What is the working title of your book?
'On the Bitch'
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I needed to get back into writing, so I sent out email requests for prompts ... and very soon it became obvious the stories written from the prompts were working toward one overall story.
What genre does your book fall under?
I have no idea - it is just very me. I do funny / sad mostly. Humour? Well, probably but maybe not. Actually, it's a novella. What it isn't is horror, fantasy, sci-fi, poetry, chick lit, creative non-fiction, biography, memoir or tell-all muckraker. It's closest to literary fiction BUT my writing style is not that literary. It's more direct. And funnier.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Mostly Australian actors, of course, and one German actress. Richard Roxburgh would play the narrator Harvey. Who would play Magda? Dunno, but she would need to be German. Otto? William Zappa or Colin Friels. Valerie? Probably someone from New Zealand but with vocal coaching to get rid of those really really flat vowels. Kendalynn? Ah, she stumps me. Give me a casting book! Actually, speaking of New Zealanders, maybe Kerrie Fox with some ageing could play Kendalynn. I actually think it would make a great film and would be easily adaptable. I write in a very cinematic way.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
While spending the weekend at the beach with friends, a couple must decide if they have a future together.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
OK, these are two completely different questions here. I will be sending it to a publisher, who knows I will be sending it, once it's finished.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It's not finished yet, but it's not far off. Which then begs a question, what's a draft? And when is a draft just pissing around?
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I don't read books like this. But favourite writers include Ellen Gilchrist and Augusten Burroughs, and you would note similarities. And a friend (who also writes), years ago, gave me a library copy of 'Me Talk Pretty One Day' by David Sedaris, saying, "He writes like you."
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Growing bored and frustrated editing others' stories and a need to get back to writing and claim some of the glory myself!
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It's funny and real and eye-opening and intelligent and immediate. You are there! And you'll probably want to be there and maybe even visit the beach and the town but perhaps not stay in the over-large house.
This was sent to me by Gill Hoffs. View her answers here: http://gillhoffs.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/the-next-big-thing-and-no-i-dont-mean-my-belly/
I sent it to Michael Webb, Nicola Belte, Joyce Juzwik, Richard Bon and Shane Simmons. And their answers can be found here:
Michael Webb: http://innocentsaccidentshints.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/10-questions-from-gill-hoffs.html?m=1
Joyce Juzwik: http://jfjuzwik.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/the-next-big-thing.html
Richard Bon: http://richardbon.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-next-big-thing.html
Shane Simmons: http://scribblingsimmons.wordpress.com/
