The Next Big Thing — Find the New Authors You Need to Read

I’d like to thank fellow author Avery DeBow for tagging me to participate. Click the link to find out about her book, Resonance.

In this particular hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered 10 questions where you get to learn about our current work in progress as well as some insights into our process, from characters and inspirations to plotting and cover decisions. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

BURIED. I'm planning to release it as a summer beach read.

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

The opening scene came to me out of whole cloth, just sort of landed in my lap. From there it was a matter of figuring out what the heck was going on there.

Once I'm revising, it's easier to see the certain sources (action movies, the strange relationship between mothers and daughters, my grandfather's old place in rural Georgia), but at the time it's all just getting to the next chapter...

3: What genre does your book come under?

Thriller/Suspense: Think a less-Floridian John D McDonald with better-written women.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Hmmm....

For Kira, Either a young Isabelle Adjani (maybe late 70's), or a current Leslie-Ann Brandt. Neither looks how the character is written, but both crackle with that exotic wild intensity. Of course, with my luck it'd turn out Taylor Swift was looking to get into acting...

And for the Sheriff, Jody Foster. Hands down, Jody Foster.

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

A young woman returns home after a long absence and starts asking questions about her brother's death.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

I self publish. I had an agent for a couple-three years, and some interest, but in the end I'm happier this way. :)

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

This one went quick, I seem to recall- maybe three months? Rewrites, of course, took considerably longer....

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

I'm sticking with John D MacDonald with stronger women. MUCH stronger women...

 9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

The Sheriff just kind of wandered up one day, brought Kira with her, and the two of them wanted me to write a story. They were standing in that parking lot, kind of freaking me out.

 And they were pretty patient with me when I got lost, never let me write them too far off-track.

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

Let's see... I've got a sleepy Southern town with a tough-as-nails Sheriff, an oily and evil crime boss, a team of professional killers and a hot chick who kicks major ass!

Sound like you? No?

Well, how bout it's also a thoughtful meditation on the love and antagonism and tangled loyalties of family and the way that no matter where you go you'll always feel the pull of home...

Because it does both. I swear! :)

Happy Writing and Reading!