Rapid-Fire WIP Get to Know You
In an effort to not reinvent the wheel, I just spent a good amount of time on the internet trying to find a template for this post. I wanted a quick, fun writing prompt focused on my current work in progress (WIP). Something to celebrate the time and thought I have put in on my story, but also accessible no matter how far along you may or may not be in the writing process. Since my search did not return what I was looking for, I decided to create it.
So here is a simple set of 10 questions to share where I am in my current manuscript. I’d love to see your answers, too!
#1. Starting out easy. Give me your main character intro?
Mine is Nat. Natalie Morgan Price to be exact. A 12 year-old with a propensity for thinking cinematically who discovers she has the ability to slip through time. (A skill she shares with all of the women in her family.)
#2. When does your story take place?
Present day and 1904. And a few more stops in between.
#3 Favorite line?
I have to cheat a little here and have a few lines. I love this moment because to me, it’s giving Marilla Cuthbert and I didn’t even realize she was in that character until now. I love making discoveries like that.
And then she added, “But I wish I had known. I wouldn’t have wasted the good tea on him.” It was the highest insult Nana could muster and their laughter broke apart the dark shadow he had left behind.
#4 Three words to describe your antagonist:
Well my book has a few antagonists across timelines, but the worst of them is pompous, greedy, and sinister.
#5 Give your WIP a soundtrack. What’s the first song?
I know I am not the only one who makes a playlist for my story! At the heart of my story are relationships, both in middle school and familial. But I’ll go with “Old Friends” by Jasmine Thompson. This song had me ugly crying the first time I heard it because throughout our lives there really are moments we just want those comfort people who know us the best. (Shoutout Gemini girls. You are my rocks.)
#6 Let’s say your book is being made into a movie (YAY!). Who is playing the main character? Supporting characters?
They are a little older now, but I think a younger Raegan Revord from Young Sheldon would be perfect as Nat. They are so talented, giving the character Missy Cooper edge and grit and vulnerability all at the same time. That is how I hope Nat comes across to readers.
For Nat’s closest ally, Aunt Lizzie, I think Scarlett Johansson would be a good choice. She needs authority, passion, and humor. I can picture her driving Aunt Lizzie’s yellow convertible and almost letting curse words fly but saving it with creative substitutions at the last second. (Aunt Lizzie’s trademark.)
Nana needs to be the ultimate mother/grandmother – protective, loving, nostalgic. Sally Field pops into my head when I picture her trying to soothe Nat as she navigates her newfound abilities. I can also see her at the dinner table talking about her own time travel experiences as if it is no big deal and completely infuriating Nat.
And for my biggest antagonist, Dr. Jacobs, I will go with one of my favorite villains of all time: Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Yes, he is lovable and endearing in some of his projects (Greys Anatomy, P.S. I Love You, and others) but he will also always be Negan (from The Walking Dead) to me and for that reason he is a perfect Dr. Jacobs. Like I said: pompous, greedy, and sinister.
I may have thought too much about this whole movie thing, ha!
#7 What was the kernel that started this story?
This whole story started for me with my interest in thinking about what places were like before the present moment. For instance, if I’m standing in my driveway, what if I could close my eyes and open them and see what that exact spot looked like a hundred years ago? I love imagining that, especially in old, rundown buildings. What did they look like new? So I gave that ability to my main character. It is the most fun to write!
#8 Favorite minor character and why?
Ooooh, I feel bad admitting this, but Nat’s bullies at school were fun to write. Channeling my inner mean girl and remembering how biting middle schoolers can be was such a departure from my normal narrative. So Olivia and Madison are my favorite minor characters. They’re awful and I love them.
#9 Biggest struggle with this WIP?
My biggest struggle with this story is this round of edits. After several full requests turned into passes, it became clear I needed to introduce a character back in that I wasn’t originally going to write. It’s literally maybe three chapters I need to add but it’s bringing me in a whole different direction and it is challenging. But I’m really excited about what it will add in the end.
#10 What do you love most about writing this book?
I kind of touched on it before, but I think what I really love the most is letting my imagination run wild on Nat’s time travel adventures. She gets to bounce from a stairwell at school to a meadow or from a parking lot to her new friend’s house in 1904 and it’s so fun to go on those adventures with her. I think readers will love it, too!
I had so much fun answering these questions about my current project and it honestly made me feel reinvigorated to finish the additions and edits in front me. I hope you take the time to answer them (head over to my instagram, @ramquistwrites, for a free graphic!) and tag me in your post so I can get to know your work as well. And now that I am at this full-time I am available as a beta reader. :)
