The Next Big Thing

Thanks to Nicole Petrino-Salter over at Into the Fire (if you want to be inspired or challenged, check out Nicole’s excellent blog!), I’ve been tagged in a game of The Next Big Thing and get to answer questions about my books. I’m in editing mode right now, so I’ll spotlight the book I’m working on today. (Tomorrow I may be editing a completely different novel.)

1. What is the title of your next book/work?

Chain of Mercy

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

Oh boy. This is actually my very first novel and the story bears absolutely no resemblance to my initial story question that asked: What would happen if an abortion doctor became pro-life? The story morphed greatly from there. I don’t even have a doctor in this novel. 🙂

3. What genre does your book/work fall under?

That depends on whom I talk to. It seems every agent/editor had a different suggestion. Women’s fiction, general fiction, contemporary fiction … The genre I’ve landed on is contemporary fiction with strong romantic elements. My male protagonist keeps it from being labeled women’s fiction, but it’s geared for the female reader.

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

My hero would be played by Eddie Cibrian and my heroine, a slightly younger Bridget Moynahan.

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

A business-savvy janitor hides his criminal past from the sales executive who falls for him.

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

Praying for an agency…

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

Only five months. Not too bad for a first book. Although that first draft has changed drastically.

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

Hmmm. That’s always a difficult question. I’d say Bella by Lisa Samson or Finding Faith by Denise Hunter.

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

I’ve always been a writer, but before Chain of Mercy I hadn’t written a novel. I’d had this idea in my head (initially generated by my answer to #2) that wouldn’t let me go. Finally, I sat down at the computer and wrote. What a fun ride!

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

Ultimately, this is a story about forgiveness: accepting, giving, and realizing the need to be forgiven. I touch on all three aspects using three unique characters and perspectives. Hopefully, readers will identify with one or more of the characters.

Now I’m tagging Michelle Lim, Stephanie Prichard, Joe Courtemanche, and Rose Ross Zediker to play. Enjoy!