Episode 89: Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark
Elissa Grosell Dickey shares the inspiration behind The Speed of Light, a novel described as “a gripping page-turner, infused with a compassionate and insightful look at chronic illness.”
Elissa shares her real life experience that led to writing a character recently diagnosed with MS, and chats with Lainey about how they’d both like to see more chronic illness representation in women’s fiction protagonists.
She also shares a sneak peek of her second novel, Iris in the Dark, which releases in June.
The Speed of Light by Elissa Grossell Dickey (Bookshop.org / Amazon.com)
Iris in the Dark by Elissa Grossell Dickey (Bookshop.org / Amazon.com )
Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert ( Bookshop.org / Amazon.com )
The Darkest Web by Kristin Wright ( Bookshop.org / Amazon.com )
Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy ( Bookshop.org / Amazon.com )
Blog Posts mentioned:
Finding the right fit: How I found my agent By Elissa Grossell Dickey
The Thing and The Other Thing, on DG&B blog
Connect with the author:
Transcript:
** Transcript created using AI (so please forgive the typos!) **
Lainey 0:00
Hi Elissa! We are going to talk about The Speed of Light, which is a book I've wanted to have her on to talk about, because it's near and dear to my heart some of the themes of this book. But also, I'm hoping I can convince her to talk about the new book that's coming in June as well. I didn't necessarily prepare her for that. So hopefully she's gonna be ready for that. He's Alyssa, thank you so much for joining me today.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 0:19
Thank you so much for having me. I'm really honored to be on here. Seriously, I, wasn't sure just because my book is coming up on a year old, which I'm excited to celebrate the first year anniversary of The Speed of Light. Again, thank you. I really appreciate it. And where are you joining me from I'm joining you from sunny South Dakota. The joke being that of course, it's winter here. And so it's usually very cold.
Lainey 0:38
So, let's start by telling people about The Speed of Light. If they haven't been lucky enough to read it yet. I am reading it right now. I adore this book. It's great. I'm about halfway through. And I'm really like in love with your main character. She's like, resilient, and she's dealing with a law and tell you more about the book because you might not yet have heard of it.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 0:57
Awesome. The Speed of Light is women's fiction, told them intersecting timelines, and it covers a young woman's life as she deals with a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis along with new love in a terrifying terrifying workplace incident. So essentially, we get in the present, it starts with this incident at work and then flashes back to the previous year where she was being diagnosed and dealing with that while meeting the love of her life. And so the timelines keep going. It's a very emotional story. And then in the end, they intersect and don't give that away.
Lainey 1:32
But yeah, no spoilers, no spoilers. So I love like part of why I wanted to have you on is I love the fact that you wrote a character with Ms. And she's a heroine, she's dealing with this. But she's not falling into actually the heroine trope is one of the tropes, right and in the disability world is this idea that anyone who lives with a chronic condition is a heroine just by getting up in the morning. And I kind of felt her though, because she's dealing with all of this right. But to me, I haven't seen that many books in women's fiction worlds, where the lead character is leading her life moving forward, and in this case is dealing with Ms. Like, tell me more about writing that and where it came from?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 2:11
Sure. It's actually it took me a while to kind of have the courage because yes, that's one thing that you don't see a lot of main characters, you see maybe a side character, and their journey is there just for the main character to get some perspective for their own life. And that's no, that's not what I wanted to do at all, because yet I do I live with Ms. I had written two other manuscripts. And finally, I kind of decided I was going to write this one for me, it ended up being kind of therapeutic, it's hard to put such a personal story out there. And yet it was therapeutic for me to write it. And I wrote basically the story I needed when I was first diagnosed, but it is turned into more just because of how it has resonated with people. And I've been so appreciative. I mean getting the first I can still remember clearly the first time I got a note a message from someone who had read it and said that it resonated with them. And they felt seen. And that's exactly like more than I could have hoped for ever. When I wrote the book.
