I’ve been tagged for the Next Big Thing, a new blog tour where an author writes about their current work or next book. I was tagged by two lovely authors, Corinne Fenton, whose upcoming LIttle Dog and the Christmas Wish sounds just as delightful as her new book Hey Baby and Robyn Opie Parnell, who learned how to become a medium to write Maya and the Daring Heist! Fascinating stuff!
What is the working title of your next book?
DISCOVERED! A Beagle Called Bella. It’s the 6th book in the Rainbow Street Animal Shelter series and is illustrated by the talented Patricia Castelao.
2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
When my parents were first married, they fell in love with a beautiful beagle puppy. She was extraordinarily destructive, an escape artist, and completely unsuitable for a young couple out at work all day. They eventually had to rehome her with a kennel of hunting beagles, where she was very happy. However the story haunted our whole dog-loving family, and when I heard a call from the Customs service for uncontrollable beagles, my story seed was planted.
3) What genre does your book fall under?
Realistic children’s fiction for readers of 7 and up; illustrated chapter book.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Toby Wallace at twelve for Timothy. The beagle would need to be very well trained to act very naughty.
5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Bella the beagle puppy has so much energy she doesn’t just need a home – she needs a job!
6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be published by Henry Holt, USA, who also hold international and film rights. It has also been published in Rainbow Street Pets, a collection of all the Rainbow Street stories published in one volume in Australia by Allen & Unwin.
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
A rough first draft: about six weeks. I have no idea how many drafts followed during the year or so after that.
8) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Apart from my parents’ story for this individual book, the series was sparked by my publisher at Henry Holt, who knew that I loved writing about animals, and suggested a series set in an animal shelter. I felt that it was important to include a story that dealt with a dog who needed to be rehomed because it and its first owners simply weren't right for each other – it's heart breaking for the owners who decide to surrender the dog, but can have a happy ending.
10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
(Aren’t dogs enough to pique anyone’s interest?) I think kids will find it intriguing to think of the sniffer dogs as detectives – I was quite fascinated by the research. It’s amazing what these dogs can find!
I've now tagged the talented Kerry Millard to see what her next big thing is. Check it out on Jan 23! I've invited a few other people as well, but I have to confess I left it a bit late, so they may have already been tagged. I'll quickly add them in when I hear...
