Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but may also change its very course, Paloma Leary confronts her mysterious past and learns to embrace her future…

By Tracy Shawn

Floating Underwater, Women's Fiction/Magical Realism/Psychological Fiction, Turbulent Muse Publishing, 312 pp.

Part psychological fiction and part mystical fiction with a dash of magical realism, Floating Underwater follows a woman’s astonishing journey through the extraordinary and, ultimately, to her self-actualization and power.

Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but can also change its very course, Paloma Leary is devastated when her latest vision foretelling a third miscarriage comes true.

Falling into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, including a psychic connection with her mysterious neighbor, out-of-body experiences, and visits from her long-dead mother, Paloma grows desperate for answers. She is also desperate to start a family. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma learns to accept her gifts and embraces a far different future than she ever could have imagined.

"One woman's mystical journey to move forward while confronting a troubled, mysterious past. Beautifully written; an ethereal, eloquent pleasure." ~~Marlene Adelstein, author of USA Today bestseller Sophie Last Seen

"Mystical and magical realism permeates this women's novel, and Amy Harmon fans would embrace Shawn's adept storytelling. The author delivers spot-on dialogue, believable and enchanting characters, and surprising twists. It's easy to imagine the novel as a talked-about book club selection (in fact, there's a list of questions at the book's conclusion). Poignant and beautiful, Floating Underwater leaves readers yearning for a sequel and another look at these captivating characters." ~~Starred Review by Patricia Moosbrugger for BlueInk Review

"The writing is stunning...Paloma's journey toward friendship, love in her marriage, and the realization that her fears have kept her eyes closed to everything happening around her is a journey worth following. This book will remind you to listen to the wind when it speaks and to look for what's floating beneath the surface of the water."~~Reviewed by Jenna Swartz for San Francisco Book Review

"A mystical journey that will take its readers on a whirlwind tour of beautiful imagery and meaningful life adventures, Floating Underwater is the story about a woman named Paloma Leary who learns that she has some very special gifts to share with the world...This book is wonderfully written in a lovely beach setting...Floating Underwater is the perfect book for someone looking for a bit of fantasy thrown into a realistic setting with realistic characters. Written with special attention to little details, this book is relatable, yet very special and is a one-of-a-kind read." ~~Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth for Manhattan Book Review

Book Information

Release Date: September 8, 2021

Publisher: Turbulent Muse Publishing

Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1736664902; 312 pages; $10.99; E-Book, $3.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GrO5TV

Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/3qA2EA3

She had missed their silly bantering. They hadn’t been this playful with each other since the last pregnancy, but his jokes and her bursts of laughter had dissipated over time. She wagered, though, that most couples eventually lose sight of what first brought them together.

Reed patted her hand. “It is going to work out this time, Paloma…”

Paloma smiled, then took a bite of her sandwich. Maybe Reed was right; everything would be okay—the future did not have to be defined by the past.

And then, out of the corner of her eye, Paloma saw her. Bone-thin Serena raced across the street and planted herself next to the bumper of a parked car. In her ragged skirt and barely there T-shirt, Serena could be mistaken for one of Sunflower Beach’s many homeless people, who tucked themselves into alleys, behind bushes dotting the hillsides, and around trash-strewn paths by the railroad tracks. Yet the bedraggled Serena lived with her family, who tried their best to care for her in their own, private way. Serena stared at Paloma with her mismatched eyes, one blue and the other an unnatural shade of milky green. Slowly, Serena shook her head as her gaze misted over with what looked to be pity. Even though she had followed Paloma around ever since she’d moved into town when she was in sixth grade and Paloma in fifth, Paloma’s heart raced now, and nausea returned.

Reed leaned away and averted his face from Serena’s scrutiny. “She’s been showing up, even more, you know.”

“I know,” Paloma whispered. “I think she’s trying to tell me something.” Paloma shoved her plate away. Eating would be impossible now.

“She’s not trying to tell you anything.” Reed sighed. “She’s just more unhinged than usual.”

Paloma dared to look again. Serena pinned her down with those unnerving eyes, and then her mouth suddenly twisted into a grimace. Not knowing what else to do, Paloma waved. Serena turned abruptly. Passersby shook their heads and stared as she skipped barefoot down the street. Paloma watched the last coiled ends of Serena’s long, tangled hair as it floated out of view.

Author Interview
1. What would you consider to be your Kryptonite as an author?

My Kryptonite as an author is the ever-exhausting marketing that I have to do in order for readers to find my novels. Too many days, I have to market more than I actually write.

2. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Keep your life in balance.

3. Favorite childhood memory involving books?
I loved “Go, Dog Go” by P.D. Eastman! I would actually study all the different kinds of dogs there were and what games they were playing at the big dog party in the tree. I just thought it was the coolest thing!

4. If you could dine with any literary character, who would it be and why?
I’d love to have lunch with the Wicked Witch of the West from Gregory Maguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” It’d be interesting to hear her side of the story!

5. Did you want to be an author when you grew up?
I thought I was going to be a scientist who studied animals. I had no idea I’d end up being an author!

6. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Worried, hopeful, and determined. (What a combo!)

7. What is your most unusual writing quirk?
I sometimes act out what my characters are doing and saying.

8. What’s one movie you like recommending to others?
I recently watched “The Lost Daughter” and recommend it to others because it stays with you (just like a good novel), making you wonder about each character’s motives and the symbolism behind their actions.

10. If you could own any animal as a pet, what would it be?
I already enjoy the company of two cats and a fabulous Pit Bull. If I could have another deep friendship with an animal, I would love if one of the neighborhood crows decided to visit every day—and if a seal decided to swim with me every time I went into the ocean.

1. What is the first book that made you cry?
“The Incredible Journey” about three pets trying to make it back to their family.

2. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
So far, about nine years! I have to speed up this writing process!!!

3. How do you select the names of your characters?
I research the meaning behind their names and also if they fit the character. For instance, in Floating Underwater, I named Paloma’s husband Reed because he needs to learn how to become more flexible like a reed.

4. What creature do you consider your "spirit animal" to be?
While I was writing The Grace of Crows, it was, of course, a crow! While I was writing Floating Underwater, it was—and still is—a seal.

5. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Chocolat, Forrest Gump, Star Wars, and my all-time favorite: Wizard of Oz!

6. If you were the last person on Earth, what would you do?
Take care of as many domesticated animals as I could…and eat as much chocolate as I could find!

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Hang in there. It’s a challenging road with lots of rejections. Do it for the love of the craft.

8. What book do you wish you had written?
Anything by Alice Hoffman.

9. If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?
I’ve lived through the 1970s and would love to go back to that time now. So much less technology, so much more hope in the world, so much great music!

10. What is your favorite genre to read?
I love reading magical realism, historical fiction, and anything in between!

Award-Winning Author Tracy Shawn lives and writes on the Central Coast of California. Her debut novel, The Grace of Crows, won several indie book awards. Floating Underwater is her second novel. Tracy Shawn’s short stories have appeared in Literary Brushstrokes, Psychology Tomorrow Magazine, and Steel House Review Literary Journal. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications and is currently working on her third novel.

You can visit her website at https://www.tracyshawn.com/ or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.