Clarissa Johal: The Next Big Thing Blog Hop

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop


What is a blog hop? It’s a way for readers to discover new authors! On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of info about me and one of my books-in-progress, plus links to three other authors for you to discover.

*Thanks to fellow author Peter Lukes for inviting me to participate in this event. Check out his blog for his Next Big Thing!

I've answered ten questions about my work-in-progress (giving you a sneak-peek). At the end, there are links to THREE other authors for you to discover who have answered the same questions.  Enjoy!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1. What is the working title of your book?
    Struck

2. Where did the idea come from for the book?
A scene kept coming to me, over and over. I couldn't get it out of my head--I had to write it down or go crazy. Since I didn't want to go crazy...well. There you go.
I also kept envisioning a peripheral character that I felt was so unique, I had to make them "real" in one of my books. This just happened to be the book!

3. What genre does your book come under?
    Adult supernatural horror

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I don't like questions like that! I want people to have their own pictures in their heads as to what the characters would look like.

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A woman who is struck by lightning is rescued by a mysterious stranger who offers her a gift...but one that comes with a price she is unsure of.

6. Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?
    I will be seeking a publisher once it's finished.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
It took 4 months to write the complete first draft. I've been editing for 6 months now and have it complete except for the ending. Those pesky endings! Every time I think I've completed the ending, my antagonist has something to say about it.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I'd like to think the story is unique, so I can't. If I was writing "something" like "something" I would need to go back to the drawing board because it wouldn't be my idea, it would be a rip-off of somebody else's.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Like I said, the book grew from the one scene I envisioned, which is the "what" or situation of the plot. As far as the "who" goes, I saw a painting awhile ago that I fell in love with. I knew someday I'd write and antagonist that looked similar to the person in the painting.

10. What else about your book might pique the readers interest?
      Follow this link to Lichtenberg figures. That's all I'm going to say.

My already published works can be purchased via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and through Musa Publishing: 

BETWEEN 
A Story of the Supernatural for Adults

How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire. 
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.
*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012

PRADEE
A Young Adult Fantasy

What if there was an artifact that could see the past and change the future--would you use it? 

Three friends are accused of poisoning an Elder in their village. They escape to the mysterious region of Vel to search for the Guardian of a mythical artifact. If they find the artifact, it is reputed to have the powers to see the past and change the future, thus proving their innocence. However, if it falls into the wrong hands, the artifact could destroy the future of their world as they know it.
In the tradition of The Dark Crystal by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, PRADEE will pull the reader into an exciting, otherworldly adventure.
*Second round finalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award Contest 2012


Who's next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?

So glad you asked!
Below you will find three authors who will be joining me through their blogs next Wednesday, April 10th. Mark it on your calendars and bookmark them!
You will be one of the first to discover a new work in progress!
Happy reading!

Keith Yatsuhashi's blog: It's Kind of Electronic Book
Juli D. Revezzo's blog: Danger is a Fantasy



6 comments:

Rhea Rhodan said...

Nice to hear a bit about your WIP, Clarissa. If it's anything as fresh and different as BETWEEN, I'm sure I'll love it, too.

Clarissa Johal, Author said...

Thanks, Rhea! I appreciate the comment and you stopping by :)

Joanna Fay said...

Nice post, Clarissa. All the best for your current and upcoming novels.

Clarissa Johal, Author said...

Thanks, Joanna :)

Heather R. Holden said...

Supernatural horror is easily one of my favorite genres! And wow, it only took you four months to write the first draft? Impressive!

Clarissa Johal, Author said...

Thank you for stopping by, Heather! And yep, first drafts usually go quickly, it's the rest of it....lol