PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- ­Michael Balkind, author of "Sudden Death," the first book in the Deadly Sports Mystery series published by Sterling House, received some really good news: Marc Entertainment, located in Los Angeles, just optioned the series for television.

"When I first heard about it, I was beside myself with delight. Then, after speaking with the producer my excitement level rose even higher." Balkind goes on to say, "Marc Entertainment is experienced and professional. I felt very comfortable with our discussion. I am really looking forward to working with them on the project."

Discussions have already started regarding the Deadly Sports Mystery's television series, and a writer who will do the teleplay is all but decided upon. In fact, Balkind is flying out to Los Angeles this week to attend the Book Expo America (BEA), where he will meet up with his new producer, Stefan Marc, to hammer out some details about the two main characters and their backgrounds. Balkind will also appear in a trailer to promote the project to the networks that is being filmed, in part, at the BEA to promote the project to the networks. He will also be heard on a Podcast from the BEA studios.

"We are excited to have optioned the rights to Sudden Death and Balkind's series of mystery books," says Marc. "Michael Balkind has a great talent of weaving sports and mysteries into a compelling novel." Both James Patterson and Clive Cussler agree with Marc and gave Sudden Death a two-thumbs up endorsement which prominently appears on the front cover of the book.

After Sudden Death is turned into a script, the question becomes, who will play the main character? "To live up to my description of Reid, one of the main characters," says Balkind, "The actor will have to be a tall, athletic, good looking guy. He will need a charismatic yet controversial personality."

Does Balkind have anyone in particular in mind? "Not really," he says. But he is quick to add that his teenage daughter certainly does. Matthew McConaughey.

Now who could argue with that?

Michael Balkind is a resident of Katonah, NY. For any further questions about Michael Balkind or Stefan Marc of Marc Entertainment, please contact: Lisa Burns, Marketing and Publicity at (412) 436-3100 ext. 102 or at lburns@sterlinghousepublisher.com