You might notice—some people have already questioned me about this—that this novel is not based on a real historical person, although it is very loosely inspired by some. As I did in The Children's Blizzard, I’m taking a historical cultural moment—in this case, Southern California in the 1960s—and inventing characters whose journeys shed fascinating light on many of the issues and upheavals of that time period, specifically women’s issues and struggles. As much as we love to please our audiences, authors have to keep challenging themselves, and I needed to change things up a bit. But I’m certain this book, and the one after (which I’ve already begun!!) will still speak to the readers who have loved my previous books.
Speaking of previous books—I’m thrilled to announce that The Children's Blizzard is the winner of the Best Historical Fiction category of the Willa Literary Award! The Willa is named after Willa Cather and is awarded by an organization called Women Writing the West. I couldn’t be more grateful. Now I can add “prize-winning” to my bio!
Please stay tuned over the next few months for many more announcements—a cover reveal, further details about California Gold, giveaways, etc. And consider following me on Facebook and Instagram if you don’t already.
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