I've been tagged by Elizabeth Baines in a blog meme called The Next Big Thing. Read Elizabeth's post on this over at her excellent
blog. I have to confess I've no idea what a meme is (and I'm happy to remain ignorant) but I'm very pleased to take part anyway! I therefore have to answer a series of questions on a recent or forthcoming book. I don't really like talking about current writing but, rather than chicken out and answer questions about the short story collection, I'm going to be brave - but very vague - and talk about my novel. Here are my answers:
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Possibly from watching too many science shows and documentaries.
What genre does your book fall under?
Novel.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Paul Giamatti (who plays Miles in the film 'Sideways') seems to have a lot of soul and depth and there's a poignancy to his acting that is really endearing. I would like soulful actors - the more understated and low-key the better - so I wouldn't be overly bothered about who they are as long as they can make you feel something.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
I don't want to say too much but it is about the unearthing of a dark secret.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I would very much hope that I'd have an agent once it's finished.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I've only just started it so I'm a long way off the first draft.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I think I inspired myself - and the science shows helped.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I will probably have to go on a field trip to do some research - I'm saying no more.
All that's left for me to do now is to pass the baton to five other writers so that they can answer the same questions - so may I introduce you to:
* Novelist and short story writer
Ashley Stokes, whose short story collection 'The Syllabus of Errors' is forthcoming from Unthank Books;
* Fellow Scott Prize winner
Cassandra Parkin, whose collection 'New World Fairy Tales' was chosen as one of New Writing North's Read Regional books for this year;
* My writing pal
Gill Blow, who has just published a collection of short fiction called 'Split Seconds';
* Online writing chum
Joel Willans, whose debut short story collection 'Spellbound' has just been published by Route (and must surely be in line for a cover of the year prize);
* And, finally, another online writing chum and fellow Willesden Herald shortlistee
Adnan Mahmutović, whose collection 'How to Fare Well and Stay Fair' has just been published by Salt.
They will be posting their answers on Wednesday, December 12th so pop over and see them then to find out more about their recent or forthcoming work.
I had a lovely time reading at the launch for Sarah Dobbs' novel 'Killing Daniel' in Salford earlier this month. I read from my story 'The Monolith' which features in Unthology 3 (a collection of stories from Unthank Books which also features a piece by Sarah). Fellow Unthologist Debz Hobbs-Wyatt also read her story 'The Theory of Circles'. Sarah then read a selection of excerpts from her book - a literary thriller - and kept the audience enchanted throughout. (You can read more about the launch at Sarah's blog here and Debz's blog here.) I wish Sarah the best of luck with the novel - go buy a copy and treat yourself to a cracking read.
