Port Huron resident's debut novel captures her grandfather's soul with magical realism

A Port Huron resident will be releasing her debut novel this August.

Stacy Elliott wrote and self-published her first book "Grandfather's Whispers" over a 14-year period. She was inspired to write the book after she lost her grandfather when she was 21 years old. She started to write a memoir about him to keep his memory alive for her younger family members, but also because her own memories of him were fading.

As she wrote, she found that adding details that weren't real, including magical realism, the book became more interesting as a fiction over a memoir. Some events in the book are also inspired by true events from Elliott's memories of her grandfather.

"By adding this magical realism with adult literary themes, it became a better story," Elliott said. "I was able to capture my grandfather's soul through it all, which was my goal in the first place."

"Grandfather's Whispers" follows a 17-year-old girl who is on the cusp of adulthood and going through a medical crisis. She meets her grandfather in the ethereal realm where the soul resides and magic thrives.

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bam Books-a-Million, Bookshop.org and Walmart. People can also pre-order directly from Elliott's website at www.stacynelliott.com .

"Grandfather's Whispers" will become available on Aug. 1.

Elliott will have a book signing event at 4 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Donald E. Dodge Auditorium, located at 200 Grand River Ave. In addition to the book signing, there will be refreshments, an excerpt reading by actor Michael O'Hair and a question and answer segment with Elliott.

The event is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. Registration can be found www.stclairlibrary.org/events .

Elliott's family knew she was writing the book, and some were given advanced copies to provide feedback. Elliott said her family enjoyed the book, with some checking with other family members to see which events in the book were from real life.

Elliott said other advanced copy readers have given her positive reviews, with some saying that it could make for a good movie someday.

"People have told me that they couldn't put the book down," she said.

Elliott said she is currently working on a five-part modern fantasy book series. She said the entire series has been mapped out already, with the first book completed and the second partially finished.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron resident's debut novel captures her grandfather's soul with magical realism