2121 replies to this topic

[Jim]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Might be a smidge sweeping. I'm ignoring it until I have read it.

[David Schofield]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Might be a smidge sweeping. I'm ignoring it until I have read it.

Purely speculation on my part, James.

But I think I'm warm....

[Jim]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Might be a smidge sweeping. I'm ignoring it until I have read it.

Purely speculation on my part, James.

But I think I'm warm....

You might be. If I were so very terribly enthused I might not be taking the line I am.

Call it the inevitable by-product of being burned once too often.

[David Schofield]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Might be a smidge sweeping. I'm ignoring it until I have read it.

Purely speculation on my part, James.

But I think I'm warm....

You might be. If I were so very terribly enthused I might not be taking the line I am.

Call it the inevitable by-product of being burned once too often.

Indeed.

[zencat]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

[Loomis]

To be fair, Deaver (well, as far as we know) seems to have taken more time over PROJECT X than Sebastian "I tossed it off in a couple of weeks as a spot of light relief after spending five years researching HUMAN TRACES and, unlike Fleming, I did my snorkelling on the sofa ha ha!" Faulks did over DEVIL MAY CARE.

Not that it may mean all that much, but I do detect a little more commitment on Deaver's part.

X has all the potential to be similarly dreadful. My view at this stage is that the concept won't work and that Bond and Deaver's doorstop airport pulp won't mesh well together.

I think the concept can work only if IFP has the guts to let Deaver follow through with it and reinvent James Bond from the ground up. I suspect, though, that the final result will be a bit of a play-it-safe fudge, with Leiter and all manner of Obligatory Fleming Elements™ shoehorned in, as well as extravagant action scenes to pander to those readers whose only knowledge of the world of Bond comes from the Eon films.

I may be wrong, though, and certainly hope I am. At the very least, it would appear that Deaver knows how to write a twisty, turny thriller, and so there ought to be a fairly decent pageturner underneath it all.

After getting badly burnt by that Faulks travesty, i can't get excited about this Deaver project. I'm not sure but it might be the modern setting, the alleged breakneck pace, Bond's age - its contrary to all i love about Fleming's Bond. I'm not liking what i hear so far......

But the modern setting, the alleged breakneck pace and Bond's age are precisely the things that interest me about PROJECT X. I think that all the continuation novelists have actually stuck far too closely to Fleming's Bond, leading mostly to dull and unoriginal books that read like very pale imitations of Fleming.

Well, if I want "Fleming" I've already got my Fleming books, so instead of a poor xerox of the real thing I'd sooner a continuation novelist really took Bond by the scruff of the neck, rebooted and reinvented him in all manner of insane but interesting directions, and truly made him his own, for better or for worse. Extreme? Not really. Nothing that anyone does with Bond can affect the Fleming canon.

A while back, Jim suggested that Deaver ought to make Leiter a Muslim. Now, he may have been joking, but personally I'd say that that's precisely the sort of outside-the-box thinking that Deaver would do well to employ.

Listen, do we really need yet another standard-issue Bond novel? Honestly? Do we really crave nothing more than some stories featuring a chap called James Bond and written by someone halfheartedly ticking all the Flemingian boxes? Are we truly just satisfied with this sort of professional fan fiction? I'd like Deaver to give me a reason to read him, to give me something new. I've got Fleming's Bond already - let's see his.

[Mott Cameron Mott]

The modern period angle bothered me at first but all Fleming's books happened in his modern period. I'd rather keep the familiar characters but upgrade them to the modern day. Moneypenny would be Moneypenny of today and Leiter would be a modern day former marine from Texas etc., no Qutes.

I'm hopeful about the book. Was not overly impressed with Garden of Beasts but he wasn't writing a Bond book so still excited about the possibilites.

Edited by Mott Cameron Mott, 05 November 2010 - 05:22 PM.

[K1Bond007]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

Because he's always on about nationality. Schofield, whether he admits it or not, is already against the book merely because its author is American. It's not trepidation he has, it's outright disdain. Pure speculation on my part, but I think I'm warm. If not his thought now, I bet it was his first upon the announcement.

Maybe I'm wrong. And no, I'm not picking a fight here. Just an observation.

[zencat]

And I thought it was just me.

