Falling Forward: Finding Renewal in Autumn

I love the month of September. More than January 1st, it feels like the true start of a new season: a fresh page, a clean slate. Recharged after the summer holidays, September’s crisp air and golden hues signal that it’s time to get down to business—by diving into something new or tackling those projects that have been waiting in the wings.

This September has been especially exciting for me. On the 3rd, I toasted the release of Nornöns eko at Fågel Blå Bio, an iconic movie theatre in Stockholm. One hundred and twenty guests joined me to launch my fourth novel into the world. I love book parties; to me, they’re like birthdays. I was filled with anticipation and loved planning the event, picking my outfit, and surrounding myself with so many kind faces. In today’s uncertain, fast-moving world, let's celebrate whenever and however we can. My gratitude toward the friends and readers who carved time out of their busy schedules to be there was immense. Writing is such a solitary endeavor, and their interest, encouragement, and support fueled this project. Without them, finishing the novel would have been far more difficult. I hope they felt the depth of my appreciation.

The evening included an author conversation with literary aficionado Johanna Lundin. We discussed my new novel’s themes, inspiration, and writing process, and I received so much thoughtful feedback about our discussion. I’m a book groupie and love hearing these exchanges, but for many of my guests, it was a first. I was glad to see that they embraced my intention.

Since the launch, I’ve delighted in seeing photos of the book out in the world. I must admit that these sightings never get old—whether they’re poolside, on a flight, or on a bookshelf! The book feels so much more real when it’s in a reader’s hands, bridging the space between my mind and theirs. One never knows how the story will land, which is both exhilarating and scary. Therefore, I was especially touched by a message from a friend: “...I’ve been completely hooked, and binge-read most of it, but now I’m forcing myself to slow down. I want to savor every page and stretch out the experience a little longer...”

I exhaled after reading her words. It was the very first reaction I’d received about my novel, and I was so happy to hear she was invested in the plot and characters. While I don’t expect glowing reviews from every reader, it was a relief to know that someone had connected with the story.

The next big event this month was my actual birthday. While I’m well past the age of putting the exact number of candles atop my cake, I still love marking the date as something special, not just a regular day. Over the past year, I’ve had two surgeries: one on my foot and another on my shoulder. Nothing major, but enough to bring discomfort and months of physical therapy. My recovery has gone smoothly, yet I’m also aware that I’m a little stiffer than before—and I sometimes get a serious dose of brain fog! Change is underway, so my birthday wish is the gift of good health—strength, agility, and endurance—especially since my beloved mother passed away from pancreatic cancer at fifty-eight. With each year that brings me closer to that number, I become hyperaware of how precious and unpredictable time can be.

But after the rollercoaster of my writing life, I also want to give myself another kind of gift: permission to focus less on external goals and more on nurturing my inner self and overall well-being—moving my body, caring for my mind, strengthening relationships, setting boundaries, and rebooting my creativity. This may include starting another book—or it may not. I want things to flow organically, without pressure or expectation, and to follow where my curiosity and spirit lead me.

That’s how I’m choosing to step into this new season.

On the Brink of My Fourth Book

In less than a week, on August 29th, my fourth novel, Nornöns eko, will be released. It took me four years to write, and along the way, it went through several changes: I shifted the POV from third to first person, rewrote the inciting moment to raise the stakes, and aimed to make the text more intimate, vivid, and emotionally charged. I wanted to entertain and provide escape, but I also didn't shy away from sensitive topics. Whether or not I’ve succeeded is for readers to decide, but I gave it all I could. I waver between feeling deeply proud of the finished product and being utterly exhausted by the entire manuscript! Like, I couldn’t possibly read it ever again. More than once, I asked myself: Does the world really need this book? Another novel in an ocean of titles published each year? What am I adding to the conversation? And what even is my conversation?

Here’s what I’ve come to realize: the world may not have needed this book, but I did. Once the characters started speaking to me—whispering that their stories were incomplete—I knew I had to continue Zoë, JG, and Linn’s journey from Nornö to the place they could finally call home, both physically and emotionally. I also believe my voice is unique—not because I consider myself more talented than other writers (there are countless authors I admire who I think do it better), but because my life experiences as a Haitian American who relocated to Sweden, married a Swede, and raised a family here give me a perspective that isn’t often represented. I feel I have something worthwhile to contribute: stories that transcend boundaries, explore unlikely relationships, and present nuanced narratives that are not given enough space in mainstream literature, especially in Sweden.

I’m nervous as Nornöns eko moves from “Notify Me” to “Available” online and onto shelves. But before that happens, here are my takeaways from the long and winding journey of bringing this book to life:

1. When one path closes, find another. My experience with a previous editor was extremely difficult. It left me doubting myself and tempted to abandon the book. But the characters wouldn’t let me. Their voices kept me going until Nornöns eko found a new place to flourish.

2. Seek professional guidance when you’re stuck. I worked with a coach to strengthen my author mindset and a developmental editor to help shape the manuscript. Those investments made a huge difference.

3. Lean on the writing community. Sharing struggles (and the occasional triumph) with other writers has been a reminder that I’m not alone. Their encouragement and advice were invaluable during moments of doubt.

