People, I have never kept a secret this long in my life. This has been brewing since June, 2011.
Here’s what I heard originally: Ron Howard’s father Rance Howard has a longtime fascination with Doc Holliday. He read Doc when it first came out and took it to his son Ron, who contacted HBO about it. The initial idea was to make a movie, but HBO suggested doing it as a series. According to press reports, however, Akiva Goldsman initiated the project.
All this happened very far away from Cleveland, Ohio, and I will probably never understand how the deal was made. WHATeverrrr… The deal is done and my wonderful agent Jane Dystel says that I’m finally allowed to tell everyone!
Now, then, let’s all get a grip. They make a pilot first. If HBO decides it’s got potential, then they have the option to make a series based on what is now called “the source material.” And according to the articles available online, they’ve already decided that “The series will feature the never-before-explored love triangle between Holliday, his prostitute wife, Kate Elder and best friend, Wyatt Earp — all set against the lawlessness and desperation of a rapidly changing society.”
Nobody’s mentioned piano concerts. So I’m already sort of bracing myself for fits of screaming frustration.
On the other hand, RON HOWARD! AKIVA GOLDSMAN! HBO!!! Jeez, Louise! This is sooooooooo cool!!!
In related news, I can also announce that The Cure for Anger (or “Season Two” as it is affectionately known in the Russell household) will be published by HarperCollins under the Ecco imprint.
Until April of this year, I believed I would be with Random House for life, but on the very day I first held Doc in my hands, I received an email informing me that Random House was not interested in the sequel. I was given conflicting reasons for the decision, but there was no doubt at all about the decision itself.
Despite having had nine editors for five books over the years (not to mention some real conflicts over cover art — someday I’ll tell you about the infamous Dead Bird cover that was initially proposed for The Sparrow), I was very happy at Random House, and proud to be published there. I will miss the wonderful production, publicity, and sales teams; it’s been a pleasure to work with them all these years. But I am excited about a new start with Libby Edelson at Ecco, and grateful to HarperCollins for their faith in my next novel.