THE NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP

What is a blog hop? Basically, it’s a way for readers to discover authors new to them.  I hope you'll find new-to-you authors whose works you enjoy.  On this stop on the blog hop, you'll find a bit of information on me and one of my books and links to three other authors you can explore!

My gratitude to fellow author Rhea Windrider for inviting me to participate in this event. You can click the following link to learn more about her work.  Website:

In this blog hop, I and my fellow authors, in their respective blogs, have answered ten questions about our book or work-in--progress (giving you a sneak peek).  We've also included some behind-the-scenes information about how and why we write what we write--the characters, inspirations, plotting and other choices we make. I hope you enjoy it!

Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts and questions. Here is my Next Big Thing!

1: What is the working title of your book?

I am currently working on two books; Maxmillion’s Despair and Vril.

2: Where did the idea come from for the book?

For Maxmillion’s Despair, this is the second book in the DREAD Fleet pirates’ series. The idea comes from performing with Arizona Pirate troupe, The DREAD Fleet.

Vril is a little something different. I was inspired to work with some former characters, add a bit of fantasy, and write in the realm of the Dime Detective.

3. What genre does your book come under?

Despair is adventure, but Vril is sort of a blur of Mystery, Fantasy, and Noir.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I don’t think I am allowed to choose the pirate characters without consent, so I refer readers to TheDREADFleet.com to post inquiries there.

For Vril, I have to say any young Harrison Ford type for the male lead. I think Uma Thurman would make a good female lead, but I am not a movie buff so I am not too sure. Maybe on all counts it would be better for me to say I would look to my Indie Film friends and get some unknown names to star.

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Commodore Max regails the glorious and inglorious moments that made him a king among pirates.

A hard boiled detective and his assistant visit a small town portal to a noir fantasy city with some magical investment problem.

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

Considering I was just informed that I am now a Brick Cave author, it is pretty safe to say these will be published at the Indie level, and I am very excited!

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Despair has been like pulling teeth from a shark, the draft is still pretty rough, so I will let you know what the final number is when I have it.

Vril is one of my NaNoWriMo babies.

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I would compare Despair with most of the classic pirate and adventure novels of the late 1800s, like Treasure Island, but it might have a bit more modern humor.

Vril is probably a blend of Goodis’s works with Urban Fantasy.

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

The “real” Commodore Max is the inspiration behind despair. He is quite a character and hard not to write about.

I am not sure where is the inspiration for Vril came from, I guess, myself. I haven’t been very good at working on projects that are personal rather than connected to other people, or groups. I think I have a little of that noir era running through my veins as I really appreciate the romance of the dime novel characters.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If you want to gain an interest in my pirate novels go watch the pirates who inspired them. The characters are real and the adventures are varied. Check out The DREAD Fleet then tell me why you wouldn’t want to read more.

Vril, Vril is about growing older and revisiting the past, my past, as I work with characters from my youth, and the characters’ past as they clean up old messes that they thought were long ago swept under the bed.

Who’s next on the NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP?

So glad you asked!

Below you will find authors who will be joining me by blog, next Wednesday. Do be sure to bookmark and add them to your calendars for updates on Works in Progress and New Releases! Happy Writing and Reading!

P. J. Hultstrand: azpublishingservices.blogspot.com

Sharon Skinner: sharonskinner.com