[David Schofield]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

Because he's always on about nationality. Schofield, whether he admits it or not, is already against the book merely because its author is American. It's not trepidation he has, it's outright disdain. Pure speculation on my part, but I think I'm warm. If not his thought now, I bet it was his first upon the announcement.

Maybe I'm wrong. And no, I'm not picking a fight here. Just an observation.

And I thought it was just me.

Now listen to me, my friend. Never call me "Schofield". David Schofield is my real name not some bloody silly user name. Therefore, its Mr Schofield or - if you want to be polite, David. Got that?

A simple observation of the originators of the post shoudl indicate where the enthusiasm for Deaver originates. You can check that, can't you?

Now, find me where I'm "always on about nationality", though I note you too are an American. Bit upsetting you are not from Bond's country, is it?

Frankly, I couldn't give a stuff whether Deaver were from Outer Mongolia. He writes American prose for a predominently American airport buying public. I DOUBT whether he can convince whether he is writing about an Englishman. I COULD be wrong.

Now, have you just had a bad day and do you want to play nicely?

[K1Bond007]

Hmm...

Noooooooooooo.

An American. Writing a modern day James Bond adventure.

....was my original reaction.

haha. I was right. Wow.

[David Schofield]

Hmm...

Noooooooooooo.

An American. Writing a modern day James Bond adventure.

....was my original reaction.

haha. I was right. Wow.

Edited out the positive bits from that post, though, haven't you, to suit?

But hey, you American wetting yourself with excitement. Me British ing myselvef with trepidation.

As I said this morning. GMT, of course.

[K1Bond007]

Edited out the positive bits from that post, though, haven't you, to suit?

No. I was merely reinforcing that it was your first thought.

[Righty007]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

Because he's always on about nationality. Schofield, whether he admits it or not, is already against the book merely because its author is American. It's not trepidation he has, it's outright disdain. Pure speculation on my part, but I think I'm warm. If not his thought now, I bet it was his first upon the announcement.

Maybe I'm wrong. And no, I'm not picking a fight here. Just an observation.

And I thought it was just me.

Now, find me where I'm "always on about nationality", though I note you too are an American. Bit upsetting you are not from Bond's country, is it?

K1Bond007 is right, Schofield. You've been posting xenophobic remarks on this forum for awhile and the schtick is getting tiresome. Learn some new tricks, old boy. <-- I hope that British expression I used tickles your fancy.

[David Schofield]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

Because he's always on about nationality. Schofield, whether he admits it or not, is already against the book merely because its author is American. It's not trepidation he has, it's outright disdain. Pure speculation on my part, but I think I'm warm. If not his thought now, I bet it was his first upon the announcement.

Maybe I'm wrong. And no, I'm not picking a fight here. Just an observation.

And I thought it was just me.

Now, find me where I'm "always on about nationality", though I note you too are an American. Bit upsetting you are not from Bond's country, is it?

K1Bond007 is right, Schofield. You've been posting xenophobic remarks on this forum for awhile and the schtick is getting tiresome. Learn some new tricks, old boy. <-- I hope that British expression I used tickles your fancy.

No mate, modern Brits don't talk like that. Hope Jeff knows.

But please, resent away at not being from Bond's country. Please do. Got a passport at all, Righty?

But the message is the same to you and K1Bond007: call me Mr Schofield or David. That enough for your intellect to cope with?

And as I said to start, and now seems more re-inforced. Americans somewhat more enthused about Deaver. And proprietorial about Sam's involvement.

[Righty007]

I suspect the enthusiasm for Project X divides on lines of nationality, the Yanks wetting themselves with excitement and we Brits ting ourselves with trepidation.

Why do you say that?

Because he's always on about nationality. Schofield, whether he admits it or not, is already against the book merely because its author is American. It's not trepidation he has, it's outright disdain. Pure speculation on my part, but I think I'm warm. If not his thought now, I bet it was his first upon the announcement.

Maybe I'm wrong. And no, I'm not picking a fight here. Just an observation.

And I thought it was just me.

Now, find me where I'm "always on about nationality", though I note you too are an American. Bit upsetting you are not from Bond's country, is it?

K1Bond007 is right, Schofield. You've been posting xenophobic remarks on this forum for awhile and the schtick is getting tiresome. Learn some new tricks, old boy. <-- I hope that British expression I used tickles your fancy.

