John Clayton's Blog

When I was tagged as one of the latest writers to talk about the "Next Big Thing," I wrote about Stories from Montana’s Enduring Frontier. And then I tagged some friends, including novelist Russell Rowland. Although Russell’s website is here, he’s answering his Next Big Thing questions as a guest-blogger. So without further ado, here’s Russell:

What is the working title of your book?

HIGH AND INSIDE

What genre does your book fall under?

This would fall under the category of alcoholic former baseball players move to Montana literature.

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

Jack Huston for the lead guy. He's that guy on Boardwalk Empire that is missing half his face... John Huston's grandson. Catherine Keener for his sister. John C. Reilly for his brother-in-law. Not sure about the others.

What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Pete Hurley, former pitcher for the Red Sox, moves to Montana to escape the damage he's done back East, only to create a whole new set of problems for himself.

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

Probably about a year. I've been working on this book for fifteen years, so it's hard to say.

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

It's sort of a combination of Field of Dreams and Affliction.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

A friend of mine told me a story that happened when she was about twelve. She had a crush on a friend of her brother's... a big biker dude. One day he was at their house and he was so drunk he started to tip over, and she ran over to try and catch him before her brother pulled her out of the way just in time to avoid having the guy fall on her.

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

The other main character is a three-legged female dog named Dave.

When and how will it be published?

This summer by Bangtail Press out of Bozeman, Montana.

Who are you tagging to be the next writer to talk about their Next Big Thing?