The Next Big Thing - Blog Hop

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Welcome! You made it! Thanks for coming. This is The Next Big Thing blog hop, a way to show new readers new writers. It's a chance for people who would never have met to come together and hopefully enjoy what each other does. 

Not only will you be able to find out about new authors (see the links below), but there will also be information about the author who tagged me - thanks! - Melinda McGuire, and her upcoming novel Lotierie - The Legend. 

Click these links to find out about Melinda's novels, Josephine: Red Dirt & Whiskey and Nelson and Cora - The Beginning.

Her website and blog can be found here: http://www.melindamcguirewrites.wordpress.com

For The Next Big Thing hop, I have answered 10 questions about my recently completed novel. You'll also learn about my writing process, inspirations, and ideas! Enjoy:

1. What is the working title of your book?

At Peace With All Things. I chose it because the main characters - all of them - have to find peace to find happiness and resolution. 

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

One day, for no particular reason, the main character, Jude, popped into my head. I felt sorry for him, but I knew he could be good if he tried. I thought I would help by writing his story. The plot unfolded chapter by chapter, and, apart from the very final scene, I really didn't know where the story would go.

3. What genre does your book come under?

Although I usually write horror, this book would fit better into literary fiction, or general fiction. There are no ghosts or ghouls, but life is still pretty horrific for all the characters involved. 

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

Jude - Matt Smith

Caitlin - Emma Watson

Richard - Daniel Day-Lewis

Bear - Ray Winstone

Luce - Charlene McKenna

David - MacKenzie Crook

Beryl - Kathy Burke

5. What is the one sentence synopsis for your book?

Jude tried to escape his past, but found that his new life was his old one in better clothes.

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

No, no, and no! At the moment I'm in the process of contacting agents. Fingers crossed!

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

About 2 years, but it was very on and off. I found that, because it was a very emotional story, and because I was trying to make it as realistic as possible, I had to keep putting it to one side and coming back to it later on, when I'd calmed down! It's 110,000 words, so if I'd worked on it steadily it would probably have taken about three months. 

8. What other books would you compare with story to within your genre?

I can't think of another book like this off the top of my head. I don't know whether that's a good thing or not, or perhaps it just means I'm not as well read as I'd like to be. 

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

Just the love of writing, and the knowledge that I had something good in this story. I wanted to get it down and written because I believe it could be something. I'm not sure I could write another one like this. 

10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Hmm... It depends on the reader, I suppose. There's a lot of violence and danger, if that's your thing. Murder, attempted murder, drug taking, suicide... Alternatively, there's a love story (really rather a tragic one) which goes on in the background. 

Warning: if you're looking for a happy ending, this is not the book for you. 

(Tags for authors will be added...)