Recently Christopher Pike shared the following update: Happy New Year everybody!
This is Pike,
I thought I’d post a note to answer some questions I’ve been getting via email.
First off, I had a great dinner last night In LA with the people from Alcon — who purchased Alosha — and the man who is going to direct the film, Jonathan Frakes. Jonathan was William Rhyker (sp?) on Star Trek, The Next Generation, second in command of the Enterprise. Besides playing a big role in the show, he directed the second Star Trek Generation’s movie, “First Contact,” which was in my opinion the best Star Trek movie ever made. I’ve VERY excited to be working with him. He really gets Alosha, especially the spiritual dimension. Jonathan and the Alcon group had just returned from New Zealand where they have started work with Richard Taylor’s people at Weta, the folks who did the special effects for Avatar and Lord of the Rings. Richard Taylor is a childhood friend of Peter Jackson and everyone who meets him says he’s a genius, and a super nice guy — a rare combo in Hollywood. Already Richard is coming up with a great look for Alosha. I feel it bodes well for the film that Richard and Jonathan have already formed a deep bond. It’s possible the movie might even be stronger than the book, because we’re taking pieces from the second and third books and carefully inserting them into the plot. Actually, I never intended Alosha to be a trilogy, but one big book. That’s why the ending is somewhat quiet — for a Christopher Pike novel. And for all of you out there who are still waiting for Nemi, you’re finally going to get your wish. The book will be released before the movie, probably in a year and a half.
AS I mentioned in another note, I’m working on Witch World II right now, and a big adult novel, Close Your Eyes, which I think is the best thriller I have ever written. I will get back to Thirst and Sita’s story when I have the time. I’m also writing a spooky YA called — at the moment — Shadowland. It’s a murder mystery that deals with those virtual reality worlds that many people get addicted to. The deeper I get into it, the weirder it gets. It’s one of those rare books where I have no idea where it’s going.
I still get questions about certain online arguments about The Secret of Ka. Once again, for the record, the person who got in those arguments with several angry readers wasn’t me, nor is it true that I post reviews of my books online. I’m my own worst critic, and would probably find fault with every book I’ve written. Finally, on this point, I changed certain aspects of Istanbul, the islands off Turkey, New York City — and even the stars in the sky — on purpose, for plot reasons. It wasn’t my intention to offend anyone. Ka is a fantasy novel about genies and flying carpets, it’s not to be taken seriously.
I still have no new info on Thirst and FilmNation. I was supposed to have a meeting with their president but he cancelled on me at the last minute. So goes Hollywood, it can be a frustrating town. That’s another reason why the Alosha news is so exciting. FINALLY something is going right! I’m just happy I don’t write screen-plays for a living, I’d probably jump off a tall building. ALL my script writing buddies are struggling to survive, it’s a tough business. Just a little hint for all you aspiring writers out there. Focus on novels!
Thanks again for the birthday and holidays wishes. As always, I’m grateful to you guys for buying my books. I hate to think where I would be if you didn’t!
All the Best, Christopher Pike
Happy New Year everybody!
