When I share with others that I hold two degrees in sport management and have an adult thriller on the horizon, I anticipate the question that often precedes its asking: How do these seemingly disparate fields converge? During the summer of 2021, a remarkable encounter took place in Casper, Wyoming. At the age of 21 and having never ventured beyond the state of Washington, I embarked on a 1,100-mile journey eastward, driven by a pursuit that I believed to be my dream job – becoming a baseball play-by-play broadcaster.
Why Wyoming? The Gateway to Uncharted Territories
Wyoming emerged as the sole destination that offered me a job opportunity. Among the teams I interviewed with, one expressed interest in my demo tape but hesitated due to the perceived risk of my fraternizing with male players. However, the front office in Casper, composed mainly of women, saw the potential and took a chance. It is a rarity to encounter a female sports broadcaster, and even more so to witness women in leadership positions within the sports industry. In choosing Wyoming, I also felt chosen by the state itself.Those who have immersed themselves in the sports realm understand that the "and other duties as assigned" clause in job descriptions often leads to a diverse range of tasks. While I spent a significant amount of time in the press box, I also found myself in the concessions stand, selling Gatorade and ice cream sandwiches during youth baseball games. Amidst these sales duties and the constant movement along the concrete walkway, armed with a bug zapper to combat the pesky flies (a testament to the "other duties as assigned"), I was crafting the initial drafts of a book that would transform my life.I have always been captivated by small towns, particularly those that seem to exist in the middle of nowhere, much like Wonderland, Wyoming, which serves as the backdrop for my debut novel, "Long Time Gone." Questions such as how many first-grade classes they have, how frequently they make grocery store trips in a week, and how long it takes for volunteer firefighters to arrive have intrigued me. Compared to many other towns in Wyoming, Casper stands out as a metropolis, with a population exceeding 50,000 and even a Target!Wyoming holds a unique distinction as the only state in the country without a city boasting a population of over 100,000 and having only one university. It was also the first state to grant women the right to vote, as the territory needed more residents to achieve statehood. The outskirts of Casper offer a sight that is truly breathtaking – a bluest sky one can imagine, yet it is also in this very place that I have experienced the darkest of nights. The expanse of space in Big Sky Country is remarkable, thanks to the flat terrain. Driving down the highway at the 80-MPH speed limit often gives the illusion of standing still. It didn't take long for my author's mind to wander: What secrets lie hidden out here?Although I may never choose to live in Wyoming again, the cultural shock I experienced there has significantly influenced the setting of "Long Time Gone." Many of the reactions and emotions depicted by the main character, Quinn, in the story are closely tied to my own experiences. When executed effectively, the setting of a story can take on a life of its own and become a prominent character. Wyoming, with its rich tapestry of experiences, is a place that is far from lacking in character."Long Time Gone" is my ninth novel, but the first to see publication. My first novel was later recognized as fanfiction inspired by Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series. I noticed the similarities and envisioned a world where they were witches and spies, which became the foundation for my second novel, a young adult paranormal romance. I have written several young adult contemporary novels and mysteries, but my passion for writing has remained unwavering throughout my life, even as friendships have come and gone and hobbies have lost their allure.It has not been an easy journey, constantly facing rejections over the years – first from agents, then from publishers and editors. Each book that failed to sell felt like a personal failure. Just a month before "Long Time Gone" found a home, I was on the verge of giving up. I believed that no one would be interested in my lesbian, crime-solving cowgirls in Wyoming. But then, on a Wednesday afternoon while waiting for a University Parking Appeals meeting to commence, a notification arrived – my agent had sent an email with the subject line "we have an offer"!More often than not, I am asked how sports and writing can coexist. I am also frequently questioned about not working in sports or broadcasting anymore. It is true that I am not engaged in those activities at present. I work part-time at my local public library in the youth services department. I also substitute teach, and the kids affectionately call me Miss Slay. Additionally, I serve as the PA announcer for women's soccer and volleyball at the University of Idaho. I grade essays and quizzes for a class I used to teach. I cherish my routine and the impact my jobs have, but many people view my current situation and where I live as a sign of failure.The perception of failure imposed by others has always weighed heavily on me. Not making it to the big leagues of broadcasting is seen as a failure. Not wanting to be a full-time broadcaster is also considered a failure. My decision to move away from working in sports altogether (a topic worthy of a separate essay) is often labeled as a failure. However, without that summer in Wyoming, "Long Time Gone" would not have come to life. Without my foray into broadcasting, I would never have found myself in Wyoming in the first place. One could say that "Long Time Gone" is a compilation of all my perceived failures – and I am eager to see what new challenges and failures lie ahead.
