A few years ago, our beloved Japanese exchange student, Yumi (not her real name) vanished from the suburbs of Brisbane. In the middle of the night, her distraught parents rang, pleading for us to find her … A wide police investigation ensued.
Her disappearance and the devastating outcome, deeply affected my family … TRUE STORY
WHY did I write Sayonara? For Yumi’s sake, I needed to tell her story and seek retribution, if only in a work of fiction.
To protect the innocent (and the guilty), I’ve rewritten the story changing names and places, and I’ve added red herrings and extra clues for you to solve.
My main character is now Josie, a pacifist forensic student who searches aggressively for Yumi, often at odds with the police. I tell the story from Inside the Heads of five viewpoint characters (aka Jodi Picoult style) as they wrestle with the crisis.
Many sections of Sayonara read as Memoir, reflecting the powerful bond between the host parents and ‘adopted’ daughter, and the emotions stirred by the baffling events.
Other chapters are pure fiction straight from my imagination, brimming with suspense and intrigue.
Sayonara is FACTION. Will you be able to discern the line between Memoir and Fiction?
My Work in Progress is in its final Editing stages, as I twist and tweak it to its full potential.
… Due date, late March.
Sayonara has already captured the attention of a Publisher, who emailed me Requesting I send the manuscript to her when its completed. She’s been following my BLOGS. Don’t under estimate the POWER OF THE BLOG …
Can you believe that? … That part’s definitely NOT fiction.
Fingers crossed that she’ll like it! xx
A positive turn of the page, Karen. Good luck with it!
Thanks Jason, Nice to hear from you. It is POSITIVE, isn’t it? … Hope everything is working out for you in Melbourne. Cheers, Karen :))
Fantastic, Karen. Sounds intriguing. Best of luck with ‘Sayonara’. Joanna :))
Hi Joanna, I know you’ll love Sayonara. I have a good feeling about the Publisher. Thanks for all the Good Luck wishes, cheers, Karen :))
Fabulous news, Karen. Everything’s crossed. Keep positive and Smile…You’re almost across the border 🙂
Hi Carol, Thanks for your Wishes and positivity. This could be it this time! I’m ordering a BOOK titled “Law of Attraction” to read and meditate on. Have you heard of it? Cheers, Karen :))
Lovely news, Karen. I’m sure she will. I’ve enjoyed the snippets I’ve read.
H
Hi Helen, Thanks for that. I’ve appreciated all the feedback you’ve given me. I wish you Well with your Writing. Can’t wait to catch up soon. From your Year of the Edit buddy, Karen :))
Surely publication can’t be too far away.
Thanks Graham. I’m working my butt off with Writing and Networking. Hoping 2010 will be the year for me. Cheers, Karen :))
I really like the sound of this story. It’s such a shame that it’s based on real life. Best wishes with the publisher!
Thanx Debbie. Sayonara was a story I had to write, for Yumi’s sake as well as mine. Karen :))
Karen, this sounds intriguing, yet so sad that you, and others, had to suffer this tragedy. Best of luck with the publication. I admire your ability to use your talent to honour this young student.
Hi Lyn, I’ve had time and distance to put Yumi’s story into perspective. I’ve added Fiction to make it entertaining but the Core Story is still there. cheers, Karen :))
OMG I am so hanging for this book to come out. It sounds like my kind of book 🙂 Fingers crossed that it will be soon Karen!
Thanks Simone. Glad to hear that SAYONARA has such a devoted Fan. I’m putting the finishing touches right now and It’ll be sent to the publisher in weeks … Cheers, Karen :))