Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The Next Big Thing

The beautiful Stefania Mattana, from http://dailypinner.eraniapinnera.com/the-next-big-thing-and-chase-novels/, contacted me last week, inviting me to participate in a world-wide movement known as The Next Big Thing, an author relay in which one author answers a series of interview questions and then passes the baton onto another. Thank you, Stefania, for choosing me!
 
1. What is the title of your book?
The Gatekeeper's Challenge, The Gatekeeper's Trilogy #2
 
2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
I've loved Greek mythology since the eighth grade, when I read Edith Hamilton's Mythology. After reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, I wondered what would happen if something similar ocurred between a girl and a Greek god.
 
3. What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary young adult fantasy.

4. What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
I have no idea.
 
5. What is the one sentence synopsis for your book?
In order to be with Thanatos, the god of death and the love of her life, sixteen-year-old Therese Mills must complete a set of five challenges designed by Hades, who hopes to see her fail.

6. Will your book be self-published or through an agency?
Self-published.
 
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Nine months.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
 The Goddess Test, Oh My Gods, Solstice, Starcrossed, and The Percy Jackson series.
 
9. Who or what inspired you to write this story?
See my answer to number 2.
 
10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I'm holding a contest for my readers from January 1, 2013 through October 1, 2013. The winner will recieve a one-of-a-kind locket (resembling the one Athena gives to Therese in my first book) with this inscription from Alice Walker: "The most common way people give up their power is by believing they have none." The winner will also receive a solid brass apple with this engraved: "Hera's golden apple of immortality from the garden of the Hesperides." With parental permission, the winner's photo and brief bio will be published in the final book of the trilogy. Details can be found here: http://www.evapohler.com/contest.
 
11. Which other writers would you like to tag to tell us about their Next Big Thing? Please go check out my good friend, fellow writer, and Texan, Valerie Chandler, at www.vpchandler.com.