Last week, friend and fellow writer Madalyn Morgan tagged me in her post ‘The Next Big Thing’. Click on Maddie’s article to read about her second novel Applause. This week, it’s my turn to answer questions about my current work in progress, so here goes:
What is the working title of your book?
I’ve been travelling to Russia and the former Soviet Union countries since the early 1990s. I wanted to write about my experiences, but found I can write fiction more effectively than memoir. Gorgito is based on someone I used to work with in Russia.
What genre does your book fall under?
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie of your book?
(Assuming that we’re looking at all actors, rather than ones who are the right age today) Gorgito would be played by Anthony Quinn (I see him as a sort of Russian Zorba); Emma would be played by Kate Winslet (playing her proper but ballsy); Yulia would be played by Jessica Ennis (whom I need to persuade to change careers); and Viktor would be played by Robert De Niro.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?
I will be seeking agency representation, but otherwise, I will publish via Chudleigh Phoenix Publications, where I currently publish my short story anthologies.
What other books would you compare the story to in your genre?
One obvious comparison would be with A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainianas I am aiming for the same light humour that Marina Lewycka achieves; but in terms of the quest, it is similar to Salmon Fishing in the Yemen in which Paul Torday shows different characters gradually being won over to the seemingly impossible dream.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript
Who or what inspired you to write this book
I made some wonderful friends and had some great experiences in Russia. I wanted to make sure they weren’t lost.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
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My final task is to tag the writers who will take on this set of questions next Wednesday. My list is still being assembled and will grow over the next few days. For now, I present to you:
Tina Burton (who doesn’t have her own blog, but will be guesting on here next week).
Maria Smith: http://www.firstdraftcafe.blogspot.co.uk/
Madalyn Morgan
Powerful stuff, Kate. Gorgito’s Ice-Rink is a wonderful title. The story is unique and the characters are fascinating. I can see them from just reading your NBT. It's going to be a fantastic book.
Pauline Conolly
It was wonderful to hear more about your book Kate. Unfortunately I just don't have the capacity to write fiction even with a nonfiction base and yet, as with Jill's NBT, I can see how much more artistic freedom it allows an author. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to revisit your time in Russia and your storyline sounds great!
Vikki (www.the-view-outside.com)
Sounds wonderful!
Is this the one you'll be using for Nano 😉
X
Elizabeth Ducie
Thanks for the feedback ladies. Yes, Vikki, I think so. I've got 50K already written, which is the main story, but I'm working on the back-story at present. I'll use that as the start of Nano.
Maria
I like books that work backwards, I can already picture your opening scene in my head, and I would definitely want to find out how he had died etc
Good luck!
Thank you for the tag, I've posted over on my blog.