I’ve been tagged in The Next Big Thing by fellow writer Siobhan McKenna. I’m instructed to tell you all about my coming book by answering these questions and then to tag five other authors about their Next Big Thing. For my tagging, I’ve chosen a mix of one established author, newly published authors, and authors yet to be published by a publishing house. I hope this blog will help connect these great writers with their readers, past, present and future.
What is the working title of your next book?
Love & the Goddess
Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea for my novel from a few different sources; – firstly I wished to write an inspirational novel, easy to read and with wisdom woven through.
My personal obsession with the Greek myth of the triple goddess was a driving force along with healing journeys I had undertaken through Brazil and Peru. Listening to friends gossiping about dating gave me the idea of employing the names of the three goddesses as online usernames for my protagonist Kate’s dating exploits.
What genre does your book fall under?
Mainly contemporary fiction, though it is cross genre.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
That’s a real teaser! Funny thing; – it’s important to have a clear picture of your characters, so I always imagined my main character Kate as looking like a cross between Naomi Watts and Julianne Moore. Either would be perfect, and an Irish actress like Victoria Smurfit would be even better.
Comedienne Ruby Wax provided irreverent inspiration for Kate’s friend Ella and Simon Baker would provide a gorgeous romantic interest.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A woman’s voyage of self-discovery begins on the Internet and leads her all the way to Peru.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self – published
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Approximately 4 months. Subsequent drafts took a lot longer adding up to probably 20 months in total.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Mine being cross genre, most resembles memoir and inspirational fiction, so I have to compare it with some books outside the category of contemporary fiction. It is probably most like a cross between Eat Pray Love and The Celestine Prophecy. It is similar in tone to The Lingerie Designer by Siobhan McKenna and The Shaman in Stilettoes by Anna Hunt.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
When I first sat down to write, I considered doing a memoir covering a period in my life when dramatic events were an almost daily occurrence. Some were traumatic while others were inspirational, bringing healing along with renewed joy, hope and laughter. So I wished to share some of the wisdom and systems of healing which helped me through a difficult time. I chose instead to respect the privacy of loved ones and weave the threads through the fabric of a fictitious tale.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
One of the main themes in my book is Internet dating so expect lots of laughs as my characters plan dates, swap notes and don the glad rags in search of Mr Right.
My protagonist is a cookery teacher so there are lots of mouth – watering foodie references. Readers interested in the recipes will be able to find them all on my website by the time the book is launched
And finally for those interested in travel writing, Peru and Brazil provide an interesting backdrop.
You can also read about one area of my research on this blog post.
The book retails at €14.99 but will go on sale at a special introductory price of €11.99
The book retails at €14.99 but will go on sale at a special introductory price of €11.99
Buy the Kindle version from Amazon.com here:
Buy the paperback version from Amazon.com here:
Buy from Amazon.co.uk here:
My chosen authors are:
Ferdia Mac Anna http://ferdiamacanna.com/
Georgina Heffernan http://georginaheffernan.weebly.com/
Merrie P. Wycoff: http://www.merriepwycoff.com
Carole Pilcher:
Siobhan McKenna: http://chopraperfecthealth.blogspot.ie/
Hi Mary, Delighted the book is on its way and personally I am also glad it’s after Christmas because it is something to really look forward to for January. As a woman and mother Christmas can really leave us low on energy and I can not think of anything better than a good book to settle down with when all the fuss is over. Best of luck with the launch.
Rena
Thanks Rena, that’s great to hear. And hopefully you’ll join me for the launch and we’ll have a bit of auld craic on the night.
So excited to hear the details of your book! Immediately thought of The Celestine Prophecy. Bright blessings, keep me posted.
Thanks Debra. It is a little like the Celestine Prophecy regarding discoveries Kate makes about ‘the Goddess’ in Peru. It has a sprinkling of comedy and pathos in parts too, which hopefully add up to an entertaining read.
Hi Mary,
The book sounds fabulous – love the theme. I’m just back from a workshop, Summoning The Sacred…all about finding our archetypical energies. Facinating and fun. Lots of love Siobhan x
Thanks for including me Siobhan – delighted you love the theme. Your workshop sounds fascinating and judging by your pictures you enjoyed yourself in beautiful weather. Lucky you getting a blast of sun to rev up the batteries before Christmas.
Hi Mary
I’m so looking forward to your book launch. Can’t wait to have a good read in the dark January days.
Sounds like the book has plenty to brighten us all up.
Best of luck with everything Mary.
Mary Mc Cann
Thanks Mary,
You are always so encouraging and I appreciate you cheering me on.
There will be a special place for you and Denise because you both impart the wisdom and positivity of the Goddess:)
Yes you will enjoy it – I can picture you sitting ensconced in an armchair having a giggle and himself telling you to hand it over for a look …you’ll tell him to get his own copy. And rightly so!
What a gorgeous story and cover, Mary! And ever so fitting of you. 🙂 I cannot wait to read and celebrate your release. I’ll be raising my champagne glass from afar.
PS Stories that evolve from our lives = the best!
Thanks for stopping by August and congratulations on your debut novel ‘IN HER SHADOW’. I’m looking forward to downloading it for my train journey this week.
Well, we’re both writing fiction and of course it has our DNA all over it but the alter ego is fascinating in what we pluck from outside ourselves.
It’s what I love about writing because it shows how interconnected we all are and I’m grateful for the gift of inspiration.
I’m sure your book will resonate hugely with me August because we so often tap into the same stuff. I hope it will wing its way to the four corners of the earth and back again 🙂