The Next Big Thing Blog Hop ~ Donna McDine

A dear friend and fellow writer, Beverly Stowe McClure tagged me to join in on the The Next Big Thing Blog Hop fun. I'm delighted to share with you an interview with me on my forthcoming book, Hockey Agony, illustrated by Julie Hammond.

What is the working title of your book?

Hockey Agony

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Like so many parents, I have spent an immense amount of time attending my children’s sporting events as well as my nieces and nephews. Unfortunately at times there have been incidents where parents and coaches have encouraged their child or player to compete unfairly to win a game. Through these events I developed a story where a child attempts to overcome peer pressure from a select few teammates.

What genre does your book fall under?

8-10 years of age

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

Larry – Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place)

Matthew – Rico Rodriquez (Modern Family)

Austin – Angus T. Jones (Two and A Half Men)

Coach Brennan – Dennis Quiad (Way too many movies to list…love him!)

If only television still produced the After School Specials!

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

What is Larry to do when his teammate asks him to cheat when he is given the responsibility to run the clock during the big hockey game?

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

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

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

This particular manuscript flowed quite quickly, it took about a month by working on it several hours a day.

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

Hmmm, I’m actually not sure. I wrote about what I knew and have not done much research on the competition. My determination to write and publish Hockey Agony is in tribute to my daughters, nieces, and nephews.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My daughters, nieces and nephews. Their willingness to share their stories and to watch all their antics throughout the years inspired the story of the Hockey Agony.

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

The fast pace of the ice hockey action and not preaching to the reader.

Now to tag fellow authors…

Nancy Stewart – http://nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com/

Nicole Weaver – http://nicole-weaver.com/

Please visit with them on Wednesday, November 17^th when they share their interviews.

Thanks for visiting!

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist