Book freaks discussion

Welcome everybody :o)
And thank you so much to Timothy for joining our group and sharing your time with us.
Let's all keep the questions respectful and give the author time to reply to each question. Also look within the thread to make sure your questions weren't asked yet. Let's try not to repeat questions too much. So let's have fun and let the questions fly :o)

When you wrote the scene with our main characters meeting with the head cannible headhunter and the croc came out and attacked everyone, what was the vision you saw in this scene and what was you inspiration for this part?

When you give the crocodile the ability to think, it's as if I'm swimming inside his head - and he becomes as solid a character as Johnny or Katsu.
I am in awe of this and wonder what was your inspiration for making the crocodile a character in the story.

Hey thanks, Steven! You - and every reader out there - can't know how truly heartwarming it is to work so hard on a book that took (in my case) several years to write, and then get rave reactions like yours!

Being an author can be a lone wolf kind of thing, and that goes with the turf, but relating to others through the finished work is so rewarding!

I'm here if anyone has questions, about TEETH, my life around the world, or whatever.

As Johnny, the sniper-hero of TEETH might say, "fire away!"

Timothy

Steven wrote: "When you wrote the scene with our main characters meeting with the head cannible headhunter and the croc came out and attacked everyone, what was the vision you saw in this scene and what was you i..."

Without giving away too much, this is the biggest crowd scene in the book, and one of the key points where most of the important characters (including the great crocodile known as "the Father") come together.

I was inspired by a first-hand account I read as a boy, about Westerners who went to live with a real tribe of headhunters in New Guinea, the Dani nation. That was called "Cannibal Valley".

It became the long ago, loose inspiration for my mythical "Valley of the Cannibals" and the Mambu nation.

These few chapters are absolutely essential in the book, and came up from asking one of those, "what would happen if...?" questions. "What would happen if I brought our band of soldiers, the Mambu nation, and the massive crocodile, all together at the same time?"

When I had this written, I knew I had one of the most spectacular and riveting action scenes in the whole saga!

Timothy, where did you come up with such an original plot?

Timothy- I can't put in words how much I loved TEETH- it was about the most gripping book I ever read- in my opinion a modern "Jaws" expect with better character development- how did you go about developing such original and memorable characters?

Donald wrote: "Timothy, where did you come up with such an original plot?"

Thanks for asking, Don. It grew out of my original life experiences. I spent a decade as a boy, growing up with headhunters, playing in the wrecks of war in the setting for the story, the incredible island of New Guinea. As an adult, I've tramped through there, and knocked about Southeast Asia quite a lot, so it was natural that I'd want to write about what has been a life long fascination, and love affair.

Then - I love great, sprawling epic sagas. James Clavell was a friend and mentor of mine, and I loved "Shogun," "Noble House," "Gai Jin," "Tai Pan," "King Rat" and more - and so I've done my best to follow in the grand tradition of his Asian epics.

But you asked about plot: I have an original situation, and unique characters (I hope) - and the plot is my version of the great physical adventure quest from "the Odyssey" on (you will see gods and monsters, great danger and bravery, and a tip of the hat to the Sirens - and even the Cyclops!).

This was blended with a spiritual or inner quest (which our protagonist is on as well) inspired by "Pilgrim's Progress," the Bunyan classic. (you may recognize a modern version of the Slough of Despond).

And then, there is the great tradition of monster stories, and how they need to resolve, in order to be satisfying to the reader! 'Nuf said!

That's fascinating! I loved Clavell too! Did you know that HE wrote the original screenplay for the Vincent Price horror classic "The Fly?" Help me! Help me!

Deborah wrote: "When you give the crocodile the ability to think, it's as if I'm swimming inside his head - and he becomes as solid a character as Johnny or Katsu.
I am in awe of this and wonder what was your insp..."

I've read my share of creature stories (and watched a lot of movies) of course: notably, Moby-Dick, Jaws, and the Jurassic Park books/movies. But none of those gargantuan animals is depicted as a thinking, motivated character in its own right. It's the "black box" school of monsters: they're gone for now, and then they show up! And when they do, all the bleeding and mayhem unfolds!

When I was a boy, I read the Narnia stories: so I grew up with talking lions, many other animals, and thinking, breathing mythical creatures like centaurs and satyrs. (I'm a big fan of Tolkien as well). Then there was Richard Adams and "Watership Down" (and other of his books and creatures, including the god-bear, Shardik). If rabbits can think, talk, and be the main characters of a story - why could I not make a 4,000 lb. aquatic reptile - an intelligent ambush hunter - a thinking, hungry, planning, wanting creature as well?

