Well, if anyone is reading blogs today, I hope you’ll find this a relaxing break. Last week I was tagged by Luciana of Eternal Atlantis in the Next Big Thing Blog Tour. If you haven’t yet stopped by her blog, please take a few minutes to do so. I’ll wait. 
You’re back? Yay! Without further ado, here are the interview questions.
1) What is the working title of your book?
Death Out of Time
2) Where did the idea come from for your book?
A few years ago, I watched a TV program on “mysteries” at the Smithsonian Museum. One segment was about a naturally formed mummy from the 1700s, in Pennsylvania as I remember. Researchers couldn’t find him in any records from the time (there was a name on the headstone and dates). Also, some of the clothing items in the grave weren’t commonly available in the area until after he died. I thought that would make an interesting idea for a novel.
3) What genre does your book fall under?
Undoubtedly science fiction because of the time travel. There’s also a strong mystery element in the book.
4) Which actors would you choose to play in your movie rendition?
No one who’s well known. I give basic descriptions in the book, but you have the opportunity to project your own ideas. If it ever hits the big screen, I don’t want to see big names in the starring roles.
5) What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
What happens when an archaeologist discovers the final resident in her eighteenth-century cemetery is a skeleton with twenty-first-century dental work and artifacts?
6) Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
A part of me still wants to try the traditional agent/press route. But every day, I seem to be leaning more to self-publishing. The passes on my previous manuscript, the difficulty in finding good representation, and the lack of real marketing support (or royalties) from publishers are pushing me to the indie route.
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I didn’t start this book until late spring/early summer 2009. I’m working on the final major overhaul before moving to “grinding and polishing.” So more than 3.5 years so far. A lot of that time, though, was spent with the other WIP, and I can only write part-time.
8) What other books would you compare this story to?
I honestly don’t think it reads like any sci-fi/time travel stories that I know. I hope that’s a good thing. So far, no one else has come up with a comparison, either.
9) Who or what inspired you to write the book?
There weren’t any conscious influences. Subconsciously? Probably every author I’ve read—Isaac Asimov, Clifford Simak, Ursula Le Guin, to name a few.
10) What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
This is a book that focuses on a good story and engaging characters over futuristic tech. And despite my personal pessimism regarding the future of civilization, I think the book is optimistic about the changes that can arise from global difficulties.
I’m tagging the following writers. I hope they’ll join in and you can stop by their blogs to read their interviews on January 3, 2013. Given the holidays, though, this tour could be winding down.
Carrie Rubin
/ December 26, 2012Your one-sentence tagline is really great. It’s tough to come up with an original premise nowadays, but I believe you’ve done it. Can’t wait to read it when that day comes.
jmmcdowell
/ December 26, 2012Thanks Carrie. We’ll see what happens this year. That’s the subject of an upcoming post. I think I’ve got two original ideas–maybe too original for agents and traditional presses….
Carrie Rubin
/ December 26, 2012I know the feeling. I’m worried what I’m currently working on might make some agents leery. But you have to run with what motivates you, even if there might be some risks involved.
jmmcdowell
/ December 27, 2012Hey, sometimes the biggest risks are what catch the reader’s interest. And we ignore the Muse at our own risk!
Kourtney Heintz
/ December 26, 2012JM, I agree with Carrie–terrific tagline. Produces lots of questions in my head and propels me to read on.
I hear you on the trad vs. indie route. I’ve been shopping my manuscript around for over a year. Lots of full request, but no takers. Each day I am more and more committed to self-publishing. 
Thanks so much for nominating me! I got tagged with this a little bit ago, so I won’t repost my replies, but I’ll link to that post on Jan 3rd. 
jmmcdowell
/ December 26, 2012Thanks Kourtney.
Every day, when I see great writers get nowhere in the traditional market, I move more toward the indie route. In reality, there are no guarantees or easy roads. But success can be found in either market, and I don’t look down on nontraditional outlets. I’ve read some bad traditionally printed books and some good indies. I think 2013 will bring us both some great opportunities. 
char
/ December 26, 2012I love hearing about your book. I agree that you do have a terrific tagline. It makes me want to hurry you along so I can read your story.
jmmcdowell
/ December 26, 2012Thanks Char.
I am really trying to get one manuscript done this year. It’s time I knuckle down and get serious about bringing these stories to light.
robincoyle
/ December 26, 2012Well thank you kindly JM! If anyone can pull of sci fi, time travel, and mystery, it is you. Look for my post soon. This will be fun!
jmmcdowell
/ December 26, 2012Thanks Robin.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your book. It sounds really interesting from what little you’ve said so far!
Lori DiNardi
/ December 27, 2012Sounds fascinating. You hooked me. Seems like you and I both tagged Ms. Robin. I’m a sci-fi fan so I look forward to reading your book.
jmmcdowell
/ December 28, 2012Hi Lori, thanks for stopping by!
Robin’s blog is so entertaining, I just had to tag her. My goal is to make some serious progress with the two WIPs this year, so maybe there won’t be too long a wait for this one. 
Lori DiNardi
/ December 28, 2012If you go the indie route, maybe you could share the experience on your blog. I’m leaning that way myself. Good luck.
jmmcdowell
/ December 29, 2012I’ll definitely do that, no matter which route I take. I’m learning so much from other bloggers who are sharing their experiences, and I want to thank them by “paying it forward” with others.
diannegray
/ December 27, 2012I love reading this kind of story. The Smithsonian is filled with so many oddities and the fact that you’ve turned this one into a story is fantastic. I can’t wait to read it
jmmcdowell
/ December 28, 2012Sometimes I think the inspiration behind a story is just as fascinating as the final form it took. If you had told me on 1 April 2009 that I would start writing one novel in 13 days and another one a few months later, I would have laughed! And yet here I am. Now to just finish the darn things—and that is on the to-do list for 2013!
philosophermouseofthehedge
/ December 27, 2012The tagline (stomping feet impatiently) makes you want to read it now.
I used to watch some of those Smithsonian mysteries, too and read those sci-fi authors -a combination of those sounds like a winner. Especially with your style of writing. Both definitely unique.
Publishing is a puzzle right now, but this story needs to be out there.
jmmcdowell
/ December 28, 2012I keep saying this so much, it’s becoming a mantra: The story’s a good one—and I have to do it justice. Now that I’m back from Christmas break, I’m hoping to get my writing routine back in shape. I think it’s a good sign that the Muse has been dropping some good ideas for needed revisions…. Fingers crossed!
4amWriter
/ December 28, 2012Still loving it!
jmmcdowell
/ December 28, 2012Thanks, Kate.
Now if I can just get the revisions to fall into place….
Kate Johnson
/ December 29, 2012Happy New Year to you!
jmmcdowell
/ January 17, 2013Thank you, and may you have the same!
kindredspirit23
/ January 17, 2013I hadn’t read this one! Thanks for the link. You are too modest for the book. I loved it and hope it sells millions and, despite what you said, I hope there are fights among the greats over who will star in it.
Scott
jmmcdowell
/ January 17, 2013Thanks, Scott.
I certainly wouldn’t complain if it found a market! Writing success is such an unknown. Great books can languish while a gimmick can sell millions. But no matter what happens on the publishing front, I enjoy writing the stories. That’s the most important thing. 