Aintnoway.
I’ve somehow managed to write another novel. I know it is of limited interest
to most people who view this blog as its aimed at the so called young adult market
but other people might like it. And if you know any young adults who like to
read. Anyway its taken about a year which considering what sort of a year I’ve
had is really surprising. Then again while writing may tap into your own life
but it can also provide a refuge from the worst parts of it. It’s a book about
grief, loss, loneliness, giant swordfish, the Moon and a three hundred and
twenty year old Cardinal. This is
the cover created from my concept by the talented Glendon Haddix of Streetlight Graphics, an image which I hope the target audience would describe as “fire”.
Set just six weeks
after the events of Dark Nature, this book takes place against a backdrop of
grief, loss and isolation. A number of characters including Tom are
experiencing these difficult circumstances though for varying reasons. They are
hard subjects to write about anyway and the added weight for me when doing so
was a personal loss as well. This was coincidental, in fact I had always hoped
that I could write this instalment from an emotional distance but in the end I
have been much closer to the material than I imagined. The situation may be
different yet in many ways I have never been closer to experiencing what Tom
does than in these pages. I don’t think you have to experience things you write
about but it certainly adds something to the finished product.
If this is all making
the book sound grim then ultimately it is a story with a positive, optimistic
conclusion. Any type of loss is testing though and I would caution that parts
of this novel may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive readers. Unlike
some previous novels in this series where Tom has had to take on things like
ice skeletons or tree creatures his most formidable foe here is dealing with
the death of a parent and the conflicting feelings that result. Just as he
begins a healing process so this writer has lately emerged into a new life,
missing someone and not the same, but with new challenges.
I’m pleased to release this novel, proud of it and ready, like Tom, to move forward. (My next novel is about love so that should be cheerier)
Promotional Blurb-
The Lonely Sea
published October 2023
Following recent tragic events, teenager Tom Allenby has abandoned the Earthstone which gives him power over the elements. Yet he is soon drawn back into that world by a threat from a three hundred year old menace long thought to be dead. As powers centre around a Bronze Age tomb that is not what it seems Tom is thrown into a spectacular confrontation with powers from both the Earth and the Moon. Can he overcome his doubts and fears in time to stop the return of the most dangerous man who ever lived? The Lonely Sea combined epic adventure on land and at sea, ancient mysteries and emotional journeys.
This is the sixth novel in the Heart of the World series set in and around the remote English village of Rooksbourne under which the world’s natural elemental energy lies.
For more
stuff on my other books there’s a website www.johnconnorswriter.com
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