Writers tend to get laser-focused on their latest release, but a solid backlist deserves love, too! I’m super proud of the four-book audio production of my Waterspell fantasy quartet. Narrator Simon de Deney did a masterful job. As this listener notes (see the picture): “He really brings the words to life.” And his ability to voice female as well as male characters is remarkable. Simon embodies the brooding warlock but he also delivers a totally believable young woman who is all bravado on the outside but terrified on the inside. Bravo! 🎉
If you’re planning a road trip this summer — or maybe a staycation, given the current (2026) price of fuel — give this 51-hour epic a listen. It’ll keep you engaged.
“The narrator is very real conveying anger as well as softness and intrigue. This is the type of audiobook you can listen to for hours and not get tired of.” —Sue, Amazon
Yes, please! Somebody really should make my novels into movies or miniseries. One of the first editors to ever lay eyes on my Waterspell fantasy saga called it cinematic. A later reader won my everlasting gratitude when he posted this review: “This is up there with the great books of wonder! Would love to see this as a movie. Have spent three days reading each book with hardly any sleep. It’s so enthralling that I would say I was bespelled by each word!” Wow! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 😍
I agree about the movie. My Waterspell books have a dark, dangerous, mysterious leading man and a brave, headstrong, determined young woman protagonist. The story starts in an isolated manor house in a cursed forest. From there, the quest takes the two main characters across bandit-infested plains, high into snow-capped mountains, and then to the distant shore of another world. It would make a gripping miniseries or even a quartet of movies. There are four Waterspell books, so—logically—four movies.
My newest novel, the standalone Adverse Reactions, is a post-apocalyptic, paranormal, gritty modern Western fantasy. There’s plenty of danger and suspense, with the super-power element of psychokinesis (mental ability to move objects). The characters are complex, refusing to immediately reveal their motives. Are they friend, or are they foe?
The book’s settings will be familiar to filmmakers and moviegoers, but all have a twist. The town on the dusty prairie is called Purity, but it’s built on a river that carries an ominous name: Contagion. The so-called ranch is more of a commune for outcasts. The place has got cowboys, cattle, and horses, but the whole outfit hides deep in rugged mountains, far from town. In another remote part of those mountains, a pseudo-psychiatric facility is a true hellhole, a buried chamber of horrors.
A filmmaker could have a field day (or a franchise) with Adverse Reactions. The book has a Hunger Games vibe. Too bad I don’t know any directors or producers.
If you’ve got Hollywood connections, please drop a few strong hints. There’ll be a finder’s fee in it for you. 🤗
Every writer gets asked: Where do the ideas come from?
For many of us, the question is so unanswerable, we can only smile gently and deflect. Have you heard about the warehouse in Poughkeepsie where ideas can be had wholesale, a dime a dozen? (Wink, wink)
Seriously, most writers have no real idea where the ideas come from. Ideas well up from the subconscious, far below the level of awareness. More than once, as I’ve come awake in the morning, I’ve had the entire plot of a book running through my head. It’s a mad dash to the keyboard then, stopping only to grab a cup of coffee before feverishly pounding out the main points of the plot before the whole thing evaporates back into the ether from which it came.
That was not the process, however, for Adverse Reactions, my newest book. I have no memory of where the original idea might have come from. It was too long ago: I actually started the book in 2005. I managed 24,000 words of it before I hit a wall. I’d reached the first “plot point”—pivotal moment; major turning point—and I had no clue where things went from there.
So I shelved the manuscript (plopped it into a file cabinet, actually) and went back to writing the epic fantasy that eventually became Waterspell, a saga that grew by three books in 2022–24 to end up as a six-book series—altogether, more than 680,000 words.
But I never forgot that partial manuscript. I’m not a person who leaves things undone. I’m determined to finish what I start (even if it takes six books and 680,000 words to do it). In 2025, therefore, I pulled that manuscript out of the file cabinet and sat down to read what I’d written 20 years earlier.
What I found in those rough-draft pages—the compelling urgency of it—surprised even me. The story gripped me. I found myself caring deeply about the protagonist and the awful situation she’s in as the story opens.
What was even better, though, was the way my mind leapt ahead when I reached the end of that 24,000-word partial. A score of years earlier, I hadn’t known where the story went. Now I did. The logical and dramatic next steps in the quest for justice were clear.
During those 20 years, I’d done a lot of writing and a lot of living (some of it hard). I’d gained experience, deepened my understanding of people and their motivations, and observed the good and the evil of which humans are capable. All of that living had equipped me to finish the story—to finish what I’d started, and to do it in a way that has been personally fulfilling.
Thank you for reading, and for spreading the word about my cross-genre, post-apocalyptic, paranormal, gritty modern “Western.”
In a world that demands mindless conformity, be your own exceptional self.
