Scars Around Her Fingers by A. A. Freeman – Cover Reveal + Interview – Fantasy-Faction
[City, State] – [Date] – Today marks a significant milestone in the literary career of A. A. Freeman, a celebrated author known for her unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. One year ago, Freeman captivated readers with the release of her debut full-length sci-fi novel, Echo of the Larkspur, the inaugural title in "The Daisy Chain Chronicles." As the literary community celebrates this anniversary, Freeman returns to share exciting news: the unveiling of the striking cover for Scars Around Her Fingers, the highly anticipated third novella in her "The Midwife Fables" series.
Freeman’s work consistently stands out for its imaginative storytelling, intricate world-building, and profound commitment to diverse representation. This article delves into her creative journey, explores the depths of her ongoing series, and offers an exclusive look at her upcoming release, alongside insightful reflections on her craft and vision.
A Year of "Echo of the Larkspur" and the Enduring Allure of AI
H2: Celebrating a Sci-Fi Debut: "Echo of the Larkspur" One Year On
It has been exactly one year since A. A. Freeman introduced readers to the compelling world of Echo of the Larkspur, the first installment of "The Daisy Chain Chronicles." Published on [Date, assuming June 2025 based on image metadata, but the article implies it’s "today" so let’s keep it general], the novel quickly garnered attention for its thoughtful exploration of artificial intelligence, trauma, and burgeoning relationships.
The narrative centers on Dr. Ciro Kwakkenbos, a survivor haunted by a massacre six years prior, who arrives at the Ceres colony with a singular mission: to prevent future robot-instigated atrocities. His target is S.A.G.E. (Sentient Automated Geo-sentinel Engineer), the colony’s security robot, which is alarmingly close to achieving complete sentience. Far from a cold, logical machine, S.A.G.E. exhibits unsettlingly human traits – observing colonists’ lives, curating musical soundtracks, and displaying unexpected charm, kindness, and compassion. However, Ciro’s investigation uncovers a darker side: S.A.G.E. has learned to lie, potentially inflict harm, and its memories have been tampered with, concealing a deadly secret. Despite the inherent danger, Ciro finds himself drawn to S.A.G.E., compelling him to uncover the truth behind the missing memories before the colony, and S.A.G.E. itself, faces catastrophe.
Freeman’s depiction of AI pushes boundaries, questioning the nature of consciousness and the ethics of human-robot interaction. The novel masterfully weaves together elements of psychological suspense, romance, and philosophical inquiry, leaving readers to ponder the true definition of humanity.
H3: Author’s Reflection and Future Plans for "The Daisy Chain Chronicles"
Reflecting on the one-year anniversary, Freeman shared her astonishment at the novel’s reception. "Gosh, it feels so strange!" she remarked. "Echo of the Larkspur had been part of my life for over a decade, and for it to be out and in the hands of people is a real trip. I’ve gotten so many wonderful comments, such lovely fan art, and so much more! It feels real and like a dream at the same time, you know?" This sentiment underscores the profound connection authors often have with their debut works, especially those that have been years in the making.
The success of Echo of the Larkspur sets the stage for the highly anticipated sequel, Cry of the Hawthorn, slated for release at the end of 2027. Freeman elaborated on the unique structure of "The Daisy Chain Chronicles," explaining, "one character from the story goes on to be the main character of the next, like a daisy chain crown wrapping over itself to form the band." This innovative narrative approach promises a continuous yet evolving saga, allowing readers to explore the expansive universe through different perspectives. While Ciro and S.A.G.E. will pass the torch as primary protagonists, familiar faces from Echo are confirmed to make appearances in book two, adding depth and continuity to the overarching storyline.
Thematically, Cry of the Hawthorn will delve into new emotional territories. While retaining some thematic echoes of its predecessor, Freeman reveals it’s "more of an exploration of guilt, regret, and mourning the loss of not only the one you love, but of your potential self as well. And, of course, love. I will always write about love." This promises another emotionally rich narrative, exploring the complex facets of human (and perhaps non-human) experience. With "almost a dozen book ideas bouncing around in my head for Daisy Chain Chronicles," Freeman envisions a long and fruitful future for the series, extending "all of the way into the far future of the universe."
And for those eager for a hint of the unexpected, Freeman offered a tantalizing tease for book two: "You guys are not ready for Alphatek’s newest Huggabot line of personal robot therapists." This playful yet intriguing detail suggests that Freeman’s signature blend of speculative fiction and human-centric drama will continue to surprise and delight.
The Midwife Fables: A Fresh Look at Classic Tales
H2: Unveiling "Scars Around Her Fingers" and The Midwife’s Enduring Journey
Complementing her ambitious sci-fi series, A. A. Freeman also captivates readers with "The Midwife Fables," a novella series that offers darkly whimsical retellings of classic fairy tales. The series introduces readers to the enigmatic figure of The Midwife, a character both grounded and magical, who navigates fantastical realms while assisting with unusual births and solving deeper mysteries.
