The lovely and talented Nan Reinhardt tagged me for this blog meme. Everyone knows that The Next Big Thing is just on the horizon, so we writers are putting our work in progress out there for the world to peer at, and possibly champion. So sit back and enjoy reading about my next pet project that doesn’t yet have a home.
What is the working title of your next book?
The Perfect Partner OR Weightless
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I spent my teenage years in a ballet company, fell in love (more than once) and finally married one of the straight male dancers. Yes, they do exist! And we’re still married, lol!
What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary Young Adult
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Wow – I don’t know the young actors of today. A young lady who can dance ballet, AND act. A 20ish Patrick Swazye, and a young Judd Nelson.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A 16 y/o new (and youngest) member of the Seaside Ballet Company learns to juggle the very adult world of ballet while walking on the wild side when she’s not wearing pointe shoes.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I’m hoping an agency will pick it up. But we shall see!
How long does it take to write the first draft of your manuscript?
First drafts, when they come easy, are usually done in a couple of months. When it’s like pulling teeth, it can take longer.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Next question, lol!
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I loved the ballet world when I was in it, and there weren’t any novels about that world. I decided to write a novel that showed the sexual awakening of a young girl in a world that’s all about the physical – without there being any actual sex involved. While ballet is exhausting, it’s also a very sexy sport.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It has two heroes – one a man in his early 20s, and one a teenager; she’s attracted to both of them for very different reasons. One is bad for her, and the other one is almost too good to be true.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any of my ballet photos scanned into my computer yet, or I’d provide proof of my former life. As it is, for now, you’ll just have to take my word for it. So, there you have it! Let me know what you think about this project – thumbs up or thumbs down? Don’t worry, I can handle it!
Here comes the tagging part of the meme. Since I hopped in rather late, I’ve only got two folks to tag. Please check out these ladies, both now and next Wednesday when they’ll post THEIR “The Next Big Thing”!
UPDATE: The marvelous BETH BARANY has agreed to participate! Find her here:
http://author.bethbarany.com/
The FABULOUS Roz Lee!
http://authorrozlee.blogspot.com
and the sweet Sharon Goldstein!
http://sharonsings.wordpress.com
~ Until the next time, cheers – and remember to drink responsibly! ~
Demon Soul, Blood Dreams and Demon Hunt are all available for the Kindle! Have you fallen into the Caine Brothers’ world yet?
I love stories about dance, and you’re so right, it can be so sensual. Hope someone picks that up for publication real soon. : )
Me too, Roben!
Sounds
Sounds fascinating, Christine!! I love that you married a dancer. Not so off the wall now, with the suceess of the reality dancing shows. Great premise to your story!!
Thanks, Charlene. Yeah, I thought it was about time for a ballet YA series…
I give that a thumbs way up, Christine! Oh, and I’ll vouch for you and your former life as a ballerina with a well-known ballet company. 🙂
Hey to Nan!
How do you guys know each other? I know Nan through Robena.
I know Nan through Robena, too. We’re Facebook buddies who share virtual glasses of wine, lol!
I remember your ballet days – it was beautiful, inspiring and exhausting to watch. I like “Weightless” as a title, and love the idea. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!!
Thanks, Laurie! That’s right, you were there for ALL of it, weren’t you? Yay – another person who “knew me when”, lol!
For a woman with two left feet, I’m all over a dance-themed romance! Flashdance, Fame, Step-Up … can’t get enough. Can’t wait to add “Weightless” to the list.
Sam, that’s so nice to say. Okay, I’ll get back to work and hopefully someone will snap this book up!
I totally believe that you were a dancer. You are graceful and tiny. So sayeth the Amazon Queen; so sayeth you all!
I have fantasies about being as tall and commanding as you, Maria. Hugs!
Sounds like a great one to me Christine!!!
Lisa 🙂
This sounds terrific, Christine!! I love any kind of dancing. Love YA. I think – no, I know – I’m gonna love this book!
Oh Robin, thanks so much!
I think there is a great market for this book! Dance is immensely sensual. I would love to see those photos. What are you waiting for? Post them. 😀
As soon as I get time, Debra – I promise!
Sounds interesting, Christine. Can’t wait to read it and I would love to see those photos. You should post them! 🙂
I will, Rhonda – I promise!
That sounds brilliant, Christine. I’m actually reading a book about ballroom dancing at present. It’s great hat you and your husband have dancing in common.
Thanks, Shelley! Yeah – we both are a bit creaky now from our dancing days, lol! Cheers hon!