Turning pages after dark: The making of 'Short Autumn Days'

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"Short Autumn Days" may have been the first book written by author Lorena Para, but it certainly wasn't the last. Released in 2019 as the opening installment of the four-part Lenore Monroe Series, this post-apocalyptic alien invasion novella continues to resonate with fans today.

Since then, she has published six books, with another is slated for release in May, yet "Short Autumn Days" remains a testament to her dedication. Balancing life with a 3-year-old daughter at the time, she often wrote until 3 a.m. and returned to the daily schedule of running a household at 8 a.m., proving that passion and perseverance can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Yet, this challenging routine proved to be a valuable period of growth.

"I learned a lot during my time writing 'Short Autumn Days,' not just about publishing, writing and storytelling, but also about myself," says the author, reflecting on the months spent crafting Lenore's trials and triumphs. The result is a fast-paced tale that captures the raw emotion of a people clinging to hope, as well as the resilience needed to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

This project also came after a difficult period in her life, following the loss of her mother in 2016, when she struggled to define herself as both a person and a new mother. Lorena ultimately decided to chase her lifelong dream of authorship, even with no formal experience.

Set two years after an alien invasion, "Short Autumn Days" follows 26-year-old Lenore and her brother as they struggle to remain among the last humans still free. Forced to seek refuge in an abandoned office building, their desperate attempt to stay hidden goes awry when Lenore is captured and taken to a hotel-turned-work camp. Separated from her brother, Lenore discovers a world where many basic needs are met, but freedom is a distant memory. Determined to reunite with him, she risks everything to search for answers, and to find a way out.

"Lenore is me if I were in this universe," the author explains. "She loves deeply, cares fiercely for her friends and will fight for what she believes is right."

Like many of us, Lenore is propelled by hope and a drive to protect her family in the face of profound uncertainty. This emotional core resonates throughout the novella, infusing its pages with tension and heart.

Despite the harsh realities depicted in "Short Autumn Days," the story's creation emerged from a place of genuine perseverance. The author's unwavering commitment, typing away through long nights, ultimately gave birth to a poignant and action-packed saga. Readers will quickly root for Lenore, whose journey reveals that the bonds of family and friendship can outlast even the darkest of times.

Lorena Para lives in Golden Hills with her family, dogs and chickens. When not writing, she homeschools her oldest and creates waterproof stickers to sell online and at local craft fairs. All her books are available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback and Kindle Unlimited formats.