exciting news

Beneath The Creole Stars

Update!!!

Over the past week, I’ve been diving into final edits for my upcoming novel, Beneath The Creole Stars. I’m thrilled to be working with a professional editor, and I’m happy to report that only minor changes have been needed so far.

For any writer, handing over your manuscript can feel a bit like sending your child off to school for the first time, terrifying and nerve-wracking. You hope it’s ready, but there's always that fear it will come back marked in red from someone who doesn’t connect with your voice, your style, or even your plot. Thankfully, that hasn’t been the case this time around.

Looking back, I made quite a few missteps with my debut novel, What Were The Chances? I rushed the release, convinced it was ready when it wasn’t. I had little guidance, was too embarrassed to ask for help, and found online writing groups more intimidating than supportive. So, I formatted the book myself, designed a less-than-stellar cover, and hit "publish" on Amazon, only to learn the hard way that is not what to do.

I republished that book more than six times, correcting everything from minor errors to one disappearing character (yes, Patricia is now accounted for and, as far as we know, living happily ever after). This time around, I’m doing things differently, with intention and care, which I hope will save time, money, and stress.

The good news? Beneath The Creole Stars is leaner and more fast-paced than my first novel, with plenty of action and intrigue, according to my beta readers. It’s roughly half the word count of What Were The Chances? not by design, but because the story naturally came to its conclusion sooner than expected.

As with all my writing, I didn’t use an outline. I let the story unfold on its own, driven by characters who’ve lived in my head for months (some even showing up in dreams). I know them intimately, often better than real people and once I sit down to write, it’s less about controlling the story and more about letting them lead the way.

The official release date for Beneath The Creole Stars is set for April 30th, 2025, and I’m determined to stick to it. I’ve designed the front cover myself and am quite pleased with it, but I'm still waiting for someone I have been talking with to assist with the spine and back cover. If needed, my dad, who’s a bit of a tech wizard, will step in to help. (I’m much more comfortable with words than design software.)

As for The Nomadic Life, the novel I’ve been posting in rough draft form on my website? It hasn’t garnered much traction, which makes it easier to forgive myself if I skip a day or two. It’s been a fun side project, but my focus right now is making sure Beneath The Creole Stars is the best it can be.

Thank you all for your continued love and support, it means the world to me. I can’t wait to share this new story with you.

I am truly grateful to you all,

Me