confident and smart and sexy! Mutt is the best friend you want to have!
My tagline idea: If you think the bears in Alaska are deadly, wait until you meet Kate Shugak.
Let me tell you that in Alaska men are men and women are more, especially Kate Shugack… if you don’t make this movie full-charactered or not at all, you’ve missed the herring boat!
Commit a crime in Alaska, then pray you don’t come face to face with Kate Shugak.
A fiercely independent native Alaskan woman, straddling both the modern world and the pressures of her own Indian culture, solves crimes against the backdrop of a beautiful but often unforgiving Alaskan wilderness.
As you struggle to flee the scene of your crime you keep telling yourself, “The dog is only 1/2 wolf & the little Native detective with the nasty scar across her throat is only 5 ft. tall, How bad can they be?”
How about: “In Alaska, not only the climate is murder…”
Looking forward to the series - assuming it makes it across the Pond to the UK, sigh.
Kate Shugak, a Native Aleut and former top investigator for the Anchorage District Attorney, after being violently injured on the job, retires to her isolated rural home in the Alaska bush, only to be drawn back into solving crimes by lovers, ex-lovers, eccentric neighbors, intertribal politics, and the beautiful harshness of the Alaskan wilderness.
If you liked ” A Boy And His Dog ” you’ll love ” A Woman And Her Wolf “
S(hugak) and M(utt)! It’s better in Alaska.
Crooks want to kill her. Men want to love her. Women want to be her.
Everyone wants her dog.
Kate.
Alaska: the biggest state, the least policemen-you don’t need ‘em, you got Kate Shugak and Mutt!
To the producer… Are you up for a challenge? Then this is it! If you strive to master the craft of Dana’s writing and capture the characters and scenery so vividly described in her books, you’ll be the most sought out producer ever. Then I reach my destination on the elevator and the producer pushes the alarm button so that I tell more…or else!
Like the Rockford files mixed with Lassie set in Alaska, if Rockford were a strong, independent 5′-tall Native woman and Lassie were half wolf.
OR
Car chases replaced by fishing trawlers and snowmobiles, back alleys replaced by back country, beautiful trophy wives replaced by tough and resourceful aunties, lapdogs replaced by a wolf, and the biggest, baddest 5-foot woman in Alaska - what’s not to like?
Kate Shugak, a woman like no other.
Kate Shugak never quits on Alaska- and the victims she vows to help.
Alaska: rough territory with an even tougher crime solver.
Kate Shugak: See Alaska though her eyes.
“light bright shining”
i am so excited for me and happy for you, Dana!!!
Kate is, well, just Kate; simply the best; add Mutt; unbeatable!
I am from NY and to me the Kate Shugak novels are a wonderful looking glass into life in Alaska. I like the different kind of adventures, stories about the fontier and problems most of us will never have to face not living in Alaska.
If the show can keep that since of Alaska and stay true to Kate,and mute’s character it will be a hit.
I like the idea of Irene Bedard playing her, because she potrays a strong self confident woman like our Kate.
1. Kate Shugak has Mutt, will travel.
2. In Alaska, Kate Shugak has Mutt, will travel.
I like “In the Last frontier, she’s your last resort”, above, but would change “In” to “On”.
“In a land where nature makes the laws the winds only howl for one form of justice …”
Please do not let “Hollywood” ruin Kate as they have so many other characters from fantastic books. They do so by poor casting and really dumb dialog. Make them stay true to your books which my husband and I love.
tagline:
Who do want to have YOUR back? For me, I’ll take Kate and Mutt!
“The Good Wife” … not married and not so good.
1. A charming story about a girl and her pet dog…only the girl is a beautiful, tough, and savvy Kate Shugak and the dog is just a Mutt — the usual half-husky, half-wolf mutt.
2. (Grabbing the exec by the collar and lifting him off the floor): “Look, $#%!!head: this is your chance to finally redeem yourself for all the CRAP you’ve been putting out! Now SIGN, goddamnit, and don’t give me any backtalk!”
An abundance of Alaskan exhileration!
Dana: Remember that long-ago night in Cyrano’s basement when we all wondered what the Ak SinC motto should be? I hereby give you permission to use, “Kate Shugak’s Alaska…where the trail is ALWAYS cold.”
Although that might not translate to those who aren’t fans of police procedurals. But you know what Mutt would say about people like that. (Woof.)
