It’s September, and that means my debut novella turns one this month!
Happy birthday LOST CARGO. What a journey it’s been…
The style of this month’s newsletter’s going to be a little different from my usual as I look back on the past year since my first solo book was published. You’ll find a few recent updates at the end, but for the most part this month’s newsletter will be like an extended “Story Behind the Story” focused on LOST CARGO. At the very end of the newsletter, I’ve also included something special to help us celebrate this milestone together.
Since this book is a longer read, and isn’t free-to-read, I’ll avoid spoilers as much as possible and will focus more on the writing and behind-the-scenes story of the book. For anyone who still hasn’t read LOST CARGO and would like to, you can get it through any of the retailers on this page in both print and digital. You can also add it to your Goodreads “want to read” list here.
The story of LOST CARGO
begins way back in my childhood with the movie, Alien, which I watched at probably much too young an age—but it was the 1980s so nobody stopped me. This was my first introduction to sci-fi/horror, and though I was only four-years-old when it came out (likely five when I finally saw it), I wasn’t so much afraid as fascinated. Here was a story featuring one of the most truly “alien” creatures I’d ever seen, and truth be told, in terms of both aliens and monsters, I personally feel H. R. Giger’s Xenomorph has yet to be topped. But if that weren’t cool enough, the movie also featured a badass woman in the lead. A female hero in a science-fiction movie! At the time, this was something totally new to me, and let’s face it, it’s still not exactly the norm in Hollywood. So that was it. Little me was hooked.
Alien is one of the films I still credit with laying the foundation for my love of both sci-fi and horror. As a budding young writer, it fueled my imagination for what was possible in terms of how strange or terrifying space could get. Because of this, I always wanted to write something set in the unknown depths of space, something that would evoke in my reader the same kinds of feelings watching Alien (and it’s subsequent sequels and prequels) had in me. And I wanted it to feature a badass female lead.
I kept thinking it should’ve been me. But it hadn’t been me—and if I’d been spared, then maybe it was so I could help these people survive before I punched my ticket. – Parker, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
So somewhere around 2018-2019 I came up with an idea about a monster on a distant, uninhabited moon. In a sense, this was the seed for LOST CARGO, but the story I was imagining at the time was much darker. I haven’t yet written that story, but if I do it’ll likely be as a sequel to LOST CARGO.
But this idea was the jumping off point for my novella. With LOST CARGO I still had a distant, uninhabited moon, full of dangers, including the monster from the original idea, and some darker moments throughout, but I wanted the story to be different and my themes to be different than what I’d originally had in mind. That’s when I created Parker, the main character of my book.
It’s not right, I thought. That they should die, and I should live. Me, who had nothing, and no one left to live for. I wanted to cry for them too, but the tears didn’t come. It seemed I’d spent the last of my tears on Lily. – Parker, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
Parker isn’t a badass in the Hollywood movie sense. She doesn’t strut around kicking ass and looking tough. She doesn’t act like a man. But she is strong. Her strength comes in more subtle ways though, and when we first meet her, she’s struggling. She’s going through a period where her strength has been tested so many times, she doesn’t believe she can go on being strong another day. And then life—as it does—throws a wrench in her plans and shows her things can always get worse.
I wanted to showcase her kind of strength in my story. Inner strength, as well as the strength we have by leaning on others and working together to get through trying times. I figured it’s this kind of strength most of us will encounter in our regular, non-cinematic, lives. I wanted to show that we can all be badasses in our own way, no matter what life may throw at us. All we have to do is keep going, and we may even surprise ourselves by just how tough we can be. There are no doubt billions of people fighting invisible fights, like Parker is, and like Parker, many of these people have other people who depend on them. Each day they continue moving forward is a win, and they are all badasses in my heart.
He was right, of course. The thing that had attacked us could still be out there. Even if it wasn’t, there could be other dangers on this moon. It was reckless to go outside—alone, unprotected. I turned away from him and stepped through the opening. – Parker, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
The hardest part about writing LOST CARGO was making sure Parker’s emotional struggles came through in a way that was respectful, and real, without minimizing them or trivializing them in any way. I didn’t want to offer an easy solution to her struggles. I didn’t feel it was realistic to leave her “all fixed” by the end of my story. I know from personal experience that it doesn’t work that way. The battle is ongoing, and likely for life.
But I did want to leave things on a hopeful note, so while LOST CARGO has its dark moments, and monsters, and all that, it also has moments where the characters connect in positive ways, where they each do their part to make it through the plot I threw them into. And without magically solving all of Parker’s problems, I like to think I leave her in much better shape than she starts out, and looking toward a brighter future where she can heal and is surrounded by a support system that will help her do so.
Above me the sky was clear, but without the blue I was used to from Earth. It was yellowish; and hanging there looming large over everything was the gas giant this moon was tethered to. I realized I didn’t know the name of that world, or if it even had one. – Parker, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
The actual writing of LOST CARGO came during 2020. Covid lockdown sure wasn’t an ideal time for mental health, and perhaps that’s why my story idea took the turn it did.
