And without further ado...
When I first finished writing Thief, the first novel in The
Sevy Series, I was proud, excited and desperate for feedback. And, silly me, I
assumed that the people in my life would be proud, excited and desperate to
give me feedback. Boy, was I wrong!
At my then workplace, I approached a few people and tested
the waters. “You wrote a book? Amazing!” they would say. And then they’d ask me
what kind of book it was. Happy with their response, I’d chirp out, “It’s a
fantasy novel,” expecting the oohs and ahhs to continue. But I was met with
what I can only describe as patronization, and in some cases, not so subtle
disdain. Suffice it to say, I did not feel comfortable asking any of these
holier than thou folks to read my baby.
Fantasy, as with most speculative fiction, is astounding
misunderstood. This is especially baffling given the fact that so many of the
biggest selling books in the past couple of decades have been sheltered under
the fantastical genre umbrella that is speculative fiction. People are obviously
reading it, and loving it, but there is still a strong stigma attached to it.
Perhaps to some, people fantasy, sci-fi, horror, etc, are thought
of as books for nerds, or no better than Mary Sue filled dream fulfillment.
They don’t see that it takes just as much hard work and discipline to write a
spec fiction book as it does to write a super serious tome about politics or
warfare.
So for writers like me, the internet and the growing trend
of fan-girls and nerdfighters. They are giving a voice to genres that have been
traditionally mocked and belittled. They are letting the world know that not
only are spec-fic books fun to read, they are also insightful and leave an
indelible impression on the hearts and minds of those who love them.
Ever look up the definition of hyperbole? According to
Wikipedia, “Hyperboles are
exaggerations to create emphasis or effect.” And this, to me, is what spec-fic
is all about. The worlds, situations, and characters in speculative fiction are
hyperboles of their real world counterparts. They allow writers to explore the
human condition without limitation, often much more
bravely than some of the more respected genres. There is a soul in speculative
fiction that I adore, that helps me to better understand the world in which I
live.
Back when I first finished Thief, I wasn’t brave enough to educate
my close-minded co-workers, but now with the release of Masquerade, the third
novel in The Sevy Series, I make no apologies for my genre of choice. The Sevy
Series is a fantastical, magical adventure that deals with a lot of serious
issues in a truthful, heartfelt manner. I may never have the respect that other
“more serious” writers receive, but I respect myself and my work. And at the
end of the day, my books have taught me that that’s all
that really matters.
Never trust a liar, especially when they’re telling
the truth
Starting over isn’t easy, especially when
the world isn’t ready for you to change. Sevy, thief turned assassin turned
mercenary, isn’t having any fun adjusting to a normal, law-abiding life. Luckily
for her, an old partner in crime arrives with an irresistible proposition: a
getaway to a tropical island, an adventure of a lifetime, and an amazing
friendship ready to blossom into an even more amazing romance.
Things are looking up for Sevy. That is,
until a pack of maniacal fairies with a taste for human flesh arrive on the
scene.
Now she must unravel a web of magical intrigue
hidden behind the outwardly idyllic atmosphere of the islands of Belakarta. Nothing
is as it seems, and no one can be trusted. Trapped under the spell of a
handsome and mysterious stranger, Sevy must fight fairies and tricksters to
regain her freedom.
Or spend an eternity as a sorcerer’s
plaything.