The Next Big Thing
Hello, lovelies! I hope the new year has been treating you like the amazing people you are!
I am participating in a blog hop called The Next Big Thing, where writers take a moment to answer a few questions and blog about their upcoming projects. It’s a great opportunity for writers to come together and promote not only their own stuff (heh…we do that ALL YEAR), but the work of others. We’re supposed to tag five other writers in this, but as I am coming to the game a tad late, I’m going to skip that part and just tag some folks you may or may not be familiar with, but whose writing is absolutely fantastic!
Without further ado…let’s get it on.
What is the working title of your next book?
My next novel is called A Gentleman’s Oath. It is the first in a new series I’m tentatively calling Six Degrees of Love.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea for this novel came from a combination of things – my own personal struggles with anxiety disorder, the relationship I have with my wonderful husband and that amazing scene in E.T. where the flowers die and then come back to life. I’m not kidding about the last part. He may not be the cutest thing ever created, but damn if he isn’t the most loyal.
What genre does your book fall under?
Regency romance (if not in terms of the year in which it takes place (1828), then definitely the “feel” of it)
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Ooh! This is the type of question I try hard not to think about too often, because I can only ever come up with one name: James McAvoy. Forgive the pic quality…neither of these lovely people have a good selection of usable images (not without me possibly getting sued, anyway). 
As for the heroine…hmm…that one’s a little harder. I think I’d go the route of Saoirse Ronan. Her performance in Atonement was incredible (as was everyone’s).
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A change in circumstances may transform a doctor into a duke, but the oath of a gentleman is forever…isn’t it?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A Gentleman’s Oath will be published by Burning Book Press, my current publisher.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
It’s not finished yet!!! LOL So far, I’m about 10,000 words in. The goal is to have it ready for release by June.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmm..that’s a tough question. There are thousands of romance novels touching on everything from stuttering to malaria. I’m aiming for a character driven story that encompasses both personal and professional struggles, societal pressures and the gamut of emotions that come along with the uncertainty of love. My guess is, if you read romance regularly, you’ve come across a story which does exactly that. It’s why we read the genre!
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The story is partially inspired by my own personal struggles with OCD and anxiety disorder, partially by my love for medicine and a tiny bit inspired by the need for something lighter than the third novel in my Scandals of the Heart series. Oh, and don’t forget E.T. 
What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
I nerd out a little on the medical piece of it. I am neck-deep in old medical journals, but researching Regency medicine has been fascinating (not to mention given me a new appreciation for how far along we’ve come)! Also, anyone who has ever suffered with OCD or anxiety disorder will likely be able to appreciate my heroine’s experiences with them. The disorder may present differently for everyone, but I think anyone who has dealt with these can relate to the struggle…and the feeling of achievement that comes when you beat it (even for a moment). Just because they are always lurking in the background doesn’t mean every day isn’t a victory.
And those are all the questions and answers I have for now! I haven’t been able to find anyone new to tag (though I’m going to be bugging Starla Huchton until she gives in), but take a moment to check out the following writer’s Next Big Thing answers…chances are you’ll be adding new authors to your collection! Get your read on!!!