No mate, modern Brits don't talk like that. Hope Jeff knows.

But please, resent away at not being from Bond's country. Please do. Got a passport at all, Righty?

But the message is the same to you and K1Bond007: call me Mr Schofield or David. That enough for your intellect to cope with?

And as I said to start, and now seems more re-inforced. Americans somewhat more enthused about Deaver. And proprietorial about Sam's involvement.

That's Mr. Righty to you, old boy.

[K1Bond007]

And as I said to start, and now seems more re-inforced. Americans somewhat more enthused about Deaver. And proprietorial about Sam's involvement.

Nah. I don't really care. I'm just enthused about a Bond novel. I like the idea of a modern reboot. It worked for the films. It could work here and if it doesn't, oh well, we'll get something else again soon. And it's great that they have a well respected name behind it, but we had that last time too. At this point, I'm puzzled by anyone who has any sort of expectations / desires / demands for how the novel should be approached, written or what Flemingesque items should be included. I just want a good original story. I don't need or want another imitation of Fleming. I don't think Deaver is a bad choice. Let him roam free and we may get a great Bond novel. The same could have been said for Sebastian Faulks. If that makes me enthused for Deaver then you pegged me to the board.

[zencat]

Yep. What K1 said.

Moving on...

Wonder when we are going to get a title?

[Quantumofsolace007]

Yep. What K1 said.

Moving on...

Wonder when we are going to get a title?

3 months from now i guess.

[zencat]

My fear is we won't get the title or cover art until release day. I don't know how I'd last that long. They just seem to have invested so much on the whole Project X name and imagery, be odd if they threw it all out after only a few months.

[K1Bond007]

My fear is we won't get the title or cover art until release day. I don't know how I'd last that long. They just seem to have invested so much on the whole Project X name and imagery, be odd if they threw it all out after only a few months.

I've always thought "X" would be retained in someway. Like in a series title (e.g., James Bond X much like Young Bond) or in the title of the book itself.

Who knows.

[Single-O-Seven]

Don't worry, Zen (or is it Mr. Zencat?). Even if the publishers plan to hold the title close to their chests until release day, in this day and age of the electronic telegraph machine, the title will be leaked out well in advance. I'm surprised there have been no rumours, though. Or suggestions. The Bond movies have rumoured titles long before the films have even been scripted.

I personally don't see X being retained, but could be pleasantly surprised. Maybe they'll simply call it Bond X in honour of the recent film classic, Jason X. For my money (not that I have any of that) it'll be a very Bondish (or Flemingish) title that will make us cheer. And then a Paul McCartney sound-alike will sing a theme song for it.

[K1Bond007]

Don't worry, Zen (or is it Mr. Zencat?). Even if the publishers plan to hold the title close to their chests until release day, in this day and age of the electronic telegraph machine, the title will be leaked out well in advance. I'm surprised there have been no rumours, though. Or suggestions. The Bond movies have rumoured titles long before the films have even been scripted.

Mr. Zencat is going to respond citing how they kept Double or Die a secret for so long. It wasn't until like a day before the release that the title slipped out. I don't think they could do that with this one though. I think it would destroy their marketing if they did that too. At least establish a series first.

[zencat]

Wow, you read my mind! I was indeed going to bring up DOD.

But that title didn't slip out. It was secret until the moment Charlie revealed it, from what I remember (and I remember that pretty darn well).

Hurricane Gold slipped a few days before. Maybe that's what you're thinking about? (Or Quantum of Solace?)

EDIT: DOD title reveal thread.

[tdalton]

I think that I'd actually be OK with them keeping things secret until the book's release, including the title and going as far as the actual plot of the novel as well. I don't know if it's feasible for this kind of thing to happen (I figure it would have to be easier to do for a novel than it would be for a film), but I think literally knowing nothing about the project before it's put into my hands could be quite exciting.

[Byron]

To be fair, Deaver (well, as far as we know) seems to have taken more time over PROJECT X than Sebastian "I tossed it off in a couple of weeks as a spot of light relief after spending five years researching HUMAN TRACES and, unlike Fleming, I did my snorkelling on the sofa ha ha!" Faulks did over DEVIL MAY CARE.

