Hello, my lovelies!
The talented author Vivi Dumas selected me to participate in the Next Big thing “blog hop”, along with 3 other authors. Because I like her so much, I accepted.
I was given 10 questions to answer about my current WIP.
So here we go!
What is the working title of your book?
Scattered Flames ~ Book 3 of the Dragon Queen series
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I read a lot of stories in urban fantasy and horror, which happens to be my favorite genres. The premise for The Dragon Queen Series came to me while I was listening to the complaints in a readers group. This was when I was a serial reader, before I dived headfirst into a writing career. The complaint from the fellow readers was that they found it difficult to relate to the characters in the popular books we read. My goal was to answer the reader’s call, to make a great story with characters relatable to people from different backgrounds.
What started as a short story blossomed into a series. And in the fantasy world created in my mind, it’s still going.
What genre does your book fall under?
Given the dynamics of the storyline, it falls under different genres. Gothic horror, urban fantasy and interracial paranormal romance.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie?
I love this question, because when I’m creating the characters I imagine a certain actors portraying them on the big screen. For those of you who have read the books in the series so far, if you have better actors or actresses in mind to portray the main characters, I’d love to see who you choose.
Demetri Bithanos, the hero of the series is a debonair beauty and merciless killer. I was bouncing back and forth between Ben Barnes and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, but I think Ben would be a better choice. After seeing him pull off the role as Dorian Grey with such finesse, I was in love. Put some contacts on him and he’s my Demetri.
Sharayna “Rayne” Piers, the heroine of the series is sweet, funny, gorgeous and a little bit hood. An actress who would do her character justice is Keke Palmer. I think she would excel at bringing out the two sides of Rayne. Besides that, she’s a great singer! Rayne’s a songtress as well, so that’s a plus for the role.
Now who would be a great actor to play Demetri’s hot, ill-mannered older brother, Maurisio Bithanos? I’m leaning towards Stephen Amell from the show “Arrow”. Maurisio is rich and a bit cocky, not to mention the alpha wolf of one of the biggest shifter clans in the world. Oh yeah, Stephen can definitely nail that role.
When I created Priestess Katsumi, the soul of Demetri’s katana, I had only one actress in mind. Michelle Yeoh! The character Katsumi is a symbol of power and elegance. In my opinion, Michelle is the embodiment of that. She is so refined and beautiful―a perfect candidate for the role of Katsumi.
I would list the rest of the characters and the actors/actresses who would be a great fit, but being that the Dragon Queen Series has a large cast, that would make this post very long. 🙂 I will, however, post a blog dedicated to the characters at the beginning of the year.
What is a one sentence synopsis of your book?
Live in the shadow of darkness or die within the flames of Heaven.
Will your book be self published or represented by an agency/publisher?
I’ll let you know next year. 😉
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
A few months. It would’ve been less but I’m easily distracted. LOL!
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Some of the readers compare it to the Vampire Huntress Legend by the dearly missed L.A. Banks, which is a huge honor. I didn’t believe them until I started reading her books. Wow, that is a kickass series! I can only hope to be as good as Mrs. Banks one day.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I think I answered that on the second question. One of my long drawn out answers. *grin*
What else about your book might interest the reader?
There’s plenty of sex, death, violence and romance. Such a twisted combination, but a great read all the same. ^_^
Here are the four lovely ladies I invited to next week’s installment of the Next Big Thing blog hop. They will post their questions and answers on the 12th of December. Be sure to visit their blog spots!
Wow, Yvonne what an awesome post! Your cast of characters are very intriguing. Makes me want to read entire series now. Great job on answering the questions. You are a hard act to follow, Chica. Now I have to work hard on my post, lol.
Smooches!
Thank you, Se! I had a lot of fun with this post. I’m glad you agreed to participate in the hop with me. I can hardly wait to read yours. 😉
You know I’ve had your books on my TBR list for a while now (it’s a long list & you’re in great company). Reading this post makes me want to read sooner rather than later. Our beloved Ms. Banks is on that list also. Thanks so much for agreeing to be my partner in crime!
No, Vivi, thank you for inviting me to blog along with you! 🙂 I had a great time. I plan to revamp the Dragon Queen series for next year. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop when I re-release them. *grin*