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Next Big Thing

Thanks to Mary Bradford I’ve been tagged for The Next Big Thing and I am delighted to be a part of this on-rolling blog. It’s been enlightening answering these questions and I hope you will make a return visit here or follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/@MarieOHalloran2

What is my Next Big Thing?

The next big thing for me is getting proactive with my completed novel. I’d love to get it out there and I’m doing research at the moment on the best publishing houses or agents to send it to.

What is the working title of your book?

The title of my first completed novel is Subtle Changes   

Where did the idea come from for the book?

There is more to domestic violence than the physical aspect. I decided to look at it from a psychological point of view. How someone can exert control and manipulation that way. Also, when someone falls in love how much they are willing to change to please a person.

What genre does your book fall under?

I feel it falls under Psychological Thriller, similar to Elizabeth Haynes ‘Into the Darkest Corner’. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9226039-into-the-darkest-corner a book I really enjoyed reading. It also received fantastic reviews.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I didn’t have to think about this for too long. My main character, Stephen Jones is dark and complex. He is charming and ambitious with a lot of baggage. That being said I think Tom Hardy would be ideal. I loved him in the t.v. adaptation of Martina Cole’s novel The Take.

His love interest Fiona Hunt, an independent, strong character, who is looking forward to her new job, meets her boss Stephen and innocently gets embroiled in his baggage would be played by either Olivia Wilde or Jessica Biel. I think both these actresses are incredibly talented. Or come to think about it, an unknown actress might be perfect. I love Cillian Murphy and James McAvoy so I would find spots for them too. That would be my dream team.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Stephen Jones is grieving for his dead fiancée, Leanne, until he sets his sights on Fiona, who resembles Leanne and uses manipulation and her love for him to try to change her to be identical, both in looks and personality.

How long did it take to write the 1st draft of your manuscript?

The idea rolled around in my mind for ages. I wrote about 15,000 words and left it for about a year. Then I met Mary Bradford and Declan Kearney (pen name Daniel Kaye). They found me lodged under their wings and I claimed squatter’s rights! There’s no getting rid of me now guys. They inspired me to continue. So I managed to finish to first draft in about 3 or 4 months.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I have seen and read about domestic situations through work. There are also ads on the internet promoting women’s awareness of when their partners are being too controlling. I decided to take this idea and write a story around it. It is so important to remember that if you are in a relationship like that to recognise the warning signs.

What else about your book might pique the readers’ interest?

Fiona is at odds with whether to start a relationship with Stephen. He is so damaged by the past that his perception of the present is dangerously altered. She has no idea of this so  unknown to Fiona, their relationship is fundamentally flawed by his underlying issues. Other characters have things that they are dealing with, so there are other storylines interwoven in the book.  Fiona is in too deep when he starts to show his true colours.

When and how will it be published?

Shout out to publishers’ and agents’ out there. I’d love to be able to hold my published book in my hands. Any medium, eBook or print to get it out there would be great. I will be announcing as soon as I get offered a contract. That’s why I’m researching the most appropriate destinations for it.

This Next Big Thing is a fantastic idea. Answering these questions have made me think more about my book and getting it out there. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed getting to know my characters. So many thanks to again to Mary Bradford. Check out http://marytbradford-author.blogspot.ie/2013/01/next-big-thing.html?spref=tw

Do you ever suffer writing hangovers?

 

Is there such a thing as word binging, word fatigue or even a word hangover? If there is I think I’m suffering from it.

 From a productive point of view it’s been a fantastic week. I said I would, and did make a great run at my writing. I sit here today itching to write more of my second novel or pen the winner of the next short story or poetry competition. I long to develop and expand my literary vocabulary but I’m exhausted. I think I have binged so much on words this week that I’m in a word slump. I still have loads I want to say, declare and proclaim, so to speak, on paper. I want to plant dark lettered seeds from fertile ideas, within blank white pages, to grow and configure something entertaining and reaction provoking.

It’s just… I feel like I’ve run the writing equivalent of a marathon. The mind is willing but the fingers are weak. It is futile taking a long break from it, (I don’t want to anyway) because that’s when they start tapping at my inner skull. Yes they, those characters that want to be born, give a speech or just make a remark. Once my pen gives birth to them they give me a little rest. Actually I’ve given them a lot of opportunity to speak this week so they need to give me a little break. Not long, just a little rest…until the next word binging session. So… bring it on!

Do you like Sherry Trifle?

I have three questions for you to consider. At first you may not see the connection but read on:

Do you like Sherry Trifle? Where do you get your inspiration? Where do you write?

This is my answer:

I wrote a ballad after a funny conversation with a friend. We were discussing the notion of eating Sherry Trifle that was laced with alcohol. We wondered if you were stopped by the Guards how many portions of it would put you over the legal limit for driving. This particular friend I find very inspiring so I decided to pen a ballad based on our chat.

A train journey the following day provided the perfect opportunity to put pen to paper. The first train wasn’t too busy, so I scribbled away at my ease, sniggering to myself. I had a connection change to a smaller train that provided less occupancy for the passengers. I took my seat and resumed my writing while continuing to giggle and laugh to myself as ‘The Ballad of the Sherry Trifle’ told its story.

All of a sudden I looked up and noticed how packed the train was but I remained at a four (small) seater table, on my own!

Well, the balled got written, I travelled in comfort and now I know how to gain the best space on a packed train.

Oh and according to the ballad what happened to the man who ate too much Sherry Trifle…well you’ll just have to watch this space and see.

Stephen Murray's Passion for Poetry

If you haven’t had the chance to attend a workshop by Stephen Murray, do so when the next opportunity arises.

His open, fervent and helpful nature created an environment where the depths of our hearts and souls were searched to draw out poetry. At the end of this very productive workshop, the results were a pleasure to hear, as my fellow attendees read out their pieces.

The passion for his craft shone through and he clearly enjoys reading as well as writing poetry. He lent his voice and read some pieces written in the workshop with as much passion as if he’d written them himself. It was definitely a worthwhile day.

Check out his work and his Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Murray-Poet-Author-Raconteur/156795801014130

Writers who run or are considering it...

Those of us who write know the perils of sitting on our rear ends for long periods of time. Getting some exercise in when you’re on a writing roll would not necessarily be high on your list of things to do. However, getting out and breathing fresh air, by going for a walk or even a jog, could open your mind to progress your story when you’re wondering where you want it to go next.

For those of you who write and run (or run and write), I don’t advocate doing both at the same time, there is a resource you should really check out.

http://intelligentrunning.com/about-2

George Anderson’s intelligent running website contains very helpful tips and hints.

I had the opportunity to submit a piece about returning to running after an injury and he included it in his website. Check mine and Amy Martin’s story here http://intelligentrunning.com/returning-to-running-after-an-injury

Sitting for long periods, then expecting your body to kick into exercise mode can cause injuries. There are some great tips on the best stretches to help the transition.

George’s ‘Beginner’s Luck' programme is free to download here http://intelligentrunning.com/ and is a great way to start off or return to running after an extended break.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

Creative Musings

Creative Musings

I have to confess,
my mind is a mess,
ideas and thoughts,
all over the place.

But surely I'll find,
if I settle my mind,
my masterpiece
will get written post haste.