Tuesday, August 13, 2013

The Next Big Thing... Again



I was involved with this blog hop, The Next Big Thing, in 2012, but have been tagged again for it. I don’t mind updating my old post. It’s still a WIP, but has definitely had some developments, which I’m happy to talk about.

**I was tagged by Graeme Brown over at A Fantasy Writing Journey. Check out his blog and his new, exciting WIP.

Here are my responses to The Next Big Thing:

1. What is the working title of your book?

Anticipating Dawn

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

It is the sequel to my first book, Anticipation of the Penitent, and delves into the idea of what happens when a relative of a serial killer has guilt about the harm the serial killer caused the victims' families. It also speaks of how someone who is gay and lives in a Christian community learns to accept himself.

The idea of victim reunification came from my job. As a probation officer, I often deal with victims and how the criminal can pay back for the harms their crimes caused. The idea of the gay male in a Christian community came from my beliefs of how God views gays, which are different in some aspects than what many Christians believe God feels.


3. What genre does your book fall under?

Christian speculative fiction.
 Literary fiction, maybe. 

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

Searching the web and just going by looks, because I don’t know the up-and-coming young actors, I’d say Christian Keyes would be great as Michtam (ain't he beautiful?). And as Gent, Paul Butcher (he ain't bad neither). 
           
Christian Keyes as Michtam  
 Paul Butcher as Gent
           











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

Haunted by a relative’s criminal past, a young man fights to mend those harmed, but risks causing more ruin to their broken lives; whereas his best friend searches for God’s truth while being true to himself as a gay man.

6. If you plan to publish, will your book be self-published or published traditionally? 

I will try the traditional route first, but will self-publish if after some time I hadn’t caught an agent.

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

The first draft is not complete, but I’m hoping to be done this year. I’ve been very busy with promoting Anticipation of the Penitent, as well as with work, church, family and blogging, that I don’t get to write everyday.



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

I really don’t know. I haven’t yet come across much Christian fiction that deal with these topics, especially in a literary fashion. Prayers for Bobby by Leroy Aarons, is non-fiction, but deals with the ideas of Christianity and homosexuality in an honest and heart-felt manner. (I only saw the movie, however. The book is on my to-read list.)
9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

The victim reunification idea came from an inmate reentry meeting I attended for my job. Someone spoke about how she studies victim reunification programs in prisons, and that struck me as what Michtam would try for the families of Thomas’ victims.

The gay Christian idea came from being involved with my church, which, in general, is conservative. I don’t agree with many conservative Christian social beliefs, including the idea that being gay automatically means you are not saved and are not going to heaven.



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

While reading Anticipating Dawn, you will follow Michtam and Gent as they go through trials when they enter the lives of distraught people who battle daily struggles. Their discoveries will change their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the lives of others who have given up hope. 

In the midst of these discoveries, a serial killer even more harrowing than Thomas (the serial killer in Anticipation of the Penitent) has surfaced and changes the direction of Michtam's life forever.

--I am excited to say, unlike what I thought initially, there will be a killer in the midst! Whoopee!!

The bloggers I'm tagging next (and who will post at a later date; I'll keep you informed when) are:
Thank you Graeme Brown for the tag!


28 comments:

  1. Hi Nancy-- Your book sounds really good and I love how you're pulling from some personal experiences and beliefs. Like you, I attend a fairly conservative church, but also like you, I don't always agree with some of the stances people choose on issues. Glad to see you boldly addressing the topic.

    I'd go to the movie version of your book in a heartbeat, especially with Keyes-- he has eyes you can get lost in!

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    1. Thanks Julie. Yes, there are many conservatives at my church, but quite a few who are not, as well. I do love my church, though, and continue to be fed by learning about the Bible, and that's what matters most!

      And, I agree. Keyes is quite gorgeous. Gotta keep myself from staring! I tell God, "Well, you've got to lead me to my husband so I won't keep bordering on sin!" :)

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    2. Hi, I just purchased your book for Kindle even though I have never read anything in this genre before for a variety of reasons. The more I read abut it, the more fascinating it looks.

