“The Next Big Thing” Blog Hop

Posted by: Darlene on: November 21, 2012

• In: Books | People | Writing
• 32 Comments

I haven’t participated in a blog hop before but was  honoured to be chosen to be part of this one. I’d like to thank Sharon from Sharon’s Sunlit Memories  for tagging me to participate. This gives us all a chance to view releases from authors we admire, as well as introduce us to some works in progress. Check out Sharon’s wonderful blog that brings back memories of a 60’s childhood. She posts cut-out dolls, picture books and paintings from way back then.  She also sprinkles her blog with pictures of her magical property in Ireland. (a place I wish to visit one day)

The ten questions required to answer for the “Next Big Thing” are:

1.What is the working title of your work in progress?

Amanda in Alberta-The Writing on the Stone

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?

I like to write about Amanda travelling to unique places but when I was doing a reading at my grandson’s school in Alberta, one of the students said, “Why don’t you write about Amanda in Alberta?”  I grew up there so I didn’t think it would be that unique. But then I thought, for children who are not familiar with the area, they might find it fascinating.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Middle reader chapter books, ages 8 – 12 approximately. (although many adults seem to enjoy my books as well!)

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

I am not familiar with current child actors. I always imagine my books as animations when I think of them on-screen.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Leah comes to Alberta to visit Amanda where they attend the Calgary Stampede, visit a cattle ranch, spend time at a  dinosaur museum and meet a sad rodeo clown, while they try to decipher prehistoric writing found on a stone.

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

My books are published by Central Avenue Publishing

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

I have written four chapters of Amanda in Alberta. I hope to have the first draft completed by June of next year.

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

I haven’t really compared this story to other books. I enjoyed reading about the Bobbsey Twins and their travels when I was growing up.

9. Who or What inspired you to write this book?

This book was inspired by the children who read my books. They always ask me, “Where is Amanda going to next?”  My family has lived in Alberta for five generations, and my grandchildren live there now so I have tons of inspiration and ideas.

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

Alberta is rich with history dating back to the age of dinosaurs so there will be something for everyone;  dinosaurs,  First  Nations people, buffalo, cowboys,and a Blue Heeler dog named Bart. There is actually a place called “Writing on The Stone Park”.

The five authors that I am tagging for this blog hop are:

Cassandra Giovanni  http://cgiovanniwrites.wordpress.com/about/

Lada Ray http://ladaray.wordpress.com/about/

Diane Tibert http://dianetibert.com/home/

Michelle Isenhoff  http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com/book-trailers/

Pat Wood  http://patwoodblogging.wordpress.com/

You can answer the questions about a work in progress or a recently published book if you wish. All you have to do is link your post back to my blog.

Check out these great authors (who happen to be very nice people to get to know as well) 

Tags: Amanda in Alberta, blog hop, Calgary Stampede, cowboys, dinosaurs, writing on the stone