Author of "Storm Rising: A Kelli Storm Novel", and friend, Ken Hoss asked me to participate in a blog event called "The Next Big Thing." You can read his post here. He's going to be answering one question a week, but I'm going to do all ten questions at one time. I'm also not going to tag anyone because, well, it's not my thing.
1. What is the title of your book/WIP?
Um, it's currently untitled, even though I'm into my second full edit. I had trouble naming THE MIGHTY T, too.
2. Where did the idea for the book come from?
I have a patient who is Portuguese and is heavily involved in her religion. She's been telling me about these bullfights where she runs the concessions for years. I had finally published my two novels and was looking for a plot for my next Grant Starr thriller when she came in for an appointment. She mentioned the bullfights again and I thought "Bullfights? In California?" I went to see one and got hooked on the action, and the whole scene: the people, the food, everything. I've lived in this area for 49 years yet I'd never heard of any bullfights. I thought it would be an interesting background for a murder/mystery thriller.
3. What genre would your book fall under?
Thriller.
4. Which actor would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Grant Starr is 6'6", so maybe Vince Vaughn. I think he's 6'4". I'd be pissed if they cast someone who's 5'6". Bensen could be played by Oliver Platt. Amber, some hot actress. I don't know the names of any, but I'm sure they'd find someone great to cast as Amber.
5. What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
"What happens when a matador is murdered and a mayor negotiates himself a fat bribe: Mayhem in Stevinson." Hey, "Mayhem in Stevinson" just might work as a title. Hmm...
Murder in Stevinson
Mayhem in Stevinson
The Mayor of Stevinson
I'll keep working on it.
6. Is your book published or represented?
Well, by definition a work in progress shouldn't be published. Silly. I'm represented by myself and I'll be the publisher.
7. How long did it take you to write?
Way too long. It was scheduled to be published last fall. I can produce a publish-ready manuscript in less than six months. This one has taken more than a year.
8. What other books within your genre would you compare it to?
Several of John Sandford's Lucas Davenport books are similar to this book.
9. Which authors inspired you to write this book?
John Sandford is the author whose style I enjoy the most, so I copy him a little. Obviously I have my own style, but I've learned a lot about writing from reading, and rereading, his books. I read one of his when I'm working on one of mine.
Come on, you can't tell me I didn't have you hooked when I mentioned "bullfight"! I bet you didn't know they were still legal in California.
