So what's new? And could it be The Next Big Thing?

Thanks for tagging me in The Next Best Thing Challenge, Gilli. Gilli Allan is the wonderful author of Torn and Life Class.

So what's new? Well, as you may know, I have been working really hard putting the finishing touches on my upcoming novel, the first in a brand new series, which I'm super excited about! And of course, the fact that I was tagged by Gilli to take part in The Next Big Thing Tagging Challenge. So here goes...

What is the working title of your book?

The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, a Morgan Sisters Novel

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Oh gosh... I'm not really sure! I think some of it was sparked by a guy I met earlier this year who is a real Londoner. I knew I wanted to set the book in England (London and a fictional island called Andilyse to be specific). I had a rough idea about one of the main characters but I didn't realise she would have a sister until I started writing, and then the whole idea just developed as I continued.

What genre does your book fall under?

YA Urban Fantasy

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

Ooh I love these questions!

I would LOVE Declan Alexander to be played by the very guy mentioned above. His name is Mark Killeen (above) and he's a British actor who I worked with on The Right Juice movie in April. In fact, I based his character entirely on Mark, to be honest!

Emma Jane Morgan - Emma Jane is quite difficult to cast, really. Ideally, she'd be played by a modern day younger version of Vivien Leigh.

Lana Beth Morgan - Jasmine Breinburg (she's the beautiful girl who starred in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics 2012). The moment I saw her, I thought 'wow, she looks so much like Lana Beth'.

Eleanor Haydn-Jones would be played by Maggie Smith and Emilia Fox. 

Saleena - Ashwarya Rai
Patrick Morgan - Sean Bean

Audrey Morgan - Emma Thompson

Photo credit: wave-rider via photopin cc

Photo: Michael Heilemann via photopin cc 

Photo: anyjazz65 via photopin cc

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Sent off to London for two weeks of work experience, the 16 year-old Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.

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

It will be self-published, just as my first three were.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
About two months. I'm very lucky that I am able to write full time.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I wouldn't really like to compare it with any, really, because all books are so unique and The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is quite unlike anything I've read myself. The only thing I'd like to compare it to would be the Supernatural TV series... but for girls (teens)! That, and Sanctuary, both shows really inspire me!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I am inspired by so many different things... Mark Killeen, who I mentioned above, inspired me to write a book based in London and when I started researching into London itself, that inspired me even more. Another thing that helps me is Pinterest. I often use it to get inspiration. I actually have a Morgan Sisters Pinboard which I can just flick through when I need that extra push! The Morgan Sisters Pinterest Mood Board

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The fact that it contains paranormal elements? Love interests? Two kick-ass chicks?

I've tagged a few other authors to take part in The Text Big Thing! To read their interview answers, check them out a week from now...
Sharon King
Elizabeth Seckman
Laura AH Elliott