Dennis Leppanen

Male

Sebring, FL

United States

Profile Information:

Hometown:: Munising, Michigan
About Me:: After a couple stints in Viet Nam, I went to Michigan State U. and came out with a minor in journalism. I've written for newspapers and magazines until going free-lance, my gosh, almost twenty years ago.
WHOO???, was released on July 1, about a murdering bunch of scoundrals that my intrepid reporter must track down. I will complete the re-write of Escape From Little Alcatraz, my first novel, by summer's end.
I Am A:: Reader, Writer
Website:: http://www.dlepp.com
Books And Authors I Like:: Elmore Leonard--Follows me to Florida & Michigan
Carl Hiaasen---If I could write characters like his
John Sanford---Ditto. Although his early stuff was more tense.
Robert Crais---Gotta love wise-cracking P.I.'s & Joe Pike
Loren D. Estleman--Best kept secret in hard-boiled reading.
Robert Parker--Rediscovered him through Stone & his westerns.
Movies And TV Shows I Like:: McMurtrey's stuff-though I didn't see Broke Back Mountain

My dad had a fishin' buddy--name a John Voelker-aka, Robert Traver.
As a puppy I watched Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick, George C. Scott, Ben Gazzara, Arthur O'Connel, Eve Arden, Kathryn Grant, and Otto Preminger exit the Marquette County Courthouse after a day of filming.
I guess you could say that Robert Traver was an early influence. He wrote a bunch of other novels, most hilarious accounts of the U.P.

Comment Wall:

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Alafair Burke

Thanks for saying hi to the Burkes. We appreciate it.

May 26, 2007
Larry W. Chavis

Dennis,

Thanks for pointing me toward Loren Estleman. In addition to his westerns, I've begun picking up some of his crime fiction, too. Can't believe I've missed him all these years.

Jun 9, 2007
Jordan Dane

Hey bud---I was out of town visiting fam-damily in TX. Just got back. But I've got a short week before I head to Dallas for the MWA annual conference for the SW chapter. I'm a speaker on some panels. What's up with you?

Jun 10, 2007
Jordan Dane

If you're ever meandering north thru OK, look me up. My hubby and I always have spare guest rooms. Keeping my fingers crossed on your movie talks. That would be outstanding. Cheers!

Jun 11, 2007
Jordan Dane

Yeah, I hear ya about that movie gig but you never know. We live in OKC area so if that fits your travel plans, write me. We have a couple of guest rooms with your name on it, complete with a monogrammed straight jacket. One size fits all.

Jun 12, 2007
Jordan Dane

Your friend and her husband will be in my prayers. You're a good pal, D. Drive safe.

Jun 13, 2007
Jordan Dane

Top 24 refers to MySpace Top Friends. It's a special spot. Glad you are back. I was just thinking about you yesterday in fact--that I hadn't heard from you in a while. How strange.

How is your friend and her husband doing?

Jun 25, 2007
Jordan Dane

>How'd the ConFab go? Did you wow in Texas?

Had a blast in Dallas at the MWA. My first MWA con. You know what they say--you never forget your first. Got to spend some time with David Morrell too. He's an amazing ambassador for the thriller genre and an inspiration since I've admired his work since his first book--First Blood. Now I can admire the man too.

>I've been asked to contribute to a video on writing

Well, how cool are you? Congratulations, buddy.

Glad to have you back. I'm hitting book#4 hard this next week, trying to get as much done as I can before the end of the year. With all the promo stuff happening in 2008 for my releases, it's gonna be crazy man. I've got to get done early or they'll send me to bed without dessert or force me to eat brussel sprouts.

C ya

Jun 25, 2007
Jordan Dane

>Our friends called us last night, Jace is home.

This is good. It's always better to get home.

>David Morrel, huh? Pretty fast company...I've never read him, will have to do so now.

I've enjoyed him and I actually paid tribute to him indirectly with my second book when I kept the POV with my dying hit man. Morrell did that in First Blood and I never forgot it. I sent him that comment in an email. Funny how things turn in full circle.

>Oh, 2008 is gonna be one hectic SOG---we'll have to meet on the tour trail at some point.

2008 is gonna be KILLER but I love speaking to groups. Would love to meet you somewhere.

>My mother will be very happy, it has been over two years.

Nothing like making Mom happy. Count your blessing, my fine friend.

Jun 25, 2007
Jordan Dane

Hey bud---Just got back from Dallas, the RWA conference. Hectic and exhausting, but I got to see many old friends. It was fun, but it's gonna take me some time to catch up with sleep. Glad you are safe and sound in the great north. I'll chat with you later in the week.

Jul 16, 2007
Dennis Leppanen

Okay----fine...

Jul 16, 2007
Eric Stone

Glad to see you like Loren Estleman so much, he's one of my favorites, too. In my first book the protagonist is a journalist, after that he joins a corporate investigations firm to give him a better excuse for getting tangled up in some of the stuff he gets tangled up in.

