I’m thrilled to be a part of The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. It’s kind of like a chain letter for writers and bloggers. I was nominated by Victoria Pitts-Caine who talked about her new books coming out from PRISM Book Group.
Read on for details about my current project. At the bottom, I’ve nominated five other writers who will post their own answers to these questions next Wednesday, December 5th.
What is the working title of your book?
Against The Peace
Where did the idea come from for the book?
That’s a long story. I was watching a Lifetime movie about a young actress who goes to live with a “normal” family, though I don’t remember why. She looks around and mutters something about being in the Witness Security program. I couldn’t hear her enunciate and had to back it up several times to try and hear if she was saying “Witness Protection” or “Witless Protection.” I never did decide for sure which it was. Later, while I was walking in the neighborhood, it occurred to me that Witless Protection would be a great name for a humorous suspense story about the Witness Security Program. I finished the story but found there wasn’t much of a market for humorous suspense. The story has evolved from a love triangle between a young woman, her boyfriend and the marshal protecting him to a straight romance between the woman and the marshal. Instead of her boyfriend being in peril, the bad guys are after her because she witnessed them murder one of her janitorial company’s clients. Along with the boyfriend, I had to lose the too humorous Witless Protection name.
What genre does your book fall under?
Romantic Suspense
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?Cricket Spencer is Amy Adams.
U.S. Marshal Lucas Holden is Jeffrey DeanMorgan.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
What if a woman who hated violence and guns is threatened and her only hope lies in a man who carries a gun every day and makes his living on the edge of violence?Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m still hopeful that it will find a home with a traditional publisher, but if not, I’m happy to self-publish it.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The original Witless Protection took about 3 months, including 50,000 words during NaNoWriMo a few years ago. The new version is still being written, another NaNoWriMo project.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I love Dee Henderson and Irene Hannon’s romantic suspense. I would never presume to compare myself to them, but I wouldn’t be hurt if someone else did.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
See above for the whole story, but it started with the original name, Witless Protection. As the story changed and progressed, it became obvious the name no longer fit. My local Sisters in Crime chapter once had a speaker who was a former London police officer and he said many of the phrases and words in the British penal code would make great book titles. Like “Against the Peace.” That stuck with me and given that a marshal’s job is to protect people from violence, it seemed fitting.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Cricket Spencer is a “green” cleaning lady. She owns a janitorial company that uses only eco-friendly products. Her parents are aging hippies who live out their convictions. They escaped a cult-like leader’s compound when Cricket was a child. The ensuing gunfight left her with a deep and abiding fear of guns.
Now, I nominate five other writers. Check their blogs next Wednesday, December 5th to read about their projects. I’m so thankful to each for participating with me. I can’t wait to read what they’re working on.
My friend and critique partner: Beth ShriverMy friend and once upon a time critique partner: Lisa LickelMy ACFW associate: Kathy HarrisMy Mt. Hermon buddy: Patrick E. CraigMy friend and trusted advisor: Julie Carobini
I liked the humor when I read it early on, but the new rendition sounds intriguing. Blessing on you writing Carrie.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks, Brenda! It's quite a process, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteFabulous story! Thank you, Carrie!
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