What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I don’t remember and can’t even guess where the original idea came from. I actually started the book in 2005, but managed only 24,000 words before hitting a wall. I got stuck at the first plot point. So I shoved the manuscript into a file cabinet and returned to writing the epic fantasy that eventually became my six-book Waterspell series. But I never forgot that partial manuscript. Last summer, I unearthed it and read what I’d written 20 years before. What I found in those rough-draft pages—the compelling urgency of it—surprised me.
The awful situation the protagonist is in, as the story opens, grabbed and held me. And more than that: my mind leapt ahead when I reached the first plot point. A score of years earlier, I hadn’t known where the story went from there. But now I did. The logical and dramatic next steps in the quest for justice were clear. During the book’s 20-year incubation, I’d done a lot of writing and a lot of living. I’d gained experience, deepened my understanding of people and their motivations, and observed the good and the evil of which humans are capable. All of that equipped me to finish the story, and to do it in a way that has been personally fulfilling.
Pick theme songs for the main characters of your book. Adverse Reactions is a post-apocalyptic, paranormal, suspense-thriller, Western fantasy. It crosses genres! The Great Plains setting evokes the theme song from the movie, Once Upon a Time in the West. Another classic film score that would fit is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write? I mainly read and write fantasy, with a fair amount of science fiction on the side. As a kid, the first book I bought with my own money was Daybreak—2250 A.D., post-apocalyptic science fiction by the great Andre Norton. I fell in love with Norton’s books and her writing style. Currently, I’m catching up on her Witch World fantasy novels that I somehow missed in my adolescence.
What books are on your TBR pile right now? So many! Too many! Besides the Witch World books, which are numerous, I’m into the Sally Lockhart mysteries by Philip Pullman, published between 1985 and 1994. The final book of that series came out just a year before The Golden Compass. I recently listened to the audiobooks of The Book of Dust sequels, and as a fantasy writer I was interested in Pullman’s transition from mystery to fantasy. I’m enjoying the Sally Lockhart books, but honestly, I wouldn’t have thought they were written by the same man who would go on to write the incomparable His Dark Materials. Pullman made an inspired leap with Lyra Belacqua’s story, his masterpiece.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write? I’d have to say it’s when my protagonist, Devin, meets Mike Sutter, a complicated man who is the definition of “morally gray.” Sometimes he’s kind and generous. Other times, he’s ruthless to the point of cruelty. He’s got his own agenda, as Devin soon discovers.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? I sit down at the computer, and in strict and unvarying order, I arrange these:
Web browser, taskbar bottom-left, ready to look up synonyms and make sure a word really means what I think it means
Word processing program center-screen—plain old Word, nothing fancy
Dictionary, taskbar bottom-right, my trusty Merriam-Webster
On the writing desk nearby, a hardback copy of the Oxford Thesaurus (American Edition)
I cannot proceed without those things at my fingertips, and in that order. I also require a cup of coffee, a mug of water, and the hum of the air conditioner. Those will keep me pounding the keyboard for hours, until the coffee and water dictate a break. 😊
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
“The soul that has no fixed goal loses itself; for as they say, to be everywhere is to be nowhere.” —Michel de Montaigne
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be? In a world that demands mindless conformity, be your true, exceptional self.
Super Spring Sale! 🎉 The Waterspell fantasy series is bargain-priced, the whole month of April 2026.
Series-starter Book 1: The Warlock is perma-free every day, but your best buy in April is the four-book boxed set for $3.99. Add the two sequels — Kareninaand Farsinchia— for $0.99 each, and you’ll have the entire, finished, highly rated, six-book series for under $6. Available wherever ebooks are sold.
Waterspell: The literary, portal fantasy, epic, heroic quest, coming-of-age, gothic slow-burn romance (give it time!) adventure you’ve been looking for.
The series follows Carin, a lost traveler who embarks on a journey to discover her true identity and learn where she belongs. When she falls captive to a hot-tempered, secretive wizard, he draws her into schemes of magical power and possible murder. There’s a world to save, even if it costs Carin her life. The relationship between Carin and the wizard grows increasingly complex, balancing in a tense power struggle as, together, they navigate a world of dangers while yearning for redemption, a sense of belonging, and maybe a little unconventional romance.
Waterspell springs from the realm of epic fantasy (with an environmental fantasy twist). It’s got ancient and mysterious magic, a passage from one world to the otherworld, a (reluctant) Chosen One, and a Hero/Heroine’s Quest. It’s a portal fantasy with complex characters who become embroiled in mystery, murder, and a little slow-burning romance. Think “Jane Eyre meets a sorcerer.”
“A marvelously complex and captivating fantasy series.” —The Published Page “The story just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” —Book Briefs
Not an April Fool’s joke! 😊 My entire Waterspell fantasy series is on super-sale for the whole month of April 2026. Available wherever ebooks are sold.
