Next Big Thing

The amazing Candace White over at aintgotenoughgravy tagged me in the Next Big Thing Blog Hop. I am honored and excited to share what I’m working on. Normally, the way this works, is that at the end I tag five more authors to continue the journey. However, all of the authors I know have already participated. So instead, I’m just going to refer you to some great author websites that I love.

1. 1.    What is the working title of your book? 

Home

1. 2.   Where did the idea come from for the book? 

A friend and I were talking about how, if we didn’t have to go to work, we might never leave our houses. The story started out as a way to explore what it would be like to actually be agoraphobic, and grew from there.

1. 3.   What genre does your book come under? Fiction
2. 4.   Which actors would you choose to play your character in a movie rendition?
   1. Ashley: Jennifer Lawrence
   2. Megan: Kate Hudson
   3. Ben: Ryan Gosling
   4. Gary: Bradley Cooper
   5. Bernice: Diane Keeton
3. 5.   What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?

Ashley hasn’t left her house in ten years, but if she can’t figure out a way to leave, her sister may die.

1. 6.   Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Ask me in 2014.

1. 7.   How long did it take you to write a first draft of your manuscript? 

The first draft took 9 weeks, I’ve been working on the re-write and edits in the 10 months since. I’m hoping to have it to readers by March 10, which will be a year since I finished the first draft.

8. What other stories would you compare this story to within your genre? 

I don’t know! I need to figure that one out.

9.Who or what inspired you to write this book? 

My friend Heidi, and the conversation we had about staying home. My family, for always being supportive while I tried to do everything other than write until I knew that this is what I have to do, and then for giving me the time, space, and copy editing I need to be actually do it.

Authors I want you to check out:

Joe Hart: Joe and I went to High School together. Most of my memories of him are from shop class, we must have had a woodworking class together. He writes horror, and is SO. GOOD. Check him out.

Charlotte Rains Dixon: Charlotte’s book, Emma Jean’s Bad Behavior, released today! Yay! Charlotte mentored me in The Writer’s Loft and was awesome. She has an amazing website for authors and I definitely recommend her.

Linda Busby Parker: Linda was my first (and second, I couldn’t let go of her) mentor in The Writer’s Loft. Linda worked with me when my writing was a hot mess. (And my life wasn’t so hot at the time either.) She gave me supportive, but honest feedback, always pushing me. Linda was with me through the draft of Clouded. While I’ve let that stall for now, the closer I get to having Home done(ish) the more I’m ready to jump back into Clouded and start working on a publishable draft.

Morgan Wylie: Morgan and I met at Starbucks when her daughter, who happens to be the same age as my son, sat down and started talking to me while I was writing. Morgan just finished her first book and it will be out this spring.

Hope Clark: I don’t actually know Hope. But I’ve subscribed to her newsletter for a few years (thanks to Linda!) and  I feel like she’s a friend.