The Next Big Thing

Last week the lovely Abby Clements, author of Christmassy treat MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE, tagged me as one of her Next Big Things. This is where an author recommends a handful of their fellow favourites and we all answer some questions about our forthcoming books. So, here's mine . . .

 

What is the working title of your next book?

WICKED AMBITION. It’s not official yet but I love it. Two great words, and they look fab on a cover.

 

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I’ve wanted to write a novel set in the music industry for a while. A glance at today’s charts provides so much juice for characters and storylines: the squeaky-clean boy band, the pop princess, the fearless diva, the talent show sensation . . . The characters in this one came to life for me straight away and I think that’s part of the reason why: each one has this shocking tale to tell and I loved following them on their journeys!

 

What genre does your book fall under?

It’s a bonkbuster, dahling. That’s a glitzy, sex-filled, high-octane romp through the hidden lives of the rich and famous – you’ll encounter romance, heroes, villains, studs, bitches, naughtiness, betrayal and revenge. Bonkbusters are the leopard-print cat suits of literature.

 

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

Brave ones! They’d have to be up for anything. My characters are no holds barred. They’ve always got wicked histories and get involved in the most outrageous situations. An actor who’d be happy to take his clothes off, too. I’d be very strict at the auditions. I’m thinking Ryan Gosling might have what it takes.

 

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Hard Rock meets Hollywood in a glamorous, sexy revenge thriller set between the studios and stadiums of London and LA.

 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I’m represented by the superb Madeleine Milburn of the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency. My publishers are MIRA Books. I have an awesome team!

 

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Four months. Then I spent five weeks editing. It’s important to keep momentum with the first draft, even if you unpick and juggle a lot of it around during the editing stage. My books have loads happening simultaneously and several threads to follow and tie up, so if I let the trail go cold I lose not just the rhythm but where everyone is supposed to be and when. After I’ve delivered I feel weird, because I’ve been living it so intensely and then suddenly it’s gone. I think that’s how it should be, though. I can’t dip in and out of writing a book.

 

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’m a huge fan of bonkbusters. My novels cover a wide canvas and I learnt that from the best: Jackie Collins. She’s a legend. I love her. My favourite of her books is Lovers & Gamblers. Some of the content is very much of its time, but as a master class in sass, style and how to tell a superb story, it’s the ultimate.

 

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A morbid fascination with people like Justin Bieber.

 

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

WICKED AMBITION begins after the London Games, so there are a couple of sexy Olympians thrown into the mix. And you know what they say about athletes in the bedroom …

 

My fantastic friends for next week's Big Thing are #drumrollplease . . .

Rebecca Chance http://www.rebeccachance.net/ - fabulous bonkbuster mistress who's written not one but two superb bonkfests this year, KILLER HEELS and BAD ANGELS

Kate Furnivall http://www.katefurnivall.com/ - romance, passion and adventure in the most wonderful settings, Kate's books are stylish and sumptuous - I love them! I can't wait for her new novel SHADOWS ON THE NILE to hit the shelves

Chioma Okereke http://www.chiomaokereke.com/ - Chioma's excellent debut BITTERLEAF was published by Virago and she's got another on the way. Chioma writes beautifully and reading her is like stepping into another world

Juliet Ashton - I am really excited about Juliet's debut THE VALENTINE'S CARD. Check it out here http://tinyurl.com/coks6a9 - it's a gorgeous cover for what sounds like a gorgeous read to brighten up the New Year. Plus Juliet is hands-down one of the funniest, cleverest and best people I know.

Enjoy!

Love V x