The Next Big Thing

 That's right, today's the day.  The "Next Big Thing" Blog Hop. Which is a really cool way to get to know other writers and their work. Such as...Evelyn Byrne who tagged me and is writing paranormal books you'll really love.

This "hop" consists of 10 questions.  

And away we go.....

1. What is the working title of your book?
 Now that is a loaded question. I have several things going right now.  Dark Descent and Dragons of Jade are both in the editorial phase. I'm hoping to have release dates on them soon.  I'm also working on two serials, I Wish... and Where the Heart is.

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
Dark Descent began as a prompt idea for a writer's group newsletter but it had to be short. Only thing, there was so much more to the story so it became a novel.  Dragons of Jade...I'm not sure where the idea came from. I just like dragons and wanted to do them differently.  I challenged myself to write a different genre and that's how I started on Where the Heart is.  I Wish... my brother challenged me to write. It started as a short story, just enough to win the bet with him but has grown also.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
Dark Descent - mystery/suspense
Dragons of Jade - fantasy
I Wish... western fantasy
Where the Heart is - contemporary romance 

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
There's no way I could even begin to figure this out. I watch so little televison I don't keep up with the actors.
 
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Dark Descent - Hannibal Lector meets Mayberry - There's a serial killer living among them, can Cande figure out who it is before it's too late for his next victim?

Dragons of Jade - Who's killing the dragons and what can a girl from Earth do about it? 

Where the Heart is - Can Marcus prove to Samantha they were meant to be together before she leaves again?

I Wish... - Wes gets his wish to live in the old west but will it be what he expected and will he be able to get back home in one piece or at all?

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
They will be published through White Bird Publications. It's a small press and I'm really enjoying working with them.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Dark Descent took probably 3 months to write, but those 3 months were spread over quite a long time.  Dragons of Jade was written as a NaNoWriMo project so only took 1 month. Naturally, revising has taken longer.  Where the Heart is and I Wish... have taken several months also.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Gee...another loaded question. I think anyone who enjoys Sue Grafton or Janet Evanovich will like Dark Descent when it comes out.  Those who like dragons should enjoy Dragons of Jade. Romance lovers will enjoy them all since each book has a thread of romance.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I really like playing in different genres. It's a way to learn new writing techniques and challenging oneself.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
 I think the characters. I sometimes have to remind myself they aren't real people and I believe the reader will love them as much as I do. Plus, I like to add an unexpected twist or two whenever I can.


Well, that was fun. I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my WIPs.  Next week, check out these great authors and their blogs for more answers.

Mitch Haynes

Dawn Demarco 

Ken Farmer

Jaleta Clegg  

Simon Lang

You can download episodes(.99 each) of Where the Heart is and I Wish...  from Amazon.  Also, my short story collection, Six Pack of Murder has the first chapter of Dark Descent included.  

Ten Things Tuesday Randomness

I've been writing like crazy so don't have a proper Ten Things for you today. All you get is ten random things. 

First...  It appears my writing is fueled by chocolate. The last several days it's been Tootsie Roll midges.  And just who decided to call them midges?  I mean, really. Is that short for midgets? And not to be politically incorrect or rude but when did dwarves decide to call themselves "little people?" Did they not want to be associated with dwarves such as Gimli? Sorry...just a bit of randomness that came out. If I'd held it in, I might have exploded.

Next...Dance Moms and Toddlers & Tiaras.  What a mess. It's like a train wreck. You want to look away but can't. I'm so thankful my mom didn't do that to me.

And speaking of Television - I love The Closer. I hate that this summer will be the last season.  Better to end on a good note though than let the show go downhill to the point no one cares. I really appreciate the fact they let Brenda and Fritz get together.  Sure they have their issues at times, but most shows get rid of love interests.  For example...NCIS.  It was nice to see Tony happy but they had to go and kill that story line.

It's a fireplace screen. I was looking for something stained glass not long ago and found this. I think it'd make a great window. My better half used to play with stained glass. Maybe one day I'll get him started again and have him make something like this for me.

We like penguins at our house. I'm not sure why but it's my oldest daughter's fault.  Years ago we were on base (Barksdale AFB) in the BX after Christmas and all the leftover stuff was on sale. She bought two stuffed penguins.  One was about 2 feet tall, the other about half that size.  She decided they were mom and baby. Naturally they were named Mama P and Baby P. They went everywhere with us for a while. One time, I was talking to my Mom, planning a trip to her house and mentioned I'd have to bring the penguins. She wanted to know where we kept them, inside or out and did they make good pets. It's been about ten years now and we still have the penguins. They live on daughter's bed most of the time.

There are a LOT of Crepe Myrtles in bloom now. And they are really pretty. I really like the white ones but the red are nice too.  I've decided I want to get a red one and a white one, plant them in same pot then weave the branches together (over time) so that when it gets older and blooms, it'll be red and white mixed all together. I think that'd be very cool.

Like I said, I've been writing a lot lately.  For a couple days, I just basically stared at the screen and wrestled shoulder vultures but they've gone and now the words are flowing. Yesterday, I found myself choosing music to write by and deciding based on what  my character would like to listen to.  Anyone else ever forget they.... shhhhhhh......aren't real?

Was up late last night and early this morning. Today is trash day which is son and hubby's job. Most of the time anyway. Hubby came in kitchen and asked me where the trashbags were. I promptly got up and looked in the fridge for them. Naturally they weren't there. I'm not sure which is sadder...that he doesn't know where they are kept, or that I do know and still looked in the fridge.

I like having breakfast for dinner. We do this ever so often, especially on Wednesday nights after church.

 Did you know if you don't have a Kindle you can download the app to your computer or smart phone, right? My daughter told me last night she has 267 books on her Kindle Fire. I don't have a Kindle but I have the app on my computer. I do plan to get a Kindle soon. I love having so many books available. I mean, there is no way she could have that many books in her room and still live in there.

Which leads me to something not so random.  Today is the last day to get I Wish...for your Kindle or PC free. I'd really appreciate if you'd download, read then write a review for it. Here's the links.

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon De
Amazon FR

I Wish...

Wes Taylor has dreamed about living in the old west as long as he can remember. When he gets the chance to live his fantasy, will it live up to what's he's imagined and will the cost be worth what he gives up?

I Wish... is only on Kindle for . 99 or free to download through their Prime Membership Program. 

This story came about as a dare from my brother. Thanks bro...