Dear Readers,
I am beyond thrilled to share some incredible news with you: my Jodi Luna books—Hollow Beasts (2023, Thomas & Mercer), Blood Mountain (2023, Thomas & Mercer), and next year's forthcoming Lonesome Ridge (2024, Tomé Hill Press)—are being adapted into a dramatic television series by 20th Century Television! The deal was finalized yesterday so I can finally speak in more detail about it.
The Jodi Luna suspense novels center on a Latina nature poet turned game warden in northern New Mexico's fictional Gato Montes County, featuring a quirky cast of local characters, including her beer-brewing Catholic monk brother Oscar, her rock-climbing daredevil teen daughter Mila, and Jodi’s three (count ‘em, three!) very hot love interests. I am on board as a co-executive producer, and there's a good chance I'll be in the writers' room as well. This is so completely a dream come true I almost can’t believe it’s real.
20th Century Television is one of the industry's most prestigious production companies, with a long and impressive history of creating some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed TV shows. Their dedication to excellent storytelling and high production values make them the perfect home for the Jodi Luna series to be realized in the most beautiful, professional way possible.
I am also excited to announce that Tim Minear is attached as the showrunner. Tim is known for his work on hits like American Horror Story, 9-1-1, and Firefly. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives and complex characters will be invaluable in bringing Jodi Luna's world to life.
Joining Tim is Rashad Raisani, who will be writing for the series. Rashad has an impressive resume, including Burn Notice, The Gifted, and 9-1-1: Lone Star. His ability to blend action, drama, and character-driven stories makes him a perfect fit for this project.
And, in an exciting turn of events, the incredibly talented and stunning Gina Torres is attached to star and executive produce the series. I can’t imagine anyone better to play the smart, stoic Jodi, a complex character of great emotional depth and moral complexity.
Gina has been a fan of the books and felt a deep connection to Jodi Luna's character. Her boyfriend, Kevin, is a real-life rancher, which adds a personal and authentic Western touch to her involvement. Gina's enthusiasm was evident when she sent me a personal video of her trying on various cowboy hats, with Kevin offering advice on when and where each might be worn. It was the cutest thing ever, and I can't wait for you all to see her bring Jodi Luna to life.
The Jodi Luna books have been compared to Craig Johnson’s Longmire books, and to C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett novels, but with a unique twist: our lead law enforcement officer is a Hispana woman game warden, who goes after poachers and other criminals in defense of animals, women, people of color, the land. She’s the hero we all want and need.
Watching the TV adaptation of Longmire, which I loved and which was shot in New Mexico as a stand-in for Wyoming, I couldn't help but wonder why we had so many great examples of tough, solitary, deeply moral, powerful, sexy middle-aged cowboys in pop culture, but no women of color in that role. New Mexico is a Hispanic-majority state, and Mexicans literally invented cowboying. Here in the rural American Southwest, Latina ranchers, farmers, hunters, and anglers are the norm. And we are badass.
So, I wrote the book I wanted to read but couldn't find, and now we are going to get to see that character on the screen! It will never not thrill me that I can imagine something, and manifest it in the world this way.
Finally, New Mexico, a hotbed for film and TV, is on the road to producing a series about a Latina New Mexican rural heroine, based on books written by a New Mexican author, starring the incredibly gifted Gina Torres. What's not to love?
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support. I can't wait to share this journey with all of you.
With excitement,
Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez
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I'm SO excited Alisa! Long time wishing and waiting and finally happening! I'm always excited for "what's next" with you and now this?!!! Yippee!