What a fun way to introduce a work in progress! Thanks to Camille Minichino, “The Next Big Thing” chain blog continues . After I share more about my new work (with pictures, of course), I’ll introduce you to other artist and interesting people, more links in the creative chain.
What is the working title of your book?
Seniors Unlimited
Where did the idea come from for this book?
Like most things in life, the idea for this book was a process of little thoughts that kept adding up till they culminated in one creative idea. My husband, Larry, and I were sitting in the Hudson House restaurant in Nyack, NY, where we lived for many years. http://www.hudsonhousenyack.com
Picture from website.
We were with an older friend of ours (80), talking about how active many older senior citizens were these days. She was still the president of an agency, Children’s Aid Program for Africa (CAPA), and volunteered for American Association of University Women. Then we discussed how seniors were working longer and harder than ever before. We even explored all the odd type of jobs senior could do. From there (you know how this goes), other conversations and life’s demands took over. But my subconscious wouldn’t let it go. The story idea kept popping up, with characters forming identities and working in an agency called Seniors Unlimited. Bet that happens for most of you … your subconscious working on a story or problem while your conscious mind works on daily chores.
What genre does your book fall under?
My book falls into the cozy crime category. It’s similar to the cozy mystery, but without the murder (attempted murder, kidnapping, thievery, and all sorts of mayhem). Go to http://www.cozy-mystery.com for some of the main ingredients of this genre.
How long did it take to write the first draft?
one year.
What actors would play in the movie rendition of your book?
Kirstie Alley would play Ronnie, the head of the agency. Add a few wrinkles.
Judi Dench would play Annie, Ronnie’s best friend and the agency’s accountant. Add black, round eyeglass frames.
Danny Glover would play Vincent, retired psychologist and head of human resources. Add wire, rectangle glasses.
Colin Firth as Sam, Ronnie’s British boyfriend. Just add some gray to the hair, and maybe a few frown lines.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Seniors Unlimited concerns a San Francisco-based temporary agency for mainly 55-and-older employees, and the unusual jobs they find that often question prejudice toward old and young alike.
Will it be self published or represented by an agency?
As soon as I finish polishing the final draft, I’ll send it out to agents for representation.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The underlining psychological theme of Seniors Unlimited is dealing with prejudice and deception, especially as they apply to seniors 55 and over, but also for all ages. I’ve caught myself making comments about the younger generation, the Facebook and Google types who, in my opinion, can seem more connected to computers than to people. I caught myself thinking it was an echo of my parents saying, “Kids today …”
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Several books about seniors (like Rita Lakin’s Gladdy Gold series and Jean Henry Mead’s Logan and Cafferty series) take place in retirement villages, and not a business run by seniors mainly for seniors. Also, Seniors Unlimited is a crime novel. There is no murder. I’m still looking for similar books. If you happen to know of any, feel free to let me know.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Besides the type of agency jobs, the book explores aspects of Buddhism, autism, civil rights, and addictions.
Other artists:
Camille Minichino is an author of two series (simultaneously), teacher, mystery book club leader, blogger, and a great support to new writers. Visit her blog at http://www.minichino.com/wordpress.
Nicola Trwst is an author that has written short stories, several novels, and has graced several genres including mystery, romance, and paranormal. Meet her, her work, and of few of her blog friends at: http://www.nicolatrwst.com/myths-munchies-and-madness/
Adell Donaghue is an artist. Art takes on many forms and hers includes design work, teaching art, and painting, especially as a Plein Air artist (En plein air is a French expression which means “in the open air“, and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors). Visit her at http://www.adelldonaghue.wordpress.com
Patricia V. Davies is a writer, women’s advocate, radio show host, director of a conference, great cook, and friend. She has more talents than I can list. Check out her blog: http://www.patriciasopinion.com
prise for us mystery buffs. The masts automatically shift with the changing winds.
