The Next Big Thing

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The lovely and exceedingly stylish Caroline Richmond borrowed an idea from Ms. Snark’s First Victim, which became a WIP-related blog hop of sorts. 

If you want to get an idea of what other authors are brewing, check the bottom of the page.  Until then, here are the details of the project that I’m working on: 

What is the working title of your book?
Well…it has two.  Either Dark Corners (which is taken from a line in the story) or At Any Price (which deals more directly with the content).  I’m still not sure which one I like better.  Wanna’ vote?

Where did the idea come from for this book?
This is actually a little embarrassing to admit.  Okay, okay, a lot embarrassing.  I was waiting for a quote on garage doors, and the appraiser (is that the right job title?) called to say he would be a little late. While I wanted to be irritated I was somewhat interested to see what this man looked like.  The guy had an incredible voice.  Think Chris Hemsworth (Thor), but with a lighter accent.  To my very great surprise (note: not disappointment), when I opened the door a beautiful teenage boy was standing there.  Poor kid.  He probably stuns a hundred stay-at-home-moms every week. 

I showed him to the garage and backed away, intending to be un-creepy and let him do his work. However, my four-year-old daughter, who was born a flirt, also recognized the handsome boy and became his assistant. 

You guys, he was darling with her.  Like melt your heart cute. 

So beautiful boy (and yes, I remember his name but don’t ask because that’s even more embarrassing), was originally from Israel, has several nieces and nephews, and works for his family company while studying as a freshman at a local college.

After he was long gone, I thought, “He would make an AWESOME character.” Soft spoken, stunningly gorgeous, amazing with kids, hard worker.  And so Asher, the love interest of my main character was born. 

Obviously, you don’t write a story around a love interest.  Well I don’t.  You guys can write stories about whatever you want.  But he was the impetus.  Why would a beautiful Jewish boy be in trouble, and what would motivate a girl to help/save him?

What genre does your book fall under?
Thriller?  I think that’s the right genre.  There’s lots of action and bombs and scary, scary, evil people. So I guess that’s a thriller.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
My main character, Emma, is a petite, blond, athlete.  At one point  she says she looks so American she might as well have the flag tattooed on her forehead (as compared to the tall, rawboned Hungarian beauties she associates with).  I think Hayden Panettiere looks like her, but is too old to play the role now. 

And if you’re really interested in what Asher looks like, check out Vincent Azzopardi. Yes.  That’s what Garage Door Guy looked like. 

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
One sentence?  Umm…How about a few really short sentences? 

In a dark alley, a German girl is kidnapped.
In a tiny apartment, a Hungarian girl plans her death.
In an ambassador’s ballroom, an American girl defies her parents.
Three girls. One collision course. No happy endings. 
 
Does that work for you?   

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m so luck to be represented by Jennifer Laughran of Andrea Brown Lit.  I’m currently working through her revision notes so I can make this story magical.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? May we see an intro?
The first draft took five months, which is actually a little faster than usual for me. 

The intro: 
 
The naked trees leading to the US Ambassador’s private residence dripped with white lights.  Glowing streamers hung from the bare branches, dangling onto the icy pavers and brushing against tall guests when the wind blew.   
 
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I sort of hit this on my love list:  Budapest, fiery explosions, drugs, guns and bodyguards. Protecting family no matter the price. And PASTRIES!

And now, I shall tag writers for The Next Big Thing!
Lindsay Currie
Trisha Leaver
Jess Lawson
Kristan Hoffman

Other people who are planning to participate in The Next Big Thing are: 

Alice
Sarah Enni
Katy Upperman
Tracy Neithercott

If you want to participate, leave a note in the comments and I’ll link it to your post here.

Have a lovely weekend!

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