Like many people, I struggled that year. I even skipped participating in all the contests I usually do through my online writing group, Codex. I just didn’t have the spoons for it, emotionally speaking. But there was one contest that year that I did participate in for the first time—the novella contest. I figured I might as well try to do something productive since I couldn’t really go anywhere, and so I started writing my book. I thought the idea I had was a bit light for a full novel, and more suited to a novella. Also, since I hadn’t written anything book length in a while, it seemed like a more attainable goal to set.
It appears a large creature is attacking the pod. – Lennox, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
At some point before the lockdown, a friend had gone on vacation and upon their return had called to tell me about the ordeal she’d gone through when the airline lost their bags. Her story got me thinking about what a situation like that might be like if it were space travel, and instead of luggage, what was lost were some of the passengers. I combined this with some other ideas and came up with an outline for the contest.
By the end of the contest, I had a first draft and some valuable feedback from the other participants. I didn’t immediately revise it though. Instead, I set the book aside, because sometimes you have to step away to figure out what a story needs. Also, it was still 2020 and my motivation was in the toilet.
This was the moon they kept secret. The one they designed as a hunting ground for wealthy sportsmen. – Kauri, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
Come 2021 though, I was ready to work on it again. I rewrote it and sent it off to my critique partners. They gave me more valuable feedback and helped me pinpoint some things that still weren’t working. I rewrote it again, scrapping an entire romantic subplot, and focusing on other things that I’d glossed over originally. Finally, I had a story I was happy with. One that did all the things I’d set out to do. I sent it out on submission.
It doesn’t always happen this quickly, but Mocha Memoirs Press bought my book within a few months of when I started submitting it. It was exciting to get an offer from them. I’d done my research and I knew they specialized in publishing the work of underrepresented authors. They were doing good work by putting stories out in the world that maybe wouldn’t have been noticed otherwise—something that mattered to me as both a female writer of color, and because my story featured a diverse cast and I wanted a publisher who could understand a story with varied points of view. So I signed the contract, and got the ball rolling on the publication process.
So we need to make it through a wilderness of fucking monsters before we can get to a base camp that may or may not still be in one piece and may or may not have an operational comm system. – David, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
There’s a lot that happens between that initial agreement, and the moment the book is actually available to read. The production of the book itself went smoothly. I had an amazing experience working with my editor—who would send me encouraging updates on how much she was loving my story—and with my cover artist who worked with me to create a cover I could be proud of (something that doesn’t really happen with big publishers since they don’t much care if an author likes their cover or not.)
As with most major endeavors, there were some problems along the way as well though. My publisher did a great job, but sometimes things go wrong no matter how you try to prepare for them. All you can do is work the problem in the moment, and sometimes that takes time, or requires the involvement of external companies you (or the publisher) have no control over.
For one, promoting the book was tricky because we were still in the midst of a pandemic and I didn’t exactly feel comfortable doing in-person events yet, so that meant the usual book tour stuff was out. There were also technological glitches that resulted in the book not having a pre-order link until the day before publication, and readers not being able to add the book to their cart to purchase it for a few days. Initially they couldn’t even add it to their Goodreads! Not ideal situations, as you can imagine, especially since pre-orders and early buzz can make or break a book.
Suddenly the lights went out, robbing me of the last of my senses. Then came a flash of light, and the chamber cover flew open, tearing off the bed rather than rolling under it the way it should. The gel spilled onto the floor, and I came down hard on the padding. I pulled the mask off, the coppery scent of blood assaulting my sense of smell. – Parker, from Lost Cargo by P.A. Cornell
In the end though, the book came out on September 12, 2022. I was thrilled to see it out in the world and that people were reading it—and loving it! To this date, I’ve yet to hear any negative feedback on LOST CARGO. If there’s someone out there who has read and hated it, they’ve kept it to themselves, for which I’m grateful. My Goodreads rating is damn good, though I could definitely use more. The more ratings and reviews you get on both Goodreads and Amazon, the more likely new readers will find your book, after all. If you’ve read and enjoyed my book, it’s not too late to click on those links and give it a boost. Think of it as an anniversary gift to me. Reviews can be as short as “I enjoyed this,” and a star rating takes just a second to click.
Over the past year though, several people have let me know they loved my novella and I’m grateful to each and every one of them (you know who you are). It’s so gratifying to know my book has found—and continues to find—new readers, even now. I’m sure LOST CARGO won’t be my last book, but the first book is always going to have a special place in an author’s heart. I’m proud of how it turned out, and how well-received it’s been by readers.
LOST CARGO REVIEWS
Read (or view) some reviews about LOST CARGO here. Over the next couple of weeks I’ll be sharing some of my favorite review quotes on my social media, so keep an eye out for those.
