I intended to share the genesis
of my first novella, The Sheikh’s Spy, but reconsidered. Since we are in the
glorious season of autumn, I decided to honor this time of year and write the
story behind my new novella, Autumn Masquerade.
Many of us are in tune with the
changing seasons. Do you get the urge as spring approaches to clear out your
closets and garage, and wash your windows? I do.
In the same vein, as the heat of
summer fades and darkness falls earlier, I get excited about the approach of my
favorite season, autumn.
I had it in mind to write a
Halloween novella this year, but when August gave way to September and I
started writing, I knew it had to be about more than Halloween. I thought about
the blazing glory of earth’s autumn jewels in ruby, carnelian and citrine;
about the farmers preparing for their harvest, and about all that we have to be
thankful for in a world gone crazy. Autumn is the season of gratitude, of
giving back and connecting with the inner self. It’s also about enjoying Mother
Earth’s bounty of pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. My gratitude is never
far from the kitchen, especially the oven.
My new story would be a tribute
to the season of autumn, its vibrant colors captured on the cover.
An opulent masquerade ball felt
richer than a Halloween party. It needed an elegant setting with fine costumes
and a sense of abundance similar to the theme of the harvest and a cornucopia
of plenty.
Then there’s the deeper meaning
of Halloween and Samhain. The ancients knew the night between October 31 and
November 1 was when the veil between the worlds was at its thinnest.
Communication between living and dead is easiest when the veil is thin. Seers
and psychics ferried messages of comfort and strength back and forth. It was
also the end of their year, and beginning of the new one.
The most important seasonal element
is gratitude. There are many ways to demonstrate gratitude. We are thankful
when someone holds a door open for us, or gives us a birthday gift. In Autumn
Masquerade, the gratitude is about acceptance, help with deeply
rooted problems like guilt, and burdens carried for a lifetime.
BLURB
Anna Spencer has a successful
corporate career. She also has a secret – she’s a gifted psychic who has
visions and speaks with our dearly departed. As a child, her mother instilled
in her the need to hide her gifts. Anna came to associate them with rejection
and loss of love. Now she’s all grown up. When she’s called upon to be a
psychic for a night at an important associate’s masquerade ball, terror grips
her. She’s been falling in love with her boss, handsome widower Richard
Bentley. His deceased wife sees Anna as the perfect opportunity to get a
message to her husband. If he discovers Anna’s secret, will he reject her? There’s
only one hope for anonymity – Anna must pull off the ultimate disguise,
including color contact lenses and a contrived accent. Enter Belle Helene… what
can possibly go wrong?
My greatest gratitude is for
family and friends who accept me for who I truly am, and for groups like
Exquisite Quills, where I’ve met wonderful new friends who share my passion for
writing and a genuine desire to help one another get ahead.
What’s your greatest gratitude?
Thanks for stopping by and
reading my post. Enjoy the bounty of the season!
GEMMA JULIANA is a
multi-published author who lives in an enchanted cottage in north Texas with
her handsome hero, teen son and a comical dog. She loves making new friends and
hearing from readers. Exotic coffee and chocolate fuel her creativity.
Buy Gemma’s books on Amazon. When
not writing, Gemma loves making jewelry, collecting earth gems and traveling.
Connect with Gemma
Buy Gemma’s Books on…
15 comments:
Love the cover and the blurb for this, Gemma - autumn and winter are my favourite seasons! I'm grateful for everything in my life.
What a beautiful story premise and an outstanding cover, Gemma. Thanks for sharing your story here at EQ.
When I remember to express gratitude every day, my life works so much better. But then, I forget and need a kick in the butt to get back into harness. Thank you for the reminder that gratitude, or its lack, fuels the things that come into my life. And yes, autumn rocks! Color therapy at its best.
Thanks for stopping by, Rosemary and Jane. I'm passing all cover compliments along to my son... he's working a very demanding job now and has no time to make covers, I'm sorry to say.
Hi Ashantay, thanks for visiting. You are so right about the color therapy. That's a big favorite of mine, and I find the autumn colors very healing.
Enjoyed hearing about your story's spark, Gemma.
[I thought about the blazing glory of earth’s autumn jewels in ruby, carnelian and citrine]
I see every color in those words! :)
Hi Rose! Yes, I love jewels, gems and colors. They make me feel very creative! Thanks for stopping by today.
Fall is my favorite season, and I love your cover. Masquerade's are so much fun, and your story sounds wonderful.
Gemma, Autumn and winter are my favorite times of year, also. I am more in tune with the new year celebrations of the 'old ones' at Samhain than I am with the Dec 31/Jan 1 traditions. I am grateful for absolutely everything in my life, and now that I'm retired from education, I am even more thankful for the time I have to devote to writing now, and becoming a member of the EQ group has breathed new enthusiasm into my writing. Your cover is gorgeous and the story intrigues me. (You mentioned you live in north Texas, well, I live in southeastern Colorado. We're practically neighbors.) ;-)
Thanks, Sandy. Have you ever been to a masquerade ball?
Hi Kaye, How lovely to *meet* you, neighbor! I agree - the EQ group makes writing so much more fun and rewarding. I too am in tune with the 'old ones'... thanks so much for stopping by. Lovely to connect with you!
Autumn is a wonderful time, full of vibrant colors and crisp air. Holidays are approaching, and I love this time.
I'm grateful for the seasons and all the changes they bring...and the joy/love people find in remembering what to be thankful for.
What an intriguing blurb, Gemma! I loved your idea for this story. And the cover is fabulous. I too love autumn. Lovely to hear how your story began.
Excellent post, Gemma.
Gemma, your cover is fantastic!!! And I love the premise of the story. I can't wait to read it. I'm grateful for my two wonderful adult children who continue to amaze me with their knowledge, wit, and kindness. And I wouldn't be selling books without the amazing community of writers and friends who continue to support a new author's efforts. People just like you! Thanks for the great post.
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