storyrainthejournal | the next big thing...

Patrice Sarath tagged me in her Next Big Thing entry; these are posts in which writers talk about their WIPs. Patrice was tagged by Nicky Drayden. You should go read both their posts, because they are entertaining and funny. Then read mine because you love me.

Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing

1. What is the title of your Work in Progress?

I'm going to talk about the novel on which I'm in the process of a first revision, rather than the newest project, which is still in development phase and a little too delicate for the light of day. Or undercooked. Choose your metaphor.

Um, yeah, so the title of the novel is DEEP TERRAIN (I’ve been advised to change it, and will, but haven't settled on a new title yet).

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

My love of a certain three-character relationship dynamic that appears in many pirate and swashbuckling movies (and others) but is never played out in a way that pleases me. Also my love of adventure/swashbuckling tales in general.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Alternate earth/alternate history dark fantasy.

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

Snow - Ziyi Zhang; Thaniel - a talented young unknown; Captain Brule - Gael Garcia Bernal

5. What is a one-sentence synopsis of the book?

On the waters of an alternate 1600s South China Sea, two adventurers and the crew of the Sophia Obscura hunt for the Ordinaith, a legendary device for the navigation of the deep places of the earth's crust, where potent magic infuses mineral, water, and the life forms of the dark places.

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

Represented by my agent, if she goes for it.

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

I have a dayjob, so, a while.

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

I’m really bad at these kinds of comparisons…

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

The energy in the unfulfilled, dissatisfying relationships and arcs in stories I’ve otherwise liked. Also, what always inspires writing—reading, and other forms of storytelling (film, in this case, a lot of movies); for me, also and always, the wonder and inventive artistry of the natural world, which is so very amazing.

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

Chemical witchery, derring-do, swordfights and sea battles, sea serpents and arcane works, exploration and discovery…

Don’t forget to check out Patrice’s post; Patrice is the author of the Gordath Wood series and the Jane Austen-inspired The Unexpected Miss Bennet.

I’m tagging the following authors, all truly wonderful writers; interested to see what they have up their sleeves: