The Devil and The Devil’s Pawn

The Devil and The Devil’s Pawn by Debra H. Goldstein

What happens when you’re excitedly preparing for the launch of your Young Adult horror book, The Devil’s Pawn, and your doctor calls to tell you your test results were bad?  You’ve been so tired that you’ve occasionally wondered how you were going to cram in the public appearances, blogs, interviews, and emails necessary to promote your new book, but this crazy schedule is part of being a writer so forget the fatigue and keep on moving. Or, at least you tell yourself that until your doctor adds the words “lymphoma” and “heavy chemo protocol” and your world, as Marilyn Levinson’s did, stops.

Stops except for the drip, drip, drip…..and knowing that the doctor added “treatable” and “curable.”

But wait, what about The Devil’s Pawn?  Fifteen year old Simon Porte is depending upon you to publicize his story and you want to.  You worked hard on this book and you need people to know: after fifteen-year-old Simon Porte’s family is killed in an automobile crash, his father’s brother, whom he’s never met, brings Simon to live with him and his wife in upstate New York. Simon doesn’t trust Uncle Raymond, and for good reason. Raymond is dying and using his powers to take over Simon’s body. Simon and his allies—his dotty great-aunt Lucinda, his sister whom he finds living with another relative, and a pair of odd twins—wage war against the evil Raymond and his cronies.

Drip, drip, drip …. So many days in the hospital, so many days at home.  Try to minimize public contact during the treatments.

The book is getting great reviews, but you’re fretting because your plans to promote it are in disarray. Frustrated, you tell a few of your friends (Guppies – members of The Guppy Chapter of Sisters in Crime) who you’ve met at conferences and online and a wonderful thing happens.  Your friends tell

you to work on getting better and let them help out with telling people about The Devil’s Pawn.  Not a problem they say, it’s a good book so it is easy to talk about.

Drip, drip, drip … will this stuff make you need to buy a wig? Blonde, brunette, or maybe red?  That and getting well should be your biggest worries because your fellow mystery writers have closed ranks around Simon and you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Marilyn Levinson
Marilyn Levinson is doing well with her treatments.  The Devil’s Pawn, a young adult horror novel,is available for purchase from:

24 replies
  1. Vicki Batman, sassy writer
    Vicki Batman, sassy writer says:

    Hi, Marilyn! So good to hear you are doing well with your treatments. Cancer is just *bad word*. I love when someone defeats it. Good luck with your book!!!

    • Marilyn Levinson
      Marilyn Levinson says:

      Vicki,
      Thanks for your support, both with my treatments and my new book. I'm astonished when I consider how many people I know have been treated for cancer and are doing well.

  2. Mary Patterson Thornburg
    Mary Patterson Thornburg says:

    Hang in there, Marilyn! "The Devil's Pawn" sounds like a fabulous book, and I wish you the best of luck with it. Get well soon!

  3. Palmaltas
    Palmaltas says:

    The Devil's Pawn is a fabulous book and I hope it continues to do well just as I hope you are doing well also.

  4. Marilyn Levinson
    Marilyn Levinson says:

    Dear Pat,
    I'm so glad you enjoyed reading The Devil's Pawn. I wish I could do more to get the word out about it to young readers. Though the adults who have read it, enjoyed it, too. I have to keep reminding myself that treatment will end, and that there will be an end to the side-effects. They change from day to day.

    • Debra H Goldstein
      Debra H Goldstein says:

      Treatment will end and the memories will recede…but the book will continue to be read and enjoyed.

  5. Kaye George
    Kaye George says:

    If you like YA, or maybe even if you don't, do not miss this one! I loved it!! I'm proud to be Marilyn's friend and one of the fellow mystery writers wishing her well.

  6. marjoriespages.com
    marjoriespages.com says:

    Best wishes, Marilyn. Both with your treatments and The Devil's Pawn. You're an author, you can create the world (and health) you'd imagine. Positive vibes being sent your way.

    • Debra H Goldstein
      Debra H Goldstein says:

      Thanks for the words of encouragement for Marilyn and about her book. She truly knows how to create intriguing worlds

  7. Maureen Harrington
    Maureen Harrington says:

    I love YA and will order The Devil's Pawn right now.

    Marilyn, hold on, and keep writing. We love you!

  8. Marilyn Levinson
    Marilyn Levinson says:

    Thanks so much to my dear friend Kaye, Marjorie, Reine, and Marilyn for your kind words about my books and your good wishes for my health. Today wasn't a good day, but I know I'll feel better soon.

  9. Joanne Guidoccio
    Joanne Guidoccio says:

    Sending positive thoughts your way. Hang in there, Marilyn and good luck with The Devil's Pawn. 🙂

  10. lynnerose
    lynnerose says:

    Dear Marilyn, I'm wishing you (and your book) the very best. I really enjoy your writing so I'm sure The Devil's Pawn's got to be great. I'm passing along the word.

  11. kk
    kk says:

    Marilyn, your plight certainly proves that life has its ups and downs…as if we ever needed more proof of that. I am so glad your prognosis is good, hope the treatments aren't too horrid, and wish you success with your book. Keep on keepin' on! Hugs.

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