It never gets hold, and that’s the honest truth. Even after nine books, I still have the
same sense of wonder, the same set of jitters, and the exact same abundance of
joy that I had when the first book of The Tooth Fairy Chronicles released in October of 2024. The truth is, I’ve come to the realization that I’ve been a storyteller in some shape or form all of my life through my roles as teacher, mother, and even wedding photographer. This “need” to get my imaginary narratives out into the world often spills into my hobbies and crafts as well.
For example, as a builder, rehabber, and collector of all things small, many of my 1/12 scale dollhouse projects took on a life of their own when I crafted make-believe characters and stories about the people who lived in them. It was from these “crafted” stories that some of my best loved characters were born.
A look inside one of my dollhouses
That’s exactly the case regarding my newest book, Devil’s Food, available July 5th. The idea for a story set in a charming bakery in Nashville came to me while I was working on a handcrafted auction item I wanted to donate to a local charity. While out thrifting (another hobby that often lends itself to random story ideas), a random find of a small glass greenhouse gave way to the mini scene you see above. As the project went on, in my head I found myself creating Daisy Sue Farley, the bakery’s proprietor, a young woman, kind of heart, who finds herself under the devious sway of a handsome, devilish social influencer who convinces her to exchange her Eternal Soul for the chance to make her business go viral. Throw into the mix a pompous and determined Guardian Angel and a crazy cupcake bake-off and you have a charming tale of love and sacrifice. The book, with its absolutely gorgeous cover, will be available in e-book and paperback form, as well as a fabulous hardcover edition with foiled detailing and sprayed edges that can be ordered from this website.
And while I’m over-the-moon about every new release, my earlier books are still an important part of my daily life. In June, I had the opportunity to speak via Zoom to a digital book club about life as an author and my recent and upcoming releases. The ladies were warm and welcoming, and during the course of our conversation, they decided to select Once Upon Our Time as their August read. I’ve also been invited back to their late summer meeting in order to discuss the book and offer insight about the characters and the intriguing, paranormal storyline. Special thanks to Christine Caddigan for arranging the Zoom conference and welcoming me into her Chicago home. I can’t wait to speak to the group from the actual setting of the story here in Spring Hill Tennessee. Who knows? Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of a ghost or two.
Lastly, if you are a huge Rosie and Declan fan and have already begun reading Part 1 of the Free Bonus Story, Part 2 of “Something Fishy About a Snake in the Grass” is ready and waiting for you! Click the link below to download the completed thrilling adventure.
As always, I am so grateful for your continued support of all of my fantastical tales. If you have questions and comments, feel free to drop them below. And if you enjoyed seeing my miniature bakery and would like to see more of my book-related scenes, let me know in the comments and I’ll be happy to include them in future newsletters.
Until next month, here’s to good books and loads of imaginary friends. Let’s talk again in August!
Victoria Rocus
