Geneva HS grad publishes debut novel described as a ‘queer rom-com’
Two years ago, when writing about Allison Grischow making an acting debut in a thriller called “Chasing Hope,” her proud father Dale mentioned that his younger daughter Becca was also involved in the arts as a writer.
This time, Becca Grischow is in the spotlight, as her debut novel “I’ll Get Back to You,” is now available as she makes the rounds at book signings.
Becca graduated from Geneva High School in 2013, two years after Allison, who graduated in 2011.
“I’ll Get Back to You,” which Grischow describes as a “PG-13 queer rom-com” has its spirit and storyline based more on living in a small town like Geneva than being reflective of her own coming out as gay at a young age and living as a bisexual, married 29-year-old to a man she met in college.
“I first had the idea to write this book in June of 2021, and was ready to do it in early 2022,” said Grischow, who currently lives in Rogers Park. With the first drafts completed, an agent sold her book idea to Penguin Publishing in June of 2023. With the finished product now available, Grischow called it all a “pretty quick” publishing cycle.
The idea for the book had been in Grischow’s mind when first coming home to Geneva from Valparaiso University during Thanksgiving break, a time when former high school classmates generally get together at the local bars in what amounts to a reunion.
“I participated one time when I was 21 years old, and it was such a weird experience being in your hometown and seeing all of these people you went to school with, and they are different now,” Grischow said.
Still, the book has some roots in Grischow’s own experiences. “I had crushes on girls in high school who told me they were straight, and then a couple of years later, I see them post on Facebook and it is otherwise,” she said, making the point it is far easier in this day and age for gay people to not fear repercussions.
“The characters in the book are 21 years old, so it is in between a young adult and adult book,” she added. “All of the characters in the book are inspired by all of these friends I made all the way from second grade,” she added. “I made lifelong friends in Geneva, and that comes through in the book.”
However, she explains, nothing is drawn directly from her friends or experiences, as each character is fictional. “The main character works at a coffeehouse that will remind you of Graham’s 318, so there are things drawn from town rather than my life directly,” she noted.
After seven years of working as a ghost writer for others, Grischow can’t believe her dream of being an author is becoming reality. It’s especially rewarding that Penguin, one of the top book publishers, offered her a two-book deal.
She points to advice from her parents about what to study in college as a key when following her sister to Valparaiso University, seeking a marketing and digital media degree.
“I was always a creative writer, but didn’t think that was practical and would be a degree in which I would not make much money,” she said. “I told my mom what I wanted to study and she said, that was OK, but if I didn’t study creative writing, I wasn’t going to get the money they said they would contribute.
“It’s kind of an opposite story of what a lot of parents would maybe do in encouraging you to do something practical,” Grischow added. “But Mom said I was super talented and not to waste it.”
With that advice, Grischow chose a digital media and creative writing double major. “And I am glad I did,” she said. “I was very lucky my parents talked me into it.”
Making it all the more enjoyable, Grischow was able to convince the publisher to give the narrator role for the audio version of the book to her sister Allison. In the future, and with a media agent already looking into it, she is not ruling out the potential that one of her books could land some film rights. Having her sister in a lead role in such a film would be the ultimate scenario.
Grischow will be at Harvey’s Tales in Geneva from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, two days after appearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville for book signings.
“I have worked on about 50 books for other authors, but this is the first book with my name on it,” she noted, sounding excited and amazed at the thought. “I didn’t think this would happen in such a big way with the two-book deal, but it is happening now and my wildest dream is coming true.”
Help during migration
Anderson Humane in South Elgin reminds us about the danger that lights pose during the prime migration period for birds from early September to early October.
“During this critical period, it's crucial to minimize the use of artificial lighting,” Anderson Humane noted in a public service announcement. “Approximately two-thirds of all songbirds migrate during the nighttime, and excessive light pollution can disorient them.”
Because of that, Anderson says some simple measures can help our feathered friends. The animal shelter “strongly advocates” that we switch off any unnecessary lights. If that's not feasible, we should opt for warm white or yellow-colored bulbs.
Light shields help direct light downward, or the lights should operate on motion sensors instead of being on all night.
Those of us who have to work indoors at night should consider closing the drapes to reduce any light that might reflect outside.
Birds being disoriented by lights fall into the danger of slamming into shiny glass windows on buildings. That glass may reflect trees and plants that seem tempting to fly toward.
Researchers have estimated that a billion or more birds worldwide can perish from banging into windows. Even when a bird bangs into a window and flies off, it can die later from its injuries.
When thinking of bird safety, some home or business owners put netting over glass if it fully reflects other trees and foliage, or use a one-way transparent film that allows those inside to see out but gives an opaque look to the window outside.
Those autumn hikes
One might say I am at least slightly obsessive about getting 10,000 steps on my Fitbit each day. After all, I am on a streak of more than three years of logging 10,000 or more each day.
As such, it makes sense for the Kane County Forest Preserve to pitch a way for “individuals looking to get in their daily 10,000 steps while discovering the beauty of various preserves” in one of its news releases.
Two free local hikes for those 18 and older are on the schedule this fall with forest preserve naturalists leading the way and occasionally stopping to point out the beauty of nature.
One is from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Campton Forest Preserve at 4N379 Town Hall Road in St. Charles; the other is 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Prairie Green Forest Preserve at 698 N. Peck Road in Geneva.
Advance registration is required on the forest preserve website, or at (630) 444-3190, or through email at programs@kaneforest.com.
Don’t freeze on this
The Paramount Theatre in Aurora has another fine show taking place in “The Full Monty,” with performances through Oct. 6.
But parents with young children should have the next production at the Paramount on their radar.
“Frozen, the Broadway Musical” makes its regional premiere Oct. 30 at the Paramount, where it will have performances through January 19.
Consider this a reminder about a great opportunity for holiday gifts and for the kids to see Elsa and Anna sing the songs from the hit movie right in front of their eyes.
Handmade at Holmstad
It’s the most anticipated event for residents of Covenant Living at the Holmstad in Batavia as is time to show off and sell some homemade items at the annual bazaar.
The 46th annual Holmstad Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Sept. 21, at the Holmstad at West Fabyan Parkway and Route 31 in Batavia.
The residents operate this free event in which all sales proceeds go to the Resident Association.
Coffee, sweets and a light lunch are available for purchase. Handmade wood and needle crafts, seasonal wreaths, holiday décor, and homemade bakery items are featured. Jewelry, books and furniture also are for sale.
The event features a free cash drawing. More information is available at HolmstadBazaar.com.
dheun@sbcglobal.net