The Next Big Thing... (I'm working on it)

I must thank Dream it, then do it  (otherwise known as Keith) for nominating me for The Next Big Thing.

So now to the interrogation questions...

What is the working title of your next book?

After the Storm.
A storm plays a part in linking the incidents from the past to the present.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I was doing some local history research in the Local Studies section of the County Library (about 9 years ago); in a book of 19th century cuttings there was a report about a lady's diary entry (from earlier in the century) describing a mini tornado that she had witnessed during a bad storm.
I made a note of it, and carried on with my research, but it sparked the idea...

What genre does your book fall under?

Historical Romance.

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

I'd have to say unknowns for my hero and heroine. But I have a snobbish character, Mrs Chester, who only has a bit part, but I could imagine Imelda Staunton playing her.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

To make a future together, Hugh and Sarah must resolve the past.

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

I'm open to self-publishing if I can't find a publisher, but I'm doubtful of finding an agent at this stage.

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

I wrote the first chapter in about two weeks, about 3 years ago, but wasn't totally happy with the rest of the story, or some of the characters who were still a bit vague. So I've been doing other projects in the meantime, while my brain has been working on the weak spots.

Having been in an accident between then and now, I've only just got back into gear with the manuscript, so I'm planning on getting the first draft completed by early spring.

I'm one of those writers who does minor edits as I go along- before I start writing I re-read the chapter to help me get into the setting, and I'll make minor adjustments as I go. So hopefully I'll only need a couple of major revisions before I get a couple of readers to go through it and give me feedback.

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

I suppose it's a mix of Mills and Boon historicals of the past and the present.

Who or what inspired you to write the book?

As a small child I had problems reading- a slight speech problem delayed my reading development- and when I finally overcame it, I was suddenly open to a world of words and stories which I joyfully immersed myself in, and it made me want to write.

So every author I have ever read has inspired me to write this book- and the others I have waiting in line...

What else about your book might pique the readers' interest?

That's a tough one.

There's jealousy and how dangerous that can be. And also how the manipulation and/or suppression of truth can have a lasting effect on children when they become adults.

Anything else?

There's a Happy Ever After (HEA), and everyone will want to read my next book too... :-)

I'm now passing this award on to Fiona Faith Ross.