The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

At the request of -- and thanks to -- The History Weaver, a/k/a Janet Oakley, I think today I am part of this blog tour...

If I am, yay! If not, just ignore me. "It's not your job to be as confused as Nigel."**

So, thanks, Janet, for inviting me to the hop. If I was supposed to be inviting others -- I'm sure I was -- forgive me! It's a bit rushy around here. If you're a blogger friend of mine and are reading this, consider yourself invited! ;)

The Rules:

• Answer these ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress) on your blog
• Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.

Oh, ahem, yep. See, there it is, the part where I was supposed to tag other bloggers. And, yes, I am just reading this now! Crapola! Quick, if you're reading, go do this! And, I'll come back and tag you. Or link to you. Or do something close to what I'm supposed to do. Maybe.

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:

What is the working title of your book?
In Sight of Stars.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Lord only knows. I got some vague image in my head of a kid who is obsessed with Vincent Van Gogh.

What genre does your book fall under?
Realistic fiction.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I kinda hate when people ask me this question. Except for the part where known actors sell movie scripts, I would always want unknown actors to play the parts in my books. They are their own persons... you know?

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A series of heartbreaking events lead 17-year old Klee to the brink of an emotional breakdown. Will his obsession with Van Gogh save him or push him the rest of the way over the edge?

(Bite me. Yes, I know that was two. I just made it up on the spot.)

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I am represented by Jim McCarthy of Dystel & Goderich. He already read an earlier version of this MS and approves of its message. ;) Let's hope my new editor agrees!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
First draft came quickly. A few months. I had a reason to be rushing it, too. That reason is long gone, but it forced me to write fast at the time. ;)

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmmm, too hard.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I have always loved stories about normal people going through an "abnormal" or atypical period. How it affects them. How they rebound, if they can. You know, The Bell Jar, Cuckoos Nest, I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Girl Interrupted. . .

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
While parts of it are dark and painful, it's funny, too. Klee has a good sense of humor. And my quirkiest character yet plays an important part in the story.

Now Hop away to some really great writers
Find out about their WIPs and their ten questions.

Like this:

The History Weaver, a/k/a Janet Oakley, author of the Epic Ebook Award Winning Tree Soldier; and this

Allison M. Dickson, check out her available books and short stories while you're there. She's a really talented author and her WIP sounds AWESOME!

- gae

** that's from This is Spinal Tap, and, in fairness to me, Janet and I were communicating via email/texts while she was on the road, which only added to my usual cluelessness.