It’s been a long time since I’ve last done a writing update. I’m happy to say I’ve contracted the first book of my Ojibway romance trilogy with eXtasy Books.
As I go through the editing process, I thought I’d share my logline and blurb.
Shhh. Writer at work.
A mixed-blood Catholic seminarian struggles to discern his true calling: the priesthood or his ex-lover, a proud but damaged Ojibway man.
It’s been ten years since Emery Matawapit sinned, having succumbed to temptation for the one thing in his life that felt right, another man. In six months he’ll make a life-changing decision that will bar him from sexual relationships for the rest of his life.
Darryl Keejik has a decade-long chip on his shoulder, and he holds Emery’s father, the church deacon, responsible for what he’s suffered: the loss of his family and a chance at true love with Emery. No longer a powerless kid, Darryl has influence within the community—maybe more than the deacon, and he intends on using his new-found power to destroy Deacon Matawapit and the church.
Hoping to save the church, Emery races home. But stopping Darryl is harder than expected when their sizzling chemistry threatens to consume Emery. Now he is faced with the toughest decision of his life: please his devout parents and fulfill his call to the priesthood, or remain true to his heart and marry the man created for him.
What else am I up to? I’m drafting the second novel for The Matawapit Family Trilogy. Book two belongs to Emery’s sister Bridget. This is my working blurb, very much subject to change because my characters love to kill my original idea and make every book I write their very own. Too true. My ninth and final draft of Blessed was nothing like draft one.
Bridget Matawapit, Indigenous activist and mixed-blood Catholic, won’t fail her foster child, Kyle—the Ojibway son of a mother who died of a drug overdose and father, Adam, a convicted felon and Bridget’s ex-fiancé. With Adam out on parole and back in Thunder Bay, she won’t give up Kyle to the horrendous cycle of alcohol, drugs, and abuse Adam had endured as a child. A little revenge doesn’t hurt either after what her now hardened heart experienced at Adam’s selfish, shameful behaviour.
But Adam Guimond, an Ojibway from the streets of Winnipeg, recovering alcoholic, and ex-gang member, is rising like a true warrior to win back his son…and Bridget. Through counselling, reconnecting with his culture, and twelve-step meetings, Adam now understands he’s worthy of the love he previously ran from. He just has to convince Bridget’s family who are against him, convince the racist childcare worker who is determined to see him fail, and most important convince Bridget to give him a second chance.
When an old cell mate’s daughter dies under mysterious circumstances in foster care, Adam, owing a debt of gratitude to this man, begs Bridget for help. Unable to decline since her heart is bound to the plight of the missing and murdered Indigenous women of Canada, Bridget agrees. But their determination to seek justice could land Adam back behind bars for violating his parole and cost Bridget the child she loves.
That’s all. Time to get back to writing.
Maggie Blackbird 