Introducing The Salty Pages Collection
Where Stories Season the Soul
Sometimes the best stories are like salt—they bring out the natural flavors of life while preserving what matters most.
Hello, my beautiful literary family!
I'm bursting with excitement to share something that's been simmering in my creative kitchen for months: The Salty Pages Collection, an anthology of interconnected short stories set in the heart of Charleston's Lowcountry. This project represents everything I believe about the power of authentic storytelling, and I can't wait to give you a taste of what's coming.
The Heart Behind the Collection
You know that feeling when you find the perfect seasoning blend? The one that doesn't overpower your dish but somehow makes every ingredient taste more like itself? That's what I wanted to create with this collection—stories that enhance rather than mask, that celebrate the full spectrum of human experience while respecting the values that matter most to our family.
Charleston has always felt like a character in my stories, with its Spanish moss secrets and tidal rhythms, its complex history and vibrant present. But what makes the Lowcountry truly special isn't just its setting—it's the people who call it home. The Salty Pages Collection celebrates those voices, particularly the diverse communities whose stories deserve to be told with authenticity and respect.
What Makes This Collection Special
Authentic Representation: Every story features BIPOC main characters whose experiences feel real because they are real, drawn from genuine cultural knowledge rather than surface-level research. From Amara's journey of reconciling her professional success with her Southern roots to Naomi's discovery that traditional wisdom and modern science can coexist, these characters navigate their worlds with complexity and grace.
Genre Diversity: Like a well-curated bookshelf, this collection offers something for every mood. Craving sweet romance? "Sweet Tea Serendipity" delivers butterflies and heart-eyes. Need a cozy mystery? "Recipe for Suspicion" serves up clever puzzles with a side of small-town charm. Want a touch of magic? "The Salt Keeper" blends hurricane-force tension with family legacy in ways that will leave you breathless.
Values-Aligned Storytelling: Clean doesn't mean boring, and diverse doesn't mean agenda-driven. These stories prove that fiction can be both entertaining and uplifting, featuring characters whose faith, family values, and moral compasses guide them through genuine challenges and real growth.
A Sneak Peek at the Stories
While I'm still putting the finishing touches on these tales, I can tell you they span everything from contemporary romance to psychological thrillers, all connected by Charleston's timeless charm and the universal human experiences that bind us together:
Watch a food critic and a chef discover that the best recipes—and relationships—require equal parts honesty and heart
Follow a marine biologist whose rare tidal research uncovers secrets that have been buried for decades
Meet a retired librarian whose observational skills prove invaluable when a heritage cookbook goes missing during a community bake-off
Discover how an unlikely friendship born through wartime letters challenges 1940s Charleston's social boundaries
Each story stands alone while contributing to a rich tapestry that celebrates both individual dreams and community bonds.
Why "Salty Pages"?
Salt has always fascinated me as both a practical necessity and a powerful metaphor. It preserves what's precious, enhances natural flavors, and—when applied to wounds—helps them heal properly rather than just covering them up. That's exactly what I want these stories to do: preserve the traditions and values that matter while bringing out the best in each character's journey.
The "pages" part? Well, that's about the stories themselves—each one a page in Charleston's ongoing narrative, each character adding their voice to the chorus of voices that make the Lowcountry home.
What's Next?
Here's the exciting news: The Salty Pages Collection is complete! All the stories have been carefully crafted, seasoned to perfection, and are ready to share with our literary family.
Starting Friday, July 18, 2025, I'll be sharing one story per week exclusively here on Substack. That's right—these stories will only be available to my subscribers (both free and paid), giving you front-row seats to this collection before it goes anywhere else.
Here's where you come in: I love the idea of experiencing these stories together as a family. I'll be watching the comments each week to hear your thoughts, favorite quotes, and which characters steal your hearts. Your feedback and discussions make this whole journey so much richer.
This collection represents a new chapter for me as an author—one where I get to explore different genres while staying true to the values that define our literary family. And I can't think of a better way to share it than right here, with all of you.
Check out the complete The Salty Pages Collection!!
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