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I absolutely love superhero movies. Before having a child, I’d always drag my friend or partner to the newest superhero release. Now, I just wait until they come on Disney+ but as soon as it’s uploaded, I’m ready to watch the movie, or show, so it only made sense that I tried writing my own superhero story.
But it didn’t start out that way. I was participating in a Twitter pitch event for my first book, DOES LOVE ALWAYS WIN?, and I noticed there were these really cool pitches all centered around an event, like a TV reality competition or something like that. That got me thinking, what do I love that I could center my next book around? And then I remembered how much fun I had at a Comic-Con convention in Philadelphia, which had been focused on just superheroes (Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Tom Hiddleston were even there!). I sat down, started writing, and the words kept flowing. Then, as I was penning my story, the star of the Comic-Con convention, Jake Johnson aka The Amazing Boy, became a superhero in real life and no one knew it. That’s when my book turned a corner and became a superhero story and SUPERFICIAL was born.
It’s set in a dual perspective, which is something I’ve never done before but I thought it was important to hear both sides of the story, from the perspective of the fan attending the conference, Lea, and from the superhero, Jake. After they get stuck in an elevator together, they must team up, along with a few friends they find along the way, to figure out why everyone at the convention has disappeared and to also find the villain who has been stealing precious artifacts from Philadelphia’s top institutions.
I had so much fun writing this story; it blends a lot of my favorite topics, obviously superheroes, but it also includes museums and classical music. I’m not originally from Philly, but this story is my love letter to the city. I really enjoy living here and I showcase some of the premier museums and tourist sites in this book. SUPERFICIAL is Marvel meets National Treasure, Philly style.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea’s friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Enjoy an Excerpt
LEA
A lone figure lingers in the back corner of the elevator wearing a navy-blue Yankees baseball hat, their face cast downwards. I push for level two when there is a large bang. The lights flicker and go out. Deathly silence follows but is broken by a curse word behind me. I whip around, trying to make out the figure’s face.
“Watch that cape, you almost gave me cape burn,” the voice grumbles.
“Sorry. I never knew how annoying wearing a cosplay costume would be,” I reply, biting my lip.
When the silence continues, I nervously keep up my word vomit. “This is my first time coming to one of these things. I should’ve taken a page out of your book and worn the incognito star look. I would’ve been more comfortable on the plane flight earlier this morning and gotten less strange looks.”
Backup lights flicker on. I can barely see the figure lift his head and look at me directly in the eyes. My heart drops.
“About the incognito star look,” he says, his dark eyes full of hesitation.
No way.
No freaking way.
He isn’t playing an incognito star.
He is the star of today’s show. The last-minute addition that made the entire WizCon event sell out as soon as his name was announced.
A gasp escapes my mouth. I can’t physically stop it if I tried. I’m from the middle of nowhere Ohio. You don’t see a movie star on an elevator or anywhere in your vicinity. Keep calm, Lea, don’t scare him off. He’s incognito for a reason.
“Oh.”
That’s what I come up with to say. I mean, what else am I going to utter aloud?
About the Author:
Photographer credit:
Sam Rodriguez
S.R.WeddingStory
Does Love Always Win? is her debut novel, which released June 2023 from Creative James Media. This book was drawn from Diane’s personal experiences as a queer individual who has struggled throughout life being comfortable identifying and expressing herself. Diane wrote the book she wished was available to her when she was in high school.
Buy the book at Amazon.
