The Next Big Thing

Helen over at Straight from Hel and Lauri Kubuitsile have joined The Next Big Thing where authors tell us about their work in progress. Here are the ten questions I have to answer:

What is the working title of your book?

"Working Title"
Not very inventive, I know, but the title seems to be the most difficult part of the novel writing process for me. 

Where did the idea come from for the book?

This will be the 4th book in the Lowenna Series. I wanted to write a novel based in Cornwall, where I lived for many years, and when I first took the plunge as a writer, memories of that area were scattered in it. There wasn't a particular moment that I had an idea. It was formed over several years until I finally put pen to paper.

By the way - A Graceful Death, the first book in the Lowenna cozy mystery series, will be free (for Kindle) on December 26 for 5 days.

What genre does your book fall under?

Cozy Mystery

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

This is what I picture Gia to be like (with auburn hair), but I can't remember her name.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley for Holly

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When a dog leads the local P.C. to a body, Gia is the first to identify the victim, leading Gia to a personal quest to find the killer, but along with her investigating, Gia is also battling something even more personal, something that may unhinge her marriage.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

My books are all independently published.

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

30 days. This was written during National Novel Writing Month (50,000 words in 30 days).

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

I can't think of any books to compare it to. Gia is perhaps a little like a younger  Agatha Raisin.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I loved the Jan Karon Mitford series and that inspired me to write a cozy mystery that was not about the mystery alone, but also about a village and the characters within it.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Some of the comments I have heard about the series: 
Readers love the interaction between Gia and her older friends who together own Lowenna Antiques
Readers have also told me that they love the descriptions and feel they are part of the story.

Thanks Helen and Lauri for starting these fun posts.
Hop on over and take a look at Helen and Lauri's blogs:
Straight from Hel
Lauri Kubuitsile