Embarking on a New Writing Adventure: The Journey Begins with The Life of Evelyn Grey
Hello, dear readers!
Today marks a milestone in my creative journey—one that has been years, if not decades, in the making. I’m thrilled to finally share with you all that I’m embarking on the adventure of writing a new 4-book series, and the excitement I feel for this project is palpable.
The idea for this story has been swirling in my mind for years, and now it’s time to give it life. This has been a long time coming, and I can hardly believe I’m on the cusp of turning this dream into a reality. I’ve always been drawn to complex characters, ethical dilemmas, and dystopian worlds where society’s rules clash with human nature. The Life of Evelyn Grey explores all of this and more—and I can’t wait to take you on this journey.
A Glimpse into the World of Evelyn Grey
At its heart, The Life of Evelyn Grey explores the tension between fate and free will, the fragility of life, and the unsettling consequences of knowing too much about the future. Set in the year 2067, the world is divided into two powerful factions: the Empress of the West and the Emperor of the East. In this fractured world, the future of every child is predetermined before birth, through a government program called Revelations. This program meticulously studies the unborn for signs of moral tendencies—predicting whether a child will grow up to live a life of virtue or become a threat to society. Their future, their choices, and their very existence are all mapped out before they even take their first breath.
The story follows Clara Grey, the first woman publicly selected for this controversial program. As she carries her unborn daughter, Evelyn, Clara becomes entangled in the system’s complex web of prediction and control. Over the course of her pregnancy, Evelyn is subjected to constant analysis, with scientists revealing her fate based on the program’s data. But as Clara uncovers the truth behind the program, she realizes that the system’s promises may be far more sinister than anyone understands. What she thought was a way to protect society may, in fact, be a method of control that threatens not just her daughter’s future, but the very concept of free will. As Clara digs deeper into the program’s true agenda, the horrors she uncovers will force her to question everything she thought she knew about the system, and ultimately, the future of her child.
The Creative Process: A Dream Realized
This story, and the series it will become, has always lingered in the background of my mind, quietly simmering beneath the surface. As someone who spent years as a birth, parenting, and early childhood educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the complexity and profound nature of life’s beginnings. I’m sure you can imagine the parallels between that world and the one I’m creating in The Life of Evelyn Grey. Over time, these ideas have grown and evolved in ways I never anticipated, shifting into something much larger and more intricate than I originally imagined. There were moments when I considered letting the story fade away, but it kept resurfacing, demanding my attention. And now, I’m fully committed to bringing it to life.
I can’t wait for you to meet the characters who’ve inhabited my thoughts for so long. Clara, the quiet, introspective mother at the heart of this story, who must confront her own inner demons and doubts. Evelyn, the unborn child whose fate is inextricably tied to a future that is uncertain and beyond her control. And the supporting cast, each character playing a vital role in this tale of fate, defiance, and discovery.
It’s a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred, where ethical dilemmas clash with the complexities of real human experience, and where every decision has the power to shape the future. The Life of Evelyn Grey will challenge you to ask difficult questions: Can we ever truly know the path someone will take before they’ve even had the chance to walk it? And if we can, what is the cost of possessing that knowledge? If we know a soul is destined for a life of crime, who has the right to decide their fate? Can a soul be rehabilitated before it even enters the world, or is it too late? And perhaps most unsettling of all: Where do we draw the line between good and evil? Is it petty theft? Violence? Laziness? These are the questions at the heart of the story, urging us to examine not only the world I’ve created, but also the ways in which we, as individuals and as a society, confront the concepts of fate, free will, and moral judgment. I can’t wait to invite you on this thought-provoking journey.
The Road Ahead
I’m thrilled to share that the first manuscript for Book 1 is nearing the completion of its first rough draft. It’s been a true labor of love—countless hours, a few too many early-morning writing sessions, and a whole lot of determination. While there’s still much work ahead—revision, editing, and fine-tuning—I’m incredibly excited with how it’s coming together. Every day, I get closer to bringing Evelyn’s story to life, and it’s an amazing feeling to watch it unfold on the page. I know I’m on the right path when my close friends jokingly tell me that the way my mind works is a bit... concerning. They may be right, but maybe that’s just the secret sauce that will keep readers coming back for more.
This series will span four books, each one delving deeper into the moral, emotional, and philosophical layers of the world I’ve created. Every book builds on the last, following the twists and turns of Evelyn’s life, the world she inhabits, and the forces that seek to control her, along with the choices she must make. The outlines are complete, and chapters for each book have been written, but there’s still a long road ahead. So, cheer me on, please. No one pays me to create. My motivation is simple: I simply can’t not write. These characters demand to be heard, forcing their way into my thoughts and onto the page. Please, be the friend who reminds me of my purpose, even if a paycheck hasn’t caught up to my passion yet.
I can’t wait to share this journey with you. Stay tuned for updates as I move closer to completing the first book and start working on the next chapters in Evelyn’s life.
Thank you for your continued support, and I can’t wait for you to join me as we embark on this adventure together!
Until next time,
Leigh
