More On The Black Widow Trainer Series

Last week I ran the first part of my Q&A with Craig Odanovich author of The Black Widow Trainer series.  The most recent bok in what is being called a trilogy is Hanging By A Thread.  (I am still hopeful that the series does not end with a trilogy.)

Today I am featuring two other questions I asked Craig about TBWT series.  Craig was kind enough to add a little extra insight along with his answers.

Q-It seems you are aging Misty in real time. Will this limit possibilities for future books?
CO-The book series takes place over the course of about 5 to 6 years. This allows Misty the time she needs to mature. In Hollywood's way of thinking I should have started her out in her mid twenties. I disagree. Women today keep themselves in spectacular condition and are very stunning all the way up to the age of 50. I imagine Misty is in her very late thirties by the end of the book, so still spectacular. I have not decided whether I'm going to revive the series or not. We'll just have to wait and see.

Q-Do you have any other book ideas in the works?
CO-I don't have any other book ideas right now. I'll have to admit i spend a little time thinking about how I would revive the series if I chose to do so. Right now, I stay busy working with two wonderful screen play writers that are adapting The Black Widow Trainer into a screen play. As a first time author, my plot's in book two and especially book three are much more complete. This means the books get better as you read. They (we) have spent a lot of time strengthening TBWT's main plot for the movie. The subplot was always strong. The move came after hiring one of the top screen play analysts in Hollywood. Even though Dara Marks was extremely complimentary about Francisca Matos and Michael Borden's work and enjoyed how original the book is, she had some great suggestions that we felt would strengthen the overall play, so we are going back through making those changes now. By the way, Michael and Fran are very good with dialogue so readers of TBWT can expect a unique experience in the theater compared to the book.

I really appreciate Craig for giving us this insider's look at TBWT.  I hope I have turned on a few readers to this exciting, adventurous series. 
Check out the Craig Odanovich page at Amazon to learn more about all three books and to purchase them.  I am a book guy, but for those into Kindle, the price is incredible!

Reviewing Hanging By A Thread (The Black Widow Trainer series)

I recently had the pleasure of reading Hanging By A Thread, the third book in Craig Odanovich's The Black Widow Trainer series.  (Technically, it is a trilogy, but I have hopes for more books.)
Misty is the Black Widow Trainer, a very high priced trainer, who encounters all sorts of characters and adventures.  Misty is as unique as the "special" clause in all of her training contracts.
I have enjoyed all three books (Captured Prey is the middle book).  The character development and layers are so well done, not just for Misty, but for all.  The stories are highly adventurous, but Craig stated it best with "but it wouldn’t make for a good fantasy if I wrote about everyone’s daily lives".  Even so, I find the stories as realistic as can be.
In Hanging By A Thread, we see Misty gain a questionable protegee which brings interesting new dynamics.  Misty   The interaction between these two and those around them is as fascinating as the adventures they encounter.  Once again, Craig has managed to give us more insight and growth from Misty, without veering too far from her core.  I really think this was the best one yet!
After reading Hanging By A Thread, I asked Craig a few more questions.  The first stems from a friend who roots against Misty, who she says is the "one she loves to hate", sort of a modern day Joan Collins.  She might root against Misty, but she couldn't put down Hanging By A Thread!

Q-Do you know of any fans of TBWT who root against Misty?
CO-The short answer is yes, but it mostly happens over the course of book one. Misty is a very polarizing figure, I admit. I've found through the years that women who are so attractive that men swoon over them usually need time to mature. Life is just too easy for them. What the readers need to do is follow Misty's character arc throughout the totality of the trilogy. (Think in terms of a 900 page book, yet an easy read.) Misty is not a super hero. She is an everyday person that has trouble with commitment due to losing her parents in a car crash at the age of 8. She has been spending her life running from those emotions to insure she never gets hurt again. At least that's the state of mind you find her in at the beginning. The reader gets a glimpse of Misty maturing a little at the end of the The Black Widow Trainer. Over the course of Captured Prey the reader get's more and more into Misty's head and better understand how emotionally charged she is.  At this stage, Misty still doesn't understand herself that well. That's because she doesn't slow down enough to be introspective. As in the character arc of most protagonists, they eventually have to come to terms with some difficult issues. It's how they respond to the issues that ultimately define them. My guess is that your fan may have only read book one but I can still see her having a few lingering issues with Misty at the end of book two.

