As part of ‘The Next Big Thing Blog Hop’, I was tagged by Jae in her post last week. The purpose of this hop is to expose you to writers and their work that perhaps you haven’t heard of, whether a new release or a Work in Progress (WIP). This is week 23.
According to the rules of the hop, I will be answering some questions (the same ones for every other blog hopper) about either my newest release or my WIP and then at the bottom of the post I’ve listed authors who will do the same thing in their blogs next Wednesday, December 5th.
All right then – let’s get started!
What is the working title of your book?
Originally, it was “Belizean Shores” right now I’m thinking about “if the Blind Could See”. Since I’m only about 2/3 way through the first draft, it could change again.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
The story originated from a real life adventure on a trip to Belize. En route to a tropical vacation,a good friend and I found ourselves flying through the outer bands of a hurricane as we approached Belize City. A *memorable* experience.So some of the story is pretty accurate.
What genre does your book fall under?
I’d say contemporary romance. But…you never know. Someone could die.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I prefer to let the readers create their own idea of what the characters look like. But hypothetically I would say…you know, I can’t say, I just don’t know. I’ll come back to this.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A legally blind sculptor and a type A travel writer are forced to make accommodations when the trajectory of their lives takes a sharp turn.
What is the longer synopsis of your book?
Silke Dyson has been humiliated and nearly killed when angry words turn volatile. Her vision and her world have diminished leaving her frightened and dependent. Her escape to Belize and the safety of childhood friends gives her an opportunity to reach out and help someone else as a most unlikely friendship develops.
Kirin Foster is a travel writer on the way up. Her proactive, no nonsense, aggressiveness has kept her on the fast track. And it helped her to escape a possessive demanding relationship. When she finds herself stranded in a strange country, her sudden helplessness gives her an opportunity to trust again.
The Yin and Yang complemented by uncanny similarities help to forge a bond between these two unlikely friends.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
If my publisher reads this, hopefully it will be contracted.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
So far, 27 days. By the end of NaNoWriMo, I should have 50,000 plus. Another couple of weeks for research and the beginning six chapters. I would guess two or three more weeks to complete the first draft, then… Big time “amplification”.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
As I mentioned in the first question, it was based on a real event, added –my love of all things Belize, and a chance to write about Wisconsin.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It’s still a work in progress, but the story has taken me in some interesting directions. Basically both women are looking at midlife changes with the benefit of some age. They’re both more clear about their needs and wants. They’re both very pragmatic. And while Silke appears more laid back, right-brained and calm, her situation and anxieties can be paralyzing. Kirin,on the other hand, is logical, left brained, and focused. But her experience in Belize affords her an opportunity to witness rebuilding and recovery on a very fundamental level. And it awakens a creative spark previously dormant.
When I started, I had a notion to throw two dissimilar types together in hopes of igniting some kind of passion. But…as my muse is fond of demanding– I will need to plumb the depths of their inner workings, so to speak, in order to understand each of these women and how they impact each other.
As a side note, I have been working for the past two years (actually longer than that) on series of books about an FBI agent struggling with PTSD*. The chance to do a love story seemed so appealing until I realized that there are no simple one-dimensional characters. Not if you want them to be believable. Sigh. So hopefully Silke and Kirin will find a way to meld their dissimilarities in order for each of them to grow.
But as I said, I don’t really know how this will end.
Thanks for stopping by and come back again soon.
~Next Wednesday check out these wonderful author’s blogs to find out about their Next Big Thing.
Ann annmcman.com
Baxter baxterclare.com
Ruth ruthperkinsonwritingservices.com
Sally sallybellerose.wordpress.com
If you’re a fellow writer and would like to participate in this Blog Hop, please reach out to them and let them know! The more the merrier 🙂
* Bonus Wednesday 
Bedazzled Ink Publishing and I are delighted to announce the much anticipated release of the New and improved, 2nd edition of Damaged in Service is available TODAY as an eBook through:
http://nuancebooks.bedazzledink.com/nuance-damaged.html ,
http://at-ebooks.com/damaged-in-service.html ,
http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=9570
Words of Barrett 
Love your comment — “you never know, someone could die”!! Yeah! Let’s kill off some characters!!
Thanks, Allison. It’s a fact, I never know and that more than half the enjoyment of writing!
I’m so impressed by how much you get done in November! Well done, Jeanne!
Unencumbered by a outside job, my writing takes precedence. November is sacred writing retreat. But, Thank you!
This new book sounds intriguing. I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks, Michelle. These women are quickly burrowing into my heart.
LOL – I keep thinking I’ll “toss off” a simple romance someday. How hard can it be, right? Wrong! Anything worth writing is worth writing well, and for this turtle, well equals time. Can’t wait to see how your left-brain right brain women come together – sure sounds realsitic!
Thanks, Baxter. you know what else? The more I learn about this crafty business, the harder it gets! And, of course, you’re right…”Anything worth writing is worth writing well”
Ooh, sounds awesome! Why are you excited about writing about my home state of Wisconsin?
I spent 25 years there before coming to NM. Plus, most of my childhood summers “up north”. Lot’s of wonderful memories. Maybe you’s like to beta the story? 😉
Ooh, yes, please!
It’s a deal! I’ll let you know.
A woman named Silke and mid-life changes – I am really looking forward to this one. Silke – my new fantasy lover.
laughing, now that’s the best thing a writer can hear! Thanks, Sallyb. I hope you’ll enjoy her adventure.