FAQs–It’s Over or It’s Eden

Where did you get the idea for the book?

Stepping out of the shower early in the COVID-19 pandemic. I was struck with a vision of a soldier who lost a war and had no home to return to. I wanted to know what the rest of her story was.

Is It’s Over or It’s Eden the first in a series?

No, It’s Over or It’s Eden is a stand-alone novel.

Why did you put women in charge?

Because women are so often not in charge. By making women the leaders of Lilium Springs, I could do a few things: 1. By flipping traditional gender roles, my hope was to showcase how absurd it is to give one gender more power, influence, and deference than the other. We live in a patriarchal society and I feel that acutely. I wanted to make people step back and see more clearly. 2. Like in Naomi Alderman’s The Power, I wanted women to have the chance to be in charge and mess up. It’s not just that we shouldn’t have a patriarchy–we shouldn’t grant societal power on the basis of gender at all.

What character surprised you the most?

Timothy. I expected him to buy into the religious expectations and reasonings the same way his wife Marah did. But he was just going with the flow to protect his family. He was born into the community, and it was safer not to rock the boat. That shouldn’t have surprised me, really, because women do this all the time at work, at home, and out in the community to stay safe.

Why did you do what you did to that beautiful dog?

I honestly did not know Arwen was going to meet a dog in a forest and that things were going to end like they did until the words flowed onto the screen. But it made sense for where Arwen was, and what needed to happen to cause her to seek help she might have turned down otherwise. Arwen didn’t want the responsibility and companionship the dog represented. It was only by literally chasing help away, and then suffering alone, that she got to the mental place to join Lilium Springs. The dog was just a bystander. And yes, I’m sure he would have been a very good boy.

Where did you come up with the idea for Arwen’s Titan Suit?

Bodysuits, mech suits, and all kinds of armor and battle enhancers are a familiar trope in science fiction. I wanted Arwen to have a remnant of her old life and something that made her feel safe, but couldn’t save her from everything.

Where did Hetta get electricity to power her screens?

There’s a hidden solar panel that one of the first Elder Sisters installed. It’s getting to the end of its life cycle.

What are you working on now?

A duology about displaced peoples in space. I will announce public details in  2022, otherwise you can subscribe to my newsletter for monthly updates on the book’s progress.

Why science fiction?

Because science fiction gives us the great ability to see our own society from a new angle. Science fiction novels make up a good portion of my reading list. Plus, I like the research and worldbuilding.

What else do you do?

I’m a book coach with Conquer Books. We coach writers who struggle to craft their inner magic into words.

Do you write every day?

No, but I do have a carefully planned out process. I set annual goals, monthly goals, and daily goals to keep me on track. When I’m writing the first draft of a new book, I aim to finish in 2-3 months. During that time, I will write a chapter a day a few days a week. Then I will go into 3-4 months of editing, and finally production. Still, I guess I should say that even when I’m not actively drafting a new book, I am writing other things. I write and submit short stories, I write blog posts, newsletters, and book reviews, and I write a lot of stuff that nobody will ever see. If you’re interested in learning more about my writing process, check out the “Rebecca in Publishing” series on the Conquer Books YouTube channel.

Do you worry what others think of your writing?

When you create art, you nurture it for as long as is reasonable, then must release it into the dangerous wilds of public opinion. But what people think of my art isn’t really my concern. It’s Over or It’s Eden was written with a target audience in mind, so it makes sense that it won’t resonate with every reader–and I can’t think of a single book, movie, song, or dessert that does. I ask the opinions and help of readers and writers I respect and leave it at that.

Where can I buy It’s Over or It’s Eden?

Knock on my third window at midnight on the twelfth of the month, and I’ll lead you to a garage full of copies of my book. No, you just order from your favorite online bookstore (Bookshop, Barnes & Noble, Indiebound, Amazon, Target, Book Depository, etc).

Ok, but where do you want me to buy the book?

Many people have asked me how they can purchase the book in way that puts the most $ in my pocket, which is very kind. The answer is: at a live book signing, or through this affiliate link with Bookshop. But really, purchasing the book anywhere helps because then that retailer has records of my book selling, and they might promote it more to their customers.

How can I get my copy signed?

There are signed copies in stock at The Book Store . You can also attend an in-person book signing which I post about on my About page. I do one about every 2 months, so if there’s not one up, check back in a few weeks, or follow me on Facebook for updates.