Jul 25, 2007
Eric Stone

Hi Dennis, I'm always amazed that a guy as good as Estleman can labor on in such relative obscurity. Not that he hasn't had a good, solid, long career; but he's a master and I seldom run into anyone else who mentions him. He and I have a mutual friend, so I'm hoping to meet him one of these days.
Did you ever read any Jonathan Valin? He wrote the Harry Stoner series set in Cinncinnati. I think there were six or seven books and then just fell off the map. I've been trying to find out what happened to him, but haven't had any luck.

Jul 27, 2007
Sara Mills

Hi Dennis.
I just posted Chapter One of Miss Fortune if you're interested.
Like your idea of a journalist tracking down a bunch of murdering scoundrels. Sounds fun.

Jul 27, 2007
Jordan Dane

And I'd have to drink some hootch with ya. I've been sticking busy myself with book#4, but I've missed you. Hope you're neck deep in the fun stuff tho. Thanks for saying HI, bud.

Aug 6, 2007
carole gill

friends? all the best

Aug 24, 2007
Dennis Leppanen

Hey, thanks, Carole, with an e...like Carole Lombard.

Aug 24, 2007
carole gill

You're more than welcome! there's something wrong with the way I added my musical selections. I can't hear them. don't think anyone else can!

Aug 24, 2007
Cheryl Norman

Hi, Dennis. Don't worry about James Ellroy's title. Titles can't be copyrighted and are often reused. One summer I saw four romance releases called LEGACY, all by well-known authors.

OMG! You met Nevada Barr? I've read all but her very latest. I met Sue Henry at a bookstore in Skagway, AK. She was signing copies of DEATH TAKES PASSAGE.

I like to read Hiassen, too. He and Dave Barry, what a pair! Both are so funny and have terrific characters. Did you ever see the movie STRIPTEASE? Pure Hiassen, although Hollywood added lots of nudity and stripping that wasn't spelled out in the book. But the characters! Hollywood got those right. Like Darryl Gray and Congressman Dilbeck *LOL* How funny. I thought Demi Moore a bit old for the role of Erin, but she did all right. My favorite of all of Hiassen's characters is Skink. I always pictured him as Robert Redford with an eye patch.

Cheryl

Sep 4, 2007
Dennis Leppanen

Hi Cheryl,

My title isn't the same as Ellroy's---it's the Pinkerton stuff. Although, he is writing about Alan Pinkerton, the agency in my novel is a sidebar. It was just when I was doing research on them, I read that he is, also.

Yes, Nevada Barr was greener than I am now, in those days.

Aw, Skink---My favorite. But, I pegged Jack Nicholson for the job...

Sep 4, 2007
D K Gaston

Hi Dennis, thanks for becoming my friend. Can't wait to hear more about Escape From Little Alcatraz. I've met Loren D. Estleman once. NIce guy. I really enjoy his Amos Walker character.

Sep 27, 2007
Jordan Dane

Hey Denny---I was in Alaska for BCon and just got back over the weekend. Helluva trip!!! You should go to myspace page and see the AK slideshow I have there. You can access it by going to www.myspace.com/jordandanebooks

I hope to have some photos here too but I'm swamped with deadlines. But I'm having a cyber scotch with you, buddy.

Oct 9, 2007
Jordan Dane

I miss you, Dennie. I wish I had more time for my online budzos like you. Between copy edits on the 3 books (in various stages), speaking gigs, finishing the new book, and promo stuff--I am going crazy. I'm at 96,000 words on my book#4 and can't find the time to finish it but it's due next month. Glad to see you are making progress on NaNo. The holidays will make it tricky for us both, but family comes first. Thanks for dropping me a line and a smile. You always make my day.

Nov 17, 2007
Jordan Dane

Yoopers are too macho to be afraid of a little thin ice.

Dec 15, 2007
Jordan Dane

Have one or three for me, libations buwahna. Cheers,

Dec 15, 2007
Dennis Leppanen

It's my persona, Jordan

A scotch drinking, whore mongering, feeble minded writer...

Don't tell my wife.

Dec 15, 2007
Jordan Dane

Hey there Denny---Merry Christmas to you to, budzo!!! I just finished book#4 on Christmas eve. I'm exhausted--been up all hours and working against this deadline. Remind me NEVER to commit to a deadline around the holidays. What a bonehead move! This book ended up to be 128,000 words but it's an amazing story. I really feel like this will be a very special book. I hit a break through on it, as far as craft. And it's the start of a series, my first attempt at taking a slice of life from these characters. LOVED being in their world. I sure hope they invite me back.

I sure hope your have a great new year, D. And I hope we get to meet in 2008. I'd love that. Take care, buddy.

Dec 26, 2007
Jordan Dane

Happy New Year, Denny!!

Jan 1, 2008
Jordan Dane

Talk of babies and fertilized eggs makes me nervous, Denny. But i'm wishing you all the best in 2008. Hope you have a terrific year!! Cheers!

