In late July, I began reading my novel, The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, in preparation for writing the screenplay. It had been nearly four years since I last really read my book before publishing it in early 2022.
Within the first few pages, I knew I had some changes to make. I found a few misspellings, dropped words, and repeated phrases. I was slightly horrified – and all this after two editors, a proofreader, and myself had reviewed it.
All Writing is Rewriting
Granted, over the last few years, my writing has matured. That’s the idea of practicing our writing. It’s a path to mastery, and there’s always room for revision. There is a saying that floats around my screenwriting groups: “All writing is rewriting.” I’d say that is true for all genres.
It took me several months to finally reach a point where I was satisfied with my revisions. Then, one Sunday afternoon, I was rereading the latest revision, and I had just 50 pages to go. I promised my designer I’d have the files to her by Monday. Little did I know I was in for a surprise. With my feet propped up on the chair and a glass of chardonnay nearby, I began reading, and then suddenly, the sequel unfolded in my imagination.
The readers of my first edition had been calling for the next book. On that launch day, I saw the opening scene as I sat on the rocks on a La Jolla beach sipping a cup of coffee. But then nothing…I had no idea what came next, and this lasted for years.
Now, I knew – and that knowing makes me smile.
And this meant I had more revisions to make. I had to go back into the storyline and plant seeds for this surprise to unfold.
For those of you who might have missed the first launch, in The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout, Ali Stephenson, a successful magazine editor, driven by blind ambition and a fear of being trapped, is sent to South Texas on a fly fishing assignment by the publisher, Joe Driscoll, who sees Ali like no other and has secrets of his own.
On the waters of the Mother Lagoon, Ali comes face-to-face with her past –– one where she is haunted by her mother’s death at the hands of her father and which overshadows her choices with men. Ali’s journey becomes one of self-discovery and healing under the guidance of Mama Kate, a spirited lodge owner, the rhythms of nature, and an unexpected gift.
Through her adventures, Ali discovers strength, wisdom, and courage she didn’t know she possessed. Set against the evocative backdrop of the Lower Laguna Madre, this novel, likened to the feminine version of A River Runs Through It, explores our innate wisdom, emotional resilience, and the courage to choose one’s own path, resonating with both women and men.
Book Launch in 2026
While the official launch is scheduled for the early months of 2026, an Advanced Reader Copy is available on BookFunnel.
I hope you enjoy the adventures of The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout and feel moved to leave a testimonial.