Once Upon a Time?More Like...Once Upon My Mind
As in...once it's upon my mind, there's only one way out, and that's on the page.I have always loved "what-if" concepts and fresh takes, which is what draws me to retellings and reimaginings. It's keeping something so beloved alive while paying homage to its origins.
Hi, I'm Conni!
Your Resident Storyteller.I lived in NY, where I fell in love with Broadway. Living in Walt Disney World, I'm surrounded by the stories I've loved all my life. Constantly inspired by my environment around me, there was one thing left to do...write.I live to write retellings and reimaginings that bring you back to the stories you love with twists and fresh takes, periods in history, lush and fantastical words, with a touch of romance that is as deadly as murder.Author of upcoming Sweeney Todd reimagining, Fleetwood Street, that takes you through Prohibition New York to the Great Depression with a deadly secret baked in.I have my B.S. in Professional Communications from SUNY Farmingdale State College, and am a big part of my local book club, as well as a participant of several writing clubs, one of which I run. I offer co-writing sprints, critiques, and high-level conversations to help aspiring authors on their journeys. Because there is more than enough room for us to shine.
I strive to keep a tale at its essence, while telling you a story that makes you double take and ask, "wait, that can happen??"
I have always loved the idea of taking readers on an emotionally invested journey with characters who feel like they could be your friends or next book boyfriend/girlfriend.Writing has always been with me. You'd always find me with a notebook and pen (according to my husband, I have a collection of both. Not even going to deny it) scribbling bullet points of ideas that eventually transform into a skeleton of an outline.Writing was never something I could wait to be ready for. It was an itch that wouldn't leave me until I scratched it. I just needed to start writing, and the story would show me the way.Here are some of the things you can find in my works:
Horror
Gothic Horror
Eldritch Horror
Horror Romance
Time Periods
1920 - 1950
Ancient Civilizations
World Building
Contemporary
Fantasy
Epic Fantasy
Dark Fantasy
Romance
Dark Romance
Contemporary Romance
Works in Progress
FLEETWOOD STREET
Bonnie Sweeney owns A Dame’s Delight, the only bakehouse in 1931 that sells savory meat pies, while the rest of Fleetwood Street succumbs to the beginnings of the Great Depression.Alain Descoteaux used to chase stories for a living. Now his straight razor chases stubble by day and helps his wife choose who goes into the ovens by night.Together, they’ve converted Fleetwood Street’s hunger into the perfect alibi. So long as people are full, no one's asking where the meat comes from. But another reporter is counting the missing, prioritizing one above the rest. His investigation keeps leading him back to Bonnie. She’s never had to protect Alain and their secret at the same time. Now the baker does, and she’s about to learn at what cost.FLEETWOOD STREET is a Sweeney Todd reimagining for readers who want a love story that's as dangerous as the murders, following Bonnie and Alain in a friends-to-lovers story, where he falls first and she falls harder. Perfect for readers of Brynne Weaver’s Butcher and Blackbird, A. Rushby’s Slashed Beauties, and Virginia Feito’s Victorian Psycho.
"This is so much freaking fun! This is such a refreshing voice ... I found myself turning pages to see what happened next!"- Ellis Hart | Author of The House That Held Her
"You had me turning pages!! Chapter One just HOOKS you! You really have a way with words...and this is coming from a mostly non-fiction reader.- Dan O. | Beta Reader
"I loved it! The more I went along, the character development was fantastic. Watching every character blossom, and the layers peel back chapter by chapter to reveal things darker, more grotesque and vengeful, and it was so fun to read! There were points where I was SURE I knew what was coming next and then nope! I was shocked and thrown for a loop."- Brittany H. | Beta Reader
"I remember reading Fleetwood Street at the park and getting so absorbed that I lost complete track of time. Conni has a way of bringing characters to life that are both so fantastical and yet relatable and I read through the chapters in one sitting. I've been chomping at the bit for what's next and can't wait for this book to be published so I can find out who goes in the pies and why!"- Shelley S. | Beta Reader
YOU'RE SUCH A DOLL
I had the absolute pleasure of working with fellow Marketer and Voice Over Artist, Claire Coyle, who narrated my horror short story, "You're Such a Doll".It's 1990, and Annette Simms facing job loss, a breakup, and finds herself on the hunt for the perfect friend for her niece's birthday. She's told Wisteria Place is the place to go, a perfect dollhouse replica complete with tea parties...and dolls that look a little too real.The shop's owner, Peggy Lovett, is ethereal, kind, and has a habit of investing in her clients. Annette is no different. The two begin a friendship that might cost Annette more than the purchase of her doll.If you love Claire's voice and range as much as I do visit:
Trigger Warnings:Dark magic, witchcraftPsychological manipulation of a vulnerable characterParental jealousy and emotional abuseDiscussion of body image and weight-related commentsTransformation of humans into dolls (loss of autonomy)
Coming Soon
Sequel to Fleetwood Street
What Happens When I Put the Pen Down?
You can find me at one of the Walt Disney World parks with my husband, indulging in another Historical Fiction, Horror, or Thriller.
Let's Stay in Touch!
Stay connected with me on Instagram to catch the latest updates on Fleetwood Street and any future projects!Have a question? Feel free to email me at [email protected] and I'll answer them asap!
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