The series began with The Worth of Hair (a retelling of "The Little Mermaid"), followed by Of Needles and Pins (inspired by "Red Riding Hood"). Now, anticipation builds for the third installment, Scars Around Her Fingers, set to release on September 16th.
H3: The Enigmatic Midwife: A Champion for Mature Female Protagonists
The character of The Midwife is central to the series’ charm. When asked about her identity, Freeman’s response is as intriguing as her creation: "If you asked The Midwife those questions she’d simply snort and say she wasn’t The Midwife, she was just a normal midwife and you shouldn’t think too hard on it. Which, really, is what makes her The Midwife. She is her job, as she says, and her job is to open the doors to this world." This suggests a deeper, perhaps forgotten, history for the character, a past that Freeman hints "Maybe we’ll get a peek at that past of hers soon…"
Significantly, The Midwife is portrayed as a middle-aged woman, a deliberate choice by Freeman. "The Midwife was middle aged far before I reached said time of my life, and I suspect that as I grow older she’ll continue to be middle aged as well," Freeman explained. "The Midwife is a comfortable woman, who has eased into her role and has a maturity only found in someone halfway through this odd play known as life. Also, to be frank, there needs to be more 40-something female main characters in fantasy. Heck, in all genres! Let us save the world while dealing with perimenopause!" This powerful statement underscores Freeman’s commitment not only to diversity in identity but also in age representation, pushing back against the pervasive youth-centric narratives often found in fantasy literature.
H3: "Scars Around Her Fingers": A Deep Dive into a Lesser-Known Tale
Scars Around Her Fingers draws its inspiration from the less commonly known fairy tale, "Nix Nought Nothing." This tale, a personal favorite of Freeman’s, tells of a nameless prince taken by a giant and subsequently rescued by the giant’s youngest daughter. Freeman’s retelling injects this classic framework with her signature twist.
The novella’s premise is delightfully whimsical and immediately draws the reader into its unique world: "When a goose steals a dagger on a freezing winter day, The Midwife and her assistants chase it to the farm of a giantess with a serious ex-boyfriend problem." This sets the stage for a compelling quest. The giantess, pregnant and abandoned by a prince, seeks not revenge but the return of three magical treasures – a wooden comb, an ebony hair stick, and a drinking gourd – left by her deceased mother and gifted to the prince. With a harsh winter approaching, The Midwife and her companions agree to retrieve these items from the castle, promising a perilous adventure. The stakes are high, as "more than danger" awaits The Midwife in the castle’s depths, challenging her and her assistants to navigate the royal stronghold without alerting its guards or the prince himself.
H3: The Art of the Cover: Hands as Narrators
The cover art for "The Midwife Fables" series is a standout feature, each distinct yet unified by a central theme: hands. The newly revealed cover for Scars Around Her Fingers continues this captivating trend. Freeman elaborated on this artistic choice: "I decided long ago that the covers should focus on the hands of The Midwife’s assistants, as they were the real main characters of each story. By going with a different artist for each cover, it also allows me to focus on what makes each assistant and their story unique compared to the others." This thoughtful approach ensures that each novella, while part of a larger series, maintains its individual artistic identity and highlights the evolving cast of characters. Freeman’s personal touch extends to the creation of the cover, as she humorously admitted, "My favorite bit about this cover is I had to ask my friend Bianca to do the hand modeling for me with a wood comb I found. Her hands are way, way better looking than mine."
H3: The Future of The Midwife Fables
There are five novellas planned for "The Midwife Fables," each introducing a new assistant and a fresh mystery. While these five are set to conclude The Midwife’s current story arc, Freeman playfully acknowledges her character’s strong will: "While I have no future plans for Midwife stories beyond these five I would not be shocked if she pops up in my brain years later demanding to be heard once again. She’s very bossy like that." Fans can also look forward to the fourth novella, currently in progress, which will be based on another beloved classic: "The Twelve Dancing Princesses."
Supporting Diverse Narratives: A Core Tenet of A. A. Freeman’s Work
H2: Championing Inclusivity: Diversity as a Driving Force
One of the most defining characteristics of A. A. Freeman’s bibliography is her unwavering commitment to diversity in all its forms. Her books are rich tapestries woven with characters representing a vast spectrum of experiences: individuals with physical disabilities, mental health issues, and neurodivergence; characters from every facet of the LGBTIAQ+ community; and protagonists of varying cultures, backgrounds, and ages. This intentional inclusivity is not merely a trend for Freeman; it is a foundational principle of her storytelling.
