Wednesday 19 December 2012

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing, for those who don’t yet know, is a way to network with fellow writers and to find out a bit more about what they’re working on. The idea is fairly simple. The writer answers a set of questions on his or her blog one week, and then invites five other authors to answer the same questions the following week. They in turn invite five more. 

I was invited by Catherine Edmunds



What is the title of your new book?


How did you choose the title?

It more or less evolved as I was writing the book. It started out as a series of short stories linked by the common theme of Harold and his friend the Demon from hell. Over multiple revisions it became a cohesive novel and once Harold's father was revealed the title became obvious.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

It started out as stories written for prompts on an online forum.As I grew to know and respect the characters a flow of stories and ideas to link them came to mind. I had to go back and rewrite the first few stories so many times that they became the backbone of the Harold and Jasfoup mythology.

What genre does your book fall under? 

Urban fantasy, I think. Although the town of Laverstone in Wiltshire is fictional it is based on several towns and villages I've lived in throughout my life, and populated by characters based on people I've met. Not that I actually met any angels, demons or vampires.

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

It's a question every writer thinks off for their novel, but I really have no idea. I think Jason Isaacs would make a brilliant Harold, though he is perhaps a tad old for the part. One small scene was played by a couple of actors from Insignificant Theatre  in London. Phil Cross made a brilliant Harold and John Sears was marvellous as Frederick. I also think Andy Umerah would make a beautiful Jasfoup and the gorgeous Lucy Grey as Gillian.

Who has published your book?

Zumaya Publications  kindly took on the novel and has done a marvellous job with editing and added a fabulous cover.

What other books would you compare ‘An Ungodly Child’ to, within the genre?

Much as I'd be blowing my own trumpet, I'd like to compare it to early Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Ben Aaronovich.

Who or what inspired you to write this book? 

This was the first novel I completed in 2005, although it was only printed last year. I do write other books in the erotic/murder mystery genre but Harold and Jasfoup are my true loves. There are, in fact, seven Harold and Jasfoup novels as yet unpublished, although Lyrical Press have just published the sequel 'Sons of Angels' as an e-book.

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

Humour. I've heard no end of people giggle as they read it. It is quintessentially English. Have a cup of tea nearby. I've also adapted it for the stage.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Never sign your name for a free Sherbert Dib Dab.

The following writers are continuing the tour. Do visit their blogs: 


Actually, only one of them actually agreed to it, the others I've just tagged and hope for the best.




7 comments:

stu said...

This is coming back out. Oh, good.

Rachel Green said...

It's already out, if you click on the cover of look on Amazon :)

Unknown said...

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Rachel Green said...

Did you buy a book, though, or did you just spam me because of the blog title?

Unknown said...

An Ungodly Child is well worth the extra attention.

D.J. Kirkby said...

Hah! Thank you for the tag. I did do it, though I am not sure I did it justice. You know much I love your writing - more please.

Rachel Green said...

Thanks Denise -- As it happens, 'White Lies' is released today :)