Today Norbert, the main character of the soon-to-be released novel, The Reluctant Fortune-Teller, will be reading the cards for New York Times Bestselling author, Mary Kubica. Mary shuffled her cards in her home in the suburbs of Chicago, and sent us the seven cards she drew, along with her question for the fortune-teller.
Ok, my question for Norbert is this:
All of my novels have been set in Chicago. Though I once thought Chicago would be the setting for all of my books, I’m considering changing it up for the next manuscript and moving the story somewhere else (perhaps some wonderful spot that would require a research trip!). What should I do, Norbert? Stay in Chicago or give another location a try?
The 7 cards I picked were (from left to right):
Jack of Clubs
Queen of Spades
10 of Diamonds
5 of Hearts
Jack of Spades
10 of Spades
2 of Spades
Here is Norbert’s assessment of Mary Kubica’s query:
The question you pose is an interesting one, Mary!
First of all, I see a preponderance of black cards—five out of seven. This indicates that it will be most important to always maintain a positive mental attitude. The next thing I notice is all the face cards! My! Are these people in your day-to-day life, or characters in your next novel, I wonder?
Let’s see….
The Jack of Clubs is a person with hidden depths and undeveloped potential; this could be a child or an adult. Could be either gender, but I have a feeling this one is male.
Next, the Queen of Spades represents a perceptive and talented woman. I feel that this card is you, yourself.
Now, the Ten of Diamonds is an extremely favorable card. It says, “Your project gains traction. Whatever you have been focusing on is ready to take off now!” This is a very good card for an author!
The Five of Hearts can show a separation of loved ones; the important thing to know here is that you are safe, and ultimately, it all turns out well. Perhaps, in view of your question, this might mean you could travel for research and be away from family for a short time.
Then you have the Jack of Spades—again, could be either gender, but I think this one is female: a younger version of you. So, could it be that you would be separated for a brief period from this young person in order to do your travel research?
Next, you have the Ten of Spades, and this does show research and beginning a new work. Traditionally, it stands for new beginnings, learning and growing.
Last of all you have the Two of Spades, which indicates a short delay, and that it may be hard to wait for what you want. While waiting, the cards always advise doing a small, random act of kindness, as it makes the time go faster, and is always good karma.
Mary, it does look like you will be travelling to do research for a book that will really take off!
As you consider destinations, I have to suggest my own beautiful New York State, a land of green, rolling hills, winding roads, farms and forests. Or did you have the tropics in mind?
Readers, what do you think about Norbert’s reading?
And do you have suggestions for the location of Mary Kubica’s next novel?
Keziah Frost, Author 