Difference between The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter and After and Before

I’ve been getting some questions on whether there is any relationship between The Illuminating Occurrence of Maxine Porter and my first novel, After and Before: The Story of Hatley Chambers. When it came out that I was publishing my second novel, people wondered if it might be a sequel. Illuminating Occurrence is not a sequel. It explores a completely new set of characters in a different setting and a whole different vibe. I believe that Hatley’s story is complete.

Those who read After and Before will know that it explored some sensitive topics and had a bit of a dark side. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I am proud of the book and the feedback I received was extremely positive and encouraging. That said, I did not recommend it for under eighteen year-olds.

In writing Illuminating Occurrence, I set out to make something fun and entertaining, with a little bit of mystery. The result is a much lighter story, and while still intended for an adult audience, has nothing that would preclude a younger audience from reading it. It’s set in Chicago and explores some of the neighborhoods where I spent my early adult years.

So don’t be shy. Come on in to The Plush Porcupine and meet Hayden, Matthew, Caryn and the rest. Oh, and don’t forget about Max. I’m sure you won’t. The doors open on October 11.