I’ve been teasing my next book since my appearance on The Donna Drake Show over a year ago, so I suppose it’s time to finally divulge the title and what it’s all about. First, a little backstory: Some of you may know that while Danger Peak took place in early junior high, I really consider it my elementary school book, since many of the experiences chronicled in it were based on what I went through in that school—namely, the boisterous relationship I had with my two best friends, riding our bikes around the neighborhood, and my brother’s death. Déjà View was obviously (if you read it) about the awkward transition to junior high and the death of childhood. And while The Electric God and Other Shorts was a collection of short stories, it mostly centered on my life in high school—feeling like the only sane person in an insane world. (I also wrote most of the stories in high school.) So this next book will be (at least partly) about my time in college. At last, I can reveal the title: Is There Life After College? And yes, based on the title, it does mostly take place after college. Here is the synopsis/tentative back cover copy:
Since childhood, college valedictorian Mark Jans has measured life in lessons and letter grades. But after graduation, he trades academia for the unknown and escapes to New York City, eager to enroll in the “School of Hard Knocks.” There, he meets Astra—a mysterious, street-smart punk who lives for the moment and hides more than she reveals. Despite their differences, the two are drawn to one another by a shared longing: to be truly seen. But as their connection deepens, they are forced apart by clashing beliefs and personal demons. When Astra returns home to confront a painful secret from her past, Mark must decide whether he can help her—or whether he’s the one who truly needs saving.
From award-winning author Michael Thomas Perone, Is There Life After College? is a poignant, emotionally charged coming-of-age novel that explores identity, mental health, love, and purpose. It asks not only what happens after school ends, but what comes after innocence, connection—and even life itself.
I’m nervous about this one folks for several reasons:
1) It’s my first book that takes place entirely in the ‘90s—1999, to be exact, which also happens to be the year I graduated college, but I’m sure that’s a coincidence, he says with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
2) It’s my longest book, at over 300 pages, though that will probably be cut down as the book gets formatted for publication.
3) It’s my first book where nothing supernatural happens in it—unless you count spirituality as supernatural.
4) Speaking of spiritual themes, there are many discussions about religion and politics—subjects you’re not supposed to touch with a 10-foot pole.
5) It’s my first romance, and, as such, it’s my first book to feature any intimate scenes (two, in fact). Hey, you can’t have a romance without a sex scene or two! Otherwise, you’re doing it wrong.
6) It’s my first book with a question mark in the title, but I’m keeping the question mark even though I’ve been warned that books and movies with question marks don’t sell, like Who’s Harry Crumb? This is the reason they removed the question mark from the title of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. (Seriously, director Robert Zemeckis explained as such in the DVD commentary.) Is that the reason why it was a smashing success? We’ll never know!
7) The book has a very divisive ending—at least according to my beta readers. You either love it or hate it.
I’d also like to announce I’m working with a new publisher for this one, Red Penguin, based in my hometown of Long Island. A fellow local author and friend has had considerable success with this publishing company, and they offer more in the way of marketing. After writing three books (four if you count my forthcoming one), I’m learning that it’s all about marketing, as most things in the commodity business are. I’m also excited to share the news that for the first time since I started this writing biz back in 2022, my book will be available in hardcover. This is something I’ve always wanted but didn’t have the opportunity—until now.
Don’t get me wrong; I love the folks of my old home at Wheatmark, and my first three books will still be published with them. But it’s time to try something different. Every once in a while, you have to shake that ol’ banana tree. (I’m sure I heard that expression somewhere.)
So that’s it! Expect the book in 3 to 4 months! (hopefully sooner)
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In other MTP news, I’d like to thank the people who signed up for my blog at my past few signings. Never fear; I won’t spam you—former Scout’s honor! If you missed those signings, as ALF used to say: “No problem!” Please see the bottom of my homepage for upcoming dates. I’ve added a few since my last blog. My next one is Saturday, April 18 at the Selden Spring Craft Fair at Newfield High School in Centereach, NY, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hope to see you guys there—at least my followers from Long Island. I can’t imagine someone who’s reading this blog in California making the trek across the country to see me sign books, but that would be absolutely amazing if that happened.
Until the next blog—same Perone time, same Perone channel.
MTP
P.S.: Next week’s blog: An Open Letter to Barnes & Noble
P.P.S.: The Danger Peak audiobook is now available!
P.P.P.S.: The new edition of The Electric God and Other Shorts is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble:
Michael Thomas Perone 