Happy September, readers! It’s back to school for the kids and back to work for me, in more ways than one. I began a new day job and created a new timeline for drafting Sparks Fly Upward. Please send prayers that both continue to go well! I don’t have a release date just yet, but hopefully will have more to share in the coming months.
Also, a few months back, I proposed the question of what to name the villain of my next novel. Many of you enjoyed having a say in the writing process and asked to see similar opportunities in the future. So, throughout the process, I’ll be doing just that.
Pick Your Programme (That’s Not a Typo)
Sterling’s Theatrical, the name of the circus in Sparks Fly Upward, is partially inspired by a real-life San Francisco circus, Rowe’s Pioneer Circus, which ran from 1849 through the 1850s and also traveled to several states and even other countries. Their most popular acts involved the equestrian acrobats; their riders were considered some of the best in the world. This was a time before the familiar 3-ring circus. Usually, shows consisted of a large open-floor space with various acts occurring at its center, trapeze artists swinging above, and equestrian acrobats performing around its outer rim. Tickets cost $1-$2, around $35-$75 in today’s money.
While none of my research noted a darker side to Rowe’s circus, it was known that many other circuses and theatres of the old west contained back room saloons, gambling, brothels, and other types of trafficking. I decided to merge documented fact with speculated rumor to create Sterling’s Theatrical, a show that is beautiful on the surface and dark and twisted behind the curtain. It’s very different from the trail life of For a Noble Purpose or the pioneer life of Dusk Shall Weep, and the change of pace has made for some fun, although at times emotional, writing.
While Sparks Fly Upward focuses on only a few key circus acts, many acts are needed in order to create an enjoyable show and a believable literary world. So here’s the question I open up to you, readers: What are 3 acts you would like to see incorporated into the story? They can be listed in the program above or of your own choosing. Reply back to this email and let me know. The top 3 favorites will be included. I can’t wait to see what you’d pick!
Join us Live with Author, Jennifer Q. Hunt
On September 26 at 7 p.m. CST / 8 p.m. EST, join the Faithful Fiction Book Club live on Instagram as we chat with historical fiction author Jennifer Q. Hunt about her most recent release, Through Thorny Ways. The first book in this family saga is beautifully written, creating connections between the restoration of a Southern plantation, the redemption of a broken family, and finding forgiveness. Together, the characters learn how to overcome the past and form more beautiful relationships with each other, their community, and Christ.
In Spotlight and Shadow Giveaway
Thank you to those who entered the In Pieces giveaway last month. When asked whether you would rather learn to sew with Molly or learn to sail with Josiah, it was split down the middle with Molly’s sewing class winning by only 2 votes. Congratulations to our winner, Susan B!
This month’s subscriber giveaway is for one paperback copy of In Spotlight and Shadow by Rachel Scott McDaniel. As someone who majored in theatrical design in college, the 1920s part of this dual-time novel resonated with me in all kinds of ways. To enter, complete the form at the link below by September 22. Winner will be contacted directly and announced in next month’s newsletter. U.S. residents only.
Releasing in September
Need another read? Here are the September releases I’m excited about:
- A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson – When a regular girl finds out she’s royalty, it’s The Princess Diaries meets A Christmas Prince
- Fall Back and Find Me by Sarah Hanks – Civil War split-time about strong women overcoming impossible odds
- Freedom’s Price by Pegg Thomas – an indentured servant is torn between freedom, truth, and the Quaker family she’s grown to love
- The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse – 19th century paleontologists discover secrets, and love, amongst the dinosaur bones
- Like a Ship on the Sea by Kellyn Roth – Is a loveless marriage of obligation better than setting sail on a voyage without a safe harbor?
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Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey
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