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The Next Big Thing
It's been a while, I think, since I've talked about my creative writing pursuits on here. Mostly that's because the novel draft has been moving at a snail's pace. But since I made a promise to myself to fix that in 2013, and to re-commit to my fiction writing, it seems fitting that I participate in an internet meme brought to me by my friend, former Tamale Hut partner-in-crime and ambitious as all get out writer Bernie Cox.
I know a lot of you already know some stuff about what I've been working on. But hopefully this will give you a little more insight!
What is the title of your next book?
Running the Ropes
Where did the idea come for the book?
I've been a life-long wrestling fan, but it wasn't until I met a few women trying to make a name for themselves in a now-defunct independent wrestling promotion in Northwest Indiana that my protagonist Julie Richardson, was born. I wanted to explore why a person would pursue a path in an industry that offered little opportunities and financial gain and that was also physically and emotionally dangerous.
What genre does your book fall under?
Young Adult/Contemporary Fiction
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Vanessa Marano with green contacts would be perfect as Julie if this were to go into production tomorrow. And not just because I'm a mark for the Gilmore Girls.
Tim is a more difficult casting choice, because I'm not familiar with too many male actors under 20, and because I've always used the image of a real person who is no longer with us as my visual template.
If anyone knows of someone who could do a good imitation of this look, I'm I'll ears!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A chance encounter results in a teenage overachiever choosing a new path, and finding love, loss, and herself in the world of professional wrestling.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It is still in progress, but I would like for it to be represented when it's ready.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I've been plunking away, slow and steady, since the beginning of 2009.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
None, but the dynamic of Julie and Tim's relationship shares some similarities with that of the two main characters in Sara Zarr's "Sweethearts."
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
All the women who struggle and sacrifice for an industry that on the whole is not all that supportive of them as legitimate athletes.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I've shared excerpts of this story with people who actually work within the indy wrestling scene, and they've confirmed that I'm portraying their world accurately. And if wrestling's not your thing, you can still enjoy this as a classic coming-of-age narrative, with some teenage romance thrown into the mix!
So yeah, that's my Next Big Thing! Now to bring your attention to some fellow writers who are also working on projects worthy of your attention.
Here goes!
Stephanie Kuehnert, my soul sister, weekly writing partner, and kick-ass novelist.
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brendandetzner - Author of the dark and haunting short story collection, Scarce Resources, and tireless organizer of Bad Grammar Theater.
pattytempleton - A music and travel soul sister, and a slam-bang slinger of stories both short and long.
csecooney - A beautiful friend who spins amazing yarns like this and who I know I would spend countless hours with were she not hundreds of miles away.
Jeanine Vaughn - Author of the recently completed novel, "Tech Forsaken," cheerful friend of all creatures great and small, and a delightful spirit who I am happy has become a Tamale Hut Open Mic regular.
I know a lot of you already know some stuff about what I've been working on. But hopefully this will give you a little more insight!
What is the title of your next book?
Running the Ropes
Where did the idea come for the book?
I've been a life-long wrestling fan, but it wasn't until I met a few women trying to make a name for themselves in a now-defunct independent wrestling promotion in Northwest Indiana that my protagonist Julie Richardson, was born. I wanted to explore why a person would pursue a path in an industry that offered little opportunities and financial gain and that was also physically and emotionally dangerous.
What genre does your book fall under?
Young Adult/Contemporary Fiction
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Vanessa Marano with green contacts would be perfect as Julie if this were to go into production tomorrow. And not just because I'm a mark for the Gilmore Girls.
Tim is a more difficult casting choice, because I'm not familiar with too many male actors under 20, and because I've always used the image of a real person who is no longer with us as my visual template.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A chance encounter results in a teenage overachiever choosing a new path, and finding love, loss, and herself in the world of professional wrestling.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It is still in progress, but I would like for it to be represented when it's ready.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I've been plunking away, slow and steady, since the beginning of 2009.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
None, but the dynamic of Julie and Tim's relationship shares some similarities with that of the two main characters in Sara Zarr's "Sweethearts."
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
All the women who struggle and sacrifice for an industry that on the whole is not all that supportive of them as legitimate athletes.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I've shared excerpts of this story with people who actually work within the indy wrestling scene, and they've confirmed that I'm portraying their world accurately. And if wrestling's not your thing, you can still enjoy this as a classic coming-of-age narrative, with some teenage romance thrown into the mix!
So yeah, that's my Next Big Thing! Now to bring your attention to some fellow writers who are also working on projects worthy of your attention.
Here goes!
Stephanie Kuehnert, my soul sister, weekly writing partner, and kick-ass novelist.
brendandetzner - Author of the dark and haunting short story collection, Scarce Resources, and tireless organizer of Bad Grammar Theater.pattytempleton - A music and travel soul sister, and a slam-bang slinger of stories both short and long.csecooney - A beautiful friend who spins amazing yarns like this and who I know I would spend countless hours with were she not hundreds of miles away.Jeanine Vaughn - Author of the recently completed novel, "Tech Forsaken," cheerful friend of all creatures great and small, and a delightful spirit who I am happy has become a Tamale Hut Open Mic regular.