Beyond December was a life project for me. With it, I got to put into practice all that I learned about writing as a reader, but also as an editor.
On this page, you can see more about that process. It includes a description of the project and the characters. The images are digitally created. You can also view excerpts from the book.
I hope you enjoy sharing the journey!
Description
Marriage is for life, but love lives on.
Newspaper editor Zak Cooper knows his wife, Kay, is dead. She died mere weeks before Christmas and his newspaper covered the story extensively.
So why is he seeing Kay around town and why is she talking to him? And why can’t he touch her?
Are they “bereavement hallucinations,” as his doctor suggests? Or is it something more?
And what about Jenny Miller, new in town with her young daughter? A daughter similar in age to what Zak’s daughter would be if she’d lived?
Can Zak move beyond this life, this love? Can he move beyond December?
Beyond December is available from Amazon, Kindle or print.
Use this link.
Meet the main characters of Beyond December
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Learn more about each character
Zakary Cooper: Zak is a townie who has returned to Oak Hill as the editor of his hometown newspaper. His mother died when he was eight and his father deserted him at that time. Zak is a moderate Christian, but is challenged to trust God in the day to day. He is driven by a need for lasting love. Yet, no matter who he lets into his life, lasting love remains elusive—until he marries Kay. When she, too, is taken from him, his world totters.
Kay Sharp Cooper: Kay is a Realtor and has the personality to match. Everyone is her friend and wants to be her friend. She’s the person who lights up the room when she enters. All eyes turn to her. She has attraction. Independent, but not alone.
Jenny Miller: Jenny feels lost in her own life. She is peripherally Christian now, but had a stronger faith before her parents died. She married Jonas after being swept off her feet by his charm and good looks. Jenny believes Jonas is her true love, but his recurring infidelity leaves her unsure. With Jonas, she has a daughter, Susan, who means the world to her and helps anchor her world.
Sloan White: Sloan has been at The Gazette all of his career as a reporter. He anticipated being named the editor of the paper, until Zak Cooper was hired. Now he is working as Zak’s assistant editor, but was deeply hurt by being passed over. He approaches life negatively, and believes he’s owed more than he’s received. He keeps a close tab.
Maydene Gunderson: Maydene, who is married to Abe, runs the town’s cafe and is a take-charge woman. She will not take any of your guff. She loves deeply, strongly, and openly. She can be meddlesome. Has a great sense of humor and is often driven by emotion she thinks is logic. Acts first, thinks later. Deeply religious. Strong prayer warrior. Her Christianity is hard won and deeply embedded.
Jonas Miller: Jonas is the guy other guys want to be. Confident, funny, at ease with many women. He travels through life seemingly blessed with everything. His father demanded nothing less than perfection. Jonas learned that if he performs well, he can do whatever he wants. He loves Jenny, but sees her as a reward and not a reason to stop his appreciation of other women.
See inside the novel through several scenes
Read Beyond December excerpts
- Excerpt #1: The car crash.
- Excerpt #2: The opening scene.
- Excerpt #3: Meet Jenny Miller.
- Excerpt #4: Seeing Kay at church.
- Excerpt #5: The childhood dare.
- Excerpt #6: “What is happening to me?”
- Excerpt #7: Lighter times in the cafe.
Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in print and e-book.
Writing On The Fine Line 