Local Author’s Major Publishing Debut Now in Print

Local Author Nancy Wallace has reached a frequently-aspired but seldom obtained pinnacle of achievement: publication of a novel by a major publishing house.

Yesterday, her fantasy novel “Among Wolves” was released in print in the U.K. by HarperVoyager, the fantasy branch of Harper Collins. The book is available for purchase in the U.S. online. The e-book has been available since early summer.

Wallace, the children’s director at the Ellwood City Area Public Library, has possibly been this area’s most prolific author, with over a dozen published children’s books. So why did someone who mostly works with children end up writing a novel for adults?

“It’s been a natural outgrowth of my work,” Wallace said.

Through her job, she’s seen local children grow up from elementary school through college and book discussion groups that started out for children evolved into young adult and finally, adults.

In today’s self-publishing world, it is easy for authors to get their work in print via Amazon CreateSpace or a multitude of indie publishing companies. However, the backing of a publication house is the crown-jewel of an aspiring novelist. For that and other reasons, Wallace decided to diligently pursue traditional publishing.

Wallace has been an avid reader of fantasy since high school and by college, had read every book by or about legendary fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien (author of the Lord of the Rings) and even wrote her undergraduate paper on Tolkien.

“If I choose to read a book for leisure, it’s always fantasy,” Wallace said.

Thus, it was completely natural that her first novel for adults would be in the fantasy genre. “Among Wolves” took three years to write and initial feedback was encouraging. Her friend and library director Nancy Wallace edited the book and felt little change was needed.

“Among Wolves” was far from Wallace’s first foray into novel writing- but she said all her other attempts will remain unpublished.

In 2012, Wallace heard that Harper Collins would be taking unsolicited manuscripts for 10 days in October. As publishers almost always require authors to be represented by an agent and obtaining an agent in-and-of itself is a feat, Wallace seized the opportunity.

She was supposed to hear back in three months and after over a year, more or less gave up hope, assuming her manuscript had gotten lost in the slush pile. However, after 18 months, she got an email from London with the message that her book was accepted.

“I was bouncing off the walls,” Wallace said. “I’ve heard only 5% of unpublished authors get published after 50. I was 59 then. I started sending manuscripts out in 2004, so it had taken eight years.”

“Among Wolves” draws inspiration from a French legend- the Beast of Gévaudan, a tale about a vicious wolf that was possibly a werewolf. The novel follows the protagonist, Devin Roché, on a quest to preserve the history of the nation of Llisé.

Regarding the cross-like image on the cover, Wallace explained it’s far from a symbol of love and hope. “They are used as curses, with different colors for specific curses. Red is a death curse.”

Unlike Tolkien, Wallace’s book is not high fantasy. It does not have elves or magic and instead is more of a historical fiction novel taken place in the fictional nation of Llisé, which is modeled after 18th century France. It also includes substantial political and social commentary, especially on the immense inequity between peasants and nobles.

“Lots of people who don’t normally read fantasy have liked the book,” Wallace said. “It’s not your typical fantasy novel.”

Unfortunately, the novel’s publication in the UK has created some problems with distribution and marketing in the U.S. According to Wallace, HarperVoyager has done an excellent job marketing in Europe.

Julie D’Amico, Wallace’s friend and American publicist said that there will definitely be local book signings. Currently, Wallace is recovering from back surgery so any planned activity is on hold.

The publisher is still working out some issues regarding US distribution,” D’Amico said. “That is another reason our book signings have been put on hold. I am confident HarperVoyager will find a solution.”

Fortunately, “Among Wolves” is only the start of Wallace’s novel career. In yet another impressive feat, Wallace’s contract is for a three-novel series. “The book ends on a real cliffhanger,” Wallace said, so readers will be anticipating the sequel.

Currently, the book can be purchased online at www.bookdepository.com/Among-Wolves-Nancy-K-Wallace.