WHAT'S THE NEXT BIG THING?

 THE NEXT BIG THINGwelcome to The Next Big Thing, which is a blog chain in which writers and artists link together and talk about their upcoming projects. This is a great opportunity for readers to go on a blog tour of like minded writers and artists to discover new and upcoming talent and also to find out what's coming up around the corner. I was tagged by debut author Adele Jones, whose first novel Devil's Ransom is due for release on Valentines day this year. I have had the great pleasure of reviewing this manuscript prior to it's publication and I'd encourage you all to visit her blog and read all about it. Adele's Blog - http://www.adelejonesauthor.com/blog/

1.)   What is the working title of your next book?         Mark’s Strength  
2.)    Where did the idea come from for the book?       The idea came from a carry on of the first novel in the series – Sarah’s Gift. I just started to dream about the ongoing story and where I could take it.
3.)    What genre does your book fall under?         Technically, Romance. But I feel that it is adventure/action as well.    
4.)    What actors would you choose to play the part in a movie rendition?        Mark is Gerard Butler all the way, but with a thick Afrikaans accent.        Sarah would be played by the main actress in “The New Girl”
5.)    What is the synopsis of your book?      Mark and Sarah van der Merwe think they may have escaped the attention of the ivory smugglers they faced in the past while saving the elephants in Kruger National Park. However, now fighting depression and isolation, the backslidden couple venture back to the place which caused their greatest grief, in order to find closure for their current pain. Little do they know that evil raises its head once more and uses a lost little Zulu boy as bait. Will they show him the way to God, or will they end up in more trouble than they can possibly handle on their own?
6.)    Will it be self published or represented?        Published through Shadetree Elite Publishing
7.)   How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?       This is the fastest manuscript I have ever completed. It all slotted together beautifully. The first draft was completed in record time within five weeks, and clocked in a 120,000 words.
8.)    What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?       No idea, but definitely more within the adventure/action genre rather than romance this time.
9.)   Who or what inspired you to write this book?       Sarah’s Gift
10.)  What else about the book might pique the readers interest?      While Sarah’s Gift was an inspirational work that focused on discovering your dreams and striving for them, Mark’s Strength tackles the reality of Depression (particularly in men) and the need to lean on God’s Strength, rather than your own. I feel that this novel is more aimed towards men, with the romance factor (while still present) significantly turned down and the action and danger element turned right up.