Waterspell: The literary, portal fantasy, epic, heroic quest, coming-of-age, gothic slow-burn romance (give it time!) adventure you’ve been looking for.
Four-Book Boxed Set $3.99
The original quartet follows Carin, a lost traveler who embarks on a journey to discover her true identity and learn where she belongs. When she falls captive to a hot-tempered, secretive wizard, he draws her into schemes of magical power and possible murder. There’s a world to save, even if it costs Carin her life. The relationship between Carin and the wizard grows increasingly complex, balancing in a tense power struggle as, together, they navigate a world of dangers while yearning for redemption, a sense of belonging, and maybe a little unconventional romance.
Waterspell springs from the realm of epic fantasy (with an environmental fantasy twist). It’s got ancient and mysterious magic, a passage from one world to the otherworld, a (reluctant) Chosen One, and a Hero/Heroine’s Quest. It’s a portal fantasy with complex characters who become embroiled in mystery, murder, and a little slow-burning romance. Think “Jane Eyre meets a sorcerer.”
“A marvelously complex and captivating fantasy series.” —The Published Page
“The story just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” —Book Briefs
The Karenina Chronicles $0.99
House Verek lives on! Continue the family saga that began in the Waterspell fantasy quartet (Warlock, Wysard, Wisewoman, Witch). Follow the further adventures of eldest daughter Nina in The Karenina Chronicles (Waterspell Book 5).
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In the grip of a grief-fueled wanderlust after the death of her Earthly husband, Lady Karenina of Ruain—Nina to family and friends—escapes into unfamiliar lands, a harsh and distant country peopled with enigmatic characters: the Leviathan, the Nomad, the Outcast, and the Wolf. In their company she finds adventure, danger, champions, and rogues—some of the latter worth killing, but at least one worth loving.
Chronologically fifth in the Waterspell series, The Karenina Chronicles is a standalone story which is fully accessible to readers who have no knowledge of the previous four books. This entry in the series can be approached as an introduction to the Waterspell universe.
The Fires of Farsinchia $0.99
Will it all end in flames? The final book in the Waterspell series is The Fires of Farsinchia (Book 6).
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With the revival of magic in the world of Ladrehdin, an ancient foe reawakens. Lady Karenina is called home to wield her wizardry against a power far older and deadlier. Will she survive? Who will hear her call for help?
In this second sequel to the original Waterspell quartet, Nina returns to the Ore Hills, summoned from across the void to face peril alongside her brother Galen and niece Jacca. This time, the threat is existential. Nina will discover that her great Gift of water-magic does, in fact, have its limits. Love, however, is eternal, and true friendship is boundless.
The Fires of Farsinchia concludes the further adventures of Lady Karenina of Ruain, eldest daughter of House Verek. It’s a tale of loyalty, humility, and selflessness in the face of overwhelming odds. Who can you count on to always be there to save you from drowning when you’re in over your head?
Sale Ends April 30, 2026!
This is the lowest price ever for all six ebooks in the Waterspell series. Get the full series for only $5.97.
This is a game-changer! Readers who prefer ebooks now have a truly viable alternative to the monopolistic Amazon monster. Ebooks may now be easily purchased and downloaded at Bookshop.org, where every purchase supports a local independent bookstore. Millions of writers, including ME, are absolutely thrilled! We’ve waited and hoped for this breakthrough.
Without further ado, here’s a list of my books and where you can purchase them at Bookshop.org. Did I mention? Every purchase supports a local independent bookstore. You can designate your own favorite indie. It’s a win-win-win for the reader, the writer, and the bravely determined independent stores who fight the good fight against an evil monopoly.
The big Half-Price Sale continues at Smashwords through January 1. Get the four-book Waterspell Boxed Set for only $4.47!
Readers call it:
“Riveting”
“Unforgettable”
“Marvelously complex and captivating”
“A must-read”
The Waterspell fantasy series follows the story of Carin, a lost traveler who embarks on a journey to discover her true identity and learn where she belongs. When she falls captive to a hot-tempered, secretive wizard, he draws her into schemes of magical power and possible murder. There’s a world to save, even if it costs Carin her life. The relationship between Carin and the wizard grows increasingly complex, balancing in a tense power struggle as, together, they navigate a world of dangers while yearning for redemption, a sense of belonging, and maybe a little unconventional romance.
Magic, mystery, murder, and romance. Waterspell: An intricate save-the-world fantasy adventure with complex characters, cosmic calamities, and the gothic sensibilities of Jane Eyre.
Since I returned to writing and publishing in 2022, my habit has been to run one promo a month, alternating among sites such as Book Barbarian, The Fussy Librarian, and Freebooksy. In 2025, my pattern fell apart because the world fell apart around me. (Damn you, Nazis and Fascists!) Several months passed with no promotional or marketing efforts at all from me. I was busy trying to save Democracy.