Not that it may mean all that much, but I do detect a little more commitment on Deaver's part.

X has all the potential to be similarly dreadful. My view at this stage is that the concept won't work and that Bond and Deaver's doorstop airport pulp won't mesh well together.

I think the concept can work only if IFP has the guts to let Deaver follow through with it and reinvent James Bond from the ground up. I suspect, though, that the final result will be a bit of a play-it-safe fudge, with Leiter and all manner of Obligatory Fleming Elements™ shoehorned in, as well as extravagant action scenes to pander to those readers whose only knowledge of the world of Bond comes from the Eon films.

I may be wrong, though, and certainly hope I am. At the very least, it would appear that Deaver knows how to write a twisty, turny thriller, and so there ought to be a fairly decent pageturner underneath it all.

After getting badly burnt by that Faulks travesty, i can't get excited about this Deaver project. I'm not sure but it might be the modern setting, the alleged breakneck pace, Bond's age - its contrary to all i love about Fleming's Bond. I'm not liking what i hear so far......

But the modern setting, the alleged breakneck pace and Bond's age are precisely the things that interest me about PROJECT X. I think that all the continuation novelists have actually stuck far too closely to Fleming's Bond, leading mostly to dull and unoriginal books that read like very pale imitations of Fleming.

Well, if I want "Fleming" I've already got my Fleming books, so instead of a poor xerox of the real thing I'd sooner a continuation novelist really took Bond by the scruff of the neck, rebooted and reinvented him in all manner of insane but interesting directions, and truly made him his own, for better or for worse. Extreme? Not really. Nothing that anyone does with Bond can affect the Fleming canon.

A while back, Jim suggested that Deaver ought to make Leiter a Muslim. Now, he may have been joking, but personally I'd say that that's precisely the sort of outside-the-box thinking that Deaver would do well to employ.

Listen, do we really need yet another standard-issue Bond novel? Honestly? Do we really crave nothing more than some stories featuring a chap called James Bond and written by someone halfheartedly ticking all the Flemingian boxes? Are we truly just satisfied with this sort of professional fan fiction? I'd like Deaver to give me a reason to read him, to give me something new. I've got Fleming's Bond already - let's see his.

I understand what you are saying Loomy. You are perfectly right in pining for something new and fresh!

However i consider myself a "traditionalist" and hark for Bond adventures set in the Fleming era.

It's a damn pity that no post continuation author (except for Amis) has been able to deliver on that front.

Like David, i am also concerned as to whether Deaver has what it takes as an American to capture the subtleties of the Britishness of Bond without making it look hackneyed. The Indian maideservant angle has already set alarm bells ringing.

Yes Project X may read fine if you are a blissfully ignorant Yank but not if you are British or from the Commonwealth.

[zencat]

I think that I'd actually be OK with them keeping things secret until the book's release, including the title and going as far as the actual plot of the novel as well. I don't know if it's feasible for this kind of thing to happen (I figure it would have to be easier to do for a novel than it would be for a film), but I think literally knowing nothing about the project before it's put into my hands could be quite exciting.

I could live without knowing any plot details. We knew nothing about DMC's plot before publication and that was fine.

[terminus]

I think, this time, we'll have at least a proper blurb - given this is arguably being marketed to a broader range of people (DMC was clearly more directed towards Bond fans whereas this is marketed to a broader audience, I think) then I think we'll need a blurb to draw in potential readers.

[zencat]

Good argument Mr. terminus. Yes, I think we need a blurb. And a title and a cover. Oh, hell, just give me the manuscript now and I'll be on my way.

[Major Tallon]

Like David, i am also concerned as to whether Deaver has what it takes as an American to capture the subtleties of the Britishness of Bond without making it look hackneyed. The Indian maideservant angle has already set alarm bells ringing.

Yes Project X may read fine if you are a blissfully ignorant Yank but not if you are British or from the Commonwealth.

I'm a Yank, but I'll leave it to others to decide whether I'm blissfully ignorant. In any event, I appreciate Bond's Britishness, and I share the concerns about Bond's being written by an American. On present evidence, however, there's no reason to believe that Deaver can't bring it off. As someone once reminded us, it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive, so let's believe that IFP knows what it's doing and, at this point, be optimistic.