Tag I'm It!

Thanks to Pat Esden http://patesden.livejournal.com/ for tagging me in this fun post. It gives me the chance to talk about what I'm working on and share that love with some friends.  If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged! Let me know when you post your answers!

Today, you're in luck, because I'm going to give answers for TWO books instead of one!

First, my latest MG novel:

1. What is the working title of your book?

Evil Teddy Bears Are Plotting to Take Over the World

 

2. Where did the idea come from the book?

My youngest son. He told me he wanted me to write him a fantasy adventure book that was also a mystery.

 

3. What genre is your book?

Humorous middle grade.

 

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

Um, am I weird if I don't think about that kind of stuff? 

 

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

When eleven-year-old pratical joker Lucas Sharp moves with his family into a spooky old house, he discovers his little sister's teddy bear collection has come to life and is very likely bent on world domination--Lucas must do what it takes to stop them, even if no one believes him!

 

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

I will be seeking agent representation for this novel.

 

7. How long did it take you to finish your first draft?

Still in progress, but I'm planning to have it completed this fall.

 

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

Off the top of my head, I'd say it's a bit like a hybrid of The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, A Whole Nother Story, and Bunnicula.

 

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

As mentioned above, my youngest son. Oh, and his teddy bear collection. ;) 

 

10. What else about your book may pique a reader's interest?

It's got funny illustrations and fun how-to instructions.

 

 And next, my chick-lit/romantic comedy novelette:

1. What is the working title of your book?

How to Cook Up a Disaster

 
2. Where did the idea come from the book?

The parameters for a writing contest. I don't remember the exact paramaters, but as I recall the opening sentence had to go something like, "If [blank] had known then what [blank] knew now, [blank] never would have . . ." I finished the sentence with a list of crazy events and from there, the story was born.

3. What genre is your book? 

Chick-lit/romantic comedy.

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

Again, never thought about it before! I honestly couldn't give you an answer!

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

Twenty-year-old college student Sadie Dawson finds herself in over her heard when she must single-handedly host her great-grandfather's 100th birthday party after her mom goes into early labour and everything spirals out of control.

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

I'll be self-publishing it.

7. How long did it take you to finish your first draft?

Seven years. Yes, you read that right. I started it as a short story in the spring of 2005. Only the story kept growing and growing until it was much too long for a short story, but not long enough for a novel. At that time there wasn't much of a market for stories in this in-between size, but thanks to the rise of ereaders and ebooks, there sure is now!

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

I can only think of one off the top of my head: Bridget Jones' Diary. 

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

Murphy's Law? ;) Basically, if the story could have a motto it would be, "Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong."

10. What else about your book may pique a reader's interest?

It's got a hottie fireman in it.

Read the first 5 pages here: How to Cook Up a Disaster Sneak Peek