The book is more about the wonderful, interesting characters Misty comes across through her many journeys. Think of her as the conduit of discovery. Without Misty, there is no story, yet the story is about so much more than just Misty. I like to change the genre of each adventure to help make them unique and interesting. They are sometimes adventurous, seductive, wild and crazy, dark and scary, romantic, suspenseful, and ends up a dark thriller. A few readers have a problem with this, wishing the books were either all romance, or mysteries or whatever their favorite genre is. To really enjoy the trilogy, just sit back and enjoy the ride. I think you will find The Black Widow Trainer trilogy a true genre buster.

I will have more coverage of Hanging By A Thread in the near future.  Until then, check out the Craig Odanovich page at Amazon to learn more about all three books and to purchase them.  I am a book guy, but for those into Kindle, the price is incredible!

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.

Jack Odanovich was the first person to share a recap and picture when I was covering the Motor City Comic Con several years ago.  I really appreciated Jack's help and eventually met him at another MCCC.  Since then, I have gotten to know Jack a little better and also have gotten to know his father Craig, a relatively new author.
Jack dresses in full Star Wars garb while attending some conventions and charity events.  He also is a photog and has the Jack Odanovich Photography site.
Jack has a lot of fun, as is obvious in the picture below.  Jack apparently fell victim to a slashing (with his own sword) at the hands of Christy Hemme.
I love these type of pictures with celebrities.  There are only so many standard side-by-side shots you can have (especially for those of us who meet a lot of celebs).  Christy is always a good sport and I know Jack is always up for some fun at these events.

Jack Odanovich and Christy Hemme in Austin, TX-Fall 2010.

Reviewing:Captured Prey

Late last year, I had the pleasure of reading Craig Odanovich's debut novel, The Black Widow Trainer.  I also reviewed it here, giving it a completely positive review.  Recently, I read Craig's second novel, Captured Prey, the next book in The Black Widow Trainer series.
I had really been looking forward to Captured Prey.  I had a lot of questions as to what Craig would do with the characters and their further adventures.  Captured Prey surpassed my hopes.
Writing a book review is always tricky.  I want to tell about some of the exciting stories and plot twists, but I don't want to ruin any of it for anyone.  My goal is to convey the excitement, intrigue and adventure, without spoiling any of the story.
I can say the story picks up with Misty returning from Argentina (where she spent time with her best friend Gabriella) to start a new training session and a new adventure in Texas.  Needless to say, the story does not end in Texas.  Misty even gets involved in the vicious world of politics.
I love the character growth in this book.  Misty delves into her feelings and examines her life.  Misty shows more depth and more maturity, while not losing any of her freedom.  Misty is developing into a strong, controlled woman.
New characters are added and some old ones reappear.  All of the characters are interesting and help shape who Misty is, but Misty is the star of this book (and series).
Misty is a fascinating character.  She is innocent in a way, yet very worldly.  Her lust for life is contagious and palpable.  She is completely likable, yet I found myself enjoying it when she got in a little trouble.  A good character (and good story) needs to get in (and out) of trouble at times.  It keeps everything interesting and shows that Misty isn't untouchable.  (Although once in the trouble, I rooted for Misty to get herself out of it.)
On Craig's site he states that the story "can be scandalous, racy, risque, steamy and adventurous".  I completely agree, but I also add that there is a very real element to the story and the characters.  That's what makes the series so interesting to me.
I could talk a lot more about Captured Prey, but my suggestion is for you to read it yourself.  It is now available on Amazon (book and kindle).  It is also available through Barnes and Noble.  The ebook version of The Black Widow Trainer is only $2.99 and Captured Prey is only $4.99.  Ebook, kindle, hardback...whatever format you like, just make sure you get on board with Misty and TBWT series!
Craig and Misty are going places.  Craig has already done several successful book signings for The Black Widow Trainer, along with doing several interviews, including one on Playboy radio and one here on Johngy's Beat.  It is an exciting time for Craig, but also for us readers.  I am already looking forward to the next book!