Of course, I have to render an animal's world in words, so it has to be fiction, but I am absolutely tickled when a number of readers have told me that the great crocodile known as "the Father" is one of their favorite characters!

One of the deep themes of TEETH is that we are all related on this planet, whether modern or Stone Age people, or animals. Therefore, you will find many parallels between the characters of the story - the dark mirror of connection and relationship, even (especially?) between enemies. Johnny is a sniper - an ambush predator - and so is "the Father." There are many more the thoughtful reader will sniff out!

Thanks for asking!

Rick wrote: "Timothy- I can't put in words how much I loved TEETH- it was about the most gripping book I ever read- in my opinion a modern "Jaws" except with better character development- how did you go about ..."

I had so many things I wanted to cover in this book, Rick!

I read that when Francis Ford Copolla went to Asia to shoot "Apocalypse Now," he had only a well-thumbed "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, and a list of about 600 things about the war in Vietnam he wanted to squeeze in!

Well, I had at least that many things I wanted to cover in TEETH!

A lot of people don't remember that General Douglas MacArthur was in New Guinea, with the American Army (or that a young PT boat skipper named Jack Kennedy was offshore), so I knew I wanted an American soldier to be one of my heroes.

Then, I've been to Japan, and have a long-term fascination with Bushido, and the samurai. I wanted another hero-enemy to be from that tradition - a tragic figure who must deal with the fact that his nation is about to go down in bitter defeat. And rounding out the picture - the Australians, who also fought desperately on the island of New Guinea, the last stand between the Japanese and their own homeland.

All these things are historically accurate.

Somehow, Rick, those broad plans grew into 20-year-old US sniper, Johnny, the sword-wielding POW, Katsu, and the Australians, Dingo and Footy.

And then there's the love interest - Gwyndolyn - the Canadian nurse, who happens to come from a gorgeous province I lived in for many years, British Columbia.

Of course, the "Jaws" aspect comes in Mr. Teeth himself, the huge crocodile.

I find it very strange that, in my humble opinion, there has never been a great croc story (until now, I hope)! Yet crocodiles like "the Father" are the equal to (and relatives of) Tyrannosaurus Rex.

(Think of those chase scenes in "Jurassic Park" and you have some idea of what "TEETH" the movie will look like!)

Whales don't hunt people, whatever one-legged Ahab thought, and neither do sharks. I can tell you as a scuba diver and maker of nature documentaries for Discovery and others, that big sharks might eat you if you swim in front of their snout, but they are not revenge hunters!

But crocodiles do pick their victims, track them, and carefully plan their attacks.

What would it be like, I wondered, if one of these truly awesome predators chose our hero as his intended prey? And what if our little band of men was lost in the tropical jungle, with limited firepower, and must travel "the Father's" river in a desperate bid to get to the coast?

Thanks for your question, and support.

Donald wrote: "That's fascinating! I loved Clavell too! Did you know that HE wrote the original screenplay for the Vincent Price horror classic "The Fly?" Help me! Help me!"

Yes I did! What a career he had! He also wrote the script for "The Great Escape," he wrote and directed "To Sir With Love," and he was Exec Producer and played a huge role in the TV series based on "Shogun" and "Noble House."

I had been to Hong Kong to shoot a documentary, and was able to use the footage to cut a book trailer for him to promote "Noble House." He was a guest on a TV show of which I was Head Writer and Literary Producer at the time. That's how we met. He read samples of my writing, encouraged me to keep going, and we exchanged letters and phone calls for several years.

He was kind enough to give me advice about a lot of things, including writing. I remember him fondly.

Hello everyone! I have to confess that I have yet to read Teeth, so I've only skimmed the posts here. I don't want to spoil the suspense for when I do read it. I'm so behind on my to-read list but I must move this one up to the top. Apparently, I am missing out on a killer read!

Timothy, your background fascinates me. I am not normally a fan of memoirs but I would love to read yours.

Darcia wrote: "Hello everyone! I have to confess that I have yet to read Teeth, so I've only skimmed the posts here. I don't want to spoil the suspense for when I do read it. I'm so behind on my to-read list but ..."

Thanks Darcia. Well, just read TEETH and substitute me for Johnny. Or wait - maybe I'm Dingo, the Aussie Major - or Footy, the colorful pilot. Hang on - think there's quite a bit of Katsu, the Japanese POW in me as well. Uh Oh. I've just realized, on top of everything else, I'm Bumay, the cannibal chief, his arch rival, Mula - Gwyn the nurse - and *oh no!* the crocodile as well!

Hold on, I think I'm coming down with someone.

They say that autobiographies should be written either by the very young - or the very old. Guess I'll have to wait until I've written out all the novels I've got churning in me first!

