On the Road to Jericho: A Novel
A debut novel, serialized right here on Substack. Coming October 3, 2024.
(Break). Rise. Thrive. Repeat.
Stories of adventure, misadventure and hope in South Africa, the Middle East and beyond.
Coming October 3, 2024
Eleanor’s timing is spot on—for better or for worse. She grows up as apartheid collapses in South Africa, becomes a diplomat amidst Israel-Palestine conflict, and moves to the U.S. a month before 9-11.
Shrugging off the threat of bombs, the young Eleanor Williams starts her career as a South African diplomat witnessing Nelson Mandela’s inauguration. Thirty years later, she lies broken in an office building women’s bathroom in Haven, U.S. She’s navigated war-torn landscapes, so why does corporate scheming break her? Where does she belong? And how can she hold both adventure and loss, hope and disillusionment, lightness and abysmal darkness?
Follow Eleanor’s unflinching and cathartic story, a contemporary odyssey for women who hold multitudes. Who are at times both loveable and unlikeable. Who choose the unexpected path. Women who are building resilience through everyday experiences as professionals, wives, and moms.
Why subscribe?
To support me as a writer 😁🤗.
More seriously, the more subscribes — the more I can go to a traditional publisher on more equal terms. To bring this book into the world as a published book, I need your help. Every subscribe counts.
And of course, so that you don’t miss an installment!
Free vs Paid Subscription
Free:
Just the story, no other distractions. For those who just like to read.
Each installment is delivered directly to your inbox.
Paid:
For a richer understanding and more immersive experience
Audiobook — narrated by the author. (i.e. you’ll hear Eleanor with her soft South African accent 😁). You’ll be able to listen in Spotify or your podcast app of choice.
Photos, videos, maps, music — to bring the text alive. I’m sure other ideas will come to mind. Maybe even recipes? Ask, and I may just be able to deliver!
A monthly “book club” discussion about the historical events the book touches on — and how they resonate today — to connect you with other readers. Or to ask me anything.
Guest interviews with some of the real people who inspired the characters in the book.
Other questions and answers
What does “serialize a novel” even mean?
It simply means the book will come out a little bit at a time, rather than all at once. So yeah, no binge reading will be possible!
When will the book come out?
The first installment will be released on 3 October, 2024.
What days will installments release?
Thursdays and Saturdays.
How long will each installment be?
From a few paragraphs to full length chapters.
What if I miss an installment? Or I’m joining the read-along later?
We’ve got you!
As we go along there will be periodic very short recaps of “the story so far”.
Each installment is also “stand-alone’. While of course they connect and build over time, you can also just pick-up the story wherever you join us.
Each installment will have a link to the previous installments - so it’s easy to start at the beginning if you want to.
Why serialize a debut novel on Substack?
To answer the question: is this something others want to read? My beta readers love the book —but they all know me in some capacity. Does the book have merit in its own right, just as a story? Only readers (you!) can tell me that.
Speed/currency: While this story touches on historical events, it relates to what is happening in the world now. My beta readers wanted to see this get into the world asap. Substack is the fastest way to do this (that also meets my other goals).
Feedback/feedforward: This is the first time I’ve written a novel. I’m writing it for you. Your thoughts, as readers, matter to me. It helps me hone my writing. So I can make this a better book — for you.
A platform that values writers and creators: Substack believes good writing still has value in the world. And they’ve built a platform just for that.
Creative control: Traditional publishing comes with no out of pocket cost to the author, but there’s a price for that: loss of rights and loss of creative control. There’s a reason more and more fiction authors are moving to independent publishing, just sayin’. (And I’m an independent thinking woman who has had enough of being controlled by big corporates…😆)
Why is it called On the Road to Jericho? Is it a Christian book? Is it actually set in Jericho?
Yes, there’s an actual walk to the actual Jericho in modern day Palestine. No, not all of the book is set in Jericho. No, it’s not a Christian book. And for the rest…you’ll just have to read it! More would give away too much of the plot.😁🤗
Why fiction and not memoir?
Because I want to play with different points of view. Eleanor Williams has her own unique take on the world. But so does everyone else. What happens when those match-up? What happens when they don’t? Fiction allows me to explore that.
Who is likely to enjoy reading On the Road to Jericho:
Those who:
Love good writing and a good story
Enjoy a book with depth and soul, where the story is as much about character as plot
Want to discover fresh new voices and perspectives
Read memoir, history, politics, and current affairs
Are interested in South Africa, apartheid, and the Israel-Palestine conflict
Are curious about systems of power, othering, belonging, DEI, and the immigrant experience in the US
Are studying world affairs and/or organizational behavior/business management at high school or university
Sue Meredith Mann
From former South African diplomat in Palestine to slayer of corporate monsters, my career has been thoroughly non-linear. Adventurer. Post-PTSD thriver. And can I just say it, rocker of a bad-ass phoenix tattoo. 😁
All of this is weaved into my debut historical fiction novel On the Road to Jericho.
In my working life, I partner with organizations to empower their people to rise and thrive in challenging times & difficult situations. Learn more at: https://sansurising.com/
In my adventuring life, I climb mountains, ski with adaptive skiers, and occasionally dip in freezing cold lakes. I do other silly things like family sleepovers inside snow caves, ice-climbing (it is seriously how I met my husband), or dressing up as an elf princess from time to time.
When cozy at home, and with a cat on my lap, good sci-fi shows seriously challenge my binge watching discipline (or lack thereof!).
I live in Ithaca, NY with my husband and son.
You can listen to my story here: https://sansurising.com/mystory/