FREE SINGS THE SEA

Today I’m happy to welcome author Stacey Bartlett to the blog. Her new YA novel, Free Sings the Sea, was recently published by Monarch Educational Services.

Stacey has always been a warm and kind supporter in the writing community, so I’m glad I get to highlight her book in the blog.

A bit about this novel:

The road to freedom starts when you slam the door of a single wide…

Eighteen-year-old Shanna has one goal this summer, and it’s hitting the road. She won’t be visiting colleges or backpacking through Europe, though. Instead, she plans to save her mom and little sister from the fists of her abusive stepfather and get them to the sea and freedom. What she didn’t plan on was falling in love.

From the day Shanna walks out of the woods and into his life, Free knows what he wants to do with his summer. Oh, he’ll train horses and help out on the farm like usual, but hanging out with his enchanting new visitor just became his top priority. Little does he know that Shanna needs more than a diversion this summer. She needs help saving her family. Next thing you know, Free is hitching up his horse trailer for a road trip he never saw coming, but won’t steer away from, no matter how dangerous it might get.

And dangerous it will be, because Shanna’s stepfather didn’t come to play, and he’s not about to let his family just ride off into the sunset.

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Now, on to our interview:

M. Stacey, congratulations on your novel! How exciting! I love the title. Can you tell us how did you come up with it?

S. Free Sings the Sea is a story of faith, family, and freedom. It follows the journey of eighteen-year-old Shanna who fights to save her mom and little sister from the fists of her abusive stepfather and get them to the sea and freedom. There is also a sweet romance in the book, and Free is the name of Shanna’s love interest. The imagery of the sea and the theme of freedom brought the title into my mind all at once!

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M. What an important topic you’re addressing in your book, Stacey. Can you describe your main character and why you created her that way?

S. I would describe my protagonist Shanna as loyal, protective, and strong. I first saw her in my mind running away from a ramshackle old trailer in the mountains and into the woods with her long, curly hair streaming behind her. I knew at once that she was trying to escape a desperate situation. Shanna was forced to be strong and take on the roles and responsibilities of an adult at an early age as is often the case in domestic violence situations. Sometimes it takes an indomitable spirit to hold onto hope and create change, and I wanted Shanna to inspire readers in their own life challenges.

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M. “Hold on to hope and create change” I love that, Stacey! Can you please share what was your favorite scene to write?

S. My favorite scene would have to be on the road trip, when Free, Shanna, and her family are fleeing North Carolina and escaping to the ocean. Shanna looks up and sees a woman on the side of the road who looks just like her grandma who has passed away. Shanna’s
mom is surprised and points out that it is actually grandma’s birthday that very day. The date is August the 25th, and it is significant because it was also my mom’s birthday in real life, so it was my tribute to her.

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M. That’s so special! I like how as authors, the books we write have details from our own lives. Some books get to be more personal than others. Stacey, I know one of the main themes in your book is hope. Why was it important for you to highlight it in your story?

S. There are few Young Adult novels with domestic violence as a theme and many young people experiencing its devastating effects on their mental health and their families. This book was written to fill that gap, and to offer hope for change and a brighter future to struggling young adults within the pages of a thrilling story and a sweet romance. I pray my readers will close my book feeling inspired to dream and hope for a brighter future whatever their circumstances might be at the moment!

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M. Finally, are there any new projects you’re currently working on? What comes next for you?

S. I am currently working on a series of women’s fiction second chance romance novels starting with SEASIDE. Yep, there’s that sea again! I am most excited about my middle grade fantasy MONSTER MOUNTAIN published by Monarch Educational Services that will be released on February 4th! Stay tuned for more epic adventures!

M. How exciting that you have more books coming out soon! Congratulations! I wish you all the best with your projects, Stacey! I can’t wait to hear more news!

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STACEY’S BIO

Stacey was born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and currently lives in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. She graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a BS in Psychology and has been a homeschool teacher for over twenty years. Her middle-grade fantasy, MONSTER MOUNTAIN, will be published in February 2025, and her work appears in County Lines Literary Journal and Reckon Review. She has four children. Stacey loves to read and to write stories that bring hope to her readers’ hearts.

https://linktr.ee/staceybartlettauthor

Thanks for reading!

M

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📸 Cover photo by Sebastian Voortman.