When November-December rolled around, I decided on a year-end push to raise my books’ visibility. Without really planning it, just scheduling whatever promos occurred to me, I ended up with:
A massive sale of my audiobooks, deeply discounted at Chirp
A half-price sale on all of my ebooks at Smashwords
Here’s hoping this flurry of publicity nets some new readers! The big audiobook sale at Chirp ends December 12, but the half-price sale on ebooks at Smashwords continues through January 1. Spread the word, won’t you? In these difficult economic times (people can’t even afford McDonald’s anymore) every reader of books needs and wants bargains.
I’m excited that my books are included in the Smashwords 2025 End-of-Year Sale! This is a chance to get the complete, entire Waterspell fantasy series at a 50% discount.
For more details, check out my double author profiles. I don’t know how it happened, but I’m listed twice at Smashwords, once with an underscore in my name, and once without. Go figure.
This would be a perfect time to stock up on books for your holiday and wintertime reading. You can also give books as gifts. Smashwords makes it easy. See the “About Gifting” page.
In these trying economic times, authors need your help! Keep us writing: please share this promo with your friends, family, and other bloggers. You can find the landing page here: smashwords.com/sale
Making a place for yourself in a world where you don't belong takes courage. So does moving in with a warlock.
“Best audiobook series I’ve ever listened to.” —Google Audio
“A must-read for fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy immersive world-building, well-developed characters, and a storyline that seamlessly blends magic and human emotion.” —Dalton, NetGalley
“Complicated characters, plot twists, romance, adventure, and magic — all written in a voice that immerses you in a fantasy world both foreign and familiar. Get the box set because you won’t want to leave this world.” —Beck Digs It, Amazon
“An extraordinary book, four in fact! I read these over a five-day period and found the storytelling fantastic. See for yourself!” —Michelle, NetGalley
“Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast. Amazing story, very original. Great series.” —Emma, Amazon UK
“A great read that features world building with drama and magical characters. Highly recommended.” —Neil, Amazon
“An entertaining, fast paced, and well-plotted fantasy series. The world building is fascinating, and the characters fleshed out. Highly recommended.” —Anna Maria, NetGalley
“I absolutely loved all four books! You kept your storyline throughout the four books brilliantly. The characters were all genuine and relatable.” —Carol, Goodreads
“A riveting series. Well written, excellent world-building with an engaging plot in each book and well-developed characters. I was gripped right from the start with twists I didn’t see and unpredictability.” —Aria, NetGalley
“Captivating. I loved this series from beginning to end. Complex characters who mature through the series and unexpected plot twists kept me reading far too late into the night.” —Amy, Amazon
“I was hooked instantly. I willingly gave up sleep and could not wait to get up to read more. I’m reading the whole series, and absolutely loving it.” —Sarah, Amazon
“In this four-book saga, the author has created an epic fantasy world full of magic, danger, romance, and travel through time and space. The characters are vivid and complex. This is a most enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and fine writing.” —Shirley, NetGalley
“Addictive epic fantasy, with drama and adventure. I binged through the books, eager to see how the story unfolds. Great book. 5 stars.” —Di, NetGalley
“Lightfoot has a sure touch with regard to characterisation. Each of her characters has their own authentic and convincing voice. Narrative, description and speech are exceptionally well-balanced.” —Martin Dukes, author of the Alex Trueman Chronicles
“Such a joy to narrate this. It didn’t feel like work. The story and characters take flight so naturally and then soar.” —Simon de Deney
“I was HOOKED. I read until 3 am two nights in a row to finish this. The magic system is unique and the characters are as morally gray as they come.” —Megan, Goodreads
You won’t want to leave this world.
Castles in the cornfield provided the setting for Deborah J. Lightfoot’s earliest flights of fancy. On her father’s farm in Texas, she grew up reading tales of adventure and reenacting them behind ramparts of sun-drenched grain. She left the farm to earn a degree in journalism and write award-winning books of history and biography. High on her bucket list was the desire to try her hand at the genre she most admired. The result is Waterspell, a multi-layered, intricately detailed fantasy about a girl and the wizard who suspects her of being so dangerous to his world, he believes he’ll have to kill her … which troubles him, since he’s fallen in love with her. Deborah is a professional member of The Authors Guild. She still lives in rural Texas.
Magic, mystery, murder, and romance. Waterspell: An intricate save-the-world fantasy adventure with complex characters, cosmic calamities, and the gothic sensibilities of Jane Eyre.
Mix environmental fantasy with magic, mystery, and a little slow-burning romance, add dystopian undercurrents, and that’s the Waterspell series—a cross-genre story with too many layers for a single label.