1.Small in stature, large in heart, Kate Shugak, don’t piss her off!
OR
2.Small in stature, large in heart, Kate Shugak, fights bad guys in Alaska.
3.Small in stature, large in heart, Kate Shugak, lives to make Alaska safe.
4.A woman and her dog, it’s a beautiful thing.
5. What Kate lacks in size, Mutt can equalize.
So I went a little nuts…
Number 1 is my fav.
Kate Shugak is Alaska PERSONIFIED.
OR
Shugak is the personification of the essence of Alaska.
There are more ways to kill in Alaska than in all the lower 48 states put together.
she’s short, she’s tough, her and her dog kick arse. Agatha Christie has nothing on Kate.
These stories are hot enough to warm you up to one of the coldest places on earth!
Savvy native Alaskan PI Kate Shugak and her loyal wolf-dog Mutt romp around rugged Alaska chasing murderers, dodging bullets, solving crimes and fending off assaults while meting out justice in the far north.
Thrilling, Chilling, Sensuous, and Sexy, she is a lady every man desires to respect, hold and love.
The only roller coaster in Alaska is Kate Shugak’s life and adventures. Your stomache is clenched, your heart is in your throat, as Kate and Mutt take on another case.
Kate and Mutt current day Alaska’s Sherlock Holms and Dr Watson!
To a Pruducer:Redeem Ak (after the awful Palin) film a rugged bushrat woman doing an awsome job and making people love and follow her and want more. Oh I would like one of the aunties to be the docs receptionest on Northern Exposure-right on. Can’t wait keep us informed
ok take out the Palin comment and hope that makes it ok. B
To a producer in an elevator: Do the down to earth bushrat woman doing a job and doing it well in all of the outback toughness and the earthiness of carring and don’t forget the wolfdog. I’d like to see the docs receptionest in Northern Exposure as one of the aunties.
If you value your gonads proceed with caution, and then there’s her dog Mutt….
Kate Shugak: Kicking Alaskan asses from Adak to Yakutat
“Hot nights, cold blood”
“Alaska, where the men are men and the women kick ass.”
“Desire. Death. Derision.”
“Killers, Criminals and Cops. Oh my.”
“Leaders, Lawbreakers and Lovers. Oh my.”
“Part Aleut, part Private Investigator, all Woman.”
“Shugak Attack!”
“Kate Shugak. She is to criminals what Buffy was to vampires… but not so much with the stakes and the stabbing.”
“She can’t see Russia from her back yard, but she doesn’t need a helicopter to hunt moose.”
LOL, this has devolved into silliness. Hope you find one you like!
Caleb
Producer tagline:
Outsiders, Park Rats, and the Aunties, OH MY, Kate……..
History,nature,recipes,laughs, romance and murder, who needs anything more.
“A Woman, a wolf and a mission. Pray you are not the mission.”
“When murder’s done ‘neath the Midnight Sun, Kate and Mutt are on it like ravens on roadkill.”
Trite, I know, but I just had to include the ravens somehow…
The girl, her wolf and a crime in the wilderness
W3 - Woman, Wolf, Wilderness
One small woman, one big back yard, one bad attitude!
Alaska’s secret weapons - two wolf women you won’t want to challenge - Kate and Mutt!
Kate Shugak…..Pure-bred Alaska with attitude…
There is a right way, and a wrong way to experience Alaska…crossing Kate Shugak is like trying to climb a glacier without cramp-ons!
I think you need to cast the handsome and hunky Shannon Porter as a person of interest or even a love interest of Kate. Im good with dogs too! Congratulations Dana! Call if interested!
Protect and serve…and kick some ass along the way.
In the Alaskan bush, Kate Shugack takes a cut-throat approach to murder.
So…you want to meet some good-lookin’ Alaskan women, huh?
Alaska-a good place to hide-unless Kate Shugak and Mutt are hunting you.
A girl and her dog-what could be sweeter-unless Kate and Mutt are hunting you!
Think you got away with it? Turn around-meet Kate Shugak and Mutt.
Wilderness, Indians, a little-used environment (Alaska) - hot crimes, hot sex, a flawed and loveable lead, what’s not to love?
Taking Pat C’s comment to the next level: “Go beyond 3D all the way to 3W - Woman, Wolf, Wilderness - Wow!!!”
