In the summer of 2019 I started my third novel, working title The Scarlet Tribe. Terrible title, I know. I had to call it something. I quickly began to realize my ambitions for this book were entirely different than those for any other book.
I have never written an epic novel of Time History, Magic and Love before, but I knew I wanted to write about a time traveling witch, and the new book evolved slowly. Lots of research went into it.
I love history, and I read several books about colonial America and 19th century America. I wanted to get details right. My main character, Sarah Walker, travels through time to guide and nurture her descendants who have magical powers, to help them understand their gifts and how to use them. Just FYI, I don't believe in "witchcraft" or magic. I was just fascinated by the idea that if I traveled back in time a hundred years and showed someone my Android smartphone they might think I was a witch. Yesterday's witchcraft is today's technological achievement.
Although Heart of My Own Heart is very different from my first two book, all but the first section of this book is set in the south -- South Carolina and Georgia. I always feel more comfortable writing about my region.
Despite the rather romantic title, it's not a romance in the traditional sense. It has several love stories in it, though..
I found the cover image on Pexels. It's perfect. The photographer is Matheus Bertelli.
The title comes from the Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision -- one of my fave hymns.
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'n's Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate'er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all
Just in case there are any movie producers reading this: if this book were to be made into a movie or TV series, Amy Adams would make a terrific Sarah, and Jon Hamm would be an awesome Azor...