THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

Welcome to 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 one of my books and links to other authors you can explore!

Big thanks to Kimberly Llewellyn for tagging me! Please visit her blog.

Here we go. Have fun!

1: What is the working title of your book?

The title of the book is Orange Blossom Brides, due to be released in August 2013 by Harlequin Heartwarming. 

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

A good writer friend of mine, Kimberly Llewellyn, invited me to a wedding fashion show. As soon as I sat down, story ideas about weddings filled my head. I began to write it all down and the story of Lilli and Max took shape. By the time the event ended, I’d come up with a complete story idea.

3: What genre does your book come under?

Traditional contemporary romance.

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

Initially, I pictured Max as Gerard Butler in all his scruffy glory. It took me longer to pinpoint Lilli, but decided Jenna Fischer from The Office was a close fit. My hero, Max is more comfortable in T-shirts and jeans, while Lilli tends to be a little more fussy about her wardrobe. I had fun pitting these two against each other. 

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

When prim and proper Lilli Barclay and rough and tumble Max Sanders are paired together for a local charity event, a wedding fashion show, no less, sparks fly.

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

The book will be published by Harlequin for the new Heartwarming line. I have six previous books with other publishers. You can find out about them at www.tararandel.com. I am represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

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

About six months. I needed the time to come up with the small town, develop my characters and do research on weddings. Loved the research! It gave me an excuse to get all kinds of bridal magazines.

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

I would look for books from the more traditional romance lines like the new Harlequin Heartwarming line. Also, books by my previous publisher, Avalon Books, which are now Amazon Montlake Romance. 

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

Once the characters formed in my mind, I knew I wanted to set the story in a small town. I love small town dynamics and have fun working with that. My plan is to have future books set in that same town. Also, once I started research about weddings, I became enthralled by everything that goes into planning that special day. 

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? 
As is the goal with all my books, I want readers to sit back, get caught up in the world I’ve created, feel for the characters and not worry about the real world for a while. The pressures of everyday life can weigh on us. Getting lost in a good book helps to keep life in perspective and gives all of us that much needed ‘me’ time we need to recharge our batteries.

Thank you for letting me share The Next Big Thing with you today!

Below you will find the author who will be joining me on The Next Big Thing blog hop next Wednesday. Be sure to bookmark and add her to your calendar for updates on their projects and new releases. Enjoy your day!

  

Karen Rock