Lainey 3:07
It really feels authentic to me. I also live with chronic condition. Of course, a different one, I have Crohn's, but it really felt authentic in that it wasn't all of who she is. It's something she's dealing with that's happening to her that is scary, because you don't understand all the things that are happening with your body. And it's getting in the way of everything you want to be doing in life. But it's not all of who she is, right? She's not a it's not a cardboard cutout of a character. And I think you could write it that way. Because you have that personal experience.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 3:34
Right. And that's it. Also her experiences are so individual and that and she's kind of learning that as well. And that was something I was afraid of Honestly, when I wrote it because it is such an individual illness. And so I just kind of had to tell myself, I all I can do is write my own story as authentically as I can and, and hope that it maybe opens the door for other stories to be told, because stories about people with Crohn's or other illnesses and disabilities. That would be amazing.
Lainey 4:02
Yeah, I'd like to see more of it and women's fiction and not like you say the side character. Right. Exactly. Yeah. Tell me more about the inspiration. So obviously, it's coming from personal experience. But you decided to blend some other interesting things in here. Right? It's very dramatic. At the beginning of the novel. I I don't know just the blurb tell people what happens at the very beginning of the novel. It kind of does,
Elissa Grossell Dickey 4:23
it says it says we're, that might be a little bit of a spoiler, but a workplace act of violence will say. So that is I mean, I have added content warnings to my website. And you know, I wish I would have done it sooner. But you know, better you do better. And I've got that on my website now. So I hope that anyone will read those if they need that. Um, interestingly enough, I started out with two separate stories. And you can probably see which you know, having now that you're reading the book, what I'm talking about, but I quickly discovered that these were two different timelines of the same story. The idea for the act of violence at work comes from I do I work at a university. And I've had just gone through a lot of training, how I think a lot of people in education have, and it's very, it's very jarring. And it's very, it's a scary thing to think about and to go through. And it's, it's real life. And so I got these two separate story ideas that ended up being two parts, like I said, of the same story. And it really, you're really fit. It really fit together. In the end, I guess the best way to say it?
Lainey 5:27
Yeah, so this question might be related, because I was going to ask you, like, did it change a lot during editing. So I mean, obviously, if it started as two stories, that's a pretty big change.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 5:36
That's a huge one and credit to my agent for it, there's a, I'll have to send you the link to the blog post, because I referenced it once where it's the thing plus the thing. And that's a lot of like, I try to do that now with any story idea I have where, you know, you have someone with Ms. Dealing with that. And that's, it's a great story in itself, and should be told, obviously, but and then you all you also have, they're thrown into this act of the scary act of violence at work, like you have these, the thing plus the thing, and oftentimes that'll push an idea kind of to the next level, so to speak. And I will send you that link.
Lainey 6:07
I'll put that link in the show notes. So folks go to the website at best of women's fiction.com, they'll be able to see that as well as the link to this book and your next book as well. So is there anything readers might be surprised to know is different in the final version than earlier versions?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 6:29
Yes, I was thinking about that. And part of the revising process. I changed the beginning. And it's not huge. I mean, it would have changed the order of the parts basically just would have started differently would have started with her at work, which it got there eventually, I think I hope there would have been nothing wrong with that beginning. But in the revising process, I realized I just really liked the MRI scene, I mean, not like, I don't like MRIs. And so it's not like it was a totally fun scene. And yet it was fun to put it in some of the thoughts you go through. And I felt like it was it was a unique, authentic experience, because it's something that there are thoughts that I've had laying in there for an hour and a half or whatever. And so I thought, what if I started with that, because it really, it's different, it's unique, but it also gives you immediate insight into her character and what she's going through. And so I think that really, I think it really helped, as far as character.
Lainey 7:27
I agree. And it did a great job of setting a tone for the book. Because like you say it got you inside her head, right? Because what else can you do when you're in an MRI machine and you're not allowed to move but your own head allows, it got some of her sarcasm, some of her resiliency, like you really got to know her as a character because she's dealing with this experience, which is being inside the MRI machine. I thought it was actually an inspired way to start the book that got you right into the character's head. I thought it worked really well, who
Elissa Grossell Dickey 7:55
Thank you, and I will it's like a I keep learning things where I think, you know, remember that next time where I'm like, I'm starting the book here. But if there's just one part that I keep coming back to them like well, I really like that part. And then think about maybe that's where my book should start. And they say that I mean a lot. I remember back when you're querying where it's like, quite often your book, should you start your book, but 50 pages in is where it gets going, Well, why aren't you starting there then? And so, you know, you just got to continue to learn and to kind of keep trying new things as you're writing, I guess.
