Yeah, I’m a little late.
Weeks ago, before Christmas, Susan Kaye Quinn tagged me in the Next Big Thing Meme. As many of you know, Susan is the author of the fantastic Mindjack Trilogy. She’s also a friend.
What is the title of your next book?
Nothing is ever certain with me until the very end. But I’m almost positive the next book will be the third book in Circle of Spies Series and will be called: SECRETS OF AN ASSASSIN.
Where did the idea come from for this book?
To be honest, I struggled a bit with this one. I’d plot and then give up. Plot and then delete the whole thing. At one point, I changed the ending of book 2 so it provided more of a closed story–but left an opening–in case I didn’t write book 3. It was not until after Christmas that when I was least expecting it, the plot came together.
What genre does the book fall under?
Contemporary young adult. But it also falls under mystery and espionage. Some of my favorite stories. For me, it’s not the genre, but the heart of the story. This one continues the story of Savvy and Malcolm.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition.
This is a tough one that I’m going to leave alone. I never look to find actors, or daydream about who would play certain characters. That has never inspired me. Sorry. J
What is the one sentence synopsis?
Malcolm and Savvy are in hiding after their escape from Greece, but when Savvy stumbles upon Will’s phone and a series of text messages, she must choose between everything she’d fought for and breaking away to discover Will’s secrets and make amends with her past decisions.
Definitely still in the first draft phase, so the phrasing will change.
Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?
Self published. That’s an easy one.
How long did it take you to write the first draft?
Since I’m still writing I’ll refer to my production schedule. **checks schedule and returns** It should take me less than two months to finish the first draft.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I’d compare this series to Ally Carter’s Gallagher series, except different? Mine isn’t set in a prep school, my characters are older, and Savvy never started out as an official spy with training.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
How about this series? When I started writing A SPY LIKE ME, I planned on querying agents. I decided to try my hand at contemporary and I heard the advice to write something you’d love to read. So I wrote down words like: spies, adventure, humor, love, Paris…etc. The rest is history. J
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
If someone doesn’t love to read about teen spies, I’d say they’d enjoy the heart of the series, which is a girl coming to terms with her changing family and trying to find her place in a world that has been turned upside down.
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I’d love to tag a few writer friends. Here they are:
Ansha Kotyk
Laura Diamond
Stina Lindenblatt
Loved hearing about your new project, Laura. That’s so awesome you can write a draft in two months. I need to get writing.
Thanks! I love writing the first draft even though I always love to get it done. Does that make sense?
I love this meme and getting to hear about projects. Love this series.
Thank you! I’ve had fun writing it too. I’ve loved seeing what other writers are working on.
You inspired yourself!
I never can pick actors for my characters either.
I never even try to. I know what my characters look like in my head so to try to find an actor? I guess once in a while when the stars align I know right away which actor would play a role…
OH cool beans Laura, and i like the title! Two months–high five!
My daughter has now informed me that the title of book 3 is too similar to the title of book 2, so I might need to change it. 🙁 She does have a point.
I love this tag and hearing about works in progress from my bloggie friends. So glad to hear there will a third to this series!
I couldn’t imagine NOT writing what I love. I think you can still write to a market and write what you love. Well, duh, you are proof of it. I suppose the hard part is when your fans (yes, future imaginary fans – grin) demand more of a certain character or premise when you are starting to run dry on it…
That’s true, Margo. This novel will be the last, but I could possibly see some shorter novellas down the road. We’ll see when the time comes.
Sometimes plots will cause us grief, but then suddenly fall together if we keep at it. I’m glad you kept at it.
Even right before Christmas, I had completely given up on it!