The Cost of Electricity, a Novel

At the University of Oregon in 1902, Lulu befriends Al, the son of a state Supreme Court judge. Their mutual friend Roy, a talented writer and speaker with a troubled past, works with Lulu on the literary magazine. Lulu and Roy share a powerful attraction, but she seduces sensible Al. Meanwhile, Roy loses an eye while using explosives on a summer job and becomes addicted to laudanum.

After graduation, Lulu marries Al and finds a job editing a Portland monthly magazine run by a shady entrepreneur. Overwhelmed by a pressing deadline and the publisher's unrealistic expectations, Lulu reaches out to Roy. With his help, the first edition of the magazine comes out to great acclaim. Late one night at the office, Roy declares his love.

Within a year of her divorce from Al, the magazine fails. Lulu and Roy move to Southern California where Roy begins writing a movie script based on Calamity Jane. As Roy's drug use increases, Lulu finds solace in the women's campaign for the vote.

"Do you ever wonder," a fellow suffragette asks, "what your friends make of our life?"

"I couldn't care less," Lulu says, "Let them imagine whatever they please."