New novel in the works.

There’s something counterintuitive about a naturally private person being active in the digital world. But these things many of us do. Privacy has long been part of my writing process, particularly when a work is embryonic. I have a history of being super sensitive about letting anyone see early draft pages. And it’s true that when a story is in its tender infancy, I am the protective parent, guarding against premature critique of words, sentences, paragraphs, and plot points that have yet to find their footing. Ideas deserve to breathe a little on their own before we pass judgement and decide their fate. The brutal act of rewriting and revising comes along soon enough, thank you.

But, But, But…now is the time for change! Work is under way on my third book and first novel, and I’ve decided to be less private about it going forward, even as I write first draft pages. Before this I wouldn’t have told anyone but those closest to me that I am writing a novel. Now I’m spilling the beans (and betting on myself to come through).

My brother and I came across the words that inspired the title to my book while doing research on our Cox pioneer ancestors in Linn County, Oregon. One ancestor, Anderson Cox, died on the wagon trail between Colfax and Waitsburg, Washington in 1872. The historian authoring the account described his death due to exposure as paying “…the great debt to nature. “

Just like that, my book became The Great Debt To Nature.

Here's the 18-second pitch:

A burdened woman dies by suicide on her thirtieth birthday, and her soul carries on in the lives of three others—each drawn to the mystical qualities of a particular ancient oak tree—in this, an exploration of cathartic journey.

To learn more, watch for future blog posts. Thanks for reading!