The Next Big Thing is an author interview series currently generating lots of buzz for its inside look into how writers, working in a variety of genres, create their best work. Special thanks to Alan Zendell who invited me to participate and provided the questions. Take a look at Alan’s interview about his book, The Portal.

And now, it’s my turn to be The Next Big Thing!

1. What is the working title of your book?

I was initially going to write about Thief of Hope, but I also want to mention Thief of Destiny, which is the sequel and currently in progress. It’s a two for one interview deal!

2. What genre does your book fall under?

This is a fantasy series.

3. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A pickpocket becomes entangled with the commoners’ fight against an oppressive society, a would-be king’s bid for the throne, and the strange and dangerous magic of the faery folk.

4. Where did the idea come from for the book?

Well, Sydney, the heroine, was inspired by a D&D character. Yes, I played D&D in college. I’m a geek and proud of it. But as I wrote the story, the characters evolved and took on a life of their own. The more I rewrote the book, the more it evolved.

I knew there’d be a sequel because even though Thief of Hope is somewhat self-contained and that particular arc of the story has an ending, there was still more to tell. Thief of Destiny expands the scope of the story quite a bit. Sydney leaves her comfort zone and learns things that shake the foundation of what she believes. Plus there’s an additional plotline of Willem’s fight to win the throne and his challenges. There are some interesting new characters plus some old favorites return as well.

5. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I have no idea. I don’t know any actors who are the right ages. When Peter Jackson finishes with The Hobbit and is looking for his next project, he’s welcome to cast a bunch of unknowns. I have a friend who has offered to play a barmaid, though. I’m sure I can find a role for her.

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

Thief of Hope was published by Crescent Moon Press. I’m hoping they will also publish the sequel once it’s finished.

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

I’m embarrassed to say. Years and years. I’m crossing my fingers that Thief of Destiny moves along quicker. My goal is to have it finished by fall of this year. I’m about halfway through now.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I’ve had a couple people tell me it reminded them of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn because there are some similarities between Vin in Mistborn and Sydney (they share a thief/street urchin background), but otherwise the stories are completely different. I recently read Mistborn and loved it, and am very flattered by any comparison with it. When I tell people I write fantasy I usually say, you know, like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, but my book isn’t like either of those at all.

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

If anything, I’ve been inspired by people who are willing to fight for justice and freedom and follow their beliefs, no matter what the cost.

10. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Even though my books are fantasy and set in a made-up world with some magic, my characters are real and flawed and sometimes make bad choices. I think that makes them believable and I hope the reader will want to follow their stories.

Coming Up On Next Big Thing! Nancy Griffis is a dear friend and fellow author who has published a number of novels and short stories. Check out her blog to find out what she has to say about her books: http://www.nancygriffis.wordpress.com.