I've been tagged by the amazing SJ Kincaid to participate in the Next Big Thing Blog Hop and answer a few Q's about my book. Check out the answers below:
1. What is the working title of your book?
THE BREAK-UP ARTIST
2. Where did the idea come from?
So much of YA contains intense, all-encompassing romances, and I wanted to write something that turns those relationships on their head.
On a personal level, the further I got into my 20s, the more I saw friends and acquaintances jump into relationships for all the wrong reasons and refuse to see the red flags. I usually kept my mouth shut. That's what you do in those situations, because most people won't listen to you; they would just get offended. I wanted to create a character who was surrounded by that but on a magnified level and see how she would react.
3. What genre does your book fall under?
YA contemporary comedy (is anti-rom-com a genre?)
4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I would have Tilda Swinton play every role.
5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A girl who runs a secret business breaking up couples at her school is tasked with splitting up the seemingly perfect homecoming couple, while also fighting back feelings for her best friend's boyfriend.
6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
It will be published May 2014 by Harlequin Teen books.
7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
About four months of actual writing. But before that, I got to know my characters and crafted a plot outline.
8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Tonally, it's very much line with contemporary comedies like ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS and SPANKING SHAKESPEARE -- books that aren't just "light," but can make you actually laugh.
I consider the book most akin to THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger. Jaded-but-complex protagonist, no swooning romance, lots of witty banter.
9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
See question 1. Also, I was inspired by one of my favorite movies - MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING. The main character is anti-romance until she falls for her best friend on the eve of his wedding and schemes to win him back. I've seen that movie about 100 times, and Julianne Potter is one of the best rom-com heroines hands down.
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| *cough* It's on Netflix streaming *cough* |
10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It's the perfect palate cleanser if you've been binging on dystopian thriller romances. THE BREAK-UP ARTIST is funny, chock full of great one-liners. (Not Dowager Countess or HAPPY ENDINGS great, but close) I promise. Sorta.
As the final part of the bloghop, I'm tagging two other fabulous writers with books releasing in 2014. Check out their posts next Wednesday!
A. Lynden Rolland - author of OF BREAKABLE THINGS
Kristi Helvig - author of BURN OUT
Ohhhh I can't wait Phil!!!!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I loved THE DUFF and can't wait for your book, Phil! Thanks for tagging me. :)
ReplyDeleteCannot wait for THE BREAK-UP ARTIST, and MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING is one of my favorite movies- the scene on the boat always made me teary. Thanks for the tag!
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