I am delighted to be invited to be part of The Next Big Thing by Jae De Wylde author of – ‘Sleeping People Lie’ and ‘The Thinking Tank. Check out what she is up to here Jae De Wylde and here jae-de-wylde-blog Thank you for inviting me Jae. Now to those all-important questions on my own ‘Next Big Thing’
What is the working title of your book?
Well first up, ’Coconuts and Wonderbras’ has just been recently been released so I am gratefully past the working title stage.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Most certainly from my first visit to Cambodia. I have since been again. But the idea to set a comedy in such a colourful country appealed very much. ‘Literary agent Libby Holmes is desperate for her boyfriend, Toby, to propose to her and will do anything for him and if that means dieting for England then she’ll have a go. However, when Libby’s boss introduces her to her new client, Alex Bryant, her life is turned upside down. Alex Bryant, ex-SAS officer and British hero, insists Libby accompany him to Cambodia for a book fair. What she hadn’t bargained for was a country in revolt.
What genre does your book fall under?
Most certainly under Romantic Comedy. I love writing things that make people laugh. Libby’s character is very funny as are those of the people around her.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
If I were choosing actors for the roles of Libby and Alex I would most certainly like Emily Blunt to play the blundering but loveable Libby and Ewan MacGregor to play the action hero Alex. I would most certainly choose British actors as it is a British comedy.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
‘Coconuts and Wonderbras’ is a roller coaster of fun and comedy as Libby bundles along in an effort to get her man.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
‘Coconuts and Wonderbras’ is published by Raucous Publishing and is available from Amazon, Waterstones and W H Smith. It is available on Kindle and Kobo as well as paperback, of course.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The first draft took seven months. Comedy is a lot harder to write than people think. The humour is important and I like to get it right. I try to write a 1000 words a day.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It’s difficult to compare, but other people have compared me to Sophie Kinsella, which is very flattering.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Inspiration for me comes from all over the place. I get ideas while sitting in the launderette. My own funny experiences in beautiful Cambodia inspired me a lot though.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
All my books have a feel good factor and are guaranteed to make you laugh.
Now it’s time for me to hand the baton of The Next Big Thing on to my five chosen authors… In my case three.
I am very happy to pass the torch to bestselling author Jo Carnegie of whom I am a big fan. www.jocarnegie.co.uk/ Jo spent her early career as a fledgling reporter on Bedfordshire’s Biggleswade Chronicle before working at more! and Glamour magazine, and most recently as deputy-editor of heat.. Her latest novel ‘Horse Play’ which is set in Churchminster.’A place where women know exactly what they want, and it’s not cream tea with the vicar.
A place where anything can happen . . . so be careful what you wish for.’
Sarah Rayner (www.thecreativepumpkin.com/) is the bestselling author of ‘One Moment One Morning’ and ‘The Two Week Wait’ Both wonderful books that will move you profoundly. Sarah for many years combined life as an author and copywriter until her novel ‘One Moment One Morning’ enabled her to write full time.
Sue Guiney (sueguineyblog.blogspot.co.uk/) is another fave writer. Her novel ‘Clash of Innocents’ is wonderful. Set in wonderful Cambodia, it is a gripping read. Sue is a writer of fiction, poetry and plays. She is also a teacher of fiction, poetry and plays. Born and raised in New York, she has made her life in London with her husband and two sons. Her next big thing is the 2nd novel of her Cambodian trilogy, called “Out of the Ruins: A Novel of Cambodia.” This, the 2nd of 3 novels portraying lives within modern day Cambodia, and looks at the problem of women’s health care and the sex trade. New characters from the West arrive in Siem Reap, home of Angkor Wat, to set up a new clinic for women. So much good is accomplished, but can good and evil exist side by side?
Just to say finally – I would LOVE reviews for Coconuts and Wonderbras’ on Amazon, Goodreads and wherever else you would like to post them. I always appreciate my readers and very much want to hear what they have to say.
Lynda x
LYNDA RENHAM 