The Next Big Thing Bloghop

Dragon friendly Jeff Hargett tagged me in his post. He  has convinced me that I am writing  

Rules for this bloghop are to answer ten questions about my WIP (story, manuscript, blog post, etc.) and then pass the honor to others (writers or bloggers) so we can reveal the Next Big Thing together.

Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing:

1. What is the working title of your book?

Agni Path or Path of Fire, shall take votes.

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

I am an impulsive creature. Emotions ruled my life and provoked disaster. I thought this struggle to control low emotions was worth a story as it involves both physical and esoteric aspects of a person's life.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

You kill me with genres. I don't think I understand them good enough to say my book belongs to one in specific. I think it is Urban Fantasy, but I would need someone who knows about genres to read my story and confirm it.

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

As a matter of fact, Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan was the inspiration to bring Aryan Janardhan to life.

Salman Khan (younger version) as Rohan Janardhan, (older version) as Darshan Janardhan.

Barbara Mori as Kathy Shahani and Suneri Singh

Kabir Bedi as The Seer for the Guardians of Agni

And Brad Pitt as Bryce Ballmer

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

Revenge wears the mask of justice; time has come for Aryan to confront inner demons and secret terrors, and decide whether his flaws quicken his victory or his doom, for there are worse things than death for those who travel the Path of Fire.

6. If you plan to publish, will your books be self-published or published traditionally?

I do plan to publish it, either way works for me.

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

Two months. It's the rewriting and editing that's taking a while.

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

I haven't read anything similar to my book. There are bits that remind me of James Clavell's Noble House, though.

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

First, Father Dragon (me). A quest to attain self-control is not easy and the clashing between one's good and bad side can take epic proportions inside one's head and heart.

Second, Hrithik's style and the title of his last movie 'Agneepath' (which has no similarity with my story whatsoever, except in the title.) Yet, I thought it was evocative enough. Agni is the Indian God of Fire. My first and greatest challenge is anger. It's an emotion often related to fire. Fire is vital for life; it can purify but it can also bring destruction.

Third, the stories about the Thuggy sect. They inspired me for a war between secret societies and also between business giants.

And last, as unbelievable as it may sound, I also found inspiration in the history of Mexico. I believe there is no greater source of plots, intrigues, treason and fights for power, ambition and glory than in human History. I got addicted to a radio show that's called '19th Century' and covers from Mexico's Independence to the Revolution. Their point of view is nearly novelistic but keeping historical accuracy. My idea for the Janardhan family was initially inspired on the tragic story of Maximilian of Hapsburg.

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

It starts with tragedy and intrigue. There is romance impaired by issues of principles. Several secrets ripened in dark cellars by professional liars who compete to fool each other. A taste of India's mysticism and powers rendered by Hindu gods. The premise that flaws are neither good nor bad; it's the way a man lets them act upon his life that qualifies them. (Just found that out, surprise for me!) One thing is certain, who is the good guy and who is the villain in this story will depend on your point of view.

Did I mention two secret societies trying to destroy each other? :)

Alright, since Jeff read the bones I guess I must do the Rite of Summoning and ask the spirits of the Ancestors for a vision. Nobody answering? Oh, it's Wednesday. The spirits of the Ancestors went to the Heavenly Dragon Races, but I think a vision is taking shape in my mind. The Next Big Thing is with...S.G. Super Girl? Ah, no! It's Sarah Grimm of Naturally Grimm!