The Next Big Thing... Again

I was involved with this blog hop, The Next Big Thing, in 2012, but have been tagged again for it. I don’t mind updating my old post. It’s still a WIP, but has definitely had some developments, which I’m happy to talk about.
**I was tagged by Graeme Brown over at A Fantasy Writing Journey. Check out his blog and his new, exciting WIP.
Here are my responses to The Next Big Thing:

1. What is the working title of your book?
Anticipating Dawn
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
It is the sequel to my first book, Anticipation of the Penitent, and delves into the idea of what happens when a relative of a serial killer has guilt about the harm the serial killer caused the victims' families. It also speaks of how someone who is gay and lives in a Christian community learns to accept himself.
The idea of victim reunification came from my job. As a probation officer, I often deal with victims and how the criminal can pay back for the harms their crimes caused. The idea of the gay male in a Christian community came from my beliefs of how God views gays, which are different in some aspects than what many Christians believe God feels.



3. What genre does your book fall under?
Christian speculative fiction.
 Literary fiction, maybe. 
4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Searching the web and just going by looks, because I don’t know the up-and-coming young actors, I’d say Christian Keyes would be great as Michtam (ain't he beautiful?). And as Gent, Paul Butcher (he ain't bad neither). 
           
 Christian Keyes as Michtam    Paul Butcher as Gent           










5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Haunted by a relative’s criminal past, a young man fights to mend those harmed, but risks causing more ruin to their broken lives; whereas his best friend searches for God’s truth while being true to himself as a gay man.
6. If you plan to publish, will your book be self-published or published traditionally? 
I will try the traditional route first, but will self-publish if after some time I hadn’t caught an agent.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft is not complete, but I’m hoping to be done this year. I’ve been very busy with promoting Anticipation of the Penitent, as well as with work, church, family and blogging, that I don’t get to write everyday.


8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I really don’t know. I haven’t yet come across much Christian fiction that deal with these topics, especially in a literary fashion. Prayers for Bobby by Leroy Aarons, is non-fiction, but deals with the ideas of Christianity and homosexuality in an honest and heart-felt manner. (I only saw the movie, however. The book is on my to-read list.)
9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?
The victim reunification idea came from an inmate reentry meeting I attended for my job. Someone spoke about how she studies victim reunification programs in prisons, and that struck me as what Michtam would try for the families of Thomas’ victims.
The gay Christian idea came from being involved with my church, which, in general, is conservative. I don’t agree with many conservative Christian social beliefs, including the idea that being gay automatically means you are not saved and are not going to heaven.


10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
While reading Anticipating Dawn, you will follow Michtam and Gent as they go through trials when they enter the lives of distraught people who battle daily struggles. Their discoveries will change their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the lives of others who have given up hope. 

In the midst of these discoveries, a serial killer even more harrowing than Thomas (the serial killer in Anticipation of the Penitent) has surfaced and changes the direction of Michtam's life forever.
--I am excited to say, unlike what I thought initially, there will be a killer in the midst! Whoopee!!
The bloggers I'm tagging next (and who will post at a later date; I'll keep you informed when) are:
Left and Write        Sheena-kaySKAnthony  Rewritten
Thank you Graeme Brown for the tag!