As I mentioned last month in my blog, I was busy rewriting a novel from a decade ago, but as the weeks & months went by, it turned into more than a rewrite.
The motivation of my protagonists and antagonists changed, and so did their backgrounds.
I eliminated events and plots, and created new storylines.
So this month, it is my pleasure to present you this new, wonderful, and inspiring novel: Seasoned Hearts
Explosion, arson, and murder play an integral and entertaining role in Actor Blythe Huxley’s life, but when his wife is shot, the tragedy becomes real and the decisions heartbreaking.
Love, sacrifice, and duty aren’t empty words that Riley Kendrick writes in her television scripts. They are the threads weaving her life together—a life marked by the loss of her husband in the line of duty, the hardship of raising two children alone, and the strength to move on.
As Riley offers a friendly ear to the actor’s difficulties, an arsonist strikes close to home, casting a shadow on her husband’s death and forcing her to revisit her past. Meanwhile, another bullet flies in proximity of the television studio, entangling her life with Blythe’s tragedy.
Can she and Blythe stop the arsonist threatening her family and the killer set on destroying his life before they each lose another loved one and have their hearts shattered beyond hope of repair?
A friend asked me why I chose 'Seasoned' Hearts as my title.
Seasoned means experienced, but it also means flavoured or spiced. My protagonists, Blythe and Riley, are in their forties. They have
been around the block a few times. They experienced great joy, great sorrow, and most things in between. They also tasted life to the fullest, bitter and sweet. It seemed like a fitting title.
Seasoned Hearts is the first instalment of my new series: Love & Sacrifice
It will be followed by Wounded Hearts (Fall 2022), Rebelled Hearts (Spring 2023), and Dedicated Hearts (Fall 2023).
Each book is a stand-alone, but some characters will appear in more than one book.
Seasoned Hearts is available in print and ebooks. For a list of retailers, click here
Stay warm & stay safe!
JS
Rewriting an older book is often more than a simple rewrite. As the writer matures, so do the stories, the characters, and their motivations. Thanks for sharing your process.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very pleased with this new version, Vijaya, but if I'd known it would be as demanding as writing a brand new story, it might have stayed on the back burner a bit longer LOL
Deletean't wait to read this stor. Hopefully it will be on Kindle soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's already on Kindle, Janet. Just click on the Amazon link. It shows both the paperback & the Kindle.
DeleteLove the title! Keep it going :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, J.C.
DeleteNow I know re-writing is a true effort. I've done it too. Congratulations on your release! Thank you for explaining the title. It seasons my curiosity about this book!
ReplyDelete