I had planned to write the fourth and final novel of the Diondray’s Chronicles series after I completed Diondray’s Roundabout. Diondray’s Roundabout was book three and the novel I most enjoyed writing at that time. However, there were two secondary characters from that novel, Ciscoe and Latisha Maldonado that demanded their own story.
As a storyteller, I’ve learned to trust your storytelling instincts and tell a story that you did not expect too. Ciscoe and Latisha Maldonado deserved their own novel and Ciscoe’s Dance was the result of their demands.
I love books about the arts (books, music, art, and dancing) and how culture interacts with those aspects of life. The novels of Brazilian author Jorge Amado and Canadian author Charles de Lint come to mind with their tales of the arts and culture. Their books have given me inspiration to write the kinds of stories I want for my fictional world of Kammbia.
Ciscoe’s Dance represents the kinds of stories I want to tell for the rest of my writing career. This story deals with cultural appropriation, past versus present, and how music and dance can bring people from various backgrounds together. These types of stories continue to peak my interest and I want to engage my readers with going forward.
I hope my readers enjoyed this story on a basic storytelling level as well as the elements between the lines. What astounds me is how family comes to the surface especially in the relationship between Ciscoe and Delia Villanueva. My early readers comment on their relationship and how Delia’s revelation surprises them.
Ciscoe’s Dance took longer than I expected to complete. But, I realize this novel is a watershed mark for me personally and professionally. If this story can allow you to escape from your everyday life for a few hours or days, then I have done my job as a storyteller. Thank you for reading.