The Next Big Thing...


Sometime recently, my dear friend Joyce Tremel contacted me about taking part in a blog chain called The Next Big Thing. I was up to my eyeballs in planning the Choices and Challenges of Modern Publishing Workshop for Pennwriters, and the date she gave me was AFTER the workshop, so I said “okay.” The workshop was Saturday. Oops. The blog was supposed to be up Monday. Some day I’ll learn.

But better late than never, so here goes. First off, be sure to check out Joyce’s blog for her Next Big Thing. I’ve read part of this book. It’s fabulous!

  1. What is the working title of my book? Circle of Influence.
  2. Where did the idea come from? A few years ago, a neighboring community was dealing with something of a political brouhaha when a local official got power-hungry and started throwing his weight around. The citizens were in an uproar and the police had to be called in to escort the politician from the meetings for his own protection. It was in all the local papers, and I looked forward to each issue to find out about this guy’s latest escapades. At some point, I heard myself say to my husband, “I’m surprised someone doesn’t kill that guy and put him out of their misery.” Light bulb moment! A new story was born! (The guy is still alive, by the way).
  3. What genre does my book fall under? Police Procedural/Traditional Mystery.
  4. Which actors would I choose to play my characters in a movie rendition? I think Zoe Chambers looks a lot like Jenna Elfman. And Mark Harmon would be perfect as Pete Adams. The ages would be off just a bit, though.
  5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of my book? A paramedic with a questionable past and a big-city-cop turned small-town-police-chief have vastly different motivations for wanting an overbearing politician jailed for murder, but when HE turns up dead, the long list of suspects include them right at the top.
  6. Will this book be self-published or represented by an agency? Good question. I’m currently seeking representation for it, so hopefully the latter.
  7. How long did it take me to write the first draft of this book? About a year and a half, during which I did a lot of research. The actual writing of the book was much quicker than that.
  8. What other books would I compare this story to within my genre? I cringe to mention her name anywhere near my own work because I’m such a fangirl, but I think (HOPE) mine would appeal to readers of Julia Spencer-Flemings wonderful series.
  9. Who or what inspired me to write this book? See question number 2.
  10. What else about my book might pique the reader’s interest? Besides being a paramedic, Zoe is also a deputy coroner which allows her to get into the investigative end of the case and hopefully both aspects will appeal to readers. Emergency! meets CSI.

And that’s that.

Except for continuing the chain, which is not one of my strong suits. Especially since everyone I asked has either done this one before, is revamping their blog, or doesn’t HAVE a blog. However, I’m thrilled that my pal Fred Connors has accepted my tag. Give him a week or so and then check out http://ovcoldcases.blogspot.com/ for Fred’s Next Big Thing.

Comments

Joyce Tremel said…
I am so glad you're querying this book. I love Pete and Zoe.

It really reminds of Julia Spencer Fleming's book.
11/15/12, 4:20 PM
Annette said…
Thanks, Joyce. I so admire her, it gives me hives to suggest such a thing.
11/15/12, 4:25 PM
Ramona said…
I hope to read this someday soon, Annette. Fingers crossed for you!
11/16/12, 6:03 AM
Annette said…
Thanks, Ramona. This is the same one I was workshopping with you at the Great Flood and Writers' Retreat a couple of years ago.
11/16/12, 6:16 AM
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