Edge of Sundown
by Jennifer Worrell
Genre: Suspense
When dystopian fiction becomes real…
Val Haverford’s Sci-Fi and Western novels made him a household name.
But that was then. A decade of creative stagnation and fading health has
left him in the literary wilderness.
Attempting to end his dry spell and secure his legacy, Val pens a
dystopian conspiracy theory set in a tangential universe where alien
invaders eliminate ‘undesirables’ perceived as drains on society.
But as he digs deeper into violence plaguing his adopted home of
Chicago, he discovers unsettling similarities between his work in
progress and a life he thought he left behind. Soon he finds his
fictional extremists are not only real—they’re intent on making sure his
book never sees the light of day.
As he pieces together haunting truths about his city and his motives,
Val realizes his last chance to revive his career and reconcile the past
could get him—and the people he loves—killed.
Will he make the right choice? Or will it be too late?
Edge of Sundown is a provocative story that shows how the desperation of lost
opportunity can lead to drastic and unexpected consequences.
**Get it FREE Jan 16th & 17th!! **
What are
you passionate about these days?
Information
literacy. With the onslaught of
alternative facts, political spin, media bias, opinion shows and articles
masquerading as truth, and thousands of outlets for transmission (not to
mention bots!), the need to teach people how to wade through the endless stream
of information to find the reputable stuff is paramount. It’s so easy to spread falsity, even by
mistake; I admit doing it myself at times.
You see a headline and immediately react; that’s what they’re for. But are they accurate? Not often.
It’s only a taste of the story, and stories always have more than one
side.
I work for
a university library, and Information Literacy is part of our orientation for
new students. But this shouldn’t be
taught 17+ years into a young person’s life; instead, it should be introduced
by first grade. Especially since so many
kids have access to internet-linking devices before they reach school age.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
My
husband, Joel, always makes me laugh, and my kitty, Tallulah, is the epitome of
chill. I hang out with them and a
tumbler of whiskey and everything feels a lot better. In The Beforetimes, a long drive with lots of
music was a good substitute. I once
drove to Iowa to work out the kinks of writer’s block. (Success!)
What
literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
In high
school, we were assigned to read The
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros.
I was blown away by the book, and excited that such a great thing was
written in my backyard, so to speak.
Although Chicago has a Mango Street, the setting was fictionalized, so
the house doesn’t really exist. I was
heartbroken when I found this out!
Cisneros
did, however, live near Humboldt Park, so I can at least visit the place where
such a talented author grew up. I like
to think some of her skill might transfer through osmosis.
If Jennifer were to make a deal with the Devil, she’d ask to live—in good
health—just until she’s finished reading all the books. She figures that’s
pretty square.
In case other bibliophiles attempt the same scheme, she’s working hard to
get all her ideas on paper. She writes multi-genre fiction and the
occasional essay, and is currently working on a collection of shorts and
two picture books that may or may not be suitable for children.
Edge of Sundown is her first novel. She’s always been drawn to
“what-ifs” and flawed characters, and has never quite mastered the happy
ending.
Jennifer is a member of Chicago Writers Association and Independent
Writers of Chicago, and works at a private university library.
Follow the tour HERE
for special content and a giveaway!
$15 Amazon giftcard,
Paperback of Edge of Sundown + carved wooden bookmark
-1 winner each!
Thank you for hosting me!
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