ABC Daytime to publish book about General Hospital's Damian Spinelli

Following the success of the New York Times bestselling books, The Killing Club and Charm!, Hyperion and ABC Daytime announced today that they will join efforts to publish a novel based on Damian Spinelli, one of the most beloved characters on ABC-TV’s popular daytime soap, “General Hospital,” to coincide with the show’s 48th anniversary.

Titled The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli (Hyperion; $22.99 hardcover; April 5, 2011 publication date), this book is the story of the endearing, lovable computer genius and geek, Damian Spinelli, and his exploits as a private detective as told to another character on the show, the high-powered attorney of Port Charles, Diane Miller. Filled with mystery and suspense, the pages were found on
Ms. Miller’s stolen computer disc and include never-before-told stories of Port Charles residents-their confessions and behaviors in times of crisis and triumph through Spinelli’s imagination.

“General Hospital” is the longest-running daytime dramatic serial on ABC, having aired over 12,000 episodes. Carolyn Hennesy, the actress who plays Diane Miller and an established author herself, will actually write the book. Fans will be invited to special book signing events in select markets with actors from “General Hospital.”

Readers will also be able to download The Secret Life of Damian Spinelli as an ebook, as well as an enhanced ebook, which will feature clips from the show and other bonus material.

Vice-President, Executive Editor Gretchen Young said, “Hyperion is thrilled to be partnering on a new book with ABC Daytime and bringing the world of Spinelli and Port Charles to life on the page.”

Winner of a record-setting ten Emmys for Outstanding Daytime Drama, “General Hospital” celebrates 48 years of broadcasting on April 1, 2011. The program consistently rates as one of the top-rated Daytime programs in the key demographic of Women 18-49.

“General Hospital” was created by Frank and Doris Hursley. Jill Farren Phelps is the executive producer. Mary O’Leary, Mercer Barrows and Michelle Henry are producers. Robert Guza, Jr. is the head writer. Full episodes of “General Hospital” are available on ABC.com the day after airing on the network for users to watch online.