The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Welcome! I was tagged by author Jennifer Bernard; her post can be found here.

What is your working title of your book?

Most Likely To Succeed, book one in the Girls Most Likely To trilogy.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I love reunion stories, and a ten year high school reunion seemed like a perfect opportunity to explore that theme. Add in a yearbook curse - the three heroines in the trilogy all found their lives turned out the exact opposite of what they were voted on in high school - and I was hooked!

What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary.

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

Nathan, my hero, is a scientist for a relief organization, inspired (very loosely) by Doctors Without Borders. I have to admit that *I* was inspired by Eric Sheffer Stevens, my favorite actor, who played Dr. Reid Oliver on As The World Turns. When his character was killed off near the end of the show, fans wanted to donate to his favorite charity as a way of honoring his work. He suggested DWB. And the rest is history! (Also, he's just adorable, you know?)

Kelsey - she'd have to be played by a short brunette. Hmm. I was in theater for years, why couldn't...

Okay, fine. How about Katie Holmes? I hear she's acting again. :)

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
(I'm cheating and giving you two sentences.) Ten years after being voted Most Likely to Succeed, Kelsey Moore is still living in her hometown, still working in her family's flower shop, and too embarrassed to attend her high school reunion. Only the chance to reconnect with her study buddy—and secret crush—Nathan Barrow tempts her to go.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
My book is being published by Carina Press on March 25, 2013. :)

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
About five months. (Don't be too impressed; it's a novella.)

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmmm, that's a tough question! I've thought of the series more as how they're related to movies - like Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion or Peggy Sue Got Married. Films where the characters had the opportunity to reinvent themselves thanks to that milestone.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My high school graduating class. Even *mumbletymumble* years later, I still enjoy hanging out with them.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
A fun detail about the series is that all three books take place over the same weekend, so all the major events at the reunion are shown from multiple points of view over the course of three books. It was a challenge keeping that continuity without repeating conversations or situations!

For next week, I've tagged:

Allie K. Adams

as well as two authors who will be guest posting right here on this blog! Stop by next Wednesday to meet Janette Harjo and Chantilly White!