Author Kathleen Carr Foster Releases Debut Novel
The Boston resident and University of Massachusetts instructor debuts her new historical fantasy book, The Jewel of Corlivo.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Books
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Boston-based writer Kathleen Carr Foster has officially released her debut historical fantasy novel, The Jewel of Corlivo. The book, which is published by Erewhon Books, arrives following a multi-year writing and development process.
Why it matters
The release marks a significant milestone for Foster, who pivoted to this project after encountering creative challenges with a previous manuscript. It also highlights the intersection of local academic expertise and the competitive professional publishing landscape.
The publishing journey from deal to release generally spans an 18-24 month window. Foster secured her literary agent in July 2023, meeting industry standards for bringing a debut work to market by October 2026.
The players
Kathleen Carr Foster
She is an author and instructor at the University of Massachusetts who holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Boston University.
Erewhon Books
This publishing house serves as the official publisher for the debut historical fantasy novel.
Maggie Cooper
She is a literary agent at Aevitas Creative who represents the author.
The details
Foster holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Boston University and currently teaches writing at the University of Massachusetts. She began working on the manuscript in March 2022 before signing with Maggie Cooper of Aevitas Creative in July 2023.
Timeline
March 2022: Kathleen Carr Foster began writing the novel.
July 2023: The author signed with her literary agent.
Early 2024: The manuscript was submitted to publishers.
October 27, 2026: The Jewel of Corlivo was released to the public.
Industry Dynamics
The project follows the standard industry publishing timeline of 18-24 months, highlighting the deliberate pace required to bring a debut title from contract to store shelves. This trajectory underscores the typical logistical requirements that new authors navigate within the broader professional publishing ecosystem.
Readers in Boston and beyond can now purchase the debut novel through major retailers and independent bookstores. The book's arrival provides local fans of the fantasy genre with a new title sourced directly from the regional academic community.
The takeaway
Authors often find success by abandoning projects that are not gaining traction in favor of new concepts. Implementing this strategy of creative pivoting can help writers overcome stagnation and move toward a finished product.
Further reading
For more news on literary releases in the area, visit Books.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Writer's Digest.
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