So What’s the next big thing – eh – Sarah?Well read on… Wendy Loveday says it so much better than I do!‘Two weeks ago, writer, Adrienne Dines tagged me in her post The Next Big Thing and today it’s my turn! Basically, I have ten questions to answer about my Work in Progress and then I have to tag five other writers who will tell you about their latest novel next Wednesday. So…let the games begin!’

The Next Big Thing

By Sarah Mussi

What is the working title of your book?

The working title of my next book is SIEGE. It’s the REAL title too! Hodder liked it – more than liked it. The cover designer loved it and made the whole cover the title you can see it on my facebook author page… http://www.facebook.com/SarahMussiAuthor
Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea for the book came from a school I once worked in. There really was someone living in the ceiling. The rest is from a very dark place that is hard to talk about.

 

What genre does your book fall under?

Definitely YA. Probably Thriller.
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I’d like an all new cast picked from kids who are passionate about screen, who need that chance, who are hungry to get a break.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

I’ll have a go at that oneliner…

SIEGE is a disturbing story about what could happen, what might happen to disaffected youngsters in a rapidly disintegrating society…

Unable to intervene, a horrified nation watch as their future, their brightest and their best, are systematically butchered in front of their eyes; their only hope lies with Leah, sixteen, unarmed and hiding in the ceilings of the school.

Oh dear … that was two lines.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

SIEGE is represented by Ed Victor and published by Hodder. Launch date: March 2013
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

It took a year all in all, but the first initial draft, after all the planning took three weeks.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I think the nearest book might be WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Who or What inspired you to write this book?

A growing sense of alarm at how easily we accept violence as a part of every day life.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

SIEGE is totally gripping. It leaves you breathless, scared to turn to the next page, yet unable not to.

It will change the way you see teenagers forever.

And here’s the prologue:

 

The Before Time

 

In the time before the shooting I was Leah Thompson, sixteen years old. I had one brother of fourteen, Connor; one sister, six, called Sally. No dad. Not one that I’d ever met, anyway. A mum with depression.

In the before time, I took care of everyone

It was quite simple.

If I didn’t take care of them I wouldn’t have a family.

Neither would Sally nor Connor.

But nothing is ever that simple, is it?

 

… more coming soon…

 

CHECK FOR THE NEXT BIG THING ON THESE WEBSITES:

 

www.samosmanbooks.com/

www.samhawksmoor.com/

http://www.rutheastham.com/

www.margaretbateson-hill.co.uk/

 

 

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