Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Next Big Thing Blogfest Tour

I was invited to participate in The Next Big Thing Blogfest Tour to tell you about my, well, next big thing! The author who invited me was Jan Morrill at  http://janmorrill.wordpress.com/2012/12/05/next-big-thing-blogfest/ When you're finished here, hop over to Jan's blog to read all about her exciting news regarding the January release of her book, THE RED KIMONO!

Now, back to the tour. Here are the questions that all of the blogfest tour writers are answering because we know you're salivating to know exacty what we're working on, right? Okay, here goes.

What is the working title of your book?
THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS. I actually had a focus group at my house a few years ago, and over wine and pizza, several women read sample chapters and my suggested titles. I had secret ballots for input and the suggested titles tied between THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS and MEET ME AT COCONUTS.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
My brain. I've always had strong friendships with women so I wanted to write about three strong women who were close-knit and professional, yet whose personal lives were unraveling. That's how it is for all women, right? Please tell me it is.

What genre does your book fall under?
Women's fiction with elements of romance, suspense and humor. The hippie parents provide a lot of humor while the cop sets the mood for several suspenseful scenes. In fact, when I was writing this novel, I hadn't decided whether the cop, Tony, was going to be a good cop or a bad cop until the end!

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
That's a tough one but what fun to dream big!

Reese Witherspoon for Alex, the blonde bank marketer who has a touch of OCD.

Julianne Moore is more like the personality of the divorced, redheaded Suzy, the wedding planner, but the women are thirty-something so maybe Amy Adams is closer to the right age.

Melissa McCarthy would be a fabulous Hope who hates her frumpy looks and constantly "babysits" her codependent, albeit hiarious, hippie parents.

Mark Wahlberg would be fantastic as Tony, the cop, but I might have to change his hair color.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Oh, boy. That's a tough one.

A wedding planner who can't find her own wedded bliss, a bank marketer who gets involved with a married cop and a high school counselor who enables her hippie parents will make you cheer for the unbreakable bonds of friendship as the thirty-something women meet every Thursday at Coconuts to deal with betrayal, tragedy, grief, and homosexuality.  Okay, so that's a bit convoluted but you try to write about three protagonists using just one sentence!

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Three agents have requested a partial but I've yet to send it to them. In fact one asked over a year ago. *hangs head in shame* I am always and forever editing. Not really. That's a lie. I haven't touched my novel in two years and have worked solely on children's picture books and short stories due to a family tragedy. BUT I'm ready to get back to it. Rolling up sleeves, rear-end in chair...just as soon as the holidays are over!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Two years to write and another year to edit but I languished, gave myself several months off for holidays, travel or whatever reward I thought I deserved at the time. I truly work better with deadlines and fire-breathing bosses due to my stressful marketing background.

What other novels would you compare your story to within your genre?
I can't think of another novel per se, but if you like women's fiction books by Carol Snow, Madelaine Wickham or Jane Moore, you'll like this book.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
They say write what you know and I was a bank marketer, do have a touch of OCD and did date a cop. So there! But this is a work of fiction. Yes, it is.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
It's set in the Midwest and covers several serious topics including a stroke, betrayal, OCD and homosexuality, so eventhough it's women's fiction and a light-hearted, fun read for the most part, the characters tackle meaty topics. And there is a happily ever after for the romantics out there!

Next week, look forward to hearing about The Next Big Thing from my fellow friends and writers, Stephanie Jarkins at www.gothmomz.com and Shirley McCann at http://shirleymccann.blogspot.com

I hope you've enjoyed this installment of The Next Big Thing. :)

12 comments:

  1. I loved reading your answers to these questions, Beth. I didn't know the background to the book, and had to laugh at your honesty. :) All I can say is, "Get to work!" Because I can't wait to read Thursdays at Coconuts!

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I'm excited about getting back to my novel. I've edited it a few times (all 300 pages) but am thinking about a few major changes so I think I'll print it all out and work from a hard copy once again.

      And thanks for inviting me to join you on this your!

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  2. This is a book I would buy Beth, so get busy and write it. I honestly don't see how you do all you do and write too.

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    1. Thank you, Pat. That means a lot. I have finished writing it but am going to make a few major changes and edit it yet again this winter. I just hope those agents are still interested!

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  3. Send this to the agents. Now! I want to read it!! Sounds wonderful. I can't wait to see how you tackle all the issues in this book. I have no doubt it will be fantastic!

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    1. Ah, thanks Claire. I need a kick in the butt. I appreciate your comments very much.

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  4. Beth, you'r book sounds really fun and playful. I'd love to read it too. And yes, you do edit too much. STOP IT! SEND IT OUT!

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    1. I know, I know. Stay on me. I know you will and thank you!

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  5. Well, heck. I think I need new glasses. Just screwed up YOUR|!!|!|

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  6. Sounds like a fun read! Handing you super glue for the month of January... and every day until it's ready for submission :-) Love ya!

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  7. To glue me to the chair, right?! Ha. I need that. Thanks!

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