Exploring the Debut of ‘Song of Belonging’ by Michelle St. Romain
In the rapidly evolving world of independent publishing, debut novels that blend unique storytelling with deep cultural roots stand out. Michelle St. Romain’s Song of Belonging is one such literary feat, intricately weaving magical realism, Southern fiction, and environmental consciousness into a compelling narrative inspired by her French Louisiana heritage.
A Lifelong Journey Rooted in Childhood Memories
Michelle’s passion for writing ignited at the tender age of five, sparked by a cherished book subscription delivered by her mother. This early connection to literature blossomed over the years into a dedication to storytelling.
“I remember sitting on the floor, opening a book and thinking, ‘This is what I wanna do.’ It’s stuck with me deeply,” Michelle shares.
The genesis of Song of Belonging specifically traces back to a poignant moment at age seven when her great-grandmother passed away, leaving her a delicate green jewelry box symbolizing family stories and legacy. This heirloom became a central metaphor in Michelle’s novel, where the protagonist Alice unravels mysteries hidden within her ancestry.
The Novel’s Themes and Genre
Classifying Song of Belonging was a creative challenge as it straddles several genres: literary fiction, magical realism, and Southern fiction. This genre blending reflects Michelle’s own literary influences and experiences growing up immersed in the mystical and deeply cultural environment of French Louisiana.
The story’s tone embraces magical realism’s hallmark — crossing veils between worlds, fused with the rich traditions of Catholicism and regional culture. Alice, the novel’s heroine, embarks on a journey deeply connected to her matrilineal roots and environmental stewardship, making the novel resonate on multiple levels.
Addressing Environmental Concerns through Storytelling
For Michelle, the environment plays a vital role in the narrative. Drawing on her experiences living in Louisiana and Hawaii, she highlights the fragile balance between humans and nature. Coastal and aquatic creatures such as sea turtles, monk seals, and otters function as spiritual guides and symbols within the story, underscoring urgent themes about ecological responsibility.
Michelle explains,
“The animals became teachers and symbols of the choices Alice needs to make.”
Her firsthand observations of wildlife and environmental impact lend authenticity and urgency to this aspect of the novel.
Finding Community and Support in Independent Publishing
Transitioning from poetry to writing a full-length novel presented Michelle with a significant learning curve, both creatively and within the publishing world. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement, highlighting her membership in the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) as a valuable resource.
Michelle values BAIPA’s inclusive atmosphere that fosters collaboration rather than competition. She notes,
“Being part of groups like this helps eliminate the feeling of competition. We’re all working together to bring stories into the world.”
Through networking, learning opportunities, and mutual support, Michelle found essential encouragement on her publishing journey.
Advice for Emerging Authors
Drawing from her experience, Michelle offers heartfelt advice for authors at any stage: keep creating despite life’s challenges and embrace the arts as a vital human connector. She encourages writers to follow their creative spark authentically, stating,
“The arts are imperative to the human race. We all have a creative spark in us, and it’s imperative we nurture it.”
Her own journey, culminating in the publication of her debut novel at nearly 61 years old, exemplifies perseverance and passion in the literary world.
Where to Discover More About Michelle St. Romain and Her Work
- Official Website: https://michellestromain.com
- Purchase ‘Song of Belonging’: Available wherever books are sold, including Simon & Schuster
- Upcoming Events: Including the Bay Area Book Festival and various literary gatherings—check her website for details.
- Independent Publishing Community: Learn more about BAIPA at https://baipa.org
Song of Belonging invites readers into a richly layered story that connects past and present, place and spirit, mystery and environmental awakening. Michelle St. Romain’s debut is a shining example of the power of literary fiction intertwined with soulful magical realism.
Author
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, currently, members get in free for all workshops and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.