What About Us?

Hello CK Westbrook readers,

November has been a kick in the gut for me and many people. The waves of emotions have been exhausting. I hope you are all taking care of yourselves emotionally and physically.

I have taken a break from the news, which has been hard as a self-described old-school news junkie. I’m actually experiencing withdrawal, but I prefer it to the range of emotions from the media. Instead, I’ve been re-watching old series, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Sex and the City. They make me feel nostalgic for the past, as I mindlessly watch. Sure, there were some horrible events, but I earned a master's degree, got married, and had a job at an environmental organization that truly prioritized stopping the climate crises and saving wildlife – but most importantly, I had sincere hope that life would get better for everyone and everything.

I’m not feeling that now.

Strangely, I optimistically thought that a Harris Administration might make my books less relevant. “The Impact Series” is dark and focused around a mass shooting and the main character, Kate, is a woman who is not believed as she confronts the government. She is trying to keep violence at bay, and no one with power will listen. She deals with lies, conspiracies, racism, self-centered billionaires, slander, and sexism. I had hoped people would tire of those topics in a world with new ideas and optimism. But alas, my series is still timely and relevant.

I recently finished my fifth novel. It has started the editing process and will be published in 2025. It is a prequel and involves what happened before the shooting. It encompasses the early corruption of politics in Florida, the modern insidious destruction of nature, and the birth of cyberstalking. Oh, to go back in time and stop horrible behavior and choices! But that is why fiction, especially science fiction, is awesome.

Book Review

I recently re-read Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. Some say, and I agree, that she was the first science fiction author. She wrote it when she was 18, and published it anonymously in 1818. I read it as an incorrigible teenager, most likely the Cliff Notes, or just enough to get the idea and get by. But it’s a great story that holds up. The underlying themes of family, friendship, heartbreak, and selfishness are timeless. She shows how people lived and traveled and references modern issues in her time, like how it may have been better to explore America more slowly. I appreciate that she also leaves much of the science and the monster to the imagination. And she was one of the first authors, perhaps the first, (no, it was not Voltaire) to write that with power comes responsibility. I recommend this book if you have not read it, or haven’t in years.

So, “what about us”?

That was the song Pink sang with her daughter at the Democratic Convention. It asks what about us women. We are mothers, wives, sisters, friends, daughters, authors, artists, scientists, attorney generals, senators, environmentalists, and vice presidents. We deserve recognition and credit for our work. We deserve respect. We deserve kindness. We should have control over our decisions, bodies, and lives. America failed women on November 5. I’m not sure I will forgive it.

At this time, I am thankful for nature, wildlife, friends, art, and my readers. We shall see what the future holds.

Events

I will sign and sell “The Impact Series” at the Make It Mt. Pleasant Holiday Art Market on Sunday, December 9th in the Authors Alley. Come by and say hi and support local artists!

BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY SALE!

If you know anyone who might enjoy reading “The Impact Series,” my publisher is doing a Thanks-Give-Away on November 28 when all the first books in their series eBook will be free! The Shooting will make a great gift!

All 4 Horsemen Publication books in any format will be 50% off from November 29 – December 2, 2024!

To purchase: CK Westbrook – 4 Horsemen Publications

I hope everyone has a loving and kind Thanksgiving!

Until next time, stay safe my friends.

I can’t express my deep gratitude to my readers enough. Thank you for sharing this fantastic adventure with me!

CK

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Reviews — CK Westbrook

Contact Me

Feel free to email me with any comments or questions about the series. I would love to hear from you! Ckwestbrook.author@gmail.com