I don’t “do” memes usually, but this, I feel, is a great exercise in both talking up my own work, and clarifying what, of the umpteenmillion projects in my files, I want to start on next. It’s also an excuse for fangirling wildly at authors personally known and unknown, and their gigantic, mastadon-sized talent and wit. Let the big things begin!
The Next Big Thing!
• What is the working title of your next book?
FAVORITE SON
• Where did the idea come from for the book?
OY. This book has had so many iterations. About ten years ago, it used to be based on a true story about a friend of mine who survived cancer when he was sixteen – his Dad was a GP, and the novel was all kinds of angsty. However, after living through two aunts and an uncle dying of cancer in close succession, as well as the death from cancer (again) of a very close friend, I’ve realized there are some things I can’t write about well, if ever. So, no cancer. Just sons. In a manner of speaking.
• Into what genre does your book fall?
Uhh… I guess genre fiction, possibly mystery. This is one of the problems I have – my editor can’t figure out what genre this book is, so neither can I…
• What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh, wow. I’m so bad at this sort of thing. Actors? Uh. I’m stickin’ with main characters, people – and only a few: Camille Winbush could play Digger; Tessa Thompson from Veronica Mars, probably could play Von. As for Moth… uh, Logan Lerman? This would be a really multicultural ensemble cast, like at any high school.
• What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
“Digger’s life implodes when family secrets threaten not only the uptight family status quo, but her life.”
• Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I remain represented by my fabulous SAM, Steven Chudney.
• How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Ah, see Question 2… the first draft maybe took a year. It’s been the ensuing drafts that have been so flippin’ time consuming.
• To what other authors would you compare this story’s style?
Um… maybe this is in the style of Caroline B. Cooney, but not as dramatic? Or, maybe in the style of Norma Fox Mazer? I have no idea…
• Who or what inspired you to write this book?
This story in its retold-true-story form AND in its present form were inspired by my friend Tim, and later my friend Meeta, whose father and The Doctor are a lot alike.
• What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Well, it’s my usual family story thing, but I’ve added a dash of intrigue and a murder, so it’s a bit mysterious as well. It’s taken ages for me to wade through the plot, and I can only hope I haven’t managed to trip myself!
I was tagged for this author meme by the redoubtable Elizabeth (Wein) Gatland, who is all things flattering, in that she wants to universe to know what I’m working on next. I’ve been tasked with tagging five new writers, but I like to ask before I tag –! I’ll link to the two who’ve agreed, and give you some other great writer blogs to check out!
The Deckled Edge, the blog of author Sarah J. Stevenson, who is in my writing group, so this is totally cheating,
Eglantine’s Cake is the brilliant blog of Tazmanian author Penni Russon, whose writing is evocative and as deep as still pools,
The Middle Hundred, the blog of Sherri L. Smith, who will be participating in THE NEXT BIG THING somewhere closer to the end of this month, and whose next book I cannot WAIT to hear about, since I am still a BIG TIME FAN of her first novel, LUCY THE GIANT,
Edinburgh author and illustrator – fab, fab, fabbity fab illustrator – Lucinda Hare, who blogs at The Dragon Whisperer Diaries, and whose dragon books are dreamy and amazing,
And finally the website of the elusive Kersten Hamilton, with whose TYGER, TYGER I fell in love last year, who gave us goblins and God in the same books. Awesome.
Check back! I’ll be linking to others participating in this blog meme, because I really want to know what THE NEXT BIG THING might be for them.
I love how you are all “I DON’T KNOW WHAT THIS IS!” for every question. And so you should be. Why do we have to keep stuffing things into genres???