Jan 2, 2008
Darren Laws

Hi Dennis, would love to go to Florida for Sleuthfest 08, I love Florida too but fear that I sadly will be stuck on this side of the water. If anything changes I will be the first to book a couple of flights. Good luck and best wishes. Darren

Jan 2, 2008
Jackie Tritt

Hi Dennis

Well, downunder is hot, hot, hot, as you can imagine, mid summer, but up north they're having an awful lot of rain and we want some of it here - it's been such a long period of drought.

As for Daniel Hatadi, I really have no idea if he's rich. If he's relying on income from writing, I'd say that's most unlikely!

Cheers

Jackie

Jan 7, 2008
Rick Mofina

Dennis - thanks for accepting my invite always good to hang with a person who knows the news biz

Jan 11, 2008
carole gill

sounds interesting! Black humor, eh?

Jan 30, 2008
Jordan Dane

You crack me up, Denny. Thanks for the read and I'm glad you enjoyed reading my debut book. I'd love for you to post a review on B&N, Borders, Amazon (when they can accept them) and please send me one too. I'd love to post it on my website.

I'm also going to be in your neck of the woods (southern Michigan for 5 cities) in Sept for a Levy Book Tour. Will you be in Florida already? Would love to see you.

Feb 27, 2008
Jordan Dane

I thought you said your ASS was melting...but you are a fair weather kind of guy these days, aren't you?

Feb 27, 2008
Dennis Leppanen

Huh? A fair weather guy? Me? I went into -29 degree weather to visit Mother. I was tuff. I whimpered & whined the whole gig.

Where's my tumbler? I must of left it in the...

Feb 27, 2008
Jordan Dane

Guess if you had to wait for comments to be approved, you'd never get to post anything.

Feb 29, 2008
Jordan Dane

>Lansing is my old stomping grounds, so dammit, tell me >when you'll be there.

When we get closer to the date of my tour, I'll send up a flare, see if we can meet. I wish we'd have time for a drinky-poo but probably not. We'll see.

Feb 29, 2008
Jordan Dane

You drive safe, Denny. And have fun at Sleuthfest. Take good notes at Dr Lyle's Forensics lecture.

Feb 29, 2008
carole gill

very good!
thanks, hope some of your peppyness rubs off!
unfortunately, I don't drink--not a moral thing, I just rarely drink--only wine and then I fall asleep usually!
party pooper!
thanks though.
Had a better day today.
You're right about getting away from it--reading etc.
again, thanks.

Sep 25, 2008
Jordan Dane

You're such a sweetie, Denny. MI was a whirlwind and we had too little time in each location. Had you made it, it would have killed me to limit our time together. Hopefully, I will make it back to MI and visit. And again, thanks for all your support of me as a new author.

Too bad about your computer. I hate those kinds of problems. Drat is right. Hang in there, buddy. And thanks for your email.

Oct 2, 2008
Sylvia Hubbard

saying hello to my michigan family!

BTW, if you're a fiction reader, check out my books based in Detroit (all except Stone's Revenge, which is in Ohio). I'm a sensual noir author and I'm sure you'll enjoy them (not just because I wrote them, LOL.) Check out my books at by clicking here.

if you want to keep up with other michigan's literary community, join www.motownwriters.ning.com

Nov 24, 2008
Dennis Leppanen

Hi Sylvia,

I have been receiving your newsletter even though I only spend a month back in my native Michigan. It's great seeing you on CrimeSpace.

Nov 24, 2008
Linda L. Richards

Thanks, Dennis. I hope you enjoy it.

Dec 8, 2008
Richard Krauss

Hey Dennis, thanks for your friendship!

I see you're an Elmore Leonard fan. I just started reading The Hot Kid.

Dec 9, 2008
Jordan Dane

I got WHOO??? Thanks for sending it. And seeing my blurb and name on your cover was very cool. Hope you find your gin, cheap or not.

Aug 30, 2009
Dennis Leppanen

Huh? I went to the store. Took me away from my vices. But, I brought home a case a Scotch. So---I'm back to writing.

BTW, I'm clearing the decks for Bouchercon. I thinks me be there.

Aug 30, 2009
Jordan Dane

I'm flying in to BCon on the 14th. And I'm staying at the conference hotel. I've got an evening thing with my publisher on Friday night, but would love to see you on Sat sometime. Let me know what works.

Sep 23, 2009
Dennis Leppanen

Gotcha Kiddo,

I think I mentioned we built a summer place in the Upper Cumberlands in Tennessee, east of Nashville. So I'll drift up 65 from there, stop outside of Indy Thursday night, then jog on in for morning donuts. We probably bump into each other some place along the way. Are you on any panels? I was so uncertain about the time so I didn't dare commit. Any time Saturday is cool. I'll go into sleuth mode and track you down.

Sep 23, 2009
Reece Hirsch

Hi Dennis -- I'm looking forward to reading Road Dogs. Leonard writes the best dialogue in the business. I'm also going to be at Bouchercon (my first). Maybe I'll see you there. Reece

Sep 23, 2009