Everything You Wanted to Know- or not.

I've been trying to think of something to write. Started and stopped several posts- mentally crinkling the paper and throwing it in the trash. Then, last night I had one of those slap-your-forehead-d'oh! moments.
Weeks ago, Sleepy Joe tagged me on her blog.  I was supposed to answer her questions about my book on or around January 9th.  Maybe my inner alarm clock went off, reminding me that I'd agreed to this. Anyway, now I have something to write about.
Thank you, Sleepy Joe!

(I'm answering these questions about my book that is finished, not the one in progress.)

1-What is the working title of your book?

I've had several different titles, this has been a sticking point for me. I recently asked an agent if the title is that important, since the publishers usually change it. She said no, which gave me some relief from my anxiety.  For now, the title is Haven's Gift.

2-Where did the idea come from for the book?
(This goes along with # 9)
I was working with the young women in our church at the time, (including my daughter, Sadie), and I was so struck by how talented and strong these girls were, yet they didn't seem to know it.  Thus came the idea of a book about girls who have 'gifts', who are strong, and must battle the darkness.

3-What genre does your book fall under?

Young Adult/Fantasy

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

I have a collage on my wall that I made while I was writing.  I just found random pictures from the internet of people who fit what I saw as my characters.  Because of this, I have a hard time seeing anyone else.  Also, it's hard, since my main characters are 14 years-old. I tried to google actresses to find some that at least fit the look-

(Photo from imdb.com)

This is Ryan Newman and she has the perfect look for Haven- brown hair and blue eyes.

Elle Fanning as Bliss. (This picture could be straight from my book!)

Terra was more difficult, I couldn't find anyone with red hair.  This is just a wallpaper picture, but you get the idea.

(goodfon.com)

There is one actress who I've always had in mind,though. It's for a character named Violet, and in my mind she has always been-

(imdb.com)

Kathy Bates.

As for my villian, Rhodora, I have Angelina Jolie on my collage, but she's a bit too old for the character. So, I found this beauty, Marie Avgeropoulos.  I really like this picture, beautiful, but sinister.

(imdb.com)

5-What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Can't do one sentence. But, this is the tagline from my query-

In a world where all girls have Gifts, Haven finds that hers is not only peculiar, but could mean the difference between life and death.  That’s a lot of pressure for a 14 year-old who bites her nails.

6-Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Many people have asked me about self-publishing. It just isn't for me.

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

Too long. One year.

8-What other books would you compare this story to in your genre?

gah! I can't do it. I feel like I'd be comparing myself to other (successful) writers. 

9-Who or what inspired you to write this book?
(see #2)

10- What else about your book might pique your reader's interest?

It's filled with steamy sex and a smoldering leading man. Oh, wait, that's a different book. Not mine. 
Here's more from my query, maybe that will do.

The village of Tourmaline has been peaceful for all of Haven Somerled’s life.  The only danger, or even excitement, she’s heard of was in the stories told years ago by her ancient Granny Lilly.  Now, those stories are replaying vividly in Haven’s dreams.

The dreams aren’t the only strange thing in her life.  While having a Gift isn’t strange, and, being able to talk to plants isn’t strange-- being able light up her hands?  That’s where she differs from her peers.  When Haven’s two best friends, Terra and Bliss, find they have the same light Gift, they know it isn’t coincidence.

Danger is coming, and these three will be in the thick of it. 

There you have it. Coming to bookshelves as soon as I find an agent who believes in it as much as my good friends who have read it. 

Thanks, again, Sleepy Joe!