OK, I’m spilling the beans!
HeartLand started out as a historical middle grade novel in verse, but grew into a dual timeline novel in verse AND prose! At one point, this book was well over 109,000 words (before I sent it to my editor at 97,000). We then whittled it down to about 72,000. And yes, it was sometimes painful. I had to make some hard choices, but the book is all the better for it! And I think that those “missing” 38,000 words still haunt the story at its edges, creating an unspoken depth that would otherwise not exist.
It’s the novel of my heart for reasons too numerous to count. But I’ll say this: my roots grew strong in Midwestern soil. It’s part of what makes me who I am, and it’s a place I care deeply about, even though I no longer live there.
But back to that amazing cover where James Firnhaber, artist extraordinaire, depicts Cassiopeia (Cassie) Alkorn, a girl living through the 1980s farm crisis; her horse, Twiggy; and dog, Gofer. With her back to the reader, Cassie faces her 5th generation Iowa Century farm and the home she’s about to lose, along with everything she holds dear.
But Cassie is also gazing toward the future at her daughter, Xyla, a 6th generation Alkorn who DOESN’T love the farm, the constant work, or her mother’s decision to banish the memory of Xyla’s father from her life.
The title, “HeartLand,” lies between Cassie and Xyla, and between Xyla’s head and her heart, a metaphor for her relationship with her mother and with the land. Xyla looks toward her future with a mixture of hope and anxiety, as she plans to search in secret for her absentee father. After all, he could be the key to a new life away from the farm. But where to start if she doesn’t even know his name?
I ❤️ this cover soooo much! Have I already said that? Firnhaber also created two maps, one for the 1980s corn and soybean farm, and one for the contemporary organic farm, plus a little, sweet spot art for the front jacket flap.
I’ll be sharing more details about the story as the release date approaches. Cheers!
Oh, what a gorgeous cover! I can’t wait to read your book–it sounds so powerful and the cover just draws you in. Congratulations!!
Thank you, Jolene!! I’m nerv-xcited!
Congrats! Great video. Second or third book out?
My debut for middle grade. I’ve got two board books and a picture book out. Plus a PB releasing in March and a historical chapter book releasing sometime next year.
Glad to hear how productive you are, especially with historical fiction.
It’s interesting how I don’t feel very productive. I wish I could spend more time focusing on writing.
Oh, I hear you on that one.
This is wonderful! Who’s your publisher? When’s the pub date? When will you come to New Jersey to sign copies? I need to know these things!
Little Brown is the publisher. The OSD is July 7, 2026. And one of these days…..I’ll get to New Jersey!
WOW! Fabulous cover! Can’t wait to read this book! Congrats! So exciting to see all the hard work and tough choices make its way into the world!
Thank you, Beth! It’s such a great feeling, as you know! 🥰
Looks and sounds amazing! 😍👏🏼 Congratulations!!!
Thank you, Teresa! I hope it connects with readers!❤️
Ooh, exciting stuff! The cover looks great and the story sounds wonderful – looking forward to reading it! Do we have a date? Oh, yes, just spotted – 7/7 26! One for the diary!
Yay! Maybe you know some 8-12 year olds who might be interested? 😁
I shall drag out my inner child – it’s time she got some exercise! 😀
I am soooooo excited for you! I remember sitting in your living room six years ago. I was dropping off books for the Synergy book club discussion of Spinning. You had just received some feedback re. HeartLand that made you say, ok, *now *what?
Well, NOW it’s a book! Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it!
j
Thank you, Janine!!! Ah, memories….It’s a wild journey, isn’t it? 😊❤️
Beauty-full cover, Jilanne! I can hardly wait to read the book. Congratulations!
Thank you, Donna! I’m super excited!😊
Jilanne, this is so exciting! The cover is beautiful and I truly can’t wait to read your book! I’m so happy for you!
Thank you, Gloria! It’s been a long time in the making! 🥰🥰🥰