I would like to thank Savita Kalhan for inviting me to take part in this series of blog posts where authors share what stories they are working on. If you'd like to discover Savita's 'Next Big Thing' then please click on this link.
What is the working title of your book?
Magic of Light
Where did the idea come from for the book?
From the shared love with my late father of the entire process of black and white photography and how old photographs can link generations.
What genre does your book fall under?
Steam Punk - think the new Sherlock Holmes films or Hugo where the world is filled with clockwork gadgets and things run on steam.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Sam (the lead) I'd nominate Jude Wright who currently plays Marcus Elliot in the TV show 'Spy.' I'm not sure on the second boy character but the lead female (mother and grandmother to the two boys) would have to be Julie Walters.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Sam is catapulted back in time, giving him the chance to save the life of his father and the grandmother he has just lost in his time.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I'm looking for an agent at the moment so would love this to be traditionally published.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I'll be honest I really can't remember the first draft was started in August 2005 as part of a creative writing I was studying. It sat for many years on my computer until I rediscovered it and started a total rewrite which has so far taken me three months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
- The Orphan of Hugo Cabret by Brian Seiznick
- The Juniper Chronicles - The Secret of The Red Spot by Leonardo Ramirez
- The Steampunk Detective by Darrell Pit
I'm not sure about the original idea as it was so long ago. However I decided to send the manuscript to a professional proof-reading/editor and she highlighted some issues. At the time I was reading a steam punk novel. It occurred to me if I re-wrote in this genre the story might just have a chance of working.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
This is my first novel for older children so I'm just keeping fingers crossed that a child who enjoys the steam punk genre may just take a chance on my work.
If you would like to discover what other authors are working on then why not check out:
Children's author Sanda Ann Horn's website by clicking on this link