I'll check with the committee in my head and let you know!

A cannibal chief resides inside of you? Remind me never to accept a dinner invitation from you!

I think "they" say that about autobiographies because the very young think they know everything and the very old are expected to know everything. Middle-age is a good time because the expectations are low and no one really cares what we think. You can make it all up and still get on Oprah.

The voices in my head are telling me that my serial killer should meet up with your cannibal chief and form a committee of their own!

Darcia, I've been known to joke while in business with my TV production companies: "be careful! Where I come from, we eat our enemies!"

One of the great things about the old fairy tales, that have become politically incorrect for this very reason, is that they were replete with evil, frightening and very scary monsters.

Every child knows this: a story without a worthy villain is a poor, milksop kind of thing.

But when it comes to animal monsters, I say none of them are villains. They simply do what they do. It takes humans to be evil. That's why I call the Father (the crocodile) "the great adversary."

Darcia, I'm looking forward to meeting your killer!

Some of those children's stories are horrible! Honestly, even the "lullaby" most parents sing: "Down will come cradle, baby and all." What is that about? Geesh!

I totally agree about animals not being monsters. They are doing what comes natural to them. If you're trying to play with a gator and he snaps your arm off, well, what did you expect? Humans are by far the most evil. We don't kill by instinct. And I don't know of any animals that torture for pure "enjoyment".

I agree - BUT a 4,000 lb., 30-foot long Saltwater crocodile coming over for a bite would still be devastating! As one character in the novel says, "like a submarine - with teeth!"

It's great fun, having some of his puny little 2-legged meals try to outrun the Father of the Crocodiles! - on his own river!

And then, I say somewhat immodestly, there's the most action-packed, thrilling - if violent - surfing scene ever written!

Hi Timothy; I thought crocodile attacks are random but one that actually hunts humans is more than scary. I was wondering how you came up with the ideas for so many characters? People who lived at that time, people you know or mind inventions? It is easier to do in fantasy since there is both Greek and Roman mythology and a myriad of folklore. I know finding proof of that crocodile inspired you to write "Teeth". Can you describe to me the process of adding cannibalism in a WW2 setting? That would provide great insight about the thinking process of an author. Best Wishes!

Darcia wrote: "Hello everyone! I have to confess that I have yet to read Teeth, so I've only skimmed the posts here. I don't want to spoil the suspense for when I do read it. I'm so behind on my to-read list but ..."

Darcia- as some who has read TEETH- I can tell you I am actuaklly jealous of you that you still have the opportunity to experience the utter amazement I felt when I read it!- TEETH has everything- top notch characters, plot, really facinating info and simply a story that you dont want to end!!

Hey Rick - thanks again! Your comments are the kind that feed a writer's ability to go on and tell more stories!

Brian wrote: "Hi Timothy; I thought crocodile attacks are random but one that actually hunts humans is more than scary. I was wondering how you came up with the ideas for so many characters? People who lived at ..."

Hi Brian. I have a strong interest in nature, having made TV documentaries above and under water for Discovery and others. (I love swimming with and filming dolphins underwater! I did "Return of the Dolphin" with Canadian rock star Bryan Adams).

But I grew up in a place where Saltwater crocodiles were the biggest animal by far, and the dominant animal predator (men may be smaller, but they're deadlier because of their firearms! That's why, post WWII, Saltwater crocodiles were almost wiped out in northern Australia, and had to be protected. And in New Guinea today, there are more of them, but finding a big one like the Father is about impossible).

The photograph I found of the real crocodile also named "the Father" - the one you saw when you opened TEETH - was the inspiration! He came alive and began to swim through my imagination. It just took me all those years to get it out!

New Guinea, where I grew up, is the last place on Planet Earth that a huge group of tribal people experienced "First Contact" with the outside world, only in the 1930's. And many of those millions of people were headhunters and cannibals in real life. Although it's a lot of years later, I'd be willing to lay odds that cannibalism still goes on, on the island of New Guinea! There remain many primitive, remote areas, virtually untouched by the outside world.

It has fascinated me since I was a child that New Guinea's true introduction to "civilization" was World War 2 - so that gave me the idea of juxtaposing modern men with the untouched Stone Age.

And then I thought - what rich material for a big, fat, profound, action-packed, epic story!

This is a true "Worlder" story - that is, the 2nd World War also came in with the age of international air travel - and that kicked into action a phenomenon that has only accelerated over time. That is, people of one nationality moving to a far away place, and then making it home, and raising their children there. I wanted all those characters - Papuans and New Guineans, who I grew up with, of course - and then, Americans, Australians, Japanese, New Zealanders, Canandians and more - all together.

