Explore the process of writing time travel books on our podcast with debut author Cesca Major. Writing an endless time loop love story isn’t easy- learn why.
In today’s Book Gang episode, Cesca Major, award-nominated novelist, and screenwriter, as she discusses her US debut novel, Maybe Next Time.
Today we discuss one of the trickiest literary time machine genres to write- the Groundhog Day story. With these repetitive sequences, how do you prevent a lag in your story or keep a reader from skimming the pages?
Cesca Major had to be mindful of the repetitive nature of this experience for the reader. However, she overcame this challenge and created a story that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
In Maybe Next Time, Emma is trapped in a never-ending Monday, reliving the same day repeatedly as she tries to save her husband and keep her family and work life from falling apart.
On the first Monday of our story, Emma is wrapping up another harried day of obligations and comes home to an angry husband. Dan has lovingly prepared an anniversary dinner and wrote the annual letter they will give each other on this special day.
The problem is that Emma has entirely forgotten the day’s celebration and many previous celebration days, along with this symbolic letter of their year together. After this fight, Dan takes the dog for a walk and gets hit by a car.
When Emma goes to bed, Dan is dead and gone. But when she wakes up, he is alive.
This cycle repeats as Emma tries to keep Dan alive or tune into what the Universe is trying to tell her on this never-ending Monday.
This novel now sits on my all-time favorite time travel stories shelves. Don’t miss today’s bonus post of time loop books. This book list includes new release books, thrillers, mystery, young adult, and holiday books.
We also expand this list with a few of my favorite lesser-known backlist selections that I’ve loved over the years.
Meet Cesca Major
Cesca Major is an accomplished author and screenwriter with an impressive track record. With 13 novels published under different pen names, her books have been widely distributed across more than 10 countries. Her writing prowess has earned her nominations for the RNA’s Romantic Comedy Award and the CWA Gold Dagger Award, a testament to her exceptional storytelling skills.
Cesca is working on an original TV series with the BBC, a new addition to her impressive portfolio. Cesca Major’s adult debut is available on store shelves now, published by HarperCollins.
Maybe Next Time marks Cesca Major’s US debut and this jump across the pond represents a new opportunity for the author, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her.
Cesca lives in Berkshire with her husband, son, and twin girls. You can find out more about Cesca over on her website.
The Best Life Lessons from Time Travel Books
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Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
A Quiet Life Book Chat with MomAdvice Book Club
Mug Warmer
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman
The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pukka Fired Up Matte
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