The Solstice, a time of abundance and manifestation, seems like the perfect time for a book release. Aftermath, the latest Labyrinth of Souls novel, is now available. Aftermath is also the 13th book in the series–lucky 13! An appropriate number, since this book becoming a reality involved a dash of luck. Writing this book was a unique, compelling and magical journey.

I experience writing like turning myself inside out.  It is not a passive endeavor.  This book took five years to write which seems like a long time for such a short book.  After writing many short stories, tackling a full-length book was a “novel” experience.  Not only was there a big technical learning curve for me, developing a coherent plot line, believable characters, and a three-dimensional world, but the intense internal and personal process of writing the book surprised me. I was not prepared for the degree to which I had to resolve emotional issues that arose in me as I pieced the story together.

Sometimes I had to step away from the story for a few months, or even a year, to grow to a place where the character could proceed.  Achieving certain internal states and conditions was necessary before I could finish the story.  At some points, I gave up hope of ever finishing the book at all.   Sheer perseverance, accompanied by support of fellow writers, helped me along.  The most significant example of internal processing even involved an experience from a past life.

The image for the cover of this book is Alchemical Fire­–the perfect symbol for this story–since  the story revolves around fire, both physical and spiritual.  Ever since I started writing fiction, fire and burning would appear in my stories without fail.  I wondered about the provenance of these images, but this time as I got deeper into the story, and as I spent so much time with my characters, and in their world, I fell into a deep state.  I found myself overwhelmed with visceral memories of being burned in a fire, choking on smoke. Consumed by flames.  It was a terrifying experience.

It was clear to me that this memory arose from a past life–who knows what happened–but the terror of that experience kept arising.  Did I perish in a burning building?  Was I burned at the stake?  I couldn’t continue with the story at that point, as it brought up powerful feelings and memories.  Disturbed, I sought a way to work through this state.  I was aware of a healer, with whom I had experience.  During the healing session, the memories  arose, but the terror and fear were released for good.  What a relief!  That release enabled me to continue on with the story.  My own aftermath.  Isn’t life interesting? 

The characters in this story are marked by fire, but find their way through, as we all do, in one way or another.  I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoy telling it.  Happy Solstice!