The process of writing a novel often requires an author to become an explorer. For Maria Rivera, this meant spending her days along the coastline of Connecticut. Her novel, Dropping Perez, explores the resilience of a woman starting over in her fifties. By using the real-life geography of East Haven, Rivera provides a roadmap for emotional recovery that feels both tangible and true.
The Story of Maritza Ortega Perez
Maritza is a woman defined by her roles: wife, teacher, and stabilizer. When her thirty-five-year marriage ends, those definitions vanish. The story follows her move to Cosey Beach for a summer position at a local recreation center. It is a story about the fear of the unknown and the surprise of rediscovery.
When Maritza arrives in East Haven, she is hesitant. However, the beach environment begins to strip away her defenses. Rivera captures the specific “texture” of the area, from the sound of the waves near the clubhouse to the atmosphere of the local eateries.
Authenticity Through Research
Rivera does not rely on imagination alone for her settings. She visited the Cosey Beach clubhouse to ensure her descriptions matched the architecture and layout of the building. She spoke with local workers to understand the daily rhythm of the beach.
The Sandpiper restaurant, a staple of the East Haven community, serves as a primary location in the book. Rivera’s decision to write scenes inside the restaurant adds a layer of sensory detail that only a visitor could provide. You can smell the salt air and taste the local fare through her prose. This dedication to accuracy makes the book a love letter to the Connecticut shore.
A Career of Dual Perspectives
Rivera balances her time between teaching English and television production. These two worlds collide in her authorship. Her English teaching background gives her a deep appreciation for narrative structure, while her TV production experience allows her to market her work effectively.
She produces high-quality video content to promote her novels, bridging the gap between traditional publishing and modern digital media. Her students provide a constant source of energy and inspiration, making the demanding schedule of a full-time teacher and author manageable.
The Power of Memory
The “Behind The Scenes” section of Rivera’s website offers a glimpse into how personal history shapes fiction. A specific photograph from her youth—a black-and-white shot of an acting exercise—became the anchor for a romantic subplot in the novel. By including these real-life artifacts in her digital gallery, she invites you to see the blurred lines between her life and her art.
Connect with the Author
If you are looking for a story about new beginnings, Dropping Perez offers a hopeful perspective. The upcoming event at The Sandpiper on July 11 is an opportunity to see the setting that inspired the story. Rivera will be available from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to sign books and answer questions about Maritza’s journey.
You can find more information on her official website, where she hosts galleries, book trailers, and updates on her latest projects. Whether you are a local resident or a fan of contemporary fiction, Rivera’s work serves as a reminder that it is never too late to change your story.