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Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Next Big Thing


Janie Emaus invited me to blog hop with her this week. You can catch her over at The Boomer Rants. 
· Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:

What is the working title of your book?

My Brother's Wedding

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I'm not really sure. I don't have a brother. I think part of the concept came from an acquisitions meeting we were having at TMP where we were discussing our new category romance line. My boss had put up a mock cover with my name on it but the book was titled The Boy Next Door. And I guess, seeing my name, I thought, I could write a story about a boy next door. But then I put my own twist on it when I gave the idea more thought. What would happen if you had to return home for a family member's wedding after many years of being gone?.


What genre does your book fall under?

Sweet Romance

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

I love Jennifer Garner and since her role in 13 Again, I can totally see her playing the lead in my story.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 

Alex Daughtry had no idea she'd run into her high school boyfriend, arch enemy, screw up her dress order, table dance at a club or have a roommate in her own bedroom when she agreed to be a bridesmaid in her brother's wedding.

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

Turquoise Morning Press is expected to release my book in 2013.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I'm actually still writing it now for NaNo. Cross your fingers for me.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I'm not a fan of comparison. I'd like to think my story could stand alone. It's like when you query an agent. I never liked the idea of telling the agent that since you like and rep this book, mine is similar. Why would they want to rep a similar book?


Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I love the idea of someone traveling home after being gone for so long. You wonder why they stayed away. What events caused them to put distance between them and family? And what if you threw in an old boyfriend you really never got over. Even better, you're walking down the isle with him.

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

My story is set in St. Louis, Missouri. The suburb I placed the action in is made up but not some of the landmarks. Also, My Brother's Wedding is one of the first releases from TMP's new line of category romances from out Boutique Collection. Check out the website for more information on releases.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NaNo Status Check

So, we're just about a week in NaNo and I have to ask. How's it goin'? Are you on track? Are the words flying from your head to computer?

Or, are they not flowing? Do you want to give up? Are you lost?

First off, don't stop. Keep writing. Especially if this is your first try; keep going. Even if you don't make it to the end or come up short, at least you tried and know what to do differently next time.

If your story is twisting and turning and your not sure what the heck is going on, stop for a minute and write out a short outline or bullet points. I get it. I'm the biggest pantser there is but I've also learned that sometimes you need to write a few details down. I'm not talking Roman numerals but jot some thoughts or timeline ideas on paper. You'll soon see the benefits.

I will admit I'm not where I was last year at this point. I'm still on track to finish on time but last year, I was ahead of the game which came in handy around the long holiday weekend (and the turkey coma I was in for a few days). Day 1 in 2011, I'd written 5K words. Now, I haven't hit 10K yet (plan to today and surpass it). Maybe it's the baby. Or the kids are busy. Or my job takes more of my time. *shrugs* Or it's all three.

Either way. I'm not giving up. I have a plan and I will finish.

So be like that ant. Have high hopes!