What's Happening?
Canadian author Sherilyn Dector recently discussed the intensive writing and revision process behind her newly released 'The Promise Trilogy' in an interview with Kevin Johns. The trilogy, which follows the origin story of Lucy Santoro, a character from
Dector's 'Moonshiner Mysteries' series, took two years and over twenty drafts to complete. Dector explained that the project evolved significantly from its initial concept, at one point expanding to four books before being refined back into a trilogy. The narrative centers on an Italian immigrant girl in 1918 New York, navigating societal expectations and personal aspirations. Dector highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistency across three interconnected novels, especially when incorporating historical events like the 1918 flu pandemic and labor issues. She also noted how contemporary political events in the U.S. during the writing period organically influenced the story's themes of social justice and resistance, drawing parallels between past and present struggles.
Why It's Important?
This discussion offers valuable insights into the demanding nature of professional authorship, particularly for multi-volume works of historical fiction. Dector's experience underscores the significant time, dedication, and iterative revision required to craft complex narratives. Her method of constantly checking scenes against the book's overarching theme and her willingness to undertake numerous drafts provide a realistic perspective for aspiring writers. The integration of U.S. historical context, such as the Red Scare and labor movements of the early 20th century, into a character-driven story, highlights how fiction can serve as a lens for understanding broader societal and political shifts. The author's personal connection to labor roots and her observation of contemporary U.S. political events enriching the narrative demonstrate the profound impact real-world issues can have on creative works, making the historical themes resonate more deeply with modern readers.
What's Next?
Sherilyn Dector plans to continue engaging with her readers through her newsletter, where she has been sharing short stories that expand on the world of 'The Promise Trilogy' and other series. These short stories, often functioning as novellas due to their length, serve to keep her audience engaged while she works on larger projects. Dector is also developing a new series of Christmas mysteries set in the Jazz Age, with the first installment expected to be released in September. She encourages readers to purchase 'The Promise Trilogy' on Amazon and to share their feedback directly with her via email or through her website, sherilyndector.com. This ongoing interaction and the release of new content suggest a continued focus on building her literary universe and connecting with her readership.
Beyond the Headlines
Dector's narrative process reveals a deeper interplay between personal experience, historical research, and contemporary events in shaping a fictional world. Her commitment to portraying the struggles of women and immigrants in early 20th-century America, influenced by her own observations of modern social and political issues, elevates the trilogy beyond a simple historical drama. It becomes a commentary on enduring themes of identity, resistance, and the search for personal values against societal pressures. The author's emphasis on the 'cost' of Lucy's decisions and the nuanced portrayal of characters like Carlo and Dante, who represent different paths and ideologies, adds layers of ethical and emotional complexity. This approach encourages readers to reflect on their own choices and the broader societal forces that shape individual lives, fostering a more empathetic understanding of historical and current events.
