The Next Big Thing

I've been asked by my pal Bronwyn Green to take part in the Next Big Thing blog hop - so I'm answering a few questions about my WIP (work in progress). And I'm "tagging" one of my co-authors on Countdown To A Kiss, Holli Bertram.

What is the working title of your next book?
Worth The Fall  - The Worth Series Book 3: The Smart One
It's the third book in the Worth Series, a contemporary romance series. It's due out very shortly in ebook, a few weeks longer for print.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I always knew I wanted to write Alison's story. What I didn't know was who would show up to play with her. Let's just say I was very surprised.

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
That's a tough one. I didn't have anyone "pictured" as I wrote them. And even though Worth The Weight didn't debut until October of 2012, I actually first wrote the characters of Petey and Alison ten years ago.
They've aged better than I have!
Petey Ryan is a big, bruising defensman in the NHL. Craggy good looks. Black hair, blue eyes. The guy loves to talk trash.
Alison Jukuri is short but curvy. Short, light brown hair stacked in the back with longer bangs. Smart as a whip and always ready with a quick comeback.
Both are around 36-37.
Anybody have any ideas for likely stars to play them? Leave your suggestion in the comments.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your books?
Alison is way too smart to be this dumb about a guy.
Or...Can 2 people work through eighteen years of history to find a happy ending?

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

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Two and a half months

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Well, I have to say the first 2 Worth books, Worth The Weight and Worth The Drive. Hmmm...other than that? Anybody read the first 2 yet? Do you have a good comparison for books similar to the Worth series? Maybe the Robyn Carr Virgin River books?

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I guess you could say Petey did! I always thought Alison would end up with a different character, but when I started to write her story, Petey barged his way in.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It takes place in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, in the northwest tip called the Copper Country. You get a bit of local flavor in each of the Worth books (pasties, anyone?).

You can read more about Worth The Fall here.

And now scoot over to Holli Bertram's blog and find out about her Next Big Thing - tell her Mara sent ya!