The 2020-2021 school year was hard. I was living in Canada with my two daughters while my husband was living and working in the States. Schools in LA, where we lived when the pandemic hit, had closed their doors, and there was no promise that they would reopen. But Vancouver schools were all in-person. So we packed our car and made the move.
My husband visited as often as he could, but the border was closed and it was difficult. I was alone a lot. Vancouver weather is rainy and cold - a big change from Southern California sunshine.
All around us people were scared. Some were sick. Some had lost loved ones. There were no concerts or parties. Restaurants and bars were closed. Our friends were 1000 miles away and it was difficult to make new ones under the circumstances. My kids were lonely. I was lonely. I didn't realize how uneasy I was until I reread the book I wrote during that time.
OVER HER DEAD BODY is darker than my first novel. The characters have profound conflicts and difficult pasts that they are struggling to overcome... and I wonder if that's because I was struggling too?
The characters voices are darkly humorous - perhaps because I needed to diffuse my pain and theirs? I like a happy ending, and tried to move toward one, but the path zigged and zagged. The turns are sharp. I went to the edge of the cliff and peered down and saw blackness... you will, too, when you read it.
I would love to hear from other authors who wrote books during this time. Did dark feelings creep in? Are they reflected in the characters? The narrative? The ending?
Grateful for all of you for engaging with my posts and books. I learn so much from you all, and the creative process.
Over Her Dead Body
Good as Dead
Susan Walter
-Susan Walter