Steve Weddle's NEXT BIG THING

By Steve Weddle

Yesterday, we learned of Dave White's Next Big Thing. The day before we learned what Snubnosers have cooking. Today it's my turn, thanks to the uber-talented Thomas Pluck, the force behind the LOST CHILDREN anthos.

So, my turn to say some stuff about what I'm working on. OK.

1) What is the working title of your next book?

Trimalchio in Shreveport

2) Where did the idea come from?

My psychiatrists suggested this as a form of constructive therapy. They've proven to be right on pretty much everything except the apology letter to that nice author I seem to have accidentally offended a few months ago with a blog post. Other than that, they're batting a thousand.

3) What genre does your book fall under?

Your question amuses me, but I am far too cool for labels. Pestering authors about the "genre" of a novel is so gauche.

3) b) But you're just a writer, not an author.

Sod off.

4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?

The lead is a handsome ginger in his early 30s, so maybe Robert Redford from 60 years ago. Or maybe that guy who was in Hitchhiker's Guide and The Office. I like him, but I don't think he's a ginger. Also, I do not know much about movies, but people keep talking about the Cohen brothers. I don't know what they've acted in, but maybe one of them. They seem popular.

5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

After a lapse in judgment nearly cost him his marketing career, Alex Jackson returns to Shreveport to help resurrect a dying strip club, prevent a political disaster that could destroy his company, and convince his high school crush that he's now boyfriend material, all while avoiding the help of his mother, who just wants "what's best" for him.

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

Whatever the agent says.


7) How long did it take you to write the first draft?

Ask me when I'm done. I got a boost from NaNoWriMo, but it's gonna be a while yet.

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

It's like Fletch meets The Gold Bug Variations, with some of the lighter parts of Cormac McCarthy's The Road thrown in.

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

Please refer to my answer to Question The Second. Also, the stubborn refusal of my insurance company to continue its coverage of pharmaceutical options.

10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?

One reader? Seriously? Not "readers'" ? Shit.