FAQ
ARE THE GROVE HOLLOW BOOKS A ROMANCE SERIES?
The Grove Hollow four-book series delves into the story of Jade and Will, two interconnected souls deeply entwined in a romance that transcends time and space. Through the eyes of Jade, readers witness their enthralling and tumultuous love story unfold across the pages. While romance takes center stage, the series also explores profound themes such as the soul's evolution, the delicate balance between life and death, the magnetic pull of physical attraction, and the depths of emotional connection. Additionally, the books explore the complexities of friendships, the perils of greed, the thirst for money, and the intoxicating temptation of power.
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HOW MANY BOOKS WILL THE SERIES HAVE?
The Grove Hollow series will consist of four books: Metamorphosis, Senescence, Mimicry, and Resurrection.
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IS GROVE HOLLOW, NEW YORK A REAL PLACE?
No, but it draws inspiration from real locations like Hyde Park, NY, Sleepy Hollow, NY, and Newport, RI. The town I envisioned exudes the ambiance of an English retreat for affluent families during the Gilded Age as if we had adopted an old-world culture reminiscent of the English royals. The dark academic aesthetic found in ancient cities of the United Kingdom, such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Edinburgh, has also greatly influenced my vision.
The Gilded Age has always captivated my imagination, as it represents the birthplace of America’s “royalty.” After visiting the opulent mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island, I developed a deep fascination and obsession with unraveling the rich history of America’s elite society, which seems to have faded into the annals of time. It evoked a peculiar blend of melancholy and awe-inspiring wonder within me, and it is this distinct emotion that I aimed to infuse into my book.
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WHY THE 1980S?
Despite being a century apart from the Gilded Age, the 1980s holds a special place in my heart as my favorite decade. Although I was born in the late 80s, I was surrounded by its influences as I grew up. There was an unmistakable enchantment that permeated that era. In crafting this series with a mystery theme, I wanted Jade and Will to face limitations in accessing information, unlike the abundance we have at our fingertips today. I love the challenges posed by the early technology of that time—microprocessors and computers were just beginning to emerge—and how it wasn’t advanced enough for convenient research, leaving reliance on books. The scarcity of cellphones meant phone calls through landlines or pay phones, and the art of letter writing for long-distance communication. The alternative music scene was at its pinnacle, offering a soundscape like no other. The fonts and graphics of that era remain my personal favorites. Fashion became more expressive, and parents seemed more relaxed when it came to watching over their kids. The era’s shows and movies, in my opinion, were unparalleled, with John Hughes films, Back to the Future, The Goonies, and more. Overall, I cherish the magical essence that the 1980s brought. It was a decade brimming with adventure, and to me, it was simply perfect.
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WHAT IS THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE SILK MOTHS?
The first night I started drafting one of my books—before having a name for the series—a luna moth was resting on my porch. While these moths are rare, I have seen five in my life. Immediately, I felt connected to the beautiful fairy-like moth. These beautiful creatures emerge from their cocoon into the world but lack the basic necessities of eating, drinking, and smelling since they have neither mouths nor noses. As a result, their lifespan is limited to around five to ten days, during which they become wholly consumed by their desire to mate.
In some ways, it's inspiring and heartbreaking to know their unrelenting pursuit of "love," knowing that their time is so short. Their sole purpose in life is to find a mate and create the next generation of their species, leaving no room for anything else. It's a display of devotion and selflessness.
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When researching the moths, I found that some cultures believe they represent the change process and the need to grow and evolve—much like the twin flame soul journey. Thus, they became the symbol of the series.
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WHERE CAN I FOLLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERIES?
I am always sharing my inspiration and writing process on the Grove Hollow's Instagram account. Follow the link here to learn more!
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HOW CAN I SELL YOUR BOOKS AND OTHER GROVE HOLLOW MERCH. IN MY SHOP?
If you are interesting in selling either my books, merchandise, or both—reach out through my contact page or send me an email at shelby@mapleprojects.com!