The Evolution of TJ Wilde: Underway, Pt 1

You can leave Boston, but Boston will never leave you, white letters on black background

Boston is one of my favorite cities and my home for many years. Underway was born, not of my adventures there, but a week of new and unexpected adventures not long after I published Run Aground. My friend and I were driving around, exploring possible locations for Underway, when we came across the SoWa (South Washington) Art District. We stepped into the world I’d envisioned, yet didn’t know existed.

There TJ could find her new home, new work and maybe a new life.

Another day, exploring our old stomping grounds, I point out across the water and ask, “are those the islands you used to camp out on as a kid?” She tells me no, that the island where the old hospital is, that was in use for various things until the bridge to the island was demolished.

After I got over the shock of never having realized that after decades of walking the beach across from it, I knew it would have a starring role in the book.

Underway opens in Boston, where TJ feels most at home. Back to where she was happy. Back to where she could heal from all that had come before. It also had the advantage of steady employment and a loft apartment. Oh, and her best friend in the world.

But of course, it could not be that easy, could it?

Underway book cover

ONE

Colby: I’m not giving up on us. XO

The Evolution of TJ Wilde: Run Aground, Pt 3

abstract painting of a man playing guitar
Mo Guitar by Maurice Evans

…and then the murders began.

Each chapter was sent out to family and friends, just so I wasn’t writing in a void. I needed their feedback, which I accepted gratefully. What I also got were demands for the next chapter and the next. Five chapters in, I realized I was indeed, writing a novel. Besides, by that time, TJ, Colby, Nick, et al, were very much alive for me and I wanted to see how their stories would end. For some, not so great…

full cover of Run Aground