I imagined as I wrote it - a hundred years from now, if I could tell people something insightful and important about the 20th Century - could I put it in an epic story?

Could I write fiction against the great sweep of real world events, in a genuine place on our planet, that would illuminate the Zeitgeist - the Spirit of the Age - as well?

I know that's ambitions! I even scared myself, but I didn't let that stop me. That's why it took me so long to write, write, write, and then rewrite, rewrite and edit edit edit.

But the bigness of the story is what inflamed my imagination and kept me motivated for so long!

Thanks for asking, Brian. I hope you enjoy the rest of the book.

Hi Timothy; That was valuable insight which I would describe as an odyssey. As a reader I have been to one book signing where the author had ten books filled from cover to cover with the process you describe. He told me over 1,000 hours elapsed before the novel was ready for print. It takes tremendous dedication, tenacity and perseverance to write a very good book. It is good to think big! Having "Teeth" in as many places as possible, blogs, networking, trailers, etc. The whole nine yards to be successful.

Rick, I've seen nothing but glowing reviews. TEETH definitely jumped to the top of my to-read list! I just hope Timothy remembers us all when he's a big man on that bestseller list! :)

Darcia wrote: "Rick, I've seen nothing but glowing reviews. TEETH definitely jumped to the top of my to-read list! I just hope Timothy remembers us all when he's a big man on that bestseller list! :)"

Darcia - you're a howl!

One of the things I love most about this digital age - and about Goodreads - is the way I've been able to make new friends and allies among readers and authors. I guess I didn't think about that ahead of time - it is a bonus that is so rewarding!

Imagine - we have a way of getting together, and of being friends, no matter where we're located geographically! No author of the past (even of a few years ago), no matter how successful, could do that!

It's a wonderful time to be alive.

Brian wrote: "Hi Timothy; That was valuable insight which I would describe as an odyssey. As a reader I have been to one book signing where the author had ten books filled from cover to cover with the process yo..."

Thanks, Brian.

Timothy, I can't imagine life without the Internet! Goodreads is one of my favorite spots. I've made great friends here, both authors and readers, and have found some of the most amazing books that I otherwise would never have read. Of course, the downside is that my to-read list is completely out of control!

Darcia wrote: "Timothy...Goodreads is one of my favorite spots. I've made great friends here, both authors and readers, and have found some of the most amazing books thatthat I otherwise would never have read..."

I agree Darcia - fantastic!

Thanks to Steven and Book Freaks for choosing TEETH as your August 2010 read, thanks to everyone who read TEETH, and to all who came by to ask a question. I am grateful to you.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982539800

You are so welcome Timothy and thank you for such an awesome read. I have to also say thank you to everyone that jumped on the Teeth band wagon and read it with us and thank you for joing this discussion. Seeing all these names in here and reading through all the comments was more than worth my time in setting this up. We will definitely have to have another discussion when SKINS comes out as well.
Keep in mind this thread will stay up till the end of August so if there are new questions that haven't been asked just post them and allow Timothy the time to answer, he is writing us another adventure :o)
Oh and I thought of one animal other than us that I think might use torture as a form of enjoyment...cats. I've seen them play with mice and it's questionable. I'd hate to see what our cat would do to the birds outside if she got out.

Timothy, I read you book "Teeth" and what an extraordinary and brilliant job you have done in writing and presenting such an adventures and intense story taking place in the savage South Pacific island of New Guinea during World War II on July 1945, on your epic novel named "TEETH."

I just got back from Lake Tahoe in California and I was reading your book a second time. I really enjoyed viewing the photos on your book at the end of the page.

One of the most interesting chapters was chapter-21-22. Your fascinating imagination on telling the story of how Johnny and Footy escapes from Sarah and other beautiful native women who were trying to seduce and kill both Johnny & Footy.

My question would be how were you able to come out with this excellent story of how Sarah would come back into the story after we all thought she and her husband Billy were killed by the japanese soldiers!

Reggie

Regulo wrote: "One of the most interesting chapters was chapter-21-22. Your fascinating imagination on telling the story of how Johnny and Footy escapes from Sarah and other beautiful native women who were trying..."

Ahh Reggie! Now, I better not answer that question here! I don't want to give away the plot - and the dangerous Sirens' scene is meant to be a shocker!

So glad you read the book and liked it. It's especially important to me, since the hero, Johnny, is a US soldier in WWII, that I got the combat action right, and the sense of what a soldier in battle would feel. So your 5-star review is important.

By the way folks - if you want to read a non-fiction account of a real special forces American soldier in action in Africa and Afghanistan, I recommend Regulo's book, "Desperate Lands - The War on Terror..."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3LDFJR8...