Okay, a little update here. For the past couple of years, even as I wrote Pony Dakota, released this past July by Bella Books, I’ve been working on a novel. Now, this is not my typical type of novel. It hearkens back to the days (80s and 90s) when I wrote more literary fiction as opposed to the genre (romance, SciFi, horror) fiction of today.
This new novel is called Progressive Proof and deals with a woman who escapes from a cult. Sounds simple, right? Nope. It’s very complicated, especially as she endeavors to open her heart to the possibility of romance only to find her hopes dashed. It’s more mainstream fiction so I am working on getting it published at one of the big five publishers. Send luck and well wishes, please.
I finished the book about a week ago and sent it out to my slate of beta readers. They all responded favorably but one said the following which really touched me.
“Devastating and heartbreaking. It left me feeling the same way that Styron’s Sophie’s Choice did. I never wanted to read it again and that it would always stay with me. I think your writing was exquisite. They way you wove the themes of trust and betrayal throughout the story. The way the reader felt the finality of (spoiler) was a visceral blow. This was elevated storytelling. I’ve not read everything you’ve written, but this is the work of an artist at her best.”
I did not expect this heartfelt response but it makes all those long hours spent with my fictional friends, as opposed to my real life friends, worthwhile.
Another reader said: “I truly enjoyed this book, the humor as well as the darkness. ” and another said: “Really well done. Loved the parade scene. Nicely done!!!”
So, as a result, I’m feeling pretty okay with the end result.
Now on to my next endeavor. How many of you like fairies? I love them. I remember sitting at my Irish grandmother’s knee as she waxed on and on about the wee folk. On my way back from a recent writing trip to Denver, I spied a decrepit home, a shack really, on the side of the road. Musing about it, I thought… suppose it could be a cover for hidden fairy magic. Nope, no idea why that occurred to me but hey, let’s run with it. My new novel Fae Accompli, for Bella Books, is about fairies who have incorporated into the human world. They have special ‘needs’, if you will, to do so and this book explores that idea. It also delves into the fairy world where they can be their true selves. It’s a love story, as well, because a fairy falls for a human and vice versa. The reader obviously wonders just how that would work. Hmm. I’m having a lot of fun with it and expect it will be out in mid-2025.
So, that’s all for today. I am busy writing plus teaching writing workshops (as a basis for my writing book slated for release next year). I’ll update you on Fae Accompli as it progresses. And also Progressive Proof for any publishing news.
Stay safe everyone, wear masks, wash hands. It’s scary out there now.
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