Lainey 8:25
Well, if you're, if you allow me I'm actually gonna read a review because I think this is a lovely review that captures your book really well. And I just had like, oh, boy reviews because they're not horsemen. No. Don't worry. Susie, Susie Chris, the author of books. Yeah. And Valentine. Yes. And I just thought I actually did read all the reviews to your point on like, I actually went to Amazon and read the reviews because I love to see what readers pick up on a book. And what I saw for what it's worth is the word gripping is like the single most like frequent word in your reviews. Gripping, beautiful, authentic, accurate. Those are the words that came up again and again.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 9:07
So can you send those to me like that would be? I need your daily affirmations.
Lainey 9:14
So I just thought this review was lovely because it captured those words. And I thought like if a reader was describing it like a writer does, this is what they would have said so I thought this might be a good one. It says gripping, compelling and real. The Speed of Light is an incredible debut that lets you inside the mind of a woman whose life has been turned upside down first by a life changing medical diagnosis, then by an important your relationship and then by an unimaginable tragedy at her workplace, Dicky weaves together a story that is impossible to put down and even as it reminds you that your life your own life could be irrevocably altered at any moment. It is filled with encouragement, wisdom and warmth. A book that calls its reader to empathy and bravery. Wow.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 10:00
Yeah, that's so wonderful. And she's blurbed in my next book as well. So I'm very lucky to. Yeah. And she just captured it. I mean, that's, just yeah.
Lainey 10:10
So let's talk about the new one, which is coming really soon in June. So tell us the name. Tell us a little bit about it.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 10:19
Yes, June 7, it's called Iris in the Dark. And I'm so excited because like you said, June is coming up quickly, and I can't believe it. It is not a sequel, a lot of people have asked that. But it is set in South Dakota just like The Speed of Light. And much like The Speed of Light. It is women's fiction with elements of romance and suspense. But it's a different storyline. And it leans a little bit more towards suspense. And it follows a story of an overprotective single mother named Iris, who is agrees to help sit at a hunting lodge out in the South Dakota prairie. And she thinks she can handle everything there, even the grumpy but handsome neighbor who she clashes with at first, but ends up being quite a help. But then she starts her son has found this box of old toys. And in the night, she hears a voice calling from this. And she thinks based on what the voice is saying that it's someone from her past. And so this is again, a dual timeline and leaders are kind of slowly introduced to her past and the life she had lived. The timelines, they don't quite converge in the same way by any means is the speed of light. But this one's like I said a little bit more suspenseful, I don't want to give anything away. But I'm really excited about it. And I love iris, and I love her journey. And I hope that readers do too.
Lainey 11:45
Oh, that's fabulous. And how could it not be suspenseful at a hunting lodge? Like you've got me right there. You've already got the creepy vibes going just starting? So I have a question for you for some of our writer listeners, which is done any advice for people your debut has done so well, it has so many great reviews, readers love it. Do you have any advice for folks who are, I don't know, maybe want to write a similar book or they're, you know, a few years away. And they're trying to work out where to focus their energy? Like, what do you advise other writers?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 12:14
Yeah, I thought about that, too. And it's there's so many things, I feel like, so much advice out there, and so many things I could say. But the one thing I keep coming back to and I hope it doesn't sound too self healthy. But is you have to give yourself permission to take your dream seriously. And again, I feel like that's super self helpy. But there was a definite shift for me when I did because there was no one holding me back. But me, I you know, we're moms, we're working, you're so busy life gets in the way. And there's a lot of reasons that you shouldn't pursue this in Europe, at least this is how I felt there's guilt and there's everything. But I finally thought no, I'm gonna go for this. And it's scary to put yourself out there and tell people or you know, and let them know that. Yes, I'm a mom. But I'm also an author. Yes, I'm working here. But I'm also trying to get published, you know, in my office hours time. But for me, like I said, there was a shift once I believed in myself, enough to put it out there, then it became a reality became something that can really happen. And I feel like it's just I think that would help people.
