Thank you so much to Aileen O’Conor Latcham for tagging me in the Next Big Thing! This blog hop asks authors a series of questions about their current manuscript. Be sure to check out Aileen at www.aileenerin.blogspot.com.
I’ve been working on a few new stories, but I chose the sequel to my YA novel Crystal Clear to share with you here. Please enjoy!
What is the working title of your next book?
Far From Home
Where did the idea come from for the book?
This idea stemmed from the first novel I ever wrote, Crystal Clear. I didn’t write the first book with the intention of a sequel, but it happened that way because of how the story ended. One of the main characters left with no explanation, so I decided I would write a sequel to share her story and answer the questions I left hanging at the end of Crystal Clear.
What genre does your book fall under?
Far From Home is Christian Young Adult, but it has some edginess to it for this category. Lauren (the heroine) has spent her life about as far away from religion as one can get, but finds herself stepping closer and closer as she searches for answers.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Yikes. This is tough because Lauren changes so much! I would want her portrayed perfectly, and the first actress that comes to mind is Kate Hudson. But I’m afraid she’s too sweet for that role. Maybe Lindsey Lohan? She fits Lauren in the beginning but I’m not sure she does in the end. Maybe it could be a transformation for both of them! 🙂 I have no clue on the other characters, so I believe I would leave that decision to the experts.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Well, considering I’m not done with the first draft, I’m not even close to a one liner! I’ll have to share this one with you later. 🙂
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I hope it will be represented by an agency, but if that doesn’t happen in an acceptable amount of time, I will consider self-publishing.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I am not done with the first draft. In fact, I’m not very far at all! Still have a long way to go for this one. 🙂
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I’m not sure I know of a story that fits this one closely. I feel like it is someone unique because of the edginess, but the closest I can come up with is Robin Jones Gunn or Jenny B. Jones because of their characters’ personalities.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Well as I said earlier, the idea came from my first novel. However, the inspiration from that novel came from a situation a very dear friend of my lived through. She lost both of her parents in a car accident a few years ago. Even though the situation was nothing short of tragic, she never lost faith in the Lord. I could only hope of having the same kind of strength in a similar situation. I wanted to write a story to show just what strong faith can do to heal the broken-hearted. Once I got through the first book, I was inspired to continue with Lauren’s character to find out just what I could do with her.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Lauren finds herself pregnant here, which is usually not an element in Christian Young Adult. Through heartache and confusion, she ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and has to decide between herself and her baby. Hopefully that makes you want to read it in order to find out what happens! 🙂
Here are the amazing writers I’ve tagged to tell you about their Next Big Thing. Visit them on January 2nd to see what’s upcoming for them. And until then, I hope everyone relaxes and enjoys the holidays!
Shelly Adina: http://magnificentdevices.wordpress.com/
Beth Keyes: www.eakeyes.blogspot.com