JBB Setting and a Meaningful Evening

“We kept watching. Each of us dreaming our own private dreams. I thought about how I would never forget this moment and how it might be the highlight of my time here. I was happy to be here, not falling into an eternal sleep under the trees, but looking up at that amazing sky. A gateway that cracked open hope—well, gave it a nudge, anyway.” ~ Jade’s Broken Bridge, Chapter 9

The Setting (overview)

Both “intimate and cinematic” my debut novel, featuring Jade, a nineteen-year-old loner, is set “against the gritty backdrop of [the late] 1980s Phoenix and the frozen landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska… One moment, she’s reminiscing about a childhood filled with hope and innocence; the next, she’s applying glittery makeup in a smoky dressing room or navigating icy sidewalks after a long night of dancing. The juxtaposition of idealism and harsh reality is striking and recurring.” San Francisco Book Review

“The core of the narrative unfolds in Fairbanks (“bone-chilling cold and dimly lit at best”), where the brutal weather and psychological isolation mirror the protagonist’s internal state. She shared a dorm with other dancers—each with her own story—and navigated a nightly routine of performance, emotional detachment, and intoxication. Interactions with customers and co-workers offered moments of connection, but rarely comfort.” Kirkus Reviews

The protagonist’s decision to chase cash ultimately descends her into a dark world and takes the reader on a journey from the scorching Sonoran Desert in Arizona to the frozen tundra in Fairbanks, Alaska, and back again. Two extreme climates provide the backdrop for a woman who is also a blend of extremes and who almost loses herself trying to better herself. Excerpt from my query letter

The author copy of JBB arrived last night while I was attending a fundraising event. A long and late night for me but also one of significant meaning that I was honored to attend. Funds raised will benefit local agencies, including a domestic violence shelter.

About my dancer/chair photo… a few weeks ago I began attending a newly formed dance class led by one of my former pole instructors, Jessica. No poles in our lovely dance space, but plenty of beautiful, sensual, and jazz-infused choreography. I will get around to sharing a few dance clips on my blog, but for now I want to express gratitude for sharing Sunday evenings with Jessica and other fiery free spirits! Thanks for reading and a wonderful weekend to you. Michele

P.S. Jade’s Broken Bridge will be released on Friday, October 10th.

Northern Lights video and photo by hyojin park / photo of author copy / Phoenix city & sunset photo by jdross75 / screenshot from video, of me dancing

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