My Twenty-Second Anthology Publication – Sensual Magic by Page Turn Press

I’m over the moon to share that my new adult dark romantasy, “A Fate So Sweet and Red,” is out in Sensual Magic: Spicy & Magical Romantasy Tales by Page Turn Press. This is the first invitation-only anthology I got to write for, so I’ve officially checked another author goal off my list.

If you love spicy romantasy, you can grab a copy of the anthology through Amazon.

My Invitation

In December, I received an invitation to submit a story for Sensual Magic. I want to keep the special person who gave me the information anonymous, but I’m grateful they thought of me.

Before this, I had written “A Fate So Sweet and Red,” and the story fit the submission call almost perfectly. I had to raise the word count a ton and add some spice, a challenge I was more than happy to accept.

When I was told about the anthology, there were only a few spots left, so I was asked to send my story as soon as possible. Just because I received an invitation to submit didn’t mean I would automatically be accepted.

I tackled my revision and sent it to Johannah, the guest editor for the anthology. Waiting for her response made me so nervous.

My Revise and Resubmit

When I received Johannah’s reply, I was expecting either an acceptance or a rejection, but I got a surprise third thing.

A revise and resubmit.

I’ve heard that authors can get R&Rs on short stories, but this was the first time I experienced that myself. Johannah absolutely loved “A Fate So Sweet and Red,” but she wanted me to make some changes before she could give me an enthusiastic acceptance.

Since I love revising, I was thrilled for the chance to work on the story with Johannah. She sent me her feedback, I put together a revision plan, then we had a call to discuss the changes. Once we were on the same page, I revised “A Fate So Sweet and Red” again.

Johannah loved the new version!

Revising the story based on her feedback was such a wonderful experience, so I was delighted when she gave me my yes.

I still had to wait for my official acceptance from the publisher, though. That came a couple months later.

The Evolution of “A Fate So Sweet and Red”

“A Fate So Sweet and Red” underwent a drastic evolution from my initial idea to the published version.

Originally, my idea was horror with a twist on making a deal with a devil. When I started drafting, the plot and characters took on lives of their own, and I quickly realized that the story would be dark romantasy instead. Switching genres like this meant my whole plan went out the window. I ended up pantsing, which I literally never do, so my first draft was a hot mess.

After that, I revised the story almost a million times before sending it to Johannah. Then, I did another rewrite and polished the prose for publication.

I love how “A Fate So Sweet and Red” changed so much across several versions. Revision is truly magical, and through embracing that process, “A Fate So Sweet and Red” evolved into the story it was always meant to be.

A Peek Into “A Fate So Sweet and Red”

“A Fate So Sweet and Red” is a loose reimagining of Hades and Persephone that features fated soulmates and original strawberry folklore.

Ever since her eighteenth birthday, Carmine has followed her craving for strawberries to a clearing in the forest near her cottage where enchanted fruit only appears under a full moon. On the night of the total lunar eclipse, Carmine’s hunger reaches its peak when a handsome man cloaked in red steps out of the shadows. The intensity of Carmine’s desire and the sweet fragrance in the air make her collapse, but before she can die, the mysterious stranger gathers her into his arms and brings her to the Strawberry Fields. Finding herself in an unknown realm of fantastical fruit, Carmine is torn between escaping the Strawberry Fields and staying with Frazier, the god who is destined to be her soulmate. One choice will either give her the folkloric love of her dreams or rip her and Frazier apart forever.

I love the myth of Hades and Persephone from Greek mythology, so I had always wanted to bring my own twist to the tale. I’m glad I got to do that with “A Fate So Sweet and Red.”

Also, one of my friends who read the story told me it gave her strawberry vampire vibes. Once she pointed that out, I totally saw what she meant.

I still have no clue what inspired me to write a story with strawberry folklore. My brain comes up with the most random ideas sometimes.

Opening My Copy of Sensual Magic

The anthology was published on May 1, International Love Day. I received my copy a few days later. You can watch my unboxing video here.

I’m so happy “A Fate So Sweet and Red” is in print.

Thank you to Johannah, Rachael, and everyone else on the Page Turn Press team for including “A Fate So Sweet and Red” in Sensual Magic. This anthology is a special addition to my collection.

I hope Carmine and Frazier are having a magical time in their strawberry paradise!