By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) shared an online event including Romance authors Christina Dodd in conversation with Susan Elizabeth Phillips. For this event, these authors discussed Dodd’s latest released book, “A Daughter of Fair Verona.”
This book goes on to tell a different tale about Romeo and Juliet in that they are both alive and well, and have seven children together. Within Dodd’s work, she tells the story of Rosie, Romeo and Juliet’s first born child, through her first person perspective. The NFPL website went on to highlight the book, “Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (badly). Only here’s that's not how it ended at all. Romeo and Juliet are alive and well and the parents of seven kids. I’m the oldest, with the emphasis on ‘old’—a certified spinster at twenty, and happy to stay that way. It’s not easy to keep your taste for romance with parents like mine. Picture it—constant monologues, passionate declarations, fighting, making up, making out . . . it’s exhausting.”
As their conversation began, Phillips pointed out how she encouraged Dodd to write this kind of story. She knew it would be an amazing book just after reading the draft of the first chapter, but Dodd wasn’t exactly sure how to write a Rom Com type of story. Dodd decided to go for it, and many are thankful that she did.
What also makes this story extremely unique is the fact that Dodd uses contemporary language throughout. She realized that she did not want to write it in Shakespearean Language since many find that rather hard to read/understand. She additionally tapped into her feelings when she was twenty years old to help channel Rosie’s voice.
While Dodd was writing, she explained to Phillips and all attendees that she kept this book very quiet as she wanted to make sure it was good enough to publish. There was also a fear Dodd had of the book not being perceived very well by readers. Upon release of the book, not only did it receive rave reviews, but it also introduced Dodd to a whole new audience. She explained that she specifically heard that high school teachers were thrilled with this book, and hopefully will be able to teach it in their classes.
When conducting research for this book, Dodd actually took an anniversary trip with her husband to Verona. There, she was able to immerse herself into the experience and further find Rosie’s voice. Dodd also hinted at the fact that this book will be a part of a series. “A Daughter of Fair Verona,” is the first book, with the second already written and ready to be published in March of 2025. She believes there will be at least three books overall dedicated to this series with some potential spin-offs as well. Within the second book, she brings in aspects from the play “Hamlet.”
Before getting into audience questions, Phillips briefly explained her latest released book “Simply the Best.” This is the second to last Chicago Stars book in her series. This conversation went on to make viewers aware of just how different Dodd and Philips writing processes are. While Dodd is a fast writer, Philips admits that she definitely is not, and because of this, they don’t believe they would ever create a book together.
Overall this event was truly a rollicking fun time for all and got many eager to read their books if they haven’t already done so. For more information on Dodd’s books, please visit her website at www.christinadodd.com. For more information on Phillips’ books, please visit her website at www.susanelizabethphillips.com.
