The publication of Down Salem Way is just five days away. I’m in that nostalgic mood that always comes for me at the end of a project, especially a years-long project like this. I’m feeling even more shattered than usual since writing this story has been such an emotional roller coaster.
Writing Down Salem Way has been a true labor of love. As Robert Frost said, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Believe me, there have been many tears shed and a lot of surprises felt in the writing of Down Salem Way. I’ve always said that writing fiction and acting have a lot in common. I can’t write about characters’ experiences unless I’m following them right through it. I can’t explain something unless I feel it myself.
It’s always an interesting time for me when we’re categorizing my novels because they don’t fit easily into genres. Are the Loving Husband books paranormal romance? Paranormal fantasy? Historical fantasy? Historical romance? Historical and contemporary romance? Historical contemporary paranormal fantasy romance? Down Salem Way is even harder to categorize. On the one hand, it’s definitely historical fiction since it takes place from 1691-1692. And there are paranormal elements to be sure. Is it a romance? It’s romantic, certainly. But there are pretty strict guidelines about what constitutes a romance, and I’m not sure Down Salem Way meets them. Never fear. The love between James and Elizabeth is always front and center in this story, and it’s the love between the Wentworths that carries us through to Her Dear & Loving Husband.
The truth is, I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs. It’s almost like I don’t know what to do with myself now that Down Salem Way is done. This story was on my mind for four years, but it was put on the back burner while I went to school for my PhD. Last year, after I finished my degree, this book became my obsession. For the past six months, I have thought of little else. Now I have to find something else to occupy my time. Luckily, I have other writing projects on the horizon. After a much-needed brain break, I will begin something new. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, there will be more Loving Husband books, as well as a new Hembry Castle story.
What am I going to do for the rest of the day? Maybe I’ll catch up on some TV shows I’ve been wanting to watch. Maybe I’ll color in one of my coloring books. Maybe I’ll continue reading some of the books I began but set aside when it became crunch time. Maybe I’ll just stare at the wall. It’s an odd feeling, having nothing to do. But I will be writing again soon enough. When you’re a writer, you have to write. Life is funny that way.