Or: Woman, Wolf, Wilderness - Watch out!
To real for TV…
May they treat you and Kate well.
An authentic Alaskan experience
with colorful characters and a
wily woman with a wolf.
Tagline for the film:
See this, then go read all the books!
Definitely like that one, Mary Anne!
The Woman.. The Wolf.. The Wind…….Alaskan Mysteries
“KATEWORLD” - Alaska’s crime park
“A wild, wise woman, a wolf, and wicked fun to enjoy!”
Kate Shugak, now there’s a force to be reckoned with!
Uncanny Woman lives in a beautiful wilderness Park solving unusual mysteries-gains loyal fans wanting the next adventure!
murder,mutt and mayhem
ursula
“This gold rush will be even bigger than the last one.”
Alaska has one state trooper for each ?00,000 square miles. That’s all they need - they have Kate Shugack.
To that producer: Keep it real- we can tell the difference.
God I love that Mutt and
Kate is strong and true, exciting and believable !
Kate is someone I would want to be friends with….she is so believable, when I lived in Anchorage on a 3 mo. assignment….I discovered these wonderful books and tried to actually locate Kate.
It’s one hell of a good read.
rusty
The Kate Shugak television series should be on Hollywood’s “Most Wanted” list.
Slitting her throat didn’t stop her; it only made her mad.
Thought of another one
With a half-wolf, half-husky and the law on her side, committing a crime in her backyard is not a good idea.
Women in the far North are bolder, stronger - and keep a wolf for company.
OR
A female sleuth in Alaska - as mysterious as the Northern Lights: she solves cases with wit, determination, and the help of a great wolf-dog.
Titan of Trouble, Pulse of a nation, protector of God’s land
Hope I spelled it right
Drop Kate Shugak, all 5′ of her,and her 140 lb wolf/husky mix into a murder mystery and expect action, fun, and a thrilling outcome.
1.With Kate and Mutt on the job, the northern lights burn brighter.
2.With Kate Shugak on the job,the Park(Alaska)breathes easier.
3.Protect and defend… Alaska style
4.With Shugak on the job,its protect and defend …Alaska style.
I’m trying!
Meet the toughest female in Alaska….and her owner, Kate.
Men fear her. Women fear her. Kate fears nothing. Except the odd committee meeting.
Kate is a petite, seductive, feisty she-knight who fearlessly rights wrongs with the persuasive help of Mutt’s fangs and growls.
Kate Shugak knows herself well and understands what she knows. Only Mutt knows her better!
Kate and Mutt: sharp noses and round heels.
I wish they’d pick your tagline for the series, Dick. I’m going to be laughing all morning. Thanks!
I know it seems simple but I like it….
“You Can Call Me Kate”
Shugak,her Wolf-dog and Alaska- Enough Said
Kate and Mutt “Niniltna” heart!
(a play on words - “Niniltna” could melt ya)
Don’t ever get on the wrong side of these two ladies from Alaska - Kate and Mutt!
Kate Shugak P.I., Mutt her 140lb wolf/Husky mix and Alaska, the last Frontier who could resist?
With her undaunting spirit, her wolf companion Mutt, Kate tames the wilds of Alaska.
Experience Alaska from its glorious to its goriest through the senses of Native born and bred Kate Shugak and her devoted partner wolf dog Mutt.
—OR—
Experience Alaska from its glorious to its goriest through the exploits of Native born and bred Kate Shugak and her devoted partner wolf dog Mutt.
Kate Shugat: brains, balls, bad ass attitude,and that’s just to her friends.
Kate will be a dynamite character in a winner series with a different twist and an instant audience.
From your mouth to Hollywood’s ears, Curt. Thanks!
beuatiful face/kickass attitude and the dog aint much safer
kate is nothing w/o mutt. and she knows it.
@Morgan Oohhh, I don’t know, Morgan, them may be fighting words…
We missed you at the Sat race.
A beautiful day on Kachemak bay.
Enter into a world you have never imagined, seen,or known; enter the wilderness Alaska lives of Kate and Mutt. .
Dana, your hair looks great! (Pix in “Mudflats”) I’m really looking forward to a Kate Shugack TV series. Alaska, Kate & Mutt–what more could we ask for?!? Will Jim be her love interest? It’s really great to see so many strong women’s roles showing up on TV! Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan, Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli & Isles & now, Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak! It’s about time!
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