Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Next "Big" Thing....

Just for fun, a bunch of authors are answering questions about our latest WIPs (works-in-progress), and here are my quick quips. Be sure to click the links at the bottom to keep hopping on to see what's next!


What is the working title of your book?
It's still in the works. And it's driving me nuts!

Where did the idea come from for the book?
From the history of Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN, the setting of A Lasting Impression, the first book in the Belmont Mansion novels series. Love this mansion (that still stands and is open for tours) and Nashville history.

What genre does your book fall under?
Southern Historical Romance. My first seven books are set against Colorado history. The next ten? Southern history. Lovin' it.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Let's see… Richard Armitage (most recently in The Hobbit, but sans his hobbit-like qualities, thank you very much) and Erika Christensen (from Parenthood, would love to see her in a historical role, but she'll have to darken her hair a touch. You'll make a lovely brunette, Erika. Trust me!).

What is a quick synopsis of your book?
Eleanor Winstead, daughter of a respected US Senator, has lost nearly everything but her pride.
Thomas Nicolay, a Czech undergardener at the Belmont Mansion - or so Eleanor believes - is a man determined to accomplish what he came to America to do. But if he does, Eleanor could lose not just her future, but her life.

Are your books self-published or represented by an agency?
My books are published by Bethany House Publishers, Zondervan Publishers (Harper Collins), and Thomas Nelson. I'm represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

How long does it take you to write the first draft of a manuscript?
About 7 - 9 months. But then comes the fun part––rewrites! That's where the story, and the characters––their goals and motivations––really take on a life of their own. It takes me about a year to write a story from start to finish. 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
As far as genre and setting, the most popular novel in this genre would be Gone With the Wind. Except my novel takes place just after the Civil War, wasn't written by Margaret Mitchell, and isn't the best known Southern historical novel and movie of all time. Just keepin' it real...

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
A love of Nashville history, for sure. Of the Belmont Mansion. Of nature. And romance.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
My novel will reveal where McDonald's french fries originally came from. Seriously. Just you wait!  ; )

Do you have any ebooks currently on special during this season of newly gifted eReaders?
Yes, I do! My latest, To Whisper Her Name, is currently on sale for $3.79-$3.99 on Kindle, Nook, iBook, and CBD.com.

Check out author Sibella Giorello's Next Big Thing


Check out author Kristin Billerbeck's Next Big Thing