So here it is the first official act of marketing for my first book. That's a mouthful. I was tagged by my friend Kitty Bucholtz, author of Little Miss Lovesick. Now it's my turn to tag. We're all talking about our next book - or in my case, my first book. The Next Big Thing is a Blog tour that gives writers an opportunity to introduce themselves and their work to readers and other writers.
How does it work, I answer 10 questions about my book and forward you on to the next two people you can add to your library. Simple. I hope you have fun.
1: What is the working title of your book?
The title of my book is Generational Curses. It's the first in the series of the same title.
2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
I met quite a few women like the heroine, Kyla. I wanted to tell their story, with a twist. The women I know who are involved in these types of relationships, never seem to get out. It's a generational thing for most families. From a young age, they're taught it's better to be a mistress instead of a wife, even though they're Christians. In their mind, they're in control and God is fine with it. Most of the times these relationships are because the woman doesn't love herself and she's been taught that all she has to offer is her body. On the outside, her life looks perfect, but it's far from it. It's a lonely life. But what if she woke up one morning and realized, she deserved better? How would her life change? Would her decision to change, break the curse? Or would she get scared and go back to her old ways?
3: What genre does your book come under?
It's Edgy Christian Fiction with romantic and inspirational elements.
4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I should let my mother answer this one. When I started writing this book, I knew exactly what Sean's body looked like, but I still haven't been able to put a face on him. My mother and friend Barbara say he sounds like Lamman Rucker. When I think about the way I wrote Sean, he would be a great Sean Prescott. As far as Kyla, I think Tamala Jones. She's got the right kind of sassiness to pull off the dialog.
5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Sean Prescott and Kyla James are business associates playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse, hoping the other will give in, but in this high stakes relationship game is there really a winner or will both be losers?
6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
I am self-publishing because I have control issues. LOL. I knew the traditional Christian Publishing world would force me to cut out the substance or the edginess of the story. My characters are more like real people. They do everything the traditional Christian publishing world says you shouldn't. I call it real-life stories. Self-publishing is a lot of work, but it allows me to share my message without compromise. As for the micro-publishing company...maybe later.
7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I don't remember. This is actually my third book. I wrote it while I was shopping my first book. I was trying to do like my friend Michelle Sutton...she writes multiple books at a time. A little problem with that for me is, this book is written in third person and the other book is in first person. It was a real party going on in my head, so I put the other book down and focused on this one. I would say about six months and that included a computer glitch which corrupted my file and set off a panic attack. That's when I discovered Dropbox.
8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It's hard comparing your work to someone else's, but it's all part of the process of self-promotion. I would say this book is like Victoria Christopher Murray's A Sin and A Shame and Never Without Hope by Michelle Sutton. I learned about Edgy Christian Fiction from Michelle and she introduced me to Victoria's books. My book has the edginess of both writers as well as the Christian elements.
9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
That's tough. I don't want to come off preachy, but I was in church and heard a pastor use the term, "Generational Curse" and explained what it meant. I thought, "what a cool title for a book." It wasn't until about a year or so later when I started this book, that I thought, that title would be great for this story.
I am a seat of the pants writer. I don't do an outline. So when I sit down to write, I just let it flow. I let the characters tell their story. In this case, Kyla and Sean dictated their story and I just had the privilege of writing it. It also opened the door for a series...I really didn't see that coming. Thanks to Kyla's sister Corianne, I'm thirty pages into her story and excited about where she's taking me.
10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I think this blurb answers that question:
"What happens when a celibate Christian man befriends a woman involved with a married man? Will he run in the other direction or continue the relationship? Or will he abandon his Christian beliefs for a taste of the forbidden? Or will she learn that being with a married man isn't the fantasy life the generations of women in her family made it appear to be?"
It's the thought of what might happen that will pique the reader's interest. It's common to read about a Christian woman falling into temptation. It's rare to read about a Christian man struggling with his attraction for a...loose woman. She spends her time trying to seduce him and he spends his time teaching her how to love. But the way he does it, is a little unconventional.
Now I can breathe. That was a lot easier than I thought. There's so much to tell about this story. I have been living with Kyla and Sean for a while and I'm happy to be sharing them.
NEXT UP:
Dorcas Graham
Dorcas has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and has worked in everything from paper delivery to packaging frozen breakfast treats. She finally realized it was time to commit to her desire of writing. She writes fiction with real characters who are flawed, passionate, complex and determined. Her debut novel, In Three Days will launch March 26th.
Blog: http://dorcasthewriter.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorcasGraham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorcasygraham
Beverly Roberson Lofton
Beverly Roberson Lofton, in her debut release, AUGUST 1st – A Suspense Novel, challenges us to think about how comfortable one can get when he/she feels that they have reached the pinnacle of success and no longer need to pray for now or for the future. This true-to-life thriller is filled with unpredictable turns, humor, and reminds us of how fragile our lives can be and ultimately, you will certainly walk away knowing that you always need God.
Website: www.beverlyrobersonlofton.com
