The Next Big Thing

Published December 12, 2012
Category: Daily Cannon

Many thanks to New York Times best-selling author, L.J Smith for tagging me in The Next Big Thing meme last week. Burn Bright will soon have an interview with L.J. and you can read reviews of some of her many books here and here and here.

Thanks also to Cheryse Durant for the intro!

So here it is …

1) What is the working title of your next book?

Actually, the story is an embryo at this stage and doesn’t have a title yet but it’s a contemporary crime novel with a 40 plus protagonist.

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?

It’s a combination of suggestions from my editor and my own ideas. She (Ed!) steered me in a direction and now I’m off and running with characters and ideas.

3) What genre does your book fall under?

Humorous crime slash chick-lit slash romance slash mystery!

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

I’m still building the characters up in my mind, so it’s a bit early to say. Plus I’m a big fan of the unknown actor. I like the lack of wider context they bring to movies. So, I’d definitely be hoping a casting agent could discover THE NEXT BIG THING!

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

An unusual ladies book-club finds themselves caught in a murder investigation that will change their lives forever.

6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I’m always represented by the amazing Tara Wynne of Curtis Brown, Australia.

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Just starting to write it now but a novel usually take 6-9 months for a first draft.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Hmmm, not sure actually. This one might be in a class of its own 🙂

I love mysteries and crime in stories, regardless of the genre and I’ve been hankering to write a story with a middle-aged protagonist for a while. Following on from the Tara Sharp series it seemed a natural progression to write from the POV of a character closer to my own age.

9) Who or what inspires you?

Music, books, people, visual imagery. I love the photography site 500 pix – I look at it every single night. But mostly,mysteries intrigue me – any kind. I have an insatiable curiosity.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?

The story pivots around the vagaries and foibles of a book-club. A lot of readers have either thought about joining one, are in one currently, or have been in one. Also the main character is a single mum. Been wanting to do that for a while too. But as is always the case with me, the characters will be very quirky.

Now, I’m tagging a bunch of writers who are names for you to look out for, now and in the future. Thye are already doing great things that will only get … greater! They will be posting next Wednesday, so be sure to stop by…