In the midst of the early stages of COVID I finished my fifth book, a novel titled, “Money or Love, Internet Dating From the Far Side of 40.”
I planned on publishing in late 2020. Then, in October of that year, a national-level literary agent asked to shop my manuscript to NYC publishing houses. Without hesitation I agreed and over the last seven months have been riding the roller coaster of “YIPPEE! I am going to be published,” to “Who are you kidding? Not a chance in hell!”
Ultimately, in May of this year, I reached out to my agent and proposed reclaiming my manuscript and publishing it myself. While I was well aware that it can take up to two years for a book to be brought to market by a publishing company, it has also been three years since I have put a new book in the hands of readers.
I was concerned that the wonderful fans who have supported my books since 2005 could have forgotten me, in and among the million-plus authors who write and distribute new books every year.
With my agent’s blessing I have spent the last two months translating Money or Love from a manuscript into books. And yes, that would be plural, as I am publishing this story with four different cover colors—-pink, blue, green and orange.
Why? Because it’s fun and I can!
My other works of fiction have been based on history—-of my home and community (“Crown Hill, A Novel of Love, Life and The Afterlife”) and of a time in America when people were unjustly locked away in asylums, often for all of their adult lives (“Beauty & Grace.”)
“Money or Love” is loosely based on internet dating experiences of myself, one of my best friends, and a host of wonderful women who graciously shared the good, the bad and the ugly moments of their online love stories. I guess that makes this book a work of modern historical fiction!
It is also a story of the many kinds of love that we humans share in marriages, life partnerships and friendships, among family and co-workers, for our hometowns, for unforgettable moments, and, of course, for food.
In getting this book ready to publish almost a year after writing it, I will admit to feeling a bit disconnected—
From my main characters of four widows who have been each other’s salvation since the passing of their husbands.
From my main “guy” character, who has lost his job as well as his family, with no idea how get back to a meaningful life.
From the story’s setting of Buffalo and the places, sports teams, and foods that make the Queen City one of the best places on the planet (based on highly scientific and reliable Abt Family polling data!).
Feeling a little shaky about this novel I began reading it aloud to my sister-in-law on Facetime. Thankfully, within the opening chapters I found myself quickly hooked by the people, places, and cuisines that define its storyline.
So here I am… on the precipice of yet another book launch, this one scheduled for October 14th—-the Thursday leading into Sweetest Day Weekend.
Many call Sweetest Day a “Hallmark” Holiday. I guess you could draw the same parallel to, “Money or Love.” It’s definitely a feel good, love story. It’s also an intracately woven tale of people, times, and places that have deeply resonated with test readers and reviewers, with an ending that satisfies without being a predictable, “Hallmark moment.”
So let’s get this “Money or Love” celebration started and let’s begin with the trailer for the book (below.) Thanks to my supportive friends, Machelle Pohlman and Peter Herr for so kindly allowing me to use their images in portraying the book’s two main characters. I hope you enjoy this peek inside the pages.
I look forward to the next three months of “Money or Love” contest promotions and the launch itself. It’s going to be a lot of fun, so please join the party and invite your family, friends and neighbors as well. It’s been a long three years since we last spent time together enjoying some good old fashioned storytelling.
We’re definitely overdue.
CLICK HERE to preorder your copy of Money or Love or to purchase tickets to the book launch.
NOTE: $1 from every copy or Money or Love sold will benefit one of Buffalo’s longest-running and most impactful not-for-profits, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy.
Money or Love music by Clint Black.