LOST CARGO INTERVIEWS
Before and after the book launched I did a number of interviews that you may or may not have come across. Here’s a list so you can catch up on any you missed:
September 6, 2022. One of my favorite interviews to date was with the Frivolous Comma podcast in which I got to talk about Lost Cargo, as well as a few of my favorite short fiction pieces.
September 9, 2022. I talked about Lost Cargo on the podcast, There's Stories Everywhere.
September 12, 2022. Mocha Memoirs Press did an "Author Spotlight" interview with me on my book birthday.
September 21, 2022. I had a chance to talk about my novella as one of the panelists on ConTinual Convention's Hot Off the Press YouTube program.
November 22, 2022. I was featured, along with Lost Cargo, in InstroSPECtion magazine.
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY
As I mentioned in my past couple of newsletters, I recently participated in Codex’s 1000-word flash fiction contest, “Flash, Savior of the Universe.” I managed to write all three pieces for this contest, which is a win in itself. My first week’s story was the best received and came in first place in my division for that week. It’s a fantasy piece titled “Not for Sale.” The original version was actually over double the word-limit for the contest, so I had to trim quite a bit to enter it, so I think when I send it out on submission I’ll go with the longer version, which I liked better anyway. The other two stories are, “Worlds Apart,” an experimental SF piece told in a he said/she said format showing the progression of a relationship between two people from different worlds; and “I Tend the Graves,” another SF piece about a man who tends the graves in a world where people no longer die. I’ll be reworking these soon and sending them out on submission in the very near future.
I’ve also continued work on both my short story collection and the second draft of my novel. For the novel I’ve teamed up with fellow author, Jordan Kurella, as accountability buddies, to help us both stay on track for our works in progress. Jordan is an excellent writer. You should check out his work if you haven’t yet.
I’ve also recently learned I’ll be on a couple of panels at Can*Con, so if you’ll be attending the Ottawa convention, you may see me around. I’ll have more details about that when the schedule is finalized.
I’m also recording a discussion with a few other authors later this week for author Deborah Davitt’s new speculative fiction podcast, Shining Moon. We’ll be discussing a favorite genre of ours: Dark Fantasy vs. Horror. I’ll share the link when the episode is live. In the meantime you can listen to previous episodes of the podcast here.
RECENT STORY SALES
So far, I’ve published eleven stories in 2023, which you can find links for here.
I also recently sold a few stories that I’m really excited for you to read. I can’t yet make an official announcement for two of them yet, but that’s coming very soon, so keep an eye on my social media. I’ll also be sure to include more details in my next newsletter.
I can tell you a little about the stories though. The first one’s called, “Bright Horizons,” and it’s a SF story about the dangers of artificial intelligence taking over aspects of our lives it maybe shouldn’t control. Kind of a timely concern for those of us in certain professions.
The other one is a reprint of my story, “The Body Remembers,” which was published early this year in Dark Matter Presents: Monstrous Futures. This is a dark futuristic story about the drawbacks to healing technology. I’m really proud of this story so I’m excited to see it find new readers.
The final story sale I can tell you more about. It’s called, “Once Upon a Time at the Oakmont,” and it’s a fantasy story that plays with time, which if you’ve been reading my newsletter for a while, you know is one of my favorite things to do as a writer. People always ask if you have a favorite story, and while I’ve written several that I really love, this one is hands-down my favorite story I’ve written yet. It incorporates so many things that I love, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. I can’t wait to share it with the world.
What’s even better is this story sold to a dream market, Fantasy Magazine! I’ve long wanted to work with editors Arley Sorg and Christie Yant, and while it’s a touch bittersweet since my story will be included in one of Fantasy’s final issues ever, it’s still a thrill to be part of such a prestigious publication.
RECENT REVIEWS
My flash SF piece, “A World Unto Myself,” which appeared in Apex Magazine in May, got a really nice review from Maria Haskins. You can read that review, along with the rest of her Short Fiction Roundup, here.
Gabino Iglesias and Arley Sorg also wrote great reviews for Dark Matter’s Monstrous Futures anthology, for Locus and Lightspeed magazines, respectively. Arley specifically mentioned my story, “The Body Remembers,” in his review, which you can read here.
For earlier reviews of my work that you may have missed, visit my review page here.
AWARD ELIGIBILITY
For those reading for awards season, you can find my 2023 eligibility post here.
SMOL MERCH GIVEAWAY!
If you’ve read this far, please know that I really appreciate it. To show some of that appreciation, I’ve decided to do a “Smol Merch Giveaway” this month in celebration of LOST CARGO’s first year. With that in mind, one of my subscribers will be randomly chosen to win this pack of LOST CARGO goodies (pictured below) that includes a bookmark, magnet, and two stickers (one regular, one iridescent). You don’t have to lift a finger to qualify, you just have to make sure you’re subscribed. If you’re not already subscribed, you have until midnight EST, September 12, 2023 to do so. The winner will be chosen at random after that, and I’ll be contacting them for mailing details.
Thanks again for reading.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe (by end of day Sept. 12), and share!
P.A. Cornell