The Order of Winter

I managed to get tagged twice this week by David Lascelles and by Maria Roberts. So I’ve done the sensible thing and merged both together, giving me an extra couple of questions but a blog post which asks more questions about my current Work In Progress. To find out more, and whether I’ve tagged you, read on!

Here are the rules:
1) Answer the questions.

2) Tag 5 other writers, providing the links.

3) Let the writer’s know you tagged them.

Okay, I shall tag people very shortly, but first, the post!
What is the working title of your book?
Oblivion Storm. That’s the actual title! It is out on December 12.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
Several places, kind of. I cite the ‘Piano Man’ news story as one of the chief influences early on, though later drafts have gone kind of away from that. The Victorian aspect of the tale kind of crept up on me, as I’ve never been a major reader of works from the era. Rose, Tally and Kara began life as a cameo in my university final project. They’ve come a long way in that time.

What genre does your book fall under?
I mostly say Urban Fantasy from my ease of answering, but my Editor-in-Chief called it a ‘paranormal thriller’. Which I like.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?
Here’s a few, starting with the modern day main cast first, I think:

Rose: perhaps Shirley Manson was who I first had in my head. Potentially Michelle Ryan.

Kara: physically, Janina Gavankar or Meghan Markle. I actually have a very good model for Kara on the banner of this blog though (made by Nicolene Lorette Designs.) British actresses? Angel Coulby from Merlin would do great, I think.

Jennifer: Her namesake, Jennifer Lawrence, would have to be a serious consideration. She is a solid choice in my head.

Thomas: Hmm. Might be tempted to see if Tom Hardy’s free.

Violet: Would need someone tall and suitably able to carry off unhinged. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has the ideal look but I’ve only got Transformers: Dark of the Moon as acting evidence.

Tally: The star of the Victorian show. Would require a young actress with a lot of gravitas. Anne Hathaway could be cool. Lauren Cohan maybe?

Lady Raine: An unrestrained Katie McGrath could roll with this part. Keira Knightley perhaps? No, Eva Green. She’d rock this part.

Lord Grenshall: Charles Dance would be awesome. He always is.

Lady Grenshall: Obvious choice for me is Alex Kingston.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Someone tries to kill woman who subsequently loses her memory; is sent to find a necklace which threatens London with an undead menace.
Best I can do in a sentence given we are in two time periods really!

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Xchyler Publishing are publishing my book for me; a US-based company well-versed with the modern world of publishing. I’ve got a cracking editorial team to work with who have helped lots in recent months.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I must have started this about 6 years ago now. It was after I left uni, I know that much. I will have been a good two years on getting to the end, probably. Then there are the rewrites. . .

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I haven’t had much time to read for a while. I’m also rubbish at comparing my work to that of others! Er. . .
No, sorry, shall have to get back to you.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I had written a final project for my M.A and the whole point of doing the course was to force myself to finish a novel. This was before I was ever aware of NaNoWriMo! Bare bones of some of the characters made a cameo in that and I said, maybe a year after, ‘Right. Let’s see whether I can write one for myself now!’ So here we are.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? How about a teaser?
I’ve had to check out some very strange facts whilst writing this. But for now, I’ll just go with, ‘one of the characters above does not have their real name. I will be putting teasers out in coming weeks, but only once they’ve been signed off by my editorial team. Check back regularly for more news!

My five tagged writers are:
. . .to be announced when I’ve heard back from them all!