The novel is full of my reimagined versions of North American folktales and legends. For example, the guide that helps Valentine navigate the afterlife is Route 66, the Mother Road of America.

Rebecca Rook – 16 January 2024

The Back Flap

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods meets Jennifer Mason-Black’s Devil and the Bluebird in this modern adaptation of the Greek legend The Twelve Labors of Hercules for young adult fantasy readers.

Valentine Cash is dead.

When she dies in an accidental collision she caused on the cusp of musical fame, Valentine is offered a deal: Complete a series of difficult tasks to get her life back. Fail, and she dies a final, everlasting death. Guided by Route 66 the Mother Road of America on her quest, she tackles one herculean task after another, giving up a piece of herself with each trial.

Valentine begins to understand that the fame she once sought won’t bring her happiness or belonging – and if she fulfills the penance, she must decide what’s more important: Her old life or restoring the lives of the strangers who died alongside her.

The young and the ancient, the tangible and the mythical, collide as Valentine learns the true meaning of redemption, connection, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

I wrote this novel during the summer of 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of global uncertainty and fear, I was comforted by the escapism of the novel combined with the philosophical questions Valentine had to answer for herself.

How long did it take you to write it?

The first draft came together in two and half months. The words seemed to pour out of me, and I wrote every morning before I started my day job. Life events conspired to keep me from editing and launching the novel until now.

Where did you get the idea from?

Since Valentine Cash (the protagonist) is a young alternate country musician, it’s very appropriate that the idea for this novel was inspired by a lyric from a country song. The phrase, “The sharp knife of a short life,” prompted me to explore what would happen after a young woman’s death. And the story truly took shape when I realized that the novel was a retelling of The Twelve Labors of Hercules, which recounts the trials and tribulations Hercules must face after committing an accidental offense.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I struggled with the heart of the novel, which was ascertaining what would make Valentine truly happy at the end.

What came easily?

The descriptions within the novel and writing the trials came quite easily. From the beginning, I had a strong sense of the story and of my vision for the visual aspects of this novel.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious. However, the novel is full of my reimagined versions of North American folktales and legends. For example, the guide that helps Valentine navigate the afterlife is Route 66, the Mother Road of America. And the three legends that stand in judgement of Valentine are Paul Bunyan, High John de Conqueror, and Dale Wright (inspired by Patsy Cline). Throughout the novel, Valentine encounters the Bell Witch, Pecos Bill, and many more.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Goodness, there are so many authors who have inspired and influenced me. I think the main authors are Tamora Pierce, Patricia Wrede, Octavia Butler, and David Palmer. I’ve always loved and was drawn to genre fiction from a young age. I enjoyed seeing the possibilities that are available to the author and the audience in these kinds of stories.

Do you have a target reader?

I write fantasy, thriller, and horror so my fiction is at the intersection of malice, magic, and mystery. That said, most of my readers are women and femme identified folks between 14 and 50.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?

I start with an outline and a playlist. After I have both, I work early in the mornings, scene by scene, until I have a first draft. When I’m ready to edit, I first complete a line edit while I wrestle with the big picture questions of whether the writing supports the story. I also work with beta readers and professional editors to ensure that the story is the best possible version of itself.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I only operate with an outline. I’m not cut out to be pantser. My outlines are typically organized in a three-act story arc, with a single document containing the scene and with scene and character goal summaries at the top of each document.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Oh, no. That disrupts the storytelling process for me. I engage in multiple rounds of edits after I finish the first draft.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I did, and I recommend that all independent authors do so. A good editor will elevate your story and remove any unnecessary or distracting pieces of the story so your audience can fully enjoy reading the novel.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I very much listen to music while writing. I develop a playlist for each novel I write to capture and set the tone of the novel. I find that it helps me stay true to the heart of the story. You can listen to the playlist for The Penance of Valentine Cash here.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

If I think a novel is suitable for what the traditional publishing market typically acquires, I may query a few agents that are looking for the kind of stories I write. They aren’t a current focus of mine, though.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I am an independent author, and frankly, I went this route because I grew tired of waiting for the “…right time to query / publish / fill-in-the-blank.” I wish I had a more eloquent answer to offer but I want my books to find their readers. I’ve come to believe that the right time is always now.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I hired a professional. I’m not a graphic designer and I have a great deal of respect for a good designer. I simply can’t do what they do.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I do have a marketing plan. Again, I’m not a pantser or a winger. While I try to remain flexible enough to take advantage of last-minute opportunities that come up, I think having a plan helps focus my efforts. Otherwise, I’m tempted to do everything and that’s simply not feasible for me.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

As a new independent author, I don’t feel qualified to offer much advice. But I can tell you this: Hire an editor. Hire a cover designer. And celebrate every step.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest.

Where do you live now?

I still live in the Pacific Northwest. The damp and the cold, the green and gray, are forever tattooed into my being. I’ve lived in other places, but this is home.

What would you like readers to know about you?

In addition to writing young adult fiction, I design tabletop games and run a free little library dedicated to comics.

What are you working on now?

I’m currently editing three other novels, which will be released throughout 2024. I’m very excited to share these stories with everyone.

End of Interview:

For more from Rebecca Rook, visit her website and follow her on Instagram.

Get your copy of The Penance of Valentine Cash from Amazon US or Amazon UK.