As a child in Nebraska, I lived a few blocks from a cattle auction – the sounds, smells and organized chaos of which seeped into my subconscious. Much later, I moved to Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood while it was still a meatpacking district. The story was inspired by the confluence of these settings. 

S.L. Woeppel – 21 September 2025

The Back Flap

Daisy Bellon thinks she may have buried her skeletons forever. At thirty-five, she runs a butcher shop in a forgotten corner of Chicago, keeping her past locked away. But when an anonymous message arrives, she’s thrust back to the day her life split in two.

At nine years old, Daisy meets Caleb Garcia, a boy who makes her believe in the possibility of friendship and happiness. But that same night, she stumbles upon her father dismembering a woman in their basement and becomes his unwilling apprentice, sworn to keep his monstrous secrets. When the victim’s ghost appears in Daisy’s room, she’s bound to a haunting legacy. To endure, Daisy weaves a web of lies, clinging to the light of Caleb’s friendship while slipping deeper into the darkness of her father’s shadow.

More than two decades later, following the arrival of the mysterious message, someome close to Daisy is brutally murdered in an all-too-familiar fashion. Forced to confront the truth about her family and herself, Daisy must decide whether to let the darkness consume her—or to fight for love and redemption, even if it means revealing everything she’s tried to bury.

About the book

When did you start writing the book?

I started on this one about six years ago. I put it aside for a long while and came back with a fresh perspective for editing.

How long did it take you to write it?

The first draft took only about three months. Then I toyed with it here and there for a few years. Then final edits, which were significant, took another three months. Ultimately, a long time.

Where did you get the idea from?

As a child in Nebraska, I lived a few blocks from a cattle auction – the sounds, smells and organized chaos of which seeped into my subconscious. Much later, I moved to Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood while it was still a meatpacking district. The story was inspired by the confluence of these settings. They define Daisy (our protagonist) as she embodies the wild independence of growing up in small town middle America in the latter part of the 20th century and later navigates the rapid evolution of a modern city. While this story explores the darker side of the human experience, it’s also a love letter to the innocence, simplicity and sensory experience of both these times and places.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

This is dual timeline. While the child story came fast and easy with moderate edits, the adult piece went through two full rewrites. I spent a lot of time trying to realize a full and compelling adult Daisy to match the dynamic of young Daisy.

What came easily?

Everything with young Daisy’s story came easy. I felt very connected to her in the process of writing. Her voice was always clear and loud in my mind.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They are entirely fictitious. The settings are highly accurate through – drawn from distinctive experiences in my own memory in very specific times of my life.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

My absolute favorite writers and books are the ones that give me that unsettling twisting in my gut. Tarryn Fisher, Amy Harmon, Alice Hoffman, and Steven King are just a few that have had this effect on me – can transport me as a reader. That is what inspires me as a writer, always hoping that I can transport the reader and cause a real sense of uncomfortableness, a gut twist, in my reader.

Do you have a target reader?

Not specifically. I think any fiction reader who enjoys a dark, twisty story with magical realism and a touch of a love story might enjoy The Butcher and The Liar.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Stare at a blank page for weeks and procrastinate. Then when something finally sparks, do nothing but write for a few months before I lose my writerly train. It’s not a process I would recommend.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not outline. I’m one of those that has a spark, starts writing, and lets the story unfold. Because of this, I think it takes me four times the amount of time to write a book, but alas, it’s my process. I’ve tried to outline. It’s a waste of time for the way my brain works. I need to get to know my characters first to understand the course of their story. As such, I do lots of rewrites.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Both. When I find myself lacking a more creative spark – I resort to editing mid-way. It’s not all that productive.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes. Mostly soft instrumental or moody folk music.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did work with an agent on this book for a while. But I decided in the end that Indie was the right call for me at this point.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was gradual. There are some great options for support in indie publishing now to engage with.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professional

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Both – I’m working with a publicist and learning from my last book release in terms of marketing I’m doing on my own.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Be ready for the work involved, it’s a lot. Then stop thinking about it and do it.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Nebraska

Where do you live now?

I live in Minnesota currently. I’ve lived in 13 different neighborhoods in five different states. Places have such distinctive tones, such wonderful inspiration for stories. All my stories have been inspired by the places I’ve lived.

What would you like readers to know about you?

My goal is always to give a gut twist and make readers a little bit angry before giving them an ending they will remember.

What are you working on now?

A book about aging, regret, forgiveness and about embracing life.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of The Butcher and the Liar from Amazon US or Amazon UK.