The Next Big Thing Blog Hop
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Happy New Year, and welcome to the Next Big Thing!
What is a blog hop? It’s a virtual event that helps readers discover new authors. The first author tags five others whose work he or she admires, who each tag five more, who each tag five more, and so on. These memes float around the internet every few years, and this particular event has been so widespread, covering so many genres and amazing authors, that it was impossible to say no to participating.
Before we get to the questions, I’d like to thank Jaden Terrell, a dear friend for many years, who tagged me for this. Jaden’s books are wonderful mysteries set in Nashville, so if you like my Taylor Jackson books, be sure to check her out. You can learn more about Jaden’s work here.
In this particular hop, the authors I’ve chosen and I will each answer, on our respective blogs, the same 10 (predetermined) questions ranging from our current works in progress to our writing processes and beyond. I hope you’ll enjoy learning about our work. Please feel free to share comments and questions.
Now, here is my Next Big Thing! There’s just one problem. I’m having a hard time choosing what to share with you, as I’m working on several projects, and I’m superstitious about discussing too much, because it takes some of the magic away. One book I just finished, one I’m in the middle of, and one I’m going to write the moment I finish the one I’m working on.
So I’m going to mention three projects, but discuss my upcoming Samantha Owens novel, which I haven’t talked about publicly at all. How’s that?
1: What is the working title of your book(s)?
THE FINAL CUT - with Catherine Coulter (In progress)
STORM SEASON - with Erica Spindler and Alex Kava (just finished and on sale now)
WHEN SHADOWS FALL - Samantha Owens #3 (upcoming for a 2014 release)
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
Samantha Owens has become the Indiana Jones of forensic pathology. Her ability to see past the obvious into the truth is in high demand, which gives me the ultimate freedom – she chooses the cases she works and can move freely all over the world investigating them.
3: What genre does your book come under?
Psychological thriller
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Samantha has always been Natalie Portman in my head. Her lover, former Army Ranger Xander Whitfield, is Josh Hartnett, and her dear friend homicide detective Darren Fletcher is Robert Downey Jr.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When Samantha Owens receives a letter from a stranger asking her to investigate his death, she’s drawn into a world of extreme violence investigating a cultish gang who are not what they seem.
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
It’s already been bought by Harlequin Mira on behalf of Scott Miller at Trident Media Group.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Haven’t started, but have budgeted two months once actual writing begins.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
People who like Patricia Cornwell, Tess Gerritsen, Alex Kava, Erica Spindler, Lisa Gardner, Catherine Coulter, Lee Child and John Sandford will enjoy my books.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I loved the idea of a mystery within a mystery – Samantha being asked to investigate a seemingly straightforward case that has many layers and many dangers. And I dig the unreliable narrator, so there’s definitely going to be an epistolary component to the book.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
This is the third book in the Samantha Owens series, so continuing her story and letting her character grow into her new role motivates me. If you’re interested in how someone who’s lost everything can rebuild their life, you’ll love it.
Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog next Wednesday, January 9, 2013. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on WIPs and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!
