my next big thing

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).