The Next Big Thing: Just a Girl

I am honored to be a part of "The Next Big Thing Blog Tour." My dearest bestie Sera Rivers tagged me months ago. I meant to write this post sooner, but didn't. And for that, I am sorry. However! It's a new year and I have a new focus. I will stop making excuses and start pushing myself into uncomfortable places. That's the only way to grow right? So, here I go, talking about myself and my work, even though it makes me SUPER uncomfortable. Thanks, Sera!

What is your working title of your book?

Just A Girl

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Okay, so here is where I start choke. My head tells me no one really wants to hear about this, so keep it short. But then I have another part of me, okay...another voice in my head that says I am being silly. Of course people want to know. YOU would want to know, right? But then that first voice reminds me I am a nobody and no one cares to here from you. 

See where I'm going with this? Opposing forces with in me say the same thing day after day: 

The negative side: "You are just a girl! No one cares."  

The positive side: " "You are just a girl. The world needs you."

I began this novel to explore my story. I wanted to understand my experiences.  And I wanted to see if I could write a novel. What I found was so much more.

What genre does your book fall under?

Realistic Young Adult Fiction

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

Loredonna by Shailene Woodley

Abby by Abigail Bresllin

              

                                

Carra by Laura Marano

Beth by Debby Ryan

Shannon by Vanessa Hudgens

Kate by teen version of Reese Witherspoon

Sam by teen version of Jason Biggs

And for good measure: GEORGE CLOONEY would direct or produce or otherwise be involved  in a MAJOR way

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

What if being Just a Girl is more than enough?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I don't want to self publish because I don't want to go down this road alone. So, a very supportive small house or an agent would suit me.

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

At least two years. I'm not quite sure exactly how long, but I've been revising it FOREVER!!

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

This is a section that makes me cringe. How on earth do I compare myself to others? But, well, here goes. I dream to influence the world the way Judy Blume did with Deenie. I would love for my books to have the emotional punch of Gayle Forman's if I stay. And I'd give anything to have the voice of John Greene in The Fault in Our Stars.  My story, though is closest to Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr or Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My original inspiration was to explore my teen story. However, as the characters and plot continue to develop, my inspiration comes from seeing girls continue to struggle with the same issues I faced: low self-esteem, poor body image, immense pressure to be perfect and lack of decent role models.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

The best way I could find to tell this story is through a friendship triangle. And from what I've heard, many people can relate. So if you love to read about the terrible things we do to each other, this may be the book for you.

So, that's it. I did it. PHEW! I need to stop talking myself out of doing the things I want to do.  Thanks Sera again, for kicking me in the rear. LOVE YOU TONS!!