Mystery of a Witch is not your typical fantasy fiction young adult novel. While it includes adventure, action, magic, and mysterious situations, it deviates from the norm with its treatment of “evil” and “hero” characters. Instead of the classic evil-versus-righteous storyline, it is a complex tale of motives, secrets, and curses with underlying themes of friendship, trust, and acceptance.
Sorrel is a fox who is blind. She is also a witch who seeks to heal the pains and sorrow of those around her. However, her benevolent intentions are often misjudged by those she helps: her superstitious neighbors in the forest near her home. Sorrel’s life is changed forever when a mysterious man, calling himself The Healer, makes a visit to her den, bringing with him new friendship, old enemies, and a rousing adventure to distant lands. As Sorrel traverses these strange and fantastical new worlds, she begins to realize that there are pieces of her own past that are also shrouded in mystery. Joined in her quest by new animal friends, including a young raccoon, peregrine, and a magical unicorn, she struggles to unravel the enigmas of her past and determine what kind of witch she will be in the future.
I have been writing since early elementary school, when I used to staple together blank sheets of paper to create small picture books, inspired by what I was reading at the time and the fascinating natural world around me. I began to write more lengthy stories by first grade, and I kept writing, spurred on by stories I had read, dreams I had experienced, and a genuine love for creating something new. Growing up in Eureka Springs, Arkansas—a small town that has many artists, writers, and opportunities to learn from them—has helped me realize that I want to spend the rest of my life as a writer and storyteller.
In the fall of 2019, I was accepted into the Creative Writing program at Dartmouth College as a Questbridge National Scholarship recipient. Mystery of a Witch is my first novel, and the very first story that I decided to tell to the world. I hope to share more stories in the future.
As an incentive for helping me to make this project a reality, I have several exciting rewards for different levels of support, including:
* $10 backers will receive a free Digital E-book version of Mystery of a Witch.
* $15 backers will receive the 6″x9″ Paperback SOFTCOVER Book + Digital E-book versions of Mystery of a Witch.
* $25 backers will receive the 6″x9″ Signed SOFTCOVER Book + Digital E-book versions of Mystery of a Witch, plus a Collectible “Fox Head” Enamel Pin.
* $35 backers will receive the 6″x9″ Signed Limited Edition HARDCOVER Book + Digital E-book versions of Mystery of a Witch, plus a Collectible “Fox Head” Enamel Pin.
* $100 SUPER BACKERS will receive the 6″x9″ Signed Limited Edition HARDCOVER Book + Digital E-book versions of Mystery of a Witch, plus a Collectible “Fox Head” Enamel Pin, and the author will perform a private reading of one chapter from the new book at your designated on-site location (within 50 miles of 72632) or via Skype video.
RESELLER BACKER LEVELS are also available and include multiple copies of the book and a scheduled book reading/signing session at your retail location (within 100 miles of 72632).
In addition to backing this project financially, you can also help out by sharing this Kickstarter page, my website (CloverDanos.com), Facebook page and/or Instagram.
Anticipated Project Timeline:
The book has already been through initial editing and cover design, and is nearly ready for printing and publishing. Upon completion of this Kickstarter campaign, the book design will be finalized and submitted to printers and I expect to have physical copies in my hands (and yours) by Summer 2020. Backers will receive their books at least 30 days before the general public. I will post updates here on Kickstarter and on social media as the crowdfunding campaign, publishing and printing takes place, and when backer rewards are ready for shipment.
As this is my first Kickstarter campaign, and also my first book to be published, this is a new experience for me. However, I plan on approaching this project in the same transparent and honest manner as any professional project. Any unexpected issues or delays with the printing or publishing process will be clearly communicated here and on social media, and you are welcome to contact me directly with questions. I’m truly thankful that you’re helping me to overcome this important milestone in my career as a writer. I appreciate your very generous support, and certainly won’t take it for granted!