Revisiting The Black Widow Trainer

Last week I reviewed The Black Widow Trainer, Craig Odanovich's debut novel.  After reading and enjoying it, I had the chance to ask Craig a few questions.  I enjoyed Craig's analysis almost as much as I enjoyed his book
Craig talks about how he came to write TBWT, including his observations at the gym, buying helpful books on novel-writing and putting together a focus group.  I found his approach and execution interesting.
Craig's approach to the sexual content is interesting, too. Misty's encounters aren't forced or blatant.  Once again, Craig uses a good balance.
I am always impressed when someone combines common sense with a creative sense.  I think this is a key component of Craig's success here.  Craig wrote about real human relations, reactions and feelings.  I never felt like I was reading fiction.  It was more like reading about a real person.  Also, this real person with exciting adventures had real problems and concerns about herself and her life.
Finally, Craig discusses the future of TBWT and of other potential works in his head.  He even gives us a few hints about what's ahead for Misty.
This is simply my shorthand version of my Q&A with Craig.  For Craig's complete answers and insight, please click on the box at the right  Craig's answers aren't shocking.  In fact, they make perfect sense.  Maybe that is part of why I liked TBWT.  It makes sense.  It is a fictional tale with enough drama and excitement to keep me hooked, but also enough normalcy to make it believable.

Craig Odanovich and his debut novel The Black Widow Trainer

Reviewing:The Black Widow Trainer

Reviewing a book written by a friend could be a sticky situation.  How would I tell the author if I didn't like the book?  Fortunately, I don't have to worry about that after reading The Black Widow Trainer by Craig Odanovich.  I really enjoyed this book, described as an erotic adventure novel.
Misty is a physical trainer, who is in a passionless marriage.  An unexpected weekend with a stranger pushes Misty towards a new life.  After an honest discussion with her husband, Misty embarks on her new life as a high priced trainer/escort, while still maintaining the security of her marriage.  Thus the black widow trainer was born.
I don't want to give away too much of the book though.  The rest is filled with interesting new characters, unexpected plot developments, adventures and exotic locations.  Each adventure is almost a short story in itself.
Misty's husband isn't lost in the shuffle either.  He plays an important part in Misty's life and the book.  I hope to see more of him in the future.
Craig did a great job with character development.  The characters were interesting and realistic and fit in the story.  Nothing seemed forced and nothing seemed wasted.
The entire book left me wanting more, in a good way.  I want to know what happens to Misty's husband, where Misty's new life takes her and how Misty grows.  I also want to see how Craig will keep it interesting, so as not to be simply endless, pointless encounters. Basically, I want Craig to continue this series, while staying true to the original.
Ordinarily, I would not pick an "erotic adventure" novel to read.  If you think the same, I encourage all to give The Black Widow Trainer a chance.  Make no mistake, this isn't a cheap romance novel.  Misty's encounters were important both in character growth and story development.  There is still plenty of action, but there is so much more offered than just that.
The Black Widow Trainer is available through Amazon and also Barnes and Noble.  Craig has also set up a Facebook page for The Black Widow Trainer.  The FB page is full of info about the book, including the entire first chapter. Also, Craig just opened a website for The Black Widow Trainer, which has the first chapter, some reviews and additional info.
I really encourage everyone to get this book.  As the Black Widow Trainer series continues, you'll want to be able to say you were in her web from the start.

Craig Odanovich at a book signing in San Antonio, TX-October 2010.