Meme: The Next Big Thing
I’ve been tagged by the wonderful Marianne de Pierres in The Next Big Thing meme. You can find Marianne’s responses here. And here are mine…
1) What is the working title of your next book?
Haze (Rephaim #2) – it’s official.
2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
This is the second book in the Rephaim series. It follows on from Shadows (Rephaim #1), and answers some of the questions raised in that book. There are two distinct groups of half-angels in the series. We met some of the first group (at the Sanctuary) in Shadows, so in Haze, I wanted to show readers more about the others – the Outcasts – and the threats to both groups. And, of course, Haze also continues to unravel the mystery behind Gaby’s memory loss and her brother’s fate.
3) What genre does your book fall under?
Interesting question. It’s generally referred to as paranormal romance/thriller, but readers have also suggested its more urban fantasy. The series sits in the YA section of book stores and libraries, but reaction to Shadows so far shows it has cross-over appeal with adult readers. I don’t really mind what tags readers give my books, as long as they enjoy them.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Always a tough question. Actors give off a different vibe/look depending on the role, so it’s hard to know. From a purely aesthetic perspective, I think Mila Kunis has a face similar to how I picture Gaby.
The following are faces that kind of fit my image of these characters:
Maggie (Imogen Poots):
Daniel (apologies to guy the below – I don’t know his name):
I’ll be talking about who I picture playing Rafa next month over at Dark Readers. Stay tuned.
5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Gaby learns more about her past, searches for her brother, makes new enemies…and argues with Rafa (among other things they do together).
6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m represented by Lyn Tranter at Australian Literary Management.
(All four books in the Rephaim series will be published in Australia and New Zealand by Text Publishing. Shadows and Haze will be published in the UK by Orion/Indigo and in the US and Canada by Tundra/Random House).
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Around 12 months.
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Readers have compared Shadows to The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (a massive compliment), Angel Fall by Susan Ee (which I haven’t read yet) and Cassandra Clare’s popular Mortal Instruments series.
9) Who or what inspires you?
Short answer: I love great paranormal/fantasy stories.
Longer answer: Joss Whedon (creator of the Buffy, Angel and Firefly TV series) has a lot to do with my love for the paranormal, along with Eric Kripke (Supernatural). There are also a lot of fabulous writers doing interesting things in the YA paranormal/fantasy space: Laini Taylor, Melina Marchetta, Maggie Stiefvater, Richelle Mead, Claudia Gray, Carrie Jones, and Marianne de Pierres.
Honestly, I’m inspired by great storytelling in all forms and genres. And, of course, my muse is the Foo Fighters.
10) What else about the book might pique the reader’s interest?
There are more twists and turns, more action with half-angels and demons, and Gaby learns more about her past – including things about Jude. We meet more members of the Outcasts and they make a discovery that threatens all of the Rephaim. And, of course, Gaby and Rafa continue to navigate their complex and fiery relationship.
Thanks to Marianne for tagging me. My writing buddies are all at early stages with their latest projects and not quite ready to answer these sort of detailed questions (or have already been tagged). But I recommend you follow the thread from Marianne’s meme to find out what exciting projects are coming your way.
Late tagging: Vikki Wakefield (check out Vikki’s The Next Big Thing responses here.)