Lainey 13:19
How did hedged you get there? Like, like, how did you reach that point where you're willing to make that investment in yourself and put it front and center?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 13:26
That's a good question in it, it was definitely slowly I feel like it was small little things that looking back, I can remember when I was even embarrassed to pitch a tweet on Twitter. And I'm like, That's ultimately how I found my I got into pitch wars, and then eventually, ultimately got my agent because of PubMed. So thank God, I got over that fear, you know, things like that. But it was one step at a time. It wasn't like, boom, like, quit my job, and totally, you know, like, did all this stuff, it was like, one step at a time. And I
Lainey 13:57
would say, take that little first step. Take that little first step, but the little one.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 14:04
Exactly. And it'll lead to the bigger ones. And, you know, they won't see the bigger ones won't seem so big once you've done the little one. But I've also been very, very blessed with people that have supported me, like, every time I've been afraid to say it or think, you know, someone would laugh at me or something. Everyone's been so nice. And my husband is just so supportive. And my kids like when I when I started, my kids are you know, I've been at this for a while when I first signed with my agent, I think my youngest was four. And now my youngest is turning 10 soon and so they've gotten to see this progression and there is the guilt and there is the you know, it's it gets easier as they get older, definitely as far as getting some writing time, but they also get to see you know, Mom pursue this dream and persevere through rejection and make it happen and I hope that that you know, resonates with them and that that affects they're following their dreams.
Lainey 14:55
So one of my favorite questions and I know you're gonna have some good recommendations for me Any good book recommendations, anything you'd recommend to our listeners?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 15:04
Definitely. Okay. First, I'm going to start with the first book I read in the pandemic, and I think it has become my comfort book. And one of the first books that I have read with great chronic illness rap and that is Get a Life Chloe Brown. I'm sure a lot of people have read it. Talia Hibbert, but it's just, it's just a phenomenal story. Like, it's just wonderful. I can't say enough good things about it. Yes, it was like the perfect combination of a great book. At a time when I needed to read a great love story comes comforting love story, plus this wonderful chronic illness rep when I was writing a book with chronic chronic illness. But yeah, I can't. I can't say enough good things about that. But the next one, too, I was lucky enough to read an early copy of The Darkest Web by which is coming out soon. It is Kristin Wright, Allison Barton series was lucky enough to blurb it I was so honored to be asked to blur but fantastic. I would I mean, you don't have to have read the first one. That's that's what's really good. And I feel like the mark of a wonderful writer is you don't have to have read the first one to follow this along. And the characters are so compelling and it's so page turning with it's like a kind of a courtroom drama. I can see this being like a long standing series with because, you know, I find the end I'm like, Okay, well, what's next case gonna be you know, it's just exciting. And finally, I'm feel like I'm just super enthusiastic. But I've been so lucky to read such great books recently. But I'm right now reading Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy , and talk about gorgeous covers. And the writing matches the story matches, it's just so beautiful. Her writing, you just want to savor it. It's just beautiful. And it's like it's a gothic romance. It's set in historical England, and it's about a young woman who has inherited a home and so she takes a ship over and oh, the home is happens to be next to this mysterious manner with a mysterious man that lives there. But it might be haunted as well. So it's like this spooky swoony book and I just am loving it. So much. So I don't want to read all of those books.
Lainey 17:00
So my last question for you is if folks want to keep up to date, and they want to see what's going on with your new book, and just keep up on your news, where do you hang out on social media? Is there anywhere you particularly like to be?
Elissa Grossell Dickey 17:12
I feel like I'm kind of all over the place I bought, honestly started. I'm trying at TikTok and I'm doing the best I can there. I'm not the best. I mean, I'm @elissadickey there as well as Twitter, which is another one that I would say I'm on maybe the most, and all of them have links to them also on Facebook and Instagram. And I feel like once you find one of them, you can I'll have my link tree where you can get to the rest into my website and stuff because I need to get better at like coordinating all my handles.
Lainey 17:39
Great. Well, I will put the links to your social media and the links to the books that you referenced and of course to your two books on the show notes on the website so folks can find that at best of women's fiction.com. And I'm so excited you're agreed to join me so thank you so much.
Elissa Grossell Dickey 17:55
I appreciate it so much. I'm so grateful and thank you.