The Next Big Thing

I’m participating in a Blog Hop. To fulfill my obligations, I have a guest blogger today. She is articulate and a fun person to know. Please welcome Victoria Adams.

My writer friend, Mari Collier, recently tagged me for one of those interesting and pervasive creatures of the blogs-o-sphere, a blog hop. This one is entitled “The Next Big Thing”. This particular event focuses on an author’s work in progress. This is nice, since many of us are rather shy about details on our not-yet-formed creations. I rather pleased to be invited into this stream since I write nonfiction and most of my friends in the writing industry focus on fiction of all over the genre map. Mari’s answers to the same questions can be found on her blog here. My “victim” is Stacey Brewer, and her blog can be found here: http://staceyhaggardbrewer.com/2013/0...

1. What is the working title of your next book?
Is, and shall remain, Why Me: Come Let Us Reason with Job

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read and sit and think. The library I share with my husband contains over 2,000 volumes and a number of those are on archeology, anthropology, philosophy, religion and science. When I first met my husband I had taken on the task of compiling several “chapters” which included my thoughts on a number of focal points in scripture, history and philosophy. After reading many of my bits and pieces, the man that would later become my husband told me that I should publish some of these jottings. I started with Job because it gives me an opportunity to present some of my most basic philosophical ideas and their impact on how we live our lives.

3. What genre does your book fall under?
It is nonfiction philosophy/religion.

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Well, now, that is an interesting question. I think rather than a movie version of the book I would like to manage an “Ode” in the last chapter that clarifies the three main points I wish to make. I have a delightful artistic friend with a knack of developing Celtic-like music. She has agreed to set such a thing to music for a trailer.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A study on the history of the interpretation of the book and what I feel are the important lessons: who we are in the universe as a whole, how we each relate to evil, how we respond to suffering whether it be our own or that of others.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I have contracted with a small independent press who is quite anxious to receive the completed manuscript.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
I’m afraid I’m still at it. Even though I do have developed ideas on the subject, there is a lot of research from an historical aspect and I have to check what I think someone said or did. I have learned quite a bit myself in building the manuscript.

8. What other books would you compare this work to within your genre?
My hope is that the manuscript is done well enough that it can generate the same sort of attention that authors such as Dr. Bart Ehrman. He has written on the subject of evil in the world with a completely different conclusion. His writing is easy to read and very informative and I enjoy him even when we don’t agree.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I have always loved digging around in the human thought process, how we think, why we think, how that impacts the way we relate to the world around us. As mentioned, it was my husband that provided the most encouragement – which is nice; he has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of South Carolina.

10. What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
It is my cherished belief that wisdom is found in many, many forms and the scriptures handed down to us from various sources have something to say to everyone. Yes, I consider the Christian scriptures to be sacred and I would look to them as an authority. I think they have a great deal to say about what it means to be a human in search of a path to become something more than we are. But I also think you don’t have to be a Christian, or a Jew, or a Muslim to take something of great value from its verses. This book is a way of introducing my readers to my sense of wonder and exploration.

Cyn Bagley tagged Mari Collier. Here is the post before me was for you to look at: http://scrambledsage.blogspot.com
Cyn Bagley was tagged by Zteve T Evans: http://ztevetevans.wordpress.com/
Here’s another fun post to check out:
Diane Jackson http://dianamj.wordpress.com/2013/04/...
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Published on May 11, 2013 07:47 Tags: work-in-progress-history-lessons
Comments Showing 1-13 of 13 (13 new)    post a comment »
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message 1: by Mari (new)

Mari Mari wrote: "Thanks for dropping by, Victoria!"


message 2: by Victoria (new)

Victoria Adams Thanks for having me, Mari!


message 3: by Eve (new)

Eve Gaal Nice, too bad you didn't put a picture of the book. Do they allow pictures on Goodreads in blogs? Nice interview Mari. I like spiritual journeys and I might look into the next big thing!


message 4: by Victoria (new)

Victoria Adams Picture of proposed cover art is on my blog at: http://victoriasreadingalcove.wordpre...


message 5: by Mari (new)

Mari Thanks to the both of you. I had a meeting to go to. I'll now post it more places.


message 6: by William (new)

William There can never be too much research, I've found, when delving into Biblical history. Excellent answers, Victoria.


message 7: by Shelly (new)

Shelly Arkon Sounds good.


message 8: by Kenna (new)

Kenna McKinnon Blog hops are a lot of fun and can be very useful for both authors, Mari. This is great. They do take up a lot of time. Did you read The Red Tent?


message 9: by Mari (new)

Mari Kenna wrote: "Blog hops are a lot of fun and can be very useful for both authors, Mari. This is great. They do take up a lot of time. Did you read The Red Tent?"

Thanks, Kenna. No, I haven't had a chance. I'm still reading one I'm to do a review for the author and another that was highly recommended by someone that has purchased five of my novels.


message 10: by Kenna (new)

Kenna McKinnon I didn't finish the Red Tent but just wasn't in the mood for a book on that subject at the time. I understand it was a best seller. I bought it in 2004 at an airport. Historical Biblical fiction is interesting. We're all very busy authors and reviewers, Mari, you live in a beautiful area of the world and I do hope you get out in the cool of the morning often and enjoy God's creation. I always think of God walking in the Garden of Eden in the "cool of the evening" and although I think it's metaphorical, still, it gives a beautiful image.


message 11: by Mari (new)

Mari Kenna wrote: "I didn't finish the Red Tent but just wasn't in the mood for a book on that subject at the time. I understand it was a best seller. I bought it in 2004 at an airport. Historical Biblical fiction is..."

I'll keep it in mind. I open the windows to let cool air in over night and early morning. Close everything during the heat of the day & repeat at night. The sunrises and sunsets definitely tell you that this is God's world.


message 12: by Kenna (new)

Kenna McKinnon I'm very interested in miracles which I like to call "magic" but of course, they are God's miracles and this world itself is a miracle. I just came back from the bank (walking) and a red squirrel followed me and apparently expected to be fed! I watched him for about five mins and finally he climbed a tree and disappeared. So much happens that we don't understand and I don't think miracles quit happening just because Jesus left this earth. I think you are a miracle and I am a miracle, and it's magic that I myself have gotten this far in life unscathed as I lived a rather tough life, schizophrenic, alcoholic, alone and frightened and abused. I open the windows to let cool air in, too, and keep the blinds and windows shut during the day. Nothing like the desert here, but we do have hot summers, or what we consider hot.


message 13: by Mari (new)

Mari Kenna wrote: "I'm very interested in miracles which I like to call "magic" but of course, they are God's miracles and this world itself is a miracle. I just came back from the bank (walking) and a red squirrel f..."
Yes, you are right. The good Lord worked his magic in you. Blessings.


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