The Next Big Thing

I was tagged to participate in the Next Big Thing by two wonderful writer friends: Mark Etheridge (My Soul's Tears) & Laura Jamez (Office Mango) And although I had already done this in another form some time ago ( 'Inspired Blog Hop' ) I decided to repeat it, as I am now working on a different novel.

Have a read:

What is the title of your Work in Progress?

Sleep – this is a working title, although I do like it.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Back in 1991, I wrote a short 800 word piece for a competition to win a James Herbert book (Portent). I didn’t get anywhere with the competition but I liked the piece and always wanted to ‘grow’ it into a novel, but knew I wasn’t up to the task then. Now I think I am. 

What genre does your book fall under?

Psychological thriller – although not a murder mystery – the murder is no mystery at all!

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Although my books run as movies in my head as I write them, I never see present day actors as them or even think of casting them, so I find it very hard to do. 

Sandra Bullock comes to mind, as she could pull off the lead quite well – physically and in terms of acting ability. For pure acting ability, Charlize Theron, or Hilary Swank. 

What is a one-sentence synopsis of the book?

Lizzy Dyson is a woman pushed to the edged and passed, by her husband, who she murders along with his lover in their marital bed, and the ensuing trail discloses what pushed her. 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I hope to go the traditional route – by an agent or even direct to publisher where possible.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Still in progress – only started in November 2012 so not far in yet.

What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?

Books would be hard, but the film ‘Falling Down’ with Michael Douglas is how I see it, or a reverse of this, where the audience sympathises with the main character at the end.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A competition, coupled with a struggling relationship I was in at the time, which would make me very angry. The short piece I wrote captured an essence of an idea and one I hope to do justice to. 

In terms of overall inspiration to write a book – especially a book that will hopefully capture the reader and draw them in – I have to turn to the authors that draw me in – such as Stephen King, Clive Barker and James Herbert. They are who I cut my teeth on so to speak. 

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

As each person is brought into the court room as either character witness or to give evidence, Lizzy remembers what part they played and the events that led to her own mental demise.

As I was tagged twice for this, and every one I can think of who might participate has already been tagged, I'm going to skip it this time round.