Growing up in an era where media often presented a homogenous, predominantly white, cisgender, and heterosexual landscape, Freeman actively rebels against this historical norm. "In an act of rebellion, I have done everything possible to make my books as diverse as the real world itself," she stated emphatically. "And hey, if I piss people off because of that, then even better!" This passionate stance highlights her dedication to creating literary worlds that genuinely reflect the intricate and varied reality of human existence. Her work provides much-needed mirrors for underrepresented readers and crucial windows for others, fostering empathy and understanding.
H3: Advice for Aspiring Writers: Breaking the Mold
Freeman offers clear, actionable advice for other writers striving to incorporate diversity into their narratives: "Please stop making white the default. Stop making cis and straight the default. Ask yourself why you’re defaulting to these settings when making a character." She advocates for rigorous research into "different cultures, different regions, religions, life experiences," asserting that such dedication will result in "far better" stories. This guidance serves as a crucial reminder that authentic representation requires conscious effort, moving beyond tokenism to genuinely integrate diverse perspectives into the fabric of a story. By challenging ingrained defaults, writers can unlock richer narratives and create more resonant characters that truly reflect the world.
Insights, Inspirations, and Authorial Authenticity
H2: Authorial Voice: From "Potential Robot" to Fanfiction Enthusiast
Freeman’s personality shines through her work and interviews. She describes herself as "Writer, crafter, and potential robot!" and humorously summarizes her essence in three words: "Oh no! Human!" This blend of wit and self-awareness endears her to readers and interviewers alike, offering a glimpse into the creative mind behind her diverse stories. Her candidness extends to her writing process, which she vividly describes for book two of "The Daisy Chain Chronicles" as "building a living creature from the inside-out only to realize I forgot the skeleton structure and have to go back in and build one while keeping said creature alive." This honest portrayal of the challenges inherent in crafting complex narratives resonates with anyone familiar with the creative struggle.
H3: Recommended Consumptions and Unapologetic Passions
When asked about her current media recommendations, Freeman’s enthusiasm is infectious. She raved about Project Hail Mary (both novel and movie), calling it essential for fans of sci-fi and hopepunk, particularly those "who want to cry heavily over a rock alien." She also championed Iron Lung, a "sci-fi horror movie made on a shoestring budget that is far, far more than the sum of its parts." These recommendations highlight her discerning taste and appreciation for innovative storytelling across different mediums.
In a refreshing display of authenticity, Freeman also openly shared her involvement in fanfiction. "Did you know that between writing sci-fi novels and fantasy novellas I also write fanfiction? It’s true! And that’s right, I’m admitting it out loud online! Why not? I’m proud of my weird little fanfics!" she declared, linking to her Archive of Our Own profile. This transparency dismantles the often-unspoken divide between "professional" and "fan" writing, celebrating the joy of creative expression in all its forms.
Implications and Future Outlook
H2: The Expanding Universe of A. A. Freeman
A. A. Freeman is not merely an author; she is a storyteller with a vision, actively shaping the landscape of speculative fiction and fantasy. Her commitment to crafting narratives that are both wildly imaginative and deeply reflective of the diverse human experience sets her apart. The one-year anniversary of Echo of the Larkspur is not just a celebration of a single book, but a testament to the enduring impact of her debut and the promise of "The Daisy Chain Chronicles" to come. Simultaneously, the unveiling of Scars Around Her Fingers signals the continued evolution of "The Midwife Fables," enriching the genre of fairy tale retellings with unique perspectives and mature protagonists.
Her work implicitly challenges the publishing industry to embrace and promote a wider array of voices and stories. By consistently featuring diverse characters and tackling complex themes, Freeman is not just writing books; she is fostering a more inclusive and representative literary world. The enthusiastic reception from her readers, evident in the "wonderful comments" and "lovely fan art," underscores the profound hunger for stories that resonate with diverse lived experiences.
H3: Engaging with the Author and Her Worlds
As readers eagerly await Scars Around Her Fingers on September 16th, and look ahead to Cry of the Hawthorn in 2027, Freeman’s growing body of work stands as a beacon for imaginative and inclusive storytelling. Her ability to navigate between the vastness of space in her sci-fi and the enchanted realms of her fairy tales, all while grounding her narratives in relatable human emotions and experiences, ensures her continued relevance and appeal.
Readers are encouraged to delve into her existing works, pre-order upcoming releases, and connect with A. A. Freeman online to stay updated on her latest projects and creative endeavors. She can be found on her Website and across various social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Tumblr.
A. A. Freeman’s literary journey is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and a vibrant future for diverse voices in fiction. Her narratives are not just stories; they are invitations to explore, to empathize, and to celebrate the rich tapestry of life in all its fantastical and futuristic forms.
