Something wonderful happened, I decided to go for it.

A little over a year ago, I began waking up at 5 a.m. to prioritize writing a novel, something I had wanted to do for a while but never seemed to have time for. My tech job and kids kept me very busy, so that was the only time I could spare. Then something wonderful happened, I decided to go for it. I quietly started a media and publishing company and began devoting myself to my career as an author, dead-set on my mission.

My mission is to humanize controversial topics in a lightweight way to ultimately inspire empathy and understanding of different points of view.

WHY THIS MISSION?

Polarization is killing healthy discourse on important topics and dividing friendships and families.?I know what you are thinking, is Corinne going to go on a political rant now? No, that would be completely contrary to my mission. However, polarization is a real problem. You don't have to take my word for it. Harvard University alum, distinguished professor, and author Steve Levitsky put it this way,

"The fundamental problem facing American democracy remains extreme partisan division—one fueled not just by policy differences but by deeper sources of resentment, including racial and religious differences."

Source: Steven Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2019). How democracies die. Penguin Books.

So, how do you address polarization and inspire empathy through fiction?

An Audacious Woman dares to tell stories about taboo topics, including gender norms, crime and punishment, civil rights, death and grief, abortion, and sexuality at an advanced age, and then gives book club readers prompts to discuss these things in real life.

The novel serves as a humor-filled vehicle to consider hot-button topics from a fictional character's point of view, lowering the stakes dramatically and opening the door for empathy with another person's experience. Reading about taboo topics independently in the comfort of their own home gives the reader time to sort through their emotions and opinions calmly before a discussion (something people don't have time to do when uncle so-in-so brings up that topic at Thanksgiving). And the discussion itself is where the magic happens. Using the provided book club discussion questions in a casual living room setting with friends who have come specifically to discuss the book sets up a low pressure scenario to have a civil conversation (something we are seriously lacking today).

ABOUT THE BOOK

For fans of contemporary and historical fiction alike, An Audacious Woman is a charming and eminently readable story featuring a strong female protagonist and unlikely friendships in a glamorous setting.

In 2018, a gilded-age-era Manhattan mansion worth 70 million dollars still stands in all its glory because of the tenacity of one woman, Eleanor Beaufort.

Confronted with the realities of aging, Eleanor is ready to retire and travel the world, but the estate holds her back. Contrary as ever, she hosts a contest to bequeath her home to a complete stranger. Follow along as contestants unearth wild tales from Eleanor’s past while revealing their true colors. Are the contestants safe? Is Eleanor sane? Who will win the mansion? Find out in this fun, vivacious page-turner.

Laugh-out-loud funny and studded with a dynamic cast of diverse characters, An Audacious Woman is a masterclass in bringing thought-provoking topics to readers in a delightful way. An excellent women’s book club read.

Now available for purchase in Paperback, E-Book, and Audio-book formats.

REVIEWS & PRESS

The reviews are in! So far An Audacious Woman has a 4.9/5 star rating! Use the link below to see what people are saying.

I was recently featured on the For The Love of The Page book review blog! Here is an excerpt:

"An Audacious Woman was quick and enjoyable.? Rightly rocketing to the top of my 2024 favorites list, there is much to love about the characters within.? Cavanaugh has created a remarkable women’s fiction read in this humorous, unconventional, and inspiring novel.? As a bonus, end capping this story are book club questions from the author, sparking thought and discussion that appropriately accompany the various themes and situations that arise in this book." For The Love of The Page (2024).

WHAT NOW?

I'm done being quiet. I'm ready to #beAudacious forever! This is the start of it all, my book launch. Now I'll be focused on promotion, writing the next two books in the series, and my commitment as Director and Fundraising Chair on the Malaria Partners International board.

Are you interested in a collaboration? I'd love to discuss it with you! I'm currently scheduling media, press, interviews (live and recorded), podcasts, and collaborations with brands and channels that empower women. Media kit w/ Q&A, Tip Sheet and more available here.

Many thanks to you, my friends, colleagues, and ARC readers, for cheering me on! Hope you enjoyed this update. Please feel free to comment or share.

www.CorinneCavanaugh.com (425) 232-9730? [email protected]