The Next Big Thing: Week 10

This post has been created as part of the author event 'The Next Big Thing'. The lovely Zoe Brooks was the one who tagged me so thank you, Zoe. The Next Big Thing is an ongoing process, hence the 'Week 10' in the title.  Within the rules of this blogging event is the requirement to answer ten questions about your current work in progress. So, here goes.

What is the working title of your book?

Haven Falling.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

This is a difficult one to answer because the original idea, born decades ago, was completely different from the one I have now. What is the same are the basic characters. It started out as a Tolkien-esque fantasy about the need to join two halves that were once whole and has finished up being a futuristic fantasy about magic, robots and joining two parts of a society that have been wrongfully torn apart.

What genre does your book fall under?

Fantasy.

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

This has changed from time to time, especially as the characters have developed in ways that I didn't expect but:

Steven Haven - James McAvoy
Winters - Sean Bean
Nigel Locke - Nicholas Hoult
Daniel Moran - Ian McKellen
Eleanor Palmer - Judi Dench
Hartley Keg - Brian Blessed

I'm undecided about Isabelle, Mariana and the darkling.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Steve Haven inherits his uncle's corporation, is attacked, rescued and dragged into an unknown world of magic all in the space of 24 hours- as Mondays go, it's interesting.

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

I'd like to go down the route of traditional publishing, hence with representation by an agency.

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

Still working on it but due to be finished within the next couple of weeks. It's been a long haul from the original concept but in this format, it's taken me about three years.

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

I don't really like comparing my work to anyone else's because, to paraphrase Audrey Hepburn, I'd rather be a first rate version of myself than a second rate version of someone else.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

If I look back to the original idea, I have absolutely no idea where it all came from. In its current form though, I'd say my favourite film 'Blade Runner' had some influence on the world in the book, or rather the look of it. Inspiration can be fleeting, mysteriously leaving you with a gem.

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

This is the first of a trilogy - three individual stories but with an over-riding story arc that will hopefully surprise the reader and make them look back on what they've read with fresh eyes. I plan to create a world that encapsulates all the novels I write (not only the trilogy) - a world where magic exists, shadows live and help can come in the strangest of forms.

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So there you have it. Now it's time to tag five writers to pass this on to. Here goes.

Kelly Hashway
Rebecca Woodhead
Iain Broome
Sue Ann Bowling
Stacy Green

Please do have a look at their sites.

Rules of The Next Big Thing

• Use this format for your post.
• Answer the ten questions about your current work in progress.
• Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing

• What is the working title of your book?
• Where did the idea come from for the book?
• What genre does your  book fall under?
• Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
• What is the one-sentence synopsis of your  book?
• Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
• How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
• What other  books would you compare this story to within your genre?
• Who or what inspired you to write this book?
• What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

Include the link of who tagged you and this explanation for the people you tag.