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    3. Thank you for your support seminars! I hope you do enjoy the book. I would be happy to hear your honest review, no matter what it is. I'm not sure what genre you usually read, but this one encompasses a variety of genres. Thanks again.

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  2. Nancy, as I've said about Anticipation of the Penitent, the sequel to it is also a great premise. Sounds like such an interesting read. It's so nice to get a behind-the-scenes look at your WIP. It gives people more reasons to want to read it.

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    1. I'm glad you like the premises of both books, Demetria. I'm getting to know and love the characters better, and I hate to have so much time in between writing, because I have to get to know them over again. Your words encourage me to squeeze time in and to try do some writing on this everyday.

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  3. Nancy...whoa girl, you ARE the next big thing! I love the premise of the book, and am quite anxious to read it.

    Truth be told, I have a story on the back-burner (actually it's only been in the formulative stages of my mind) about a gay Christian who's ostracized by the church. It's a speculative Christian idea, but one that excites me. My YA book came up first, but the other will be done. Prayers for Bobby was very good.

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    1. Thanks Mike. This blog hop has been a fun project.

      I'm glad you find the topic interesting. Unfortunately, many gay people do feel ostracized by the church, which is sad. Lifestyles and identities are totally separate, and I sometimes struggle with not getting angry when people try and damn others for who they are.

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  4. Your WIP sounds amazing. I love the idea of someone writing about what it means to be gay in the Christian community because it must be really rough. There are many perfectly nice Christians out there who suddenly lose all their kindness when they find out someone is gay. The victim unification storyline is also cool and could keep the pace fast and interesting. Sounds like it will be a winner. Good luck.

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    1. Thanks Shell Flower. It's a topic that really resonates in me, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. I know most of the story, but like in my first book, I don't think I'll know the end until I get there.

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  5. Thank you Nancy for your words on my blog today. Sharing is what makes the blogopshere so great. It is nice to learn more about you here, it sounds like you have an interesting project under way and I look forward to following your progress.

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    1. You're welcome Suzanne. It does help to share our stories. There will always be a "next time" and sometimes it takes hearing another's experience to know how I can do better next time.

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  6. I think you have an important and courageous story to tell and I wish you much success with it. I also want to thank you for your giveaway! I'll be sure to e-mail you today about it. (=

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    1. Great Elise. Will look out for your email.

      It is good to hear people who aren't so worried about this topic. I listen to God when I write, and I think he'll lead me to express this issue in a way that will touch some.

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  7. I'm really liking the sound of your current project... best of luck, and I have my fingers crossed you find a home for it:)

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  8. i love the premise and especially the inspiration of this book & series! and what a couple of cuties to promote it with! nice job on the tag!

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  9. Oh my.... Michtam... Lemme wipe my drool lol

    Anticipating Dawn sounds like a great read and I agree, it sounds very different and unique. I wish you the best of luck with it and with all of your books. Great ideas :D

    And thank you for tagging me, I love this. I will work on the questions soon!

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    1. It's hard to stop staring isn't it? :)). I truly good it'll be a great read.

      I'm so happy to tag you. Can't wait to read your post!

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  10. I love that you are writing about gays and Christianity, as there are so many gay folks out there that love God, despite the literal Biblical interpretation of homosexuality. I think you could do really well with this novel/series. Good luck.

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    1. I don't even think the literal interpretation is the problem. But I'm glad this gets you riled. Whether it does well, from your lips to God's ears!

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  11. Your book def. sounds interesting. It's got a great premise that would drive a plot, for sure! I could write a few thousand words on this subject and I'm glad you've done it!

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    1. I'm still doing it! Glad the topic grabs you.

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  12. This sounds really interesting!

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  13. Congrats, Nancy! This sounds exciting!

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  14. Great synopsis. And how fascinating...I didn't know you're a probation officer.

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  15. This will be quite a book when it's finished. Congrats Nancy and it's great that you tackle hard to take about problems.

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Your comments add wonderful flavors. Thank you!

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