I was tagged for the Next Big Thing promotional blog project by the talented Cynthia Pelayo, whose upcoming book Santa Muerte is worth the read. Check this book out very soon from Post Mortem Press:

The Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:

Q: What is your working title of your book?
A: CONSTRUCT

Q: Where did the idea come from for the book?
A: This idea perhaps arose from one night spent staring at one of those plastic Easter eggs for too long. It sounds odd, but when you read the story it will make sense.

Q: What genre does your book fall under?
This one will be primarily a science fiction/horror mix, perhaps with a dash of fantasy for seasoning.

Q: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
A: You know, I’ve heard a lot of authors who say they have an actor in mind when they create their characters, but my head doesn’t work that way. I think what I see in my mind is more of a conglomeration of people. But if I had to choose, I think I might go with whoever is popular at the moment. Popularity reaps ticket sales.

Q: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A: When you begin this book, you will think it another zombie book and likely expect the normal run of the mill obstacles, but not everything is always as it seems and this is not a book about zombies.

Q: Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A: I received some interest from an agent when this story was only a few thousands words, so I may try my hand at that.

Q: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
A: I’m halfway through now, but I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus to focus on the third book in THE SAGA OF I and THE DEAD CIVIL WAR. Plus, I’ve been reworking a bunch of shorts for my next collection, which I plan to shop around a bit. I’m sort of clearing the deck to finish this one up, which will likely happen in the early half of 2013. In total, that might end up being a handful of months.

Q: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
A: That is a really tough one. I worked really hard at trying to do something different with this one. And while I know that is no easy task, I do think I’ve got something with this story. The first chapter in this book is really misleading and people will think it is all about zombies. Of course they will, because I did when I started to write it. But sometimes your characters take over and they reveal that one little detail, the secret that transforms the story into something completely different. So I’m not sure really, but I suppose I’m fond of THE STAND by Stephen King, so maybe a slight taste of that.

Q: Who or what inspired you to write this book?
A: Too many sleepless nights full of bad dreams, waking up unable to breathe and trying to make the best of it. I write from my heart about my own fears and while my worries may not encompass something as outrageous as this story, elements of those fears are what comprise much of the subplots.

Q: What else about your book might piqué the reader’s interest
A: Hell, if I don’t have you at “This is not a zombie book” when it clearly appears that it is, then I’m not sure what more I can offer you. When you see this book, try it. You just might like it.

I’m a little late to this game and I am supposed to tag five authors to make a similar post. So if you are reading this and would like to take part, then contact me and I will tag you in this post.

~Kenneth W. Cain