Little Spark

by Nic Stone

One of the most *frequently asked questions* I get from readers of my published novels: "Was Dear Martin the first book you ever wrote?" The answer is no. Dear Martin was the third. The second (at long last!) will be published in Spring 2022, but the first will never see the light of day...

Or so I used to say. *Used to* because we are currently in the thick of a literal global pandemic. And we're bored. And trying to stay motivated/encouraged/hopeful, etc. etc.

So here it is. Nic Stone's first EVER novel that wasn't supposed to see the light of day. Starting today, April 1st, 2020, I'll post a chapter a day for the next 50 days (you read that right; this joint is LONG) and will leave it up indefinitely. You will laugh--AT me, but also occasionally with me. You will roll your eyes. You will have moments when you wonder if *The Nic Stone* actually wrote this long and intensely tropey and cliche book. About a 16-year-old biracial girl who sometimes glows in the dark, and after the death of her mother, discovers not only some latent supernatural abilities, but a prophesied mission she'll need them for.

It is not professionally edited and is likely full of typos (though this was like the twelfth draft). It hasn't been beta-read and probably has some problematic rep in it. But my hope is that by posting it as-is, someone out there who doesn't feel *good enough* will see THIS starting point of a #1 New York Times bestseller and will be encouraged to get the story nagging at them down on paper. Even if it's never "published," there's no telling where it could lead.

I hope you enjoy (or at least get a good laugh).


Thanks for reading!
Nic Stone

Unknown Binding

First published April 1, 2020

About the author

Nic Stone was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, GA, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, Stone strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.

Stone lives in Atlanta with her husband and two sons. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @getnicced or on her website nicstone.info.

Reviews

[Mary-Catherine Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this to anyone and encourage Nic Stone to explore continuing this trilogy.

[Simone Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about having the carpet pulled from under you, all at once. That's what it was like for Bliss, never knowing her Dad, losing her mother to cancer, and moving to a small town in Mississippi, to be with family she had never met. Too many changes in a short amount of time for any teenager, but they just keep coming. Now she's navigating a new family, new friends, all the drama of being a teenager, and a sprinkling of superpowers.

What more can a girl ask for? How about a love interest from the dark side? Not to mention the weight (and lives) of her people literally in the power of her hands. Bliss has her work cut out for her, and Nic Stone does a great job of navigating us through the story.

This isn't your typical NS contemporary fiction, so enjoy the fantasy ride. I'm happy she went ahead and self-published this book, Bliss needs to be out in the world.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what blows my mind the most is that this was a first novel that was never fully polished and edited. Gah. I can't imagine how amazing it would have been if it had been. Also, it's extremely not fair that there is no second book and I fully support the idea of Stone working on a sequel, even if it's just posted on Wattpad. I needs to know what happens!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of the best books i’ve read. i’m dying for a sequel.