4. The publishing-industrial complex is as chaotic and competitive as ever. There are more books on the market, fast-moving trends, and an industry landscape that is full of contradictions. I’ve felt disillusioned and anxious, but I believe that good writing, compelling stories, and persistence still win out.

5. Enough with eternal gratitude. I was conditioned to be endlessly grateful just to be published. Gratitude matters, but let’s be clear: without writers, there is no publishing industry. I’d love to see more respect, transparency, and professionalism from agents and editors. Ghosting and condescending form letters shouldn’t be the norm. With AI and technological change disrupting everything, valuing real storytellers is more important than ever.

6. It takes the time it takes. I used to beat myself up for not writing quickly, but I juggle family, volunteer commitments, travel, and life between two countries. Although my routine is far from perfect, the years of gestation and editing made Nornöns eko stronger. If I’d forced it out in a year, it wouldn’t be the book it is today.

7. Working with the Swedish translation was both easier and difficult this time around. Over twenty-five years in Sweden has sharpened my ear for the language, letting me catch tone and rhythm more easily. Still, it also made me pickier, agonizing over single words to preserve the characters’ voices and emotional weight. I had to balance trusting the translator’s expertise with following my author instincts.

8. Be clear with your team. No one knows your book like you do. With this novel, I communicated my vision more confidently than ever before. Four books in, I feel more seasoned, more certain about what I want.

9. Social media matters. Like it or not, an online presence is essential for a middle-aged, mid-list writer like me. The opportunities for connection are extraordinary, and I’ve enjoyed learning new skills and creating content to engage with readers.

10. Readers make it all worthwhile. Above all, I’m grateful to the readers who connected with Sommaren på Nornö and wanted more. To friends, colleagues, and the literary community—online and in person—who encouraged me every step of the way: thank you. You’ve kept me going.

SUMMER STATE OF MIND

HAPPY SUMMER! It’s been a while, mostly due to my shoulder surgery in April, which made typing painful. Once I started feeling better, I dove straight into final edits for Nornöns eko. My new novel comes out on August 29th, and I'm so excited to reintroduce the characters from Nornö to readers!

That said, an August pub date means this will be a working summer. I’ve been wondering why I’ve felt so mentally drained lately, and then it hit me: I’ve been working on this manuscript for four years, in two languages. It was written and edited in English, then translated into Swedish, and subsequently reedited in Swedish. Puh!  The upside? My Swedish vocabulary and literary range have grown significantly. The language no longer feels as limited to me as it once did, and I’m genuinely proud of the result.

There’s still one more round of corrections to review, but once the manuscript goes to print, it’s officially out of my hands. However, much work remains behind the scenes in terms of marketing and promotion, so I’ve decided to dedicate my mornings—until noon—to book work. After that, the rest of the day will be for physical activity, mental rest, and quality time with family and friends.

While a heatwave is scorching continental Europe, the weather here in Sweden—especially in the archipelago—has been cool, windy, and rainy. I’m a little worried for the weeks ahead. We wait all year for these long, bright summer days. Is it too much to ask for a little warmth and consistency?! I know I shouldn’t dwell on the weather, but summer always comes with high expectations, and when the sun doesn’t deliver, I can’t help but feel disappointed. Interestingly, I’ve been reading about coolcations—how more and more travelers are choosing Scandinavia for their summer holidays to escape the extreme heat elsewhere. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side.

That said, cloudy skies are the perfect excuse to clean and declutter. I’ve promised myself I’ll finally tackle the old drawers and cabinets. With two twentysomethings who no longer live at home full-time, our seaside cottage feels like an archive of bygone summers—sailing camps, tennis clinics, waterskiing lessons, a collection of Boat ’n Tote bags, personalized towels. It takes some effort not to slip into sadness or nostalgia, but the kids have been bringing new friends from college and the U.S. to the island, and I’m learning to appreciate these shorter, more intense visits as their own kind of magic.

Now that most of the editing is behind me, I hope to carry a more carefree mindset and enjoy my seasonal favorites: Wimbledon, flowers blooming in the garden, raspberry bushes, pretty sundresses, colorful manicures, sailboats drifting by, ombré skies, and the sound of birds chirping at first light. These simple pleasures remind me to live in the present and that joy often lies in everyday moments.

In the evenings, I love curling up on the couch with my remote and a menu of movies and series to choose from. My recent viewing includes Mobland, Sirens, Department Q, and the Danish mystery Reservatet (also known as Secrets We Keep). I'm a sucker for a good prestige drama and Your Friends and Neighbors, The Studio, and Mountainhead did not disappoint. I’m excited to start the adaptation of Alafair Burke’s The Better Sister  and Lena Dunham’s romcom, Too Much, next. Watching screen content isn't just for entertainment; it's teaching me a lot about pacing, structure, and character development. I'm approaching storytelling through a more cinematic lens, which has been both inspiring and enlightening for my novel writing.

Of course, I haven’t given up on reading! I devoured The Doorman by Chris Pavone, a propulsive, smart page-turner (that would translate seamlessly to the screen), and my summer TBR list includes: These Summer Storms, Bring the House Down, Culpability, Finding Grace, and Among Friends. I still have a pile of books from last summer, as well, so my goal is to read at least two books a week.

Wishing you golden days and new adventures—whatever your version of summer looks like!