I have been tagged to write a post about my next big thing by Denyse Kirkby. I am extremely late to this party as Denyse gave me a time restriction to do this by, but my blogging behaviour lately has been such that it has been impossible, but, Denyse still wanted me to share, so I thought I would. Saying that though, sharing this information has always terrified me, so you may have to bear with me as I stumble through this. The way it works is that I answer the questions below and then tag 5 other bloggers to do the same on their blogs. I know this has gone around a lot and I don’t know who has and hasn’t done it, so if you fancy grabbing hold of this meme, then please feel free.
What is the working title of your book?
The working title is currently Shallow Waters, but I hate titling and this is it’s second and I’ve no doubt it won’t be it’s final title.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I’ve always wanted to write a crime fiction book as it’s always been my favourite genre to read, the idea for the book began with a smallest snippet of a scene that then weaves it way throughout the whole book.
What genre does your book fall under?
It’s a police procedural with a female protagonist lead DI.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
This I really don’t know. I’m so lost inside the book still that I can’t come out of it sufficiently to look at real people for it.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When two children are murdered, catching the killer isn’t the end of it.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I am currently querying for agency representation, but if this doesn’t happen, I am more than happy to go through an editor and then self publish. I write, I want readers. It’s as simple as that for me. I will work as hard as it takes to achieve either.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I suppose it depends on what point you class the first draft as being written. At the end of writing the first to end, or when you’ve run through and filled plot holes before going through again and doing other revisions? I would say the basic first draft took me 6 months then another 6 months to do further revisions on it. At which point, I am well aware it still needed more work. Remember this is my first novel. I sent it out, I’ve had some feedback and revised again. So all in all, it’s now been a two year process. If you’re doing this, don’t ever think it’s quick!
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I always wanted to write a novel – as many, many people do. But one birthday in particular made me decide they were ticking past a little too quickly for my liking and if I was going to do it, I was going to do it now. So I sat down and I wrote.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It’s a police procedural with a female DI told in first person narrative. There are other chapters with other points of view to fill in any gaps and to pull it all together. I plan on this being the first of a series and hope to keep writing them for a long time to come.
I hope you enjoyed this peek. Let me know if you plan on taking this meme up yourself, I’d love to read them.
Well, I’d read it, based on what you’ve written here. (I am a big crime fiction fan too!)
Thank you Marina!
Rebecca – I’m so interested in your story! I’m glad you have the perseverance to keep at it and I can’t wait to read the final product.
Thank you Margot. Hopefully one day!
I know it isn’t quick!
If you don’t find an agent, do consider querying publishers as well.
I will consider that, thanks Alex.
Hi Rebecca! Lovely insight into writing your first novel. I’m with Alex. Do consider approaching the indie publishers if the agent thing doesn’t work. Nothing against self publishing, but it can be nice to have a hand to guide you through the process, especially with your first one. I look forward to reading, whichever method you favour. All Best, Jane x
I will do, Thanks Jane, for all your support. x
Reading this post was a bit like self torture as I am now desperate to read this book! I love the title by the way, it would tempt me into buying the book if I spotted it on a bookshelf. I’m really pleased you did decide to do this meme, I know it is so difficult to be so open and honest about something as precious as an unpublished book.
It was incredibly difficult Denyse. It has taken so long to take the plunge. I think it’s because I am more comfortable both with it and with myself, that I can at least share it’s title and protagonist.
This sounds great, I always love to see books with a female lead. Love your synopsis, it definitely intrigues me. I will look forward to reading it whenever you have it published! 🙂
Thanks for the kind comments Julie. Hopefully one day you will get the chance to read it. 🙂
Sounds great Rebecca!
Good luck xx
Thank you Vikki! 🙂
I like the sound of this! Look forward to reading it one day!
Thank you Linda. I hope that one day you can. x
Sounds like Shallow Waters is going to be a great read, Rebecca. Please keep us posted on its progress x
Thanks Suzie. I most definitely will 🙂
I would definitely like to read this, Rebecca! Keep up the good work and good luck 🙂
Thanks Elle. I appreciate that comment! 🙂
This phrase is sticking with me – mind if I pinch it? “I write, I want readers. It’s as simple as that for me.” So, when Shallow Waters is out, I look forward to reading it! Great title, too. 🙂