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my next big thing

October 16, 2012

One of the best things about writing books, I've discovered, is meeting other authors – either in person at literary events, or in cyberspace via Twitter.

Perhaps it's because we mostly work in isolation, spending long hours alone at a computer but it's been a revelation to me, how friendly and supportive other writers are of each other.

Recently, my cyber pal Victoria Twead (@VictoriaTwead), author of the very entertaining Spanish memoir 'Chickens, Mules & Two Old Fools' invited me to take part in a web event called My Next Big Thing, where authors answer questions about their latest project.

So here goes:

What is the working title of your book?
Sweet Encore (sub-title to be confirmed).

Where did the idea come from for the book?
It's a continuation of a series of books about life in France.

What genre does your book fall under?
Travel memoir/biography/humour.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I'd choose Joaquin Phoenix (minus beard) for Luis, and obviously I would need to be on set for the filming; Biff would have to play himself, as would Delphine my French mayor friend, as no one would be able to capture their characters.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
More adventures from the Poitou-Charentes with a 4,000 mile road trip around northern Spain and Portugal thrown in.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Er...I haven't actually written it yet.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Not sure I would compare it to anything.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My readers, who email me to say they are waiting for a fourth book and to ask how long is it going to be.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Well, it features one very popular little black dog, who played a starring role in my previous books.

And now I’d like to pass the torch on to four other writers and fellow Francophiles, so that they can tell us about their Next Big Thing.

Emma Lee-Potter (@EmmaLeePotter) is an author, journalist and Francophile – who writes about life, books, teenagers and France (she has a house in Provence) at her blog, house with no name. She has written six books and novellas, including her latest 'School Ties', a romantic comedy set at a top public school.

Julia Stagg (@JuliaStagg) is the author of L'Auberge, the story of an English couple who take over an auberge in the French Pyrenees. Her latest book is 'The Parisian's Return' - more entertaining tales from the auberge (and a love story) set in the small commune of Fogas in the French Pyrenees.

Amy Thomas (@GodILoveParis) is the author of 'Paris My Sweet', the story of an American girl with a passion for cake and all things sweet, who moves to Paris to work as a copywriter for Louis Vuitton. Amy blogs about cake, confectionary and Paris at God I love Paris.

John Dummer is the author of two memoirs spilling the insider secrets of the antique markets of southern France (much to the chagrin of his wife Helen, who still works in them). His latest book: Son of Serge Bastarde: Mayhem in the Antiques Markets of Rural France is as poignant as it is funny. I met John at the France show, where we were both giving talks a few years ago, and he is a thoroughly nice bloke with a passion for animals and er... Eminem (but let's not dwell on that).

comments (11)

1. Posted by Jacqui on October 17, 2012 7:15 PM

Great to hear you are writing more. A bit late I know, but I have just finished Tout Sweet and reviewed it on my blog. Looking forward to reading more. http://www.frenchvillagediaries.com/FVD/Blog/Entries/2012/10/17_Tout_Sweet_by_Karen_Wheeler.html


2. Posted by parisbreakfast on October 19, 2012 9:33 AM

YAHOO!
Pls put a 'Tout' in front of the 'Sweet'
Puleeeze? They will all look so nice together on the shelf. Most thrilling news!
Champers on order.


3. Posted by Bear on October 19, 2012 9:35 AM

So thrilling to hear you are sitting at the keys again!
I am working on my book too on Honey...


4. Posted by Sweet Freak on October 22, 2012 2:59 AM

So thrilled to be included in this list, Karen... and to 'meet' a couple other inspiring writers. Merci, merci!


5. Posted by Emma Lee-Potter on October 23, 2012 4:34 PM

Such an honour to be included in your list of writers, Karen. Thank you! And I can't wait to read your next book in the series. One day I might follow suit and move to France full-time!


6. Posted by Amanda on October 24, 2012 9:54 AM

Tout number four...?!!! Fantastic news Karen! xx


7. Posted by Amy Kortuem on October 25, 2012 4:39 PM

Karen, I'm so glad a 4th book is in the works, even if you're only working on it in your writerly mind right now! Your books have given me great inspiration in writing my own story.

I'm off to check out the writers you tagged now...


8. Posted by Justyna on October 29, 2012 9:12 PM

When it will be possible to buy on polish translated Tout Soul?


9. Posted by Sara on November 21, 2012 4:03 AM

Post more often! I love your books and waiting for another. In between, I read the post and look forward to photos of Biff. Your writing is great; a little dreaming for those of use in the States. Inspiring.Thanks for the great reads.


10. Posted by Stephanie Howard on November 22, 2012 11:33 AM

So glad Karen that you are doing a fourth book and I realy can not wait for it. I have read the first 3 over and over and over (only done this before with all my Twlight books, lol).
I am moving to France in March, will your book be out before then?
So glad about the new book and hope the wait for book 5 will be shorter. ha ha.


11. Posted by Paula Rainbird on August 19, 2013 9:13 AM

Hi Karen , when is Sweet Encore coming out?. I thought it was August 2013 and I was hoping to take it on holiday but it seems to be pushed back - such a shame as I loved the previous three and I am looking forward to the next instalment.
PS , Will there be a book signing in London ?


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