Sometimes during the Holidays it is hard to get much writing done, but it is a time of inspiration. Christmas movies with the Happily-Ever-After, heartwarming stories, and even the sorrow we see in others lives. All of these things help us to connect with the world we live in.
Talking about our stories often helps us to get excited about getting back into our stories after the turkey and stuffing clears, the wrapping paper is crammed in the trash can along with all of those boxes, and our brain is no longer stupefied by sugar.
After the holidays before you sit down to write, tell someone what you are working on. You’d be amazed at how much it can help to refocus your work. Here’s a sneak peak at what I’m working on.
What is the working title of your book?
I just started a rough draft for a shorter novel 55,000 – 60,000 words. The title is currently under revision. For now I will call it “Faceless.”
Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea came from a question really. What would happen if a child said they were kidnapped and then vanished from sight, only there are no reports of such a child ever being kidnapped?
What genre does your book fall under?
Romantic Suspense
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Lucia (Heroine) - Rachel Bilson in the Hart of Dixie has a similar personality and then I would shift her look to be more
like the Layer Shag For Naturally Curly Hair. (Click and scroll down to see picture). Lucia has a fire red slinky curls and a quirky personality. From her pink Volkswagen Beetle to the not her dog Mitsy who has lived with her for next to a year, Lucia is a riot of contradictions.
Tucker (Hero) - Jake Gyllenhaal. Tucker would like nothing more than to resist the attraction he feels for Lucia, especially when the town believes she is not a credible witness. But Tucker knows what it means to be alone and Lucia’s loneliness touched a place in his heart. From nightly jogs and frog invaded fishing trips, Lucia steals his hearts. If only he can protect her from the danger that threatens to swoop in and destroy her.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Lucia’s brother vanished, can she trust Tucker to help her find a second face in the crowd before he is gone forever, too?
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be represented by Mary Keeley of Books & Such Literary.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I”m still working on the first draft, but I anticipate being done in January. A rough draft on a manuscript of this length would usually take me 1-2 months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Vanished by Margaret Daley- Published with Love Inspired Suspense
The Baby’s Bodyguard by Stephanie Newton – Published with Love Inspired Suspense
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
There are children who go missing everyday that no one reports. Whether they ran away, are kicked out, or simply neglected these children face heartbreak and foul play at the hands of others. It is a tragic situation. There are also custody battles that we never hear about. This book takes the story of these children and weaves it into a story of hope.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
One unique spin I put on this book ties the heroine’s profession as a cartoon artist into the plot. Lucia has always been fascinated with faces since her brother disappeared. She draws faces to never forget, but this time no matter how well she remembers a missing child’s face won’t help her find him.
What are you working on right now? How long does it take you to write a rough draft?
