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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

The Next Big Thing Blog

Holy cow, I almost blew it! Oh, maybe I did. Well, better to be late than never. My good buddy, Blaze McRob talked me into doing this Next Big Thing blog post. It's supposed to be part of a series from various authors in various genres. What the heck, I said, I'll give it a try. You are given a set of 10 questions about a recently released book or a current work in progress. I decided on The Hall, since it was my newest release, and I'm kind of in between things right now.

So, without further adieu, here are the 10 questions and my answers below. 

1) What is the working title of your next book? (or it can be your latest release):
My most recent book release was “The Hall,” about a wealthy Memphis book publisher buys an old castle-like mansion and ends up doing battle with a love-struck ghost he doesn’t believe exists.

2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
I lived in Memphis for a little while and used to pass Ashlar Hall on the way to work. I always thought it would make a great setting for a horror novel.

3) What genre does your book fall under?
Supernatural thriller/horror

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh God, you had to ask that one! I guess for the lead of Marcus Bishop, my heart would lean toward Karl Urban. Despite being a Kiwi, he’s got just the right look and personality for the part. And after seeing him in RED and Star Trek, I know he can lose the accent. Not to mention he looks dashing in a suit!

As for Prince Mongo, he can play himself- no one could do it any better! 

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
A man’s home is his castle, or could it be his crypt?

6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
100% self-published. I only employed my editor and an artist to do some work for me.

7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
About 6 months.

8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I'm not exactly sure. It really is a very different kind of book, and I’m proud of that.

9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Ashlar Hall which is located at the juncture of Lamar and Central Avenues in Memphis. The old building is built like a castle. It even has gargoyles jutting from the roof.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
It is unique in that there are several threads in the story, and I also have Prince Mongo, who is a very REAL person involved. I asked permission to use him as a character, and he gladly agreed. Each chapter I wrote, I sent to him for approval. He was extremely pleased with the finished product and how his character came across. The Prince is a fantastic person all on his own, and it has been a real pleasure to work with him. 

Right, I've said my peace, and I hoped you enjoyed the glimpse into my contorted little mind.

Until next time, my creatively obsessed friends,

Kathy


 The North Porch
 Inspiration for Khyripzhus


 Prince Mongo, the one and only!


You can find The Hall at the following links:

Ebook: 
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/241686    
(Smashwords supports ALL ereader platforms!)

Print: 
https://www.createspace.com/3540203 





4 comments:

  1. Great job, Kathy! I feel really privileged to have read this book before you published it. I love it. And, yes; the Prince is quite the guy.

    I can see why Ashlar Hall was quite an inspiration for you!

    Don't worry about your contorted mind. We are in synch in that respect for sure.

    Blaze

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  2. Excellent post Kathy. After reading your ten questions and answers I can’t wait to read “The Hall”.

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  3. Hello.
    I just finished the book and I have to say I was quite impressed. I am a Memphis Native and in fact know Mongo on a personal level. Mongo is a really good friend to my aunt Jonny and uncle Smokey and through them I met Mongo when I was just a child. He would come by their house for Thanksgiving and other events. I remember first meeting him and he told me he flew in on a spaceship which he landed in the front yard. I didn't find a spaceship only an old Jeep.
    Growing up in Memphis I remember seeing Ashlar Hall for the first time. My mom actually lived next door in one of those high rise apartments.
    When I got older Mongo opened the Castle as a night club which was one of my local haunts for a short while so you see how I connected to the book on a very intimate level.
    I know exactly where his warehouse is on Main street and in reading I could just envision myself walking by.
    Thanks for the good read.
    Shane.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for reading, and most importantly, enjoying my book! I had a fantastic time writing it, and I hope that shows. I've actually never met Mongo in person, but have had a couple phone conversations and plenty of emails back and forth with him. Originally, his character was a bit part, just there to sign the paperwork to sell Ashlar Hall to Marcus Bishop. But the more I got to know Mongo, the more it seemed his crazy personna was going to seep into the book until he literally stole the show. They say truth is stranger than fiction, in this case, it's true! So, when you see Mongo again, tell him Spirit Kathy is still thinking of him, and he's welcome to visit me at the farm anytime.

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