The Next Big Thing-No Not Santa

Yikes, I have neglected my blog terribly. What with NaNoWriMo, Thanksgiving and my head in my newest novel, three cars needing repairs in as many days, etc., blah, blah, I have been AWOL. 

I have to thank Liv Rancourt who twisted my arm  politely asked me to agree to do this Next Big Thing post, or there would still be head banging going on my desk as I try to squeeze out my newest plot idea. So, I guess there's that to be grateful for.

Here is the deal, I answer ten questions about my latest writing project (Yay! I have a contract and am going to get published!). (Ahem, excuse the jumping up and down.) Now you will get a peek into Dance The Dream Awake, my long awaited novel.

The Next Big Thing is a blog hop that’s been traveling from site to site, and I was tagged by the lovely Liv Rancourt. Be sure to check out her site--it's very clever. 

I answer ten questions about my current WIP, then tag five other bloggers to play the next round (I think I was the last kid in the corner chosen because I couldn't twist five other people's arms find anyone else interested at this busy time of year). But I did find one victim willing participant, Marta Chausee. (give her a big hand)

After you read the interview answers below, then peruse the list Marta's blog at the end of this post and check her site out--give her time to get her answers up, though. You might find a new book you want to check out or inspiration for writing ideas.

Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:

What is your working title of your book?

            Dance the Dream Awake (cover yet to come)

Where did the idea come from for the book?

            A déjà vu experience I had in Mexico’s Yucatan at one of the Mayan pyramids at Coba.

What genre does your book fall under?

            It’s going into the new Mystic line at Oak Tree Press, which would fall under paranormal It covers a past life and shamanic scenes with curanderas. It has suspense and romance throughout.

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

            My protagonist, Tessa, would be a cross between Sandra Bullock (pretty, with a curious spirit) and Angelina Jolie (woman with dark edges that will risk real danger)—or maybe Anne Hathaway, who can fill all those parameters.

            Porfirio, dark, mysterious character. Maybe Jimmy Smitts- dark, romantic, charming or Benicio Del Toro. Johnny Depp with slicked back hair could play him with the charming panache needed.

            Jack, Tessa's neighbor and thorn in her side for the summer, “He had a bold, brusque John Houston manner, softened around the edges by a sort of Robert Redford charm.” Got any suggestions? Gerard Butler maybe. 

            Nick, archaeologist who is key to her unveiling the past. David Boreanaz (Bones) or Brad Pitt. He has to wear a hat like Indiana Jones, I think.

(I've started a board of characters over at Pinterest you could check out if you are a visual person.)

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

            Tessa risks danger in the jungles of the Yucatan to put an end to her nightmares of a Mayan sacrifice in a past life, the revelation of which puts her in mortal danger, once again, but frees her to be able to love again.

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

            Oak Tree Press is publishing it.

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

            Years. It was my first novel, on which I learned to write during the process of finding and shaping the story.

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

            This year I read a novel by MJ Rose, The Book of Lost Fragrances, which followed that theme of past lives influencing the present one. It felt very similar to my novel in atmosphere, danger and intrigue. She touched on several past lives but I focus on a single one.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

            The experience I had at the Coba pyramid was startling. I sensed this other time when people had their hearts cut out of their chests and I felt the scenes viscerally. I knew that there was corruption in the Mayan priesthood similar to what we see today in politics (our current power structure) where many politicians pretend to be out for the interests of the people but in reality manipulate and control through theatrical demonstrations before the public – for their own power and greed.

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

            Mayan life around 900 AD, in which my protagonist lost her heart physically, is highlighted by her inability to love now. It is reminiscent of those compulsions that drive some people to do or not do something; they can’t figure out where the compulsion comes from or how to change it. A past life might hold the key.

         

Go visit Marta Chausee at The Write Stuff: http://martachausee.blogspot.com/ 

(Give her a day to get her answers up.)    

Rules of the Next Big Thing

***Use this format for your post

***Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (work in progress)

***Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.

                   (Good luck with that, Marta)

Any questions, comments or suggestions? Leave a comment if you like. I would love it.