The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Welcome to the NEXT BIG THING Blog Hop.

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them.  I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy.  On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to five other authors you can explore!

My gratitude to fellow author, J. L. Mbewe, for inviting me to participate in this event.  You can click the following links to learn more about Jennette and her books.

Jennette's Next Big Thing Blog Post

 

In this blog hop, my fellow authors and I, in our respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our current book or work-in-progress (giving you a sneak peek). We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write -- the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!

 

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing! 

 

1. What is the working title of your book?

 

Enticing Julia Morgan

 

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

 

I grew up on a large estate where my father was the caretaker. We lived above the carriage house and I spent many long hours daydreaming as I looked up at the two large mansions on the hill. The idea for my story came from the history of the homes. They were built by the "Pine Tree Bachelors" who came to town in 1891 as twenty-five and twenty-six year old men. They were extremely eligible, handsome and wealthy - but they had no intentions of marrying anytime soon.

 

3. What genre does your book come under?

 

Historical Romantic Fiction

 

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



Noah Mills as Noah
(When I was looking up "tall, dark
and handsome," Noah Mills came up and
I loved his name and thought it fit
his character well)

Paul Walker as Alex

Katie Holmes as Julia

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When two confirmed bachelors agree a genteel wife will be good for business, they flip a coin to see who will have to wed - until Miss Julia Morgan arrives in their rough, river town - now neither man is willing to leave anything to chance.

6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

My book is a work in progress (WIP). I hope to have it published with a traditional publisher.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I'm only on chapter five of this WIP and I started it about three weeks ago. My last completed story took me about four months to write.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

In a lot of ways it reminds me of A Proper Pursuit, by Lynn Austin or She Walks in Beauty, by Siri Mitchell.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I'm constantly inspired by the history of my hometown - and the "Pine Tree Bachelors" are no exception. Charles Weyerhaeuser (son of Frederick Weyerhaeuser, a lumber baron and still one of the wealthiest Americans in history) and Peter "Drew" Musser, remained highly sought after bachelors into their thirties. In the mean time, they built two beautiful mansions side by side on the banks of the Mississippi River. I love their real-life stories, but I'm only using them as inspirations. My fictional story will be much different.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?

My story is set in 1898, during the emergence of the upper-middle class in America, when Victorian etiquette and manners were vital to remain in High Society and "low-breeding" was frowned upon. I love this era. In my opinion, it's one of the most romantic times in American history.

Below you will find authors who will be joining me virtually, via blog, next week. Please be sure to bookmark their sites and add them to your calendars for updates on their upcoming books! Happy Writing and Reading!

Jessica R. Patch
Melissa Tagg
Sarah Thomas

What about you? What inspires you to write? And, if you're not a writer, what era in history do you most enjoy to read about?