Blatant Self-Promotion Alert: You may leave now or stick around to read about MY book. However, there are others mentioned in this post, so I have redeemed myself . . . slightly!
Before I take my blogging break–which I totally crave–I’ve joined the THE NEXT BIG THING, thanks to JOSS LANDRY super blogger who invited me.
In this hop we’re going from blog to blog to discover some exciting books that we might not have heard about yet or that are still in WIPs. To let us know a bit about the books we each answer 10 questions.
So here we go!
Q and A
- What is the working title of your book?
Well, my title is a done deal because Alligators Overhead came out in July. I never had a “working title” because the idea of the book came from the title. Odd? Yes. But true.
Can you see the alligator? This is only one of them in that ceiling. |
- Where did the idea come from for the book?
My knotty pine ceiling had all kinds of alligators up there staring down at me when I was a kid. I slept under the covers most of the time and when we moved I checked out the ceilings in the new house before I chose a bedroom. I didn’t want any more KOTTY PINE with alligators to keep me shivering at night.
- What genre does your book fall under?
It’s fiction and it’s aimed at kids 8-12; however, the old characters are kind of fun in it, so just because you’re past puberty don’t pass it up.
- Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Now you’ve got me. I do not have a clue. Maybe one my readers will come up with an idea or two.
- What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
To rescue the last member of his family and save a threatened habitat, a twelve-year-old trouble-maker struggles to control his mysterious powers and change from prankster to warlock hero.
- Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I did this one myself. Lots of work. But I’m in control.
- How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It seems like all of my books are one year in making. This is one I started, then stopped, then started again, so I’m estimating about a year in total.
- What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Maybe Hoot? But only because of the ecological thread. I don’t think there are other similarities. Maybe readers will see them and tell me.
- Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Just that ceiling. I loved the idea and I loved the title. I just needed to find the characters and the story to fit.
- What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Maybe the alligators? Usually cats do the job of familiars, but in my book we have alligators instead. Also the witches are not very witchy; they don’t sail across the sky on brooms or anything like that.
Now I’ve tagged 5 other writers and they’ll be posting their Q & A next Wednesday, October 3. So I hope you’ll stop in and read what they have to say about their books.
Hope you’ll stop in and say hello to:
LM PRESTON
STEPHEN TREMP
KAI STRAND
BEVERLY STOW MCCLURE
BEN WOODWARD
DMS says
Alligators Overhead is such a great book! I love reading more about it and the wonderful author. Super pictures, too! I had a clear picture of the characters in my head- but I will think about actors that could play them…
~Stephanie
Medeia Sharif says
I do see an alligator's eye in that picture.
It was great reading this. Have a restful blog break.
Deb Cushman says
Sorry, I've been out of the loop and didn't realize Alligators Overhead had been published!! Congrats! Loved the manuscript, now I just bought the book. Can't wait to see how it turned out 🙂
M Pax says
I hope to see Kai tonight and find out how her new works are progressing.
Elizabeth Seckman says
Sounds like a great book! I can't even imagine going it alone. My hat is off to you!
Samantha Vérant says
Very cool! I've been inspired by alligators too- way back when in the past. Loved hearing about your latest endeavor! Keep up the good work!!!!!
Mark Koopmans says
Hey,
I couldn't see the alligator, but I did see a wolf… is that bad 🙂
I'm glad *you* saw the alligator… there's enough stories about wolves 🙂
I'm rambling…. HAPPY Vacation, Lee 🙂
See you on the flip side 🙂
Kai Strand says
Fun to hear the story behind the story! Can't wait to share mine next week. Thanks for the tag, Lee!
Carrie Butler says
That is too cool. 🙂 I always look for shapes in wood knots!
Sharon K. Mayhew says
I love alligators! I need to get your book on my next amazon order.
Lots of my stories start with a title idea…
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love the alligator on the chest of drawers! An egg, too? Probably a baby alligator in there.
Thanks @Alex for the visit.
Alex says
Love the Q&A… Everything you need to know and easy to read
Susan Flett Swiderski says
I never had alligators on my ceiling when I was a kid, but there was one on the front of my chest of drawers. Can't remember now what kind of wood the dresser was made from, maybe oak, but there was definitely an alligator on there, clear as day. (With an egg, too!)
Your book sounds super.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Check out the link Samantha posted in her comment! Good grief! That is an amazing alligator. Made me teary, though.
Samantha May says
Also, I'm no good with links but I thought you would appreciate (and be slightly terrified by) this!
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/35153/giant+alligator+weighing+nearly+700+pounds+is+a+mississippi+record/
Samantha May says
I love Alligators Overhead! The inspiration for this story is just too cool 😀
Larissa says
Fun Q&A! Loved the inspiration behind the book!
Barbara Watson says
That is one of the coolest inspirations for a story ever.
Lynn Proctor says
i love that staring at the ceiling can pay off–congrats 🙂
Ashling says
Congrats on finishing; sounds fun and different!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Don't know how you could do this meme without mentioning your book!
Natalie Aguirre says
Loved hearing more about your book Lee. Have fun if you're taking a vacation.