Wednesday, April 3, 2013

THE NEXT BIG THING (Blog Hop)

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them. I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy. On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and my upcoming book and links to another author you can explore! Many thanks to fellow sci-fi writer, Peter Lukes, http://peterlukes.blogspot.com/ for inviting me to this event!

1: What is the working title of your book?

My next book is titled Dark Space (and this is the official title).



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

Well, in a way the idea didn't come to me. I started out writing something completely different, but then I didn't like it at all, and I went back to the drawing board to write this story. The idea came from a desire to create characters rather than a story. In this way the story became character-driven rather than plot-driven, and the result was much more impressive. Some influences were Battlestar Galactica, Stargate Atlantis, The Heir to the Empire Trilogy from Star Wars, and Independence War II Edge of Chaos, an old sci-fi video game.

3. What genre does your book come under?

Dark Space is a space opera, but it could also be considered science fiction adventure.

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

A perfect fit for Ethan Ortane (the hero) would be Colin Farrell (Total Recall). His younger counterpart, Adan Reese, could be played by Chris Evans (Captain America). Alara Vastra would be Kate Beckinsale. Alec "Big Brainy" Brondi would be played by Jerry Ferrara or Elijah Wood, and Supreme Overlord Dominic Altaris would be played by Christopher Lee or Max Von Sydow.

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

The human race is all but wiped out by an alien invasion, and the survivors are left fighting over the scraps of their once galaxy-spanning civilization.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Self-published.

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

Three weeks.

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

The Star Wars X-wing Series, The Heir to the Empire Trilogy (also from Star Wars), Battlestar Galactica (TV novelizations), Forever Gate, and one of my own, Escape.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My wife inspired me. Being a starving artist inspired me. My surprising success with a previous book of mine, which I published on a whim with very little polish and no marketing, inspired me. . . . an abiding love of science fiction inspired me. And you inspired me, all of you--the readers, my fans.

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

This book is fast-paced and doesn't stall or drag on; it's sheer entertainment, and there's a couple of twists at the end which you'll never see coming. Read it, and I promise you'll be left wanting more from the story. This is the kind of book I would love to read in my spare time (if I didn't already know how it ends), and it's the first book that I as the writer actually enjoyed reading back through after I finished writing it. Dark Space is due out on Kindle for .99c--don't miss the free promotion over that first weekend!--and in paperback for $7.99 on April 23rd. Be sure to look for it on Amazon!

Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?

I'm so glad you asked!

Below you will find a link to Dani J. Caile's blog, a friend and fellow author who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday, April 10th. Be sure to bookmark and add him to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!

Dani J. Caile's blog: http://danijcaile.blogspot.com/