What’s in a Name?

From Marcia at facebook.com/theauthorswife:

Brian is known for using unique names in his books, so one of the questions that he’s often asked is whether any of the characters in his books are real…or based upon people that we know. The answer to that is generally no…but he has been known to use the names of a few real people that we know or have encountered. (Perhaps you’ve even noticed a familiar name or two over the years.)

Sometimes there are fun stories behind Brian’s choice of names…and his newest book, ALTER EGO, has a great story behind the names of two of the leading characters. Last spring, Brian and I were approached by the director of the Duluth Library Foundation to see if he would not only participate in their Fall fundraising event, but also whether he would also be willing to “auction off” the chance to become a named character in his next Jonathan Stride book. Of course, he jumped at the opportunity to help support such a worthy cause…!

A live auction was planned…and the bidding started with a number of folks jumping in with their bids. As the bids went higher, it became obvious that there were two people who were intent on winning. A hot and heavy bidding war between these two ensued. In the end, the winner was Lori Fulkerson…who was thrilled with her triumph. But then, in a surprise—and very generous gesture—the second bidder approached Brian afterward to ask whether, if he still gave his final bid amount, would Brian also let him be a named character in the book? Of course, since the ultimate winner would be the library foundation, Brian said yes…! And so, Dean Casperson became the name of another major character.

But here’s the twist…Lori and Dean didn’t know what kind of characters in the book would be named for them…!

Perhaps a victim…? Perhaps a villain…? Perhaps a murderer…?

This secret was kept from them…until the book was released. As a part of the launch for ALTER EGO, the Duluth Library Foundation held a second fundraising event at Glensheen–with Lori and Dean and in attendance—and Brian was invited to publicly reveal their characters. It was a sold-out event and everyone was thrilled with the revelation…including Lori and Dean. And of course, the best part was that it was all for a good cause…more than $6,000 was raised for the foundation.

Of course, if you’ve already read ALTER EGO, then you know which characters were named for Lori and Dean…but if you haven’t, now would be a great time to pick up a copy to find out…!

Friday Deal

Need a great book for the Memorial Day weekend?

Go out and grab THE VOICE INSIDE for your Kindle. It’s a Daily Deal today only!

https://amzn.to/2GPl99w

Video Q and A

Don’t miss my video interview about ALTER EGO and the ins and outs of writing thrillers with the wonderful Libby Fischer Hellmann. This interview was filmed at the Abraham Lincoln Book Shop in downtown Chicago (and they have signed copies available, too).

You can watch the interview on Facebook or You Tube:

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsVoice/videos/579639285736653/UzpfSTUxNDA1NDM0OToxMDE1NjM2NjAzMjY3OTM1MA/

You Tube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ranCG13MZN8

Live from Naples

I had a chance to enjoy the sunshine of Naples, Florida, this weekend, when I visited the Barnes & Noble store for an event on Saturday evening. Several scenes in my new thriller ALTER EGO are set right down in Naples. And of course, that’s where my Florida detective Cab Bolton lives.

Did you miss the event? Well, you can still be part of it! We did the event as a live radio show with Authors on the Air host Pam Stack. So you can listen to the entire event at the link below. It includes my reading Chapter 1 of ALTER EGO…!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsontheair/2018/05/05/brian-freeman-live-from-bn-naples-fl-on-authors-on-the-air-with-pam-stack

Available Now!

ALTER EGO is available now in e-book, hardcover, and audio! Don’t miss the return of Jonathan Stride (and Cab Bolton).

BOLO Books says: “Stunning….wow, what a finish….another one you simply can’t miss.”

Pioneer Press says: “Twisty, psychologically complex and dark….This series just keeps getting better.”

Find it right here: https://amzn.to/2reo0TA