Hi Rahima, thanks for coming on my blog today.
First up, what kind of books do you write?
My trilogy, The Star-Seer’s Prophecy, is an epic metaphysical fantasy of the healing journey toward love and awakening, set in ancient world of blood sorcery and healing magic. So far, these three books are what I have written,
Tell us a bit about yourself. Include where you live.
I’m a third-generation native of California. After living in exotic places such as Chicago, Egypt, and Ethiopia, I now live in Northern California, my favourite place in the world, with my beloved husband of 33 years. After twenty years working as a psychotherapist, I retired in 2006 to focus on my creative writing, intuitive painting, and spiritual practice.
How long have you been writing, and when was your first book published?
For many years, writing in my journals was all the writing I did. I never thought of writing books, let alone publishing them. I had a vague picture of authors as strange creatures in New York, or miserable ones in garrets.J But in 1999, I wrote a tiny short story for Kyr —a male character from my dreamlife — and the floodgates opened! He took over and insisted I write his dark and redemptive story.
Three years later, I finished writing his story, and realized two things: it was a powerful story that was worth the effort to get it published; and it was a trilogy. (I write more about “How My Hero Turned Me into a Writer” here. https://starseersprophecy.com/author/)
Dark Innocence (Book 1) was published in 2012, and Fierce Blessings (Book 2) in 2015. The third book, Perilous Bliss will be published in January 2018.
Tell me about your books.
My first two books have been published by Rose Press, and the third will be published in January 2018.
In my first book, Dark Innocence, Kyr, a slave of an evil sorcerer-king, struggles from a hell of suffering and evil toward freedom, healing, and forgiveness, aided by a Warrior Mage, a Great Tree, a Priestess, and the Goddess Zhovanya.
In Fierce Blessings (Book Two), captured by his worst enemy and dragged back into the kind of hell he had escaped, Kyr fights to protect his soul against familiar seductive evil, and learns fierce compassion and merciful justice.
Perilous Bliss (Book Three) follows Kyr through a third hell of betrayal and despair on his path toward love and awakening. Alone, he must face the question of who he truly is and who he chooses to be.
There are a lot of people writing books these days, what makes your writing unique?
It’s the unusual synthesis of my experience and understanding of the healing journey (from my own inner work and my work with my psychotherapy clients) with my life-long love of fantasy fiction. Rather than a story of dragons, war and politics, or magical adventures, my Trilogy goes into the depths and heights of our human experience, from dreadful suffering and evil to a beautiful awakening to spiritual freedom and love, while being “an excellent fantasy set in a masterfully-built and richly detailed world.” —Jodie Forrest, Author of The Rhymer and the Ravens and The Ascendant.)
What aspects of your personality and interests come through in your books?
Clearly, my passion for psychological and spiritual healing and awakening blends with my love of great fantasy, by such authors as Ursula LeGuin and Charles de Lint, throughout my books.
What inspired you to write?
To begin with, writing was a tool for reflection, self-understanding, and self-expression. When I started writing my Trilogy, a flood of exciting creativity carried me along. I had no plan or plot, but wrote freely without editing. It was so much fun that I kept on writing every chance I got. It was the only way to find out what happened next!
What kind of person would like your books best?
Those who love a deep and meaningful story, especially people who are interested in the inner life, in psychological growth. Perhaps they have faced dark times in their lives, or are in therapy or recovery. Some readers have found reading my books helpful for their own healing journeys. (You can read about that here. https://starseersprophecy.com/healing-effects/)
Why did you choose the indie route to publication? Did you ever try the traditional route?
I explored getting an agent etc., but then I heard an insider talk about what happens if a big publisher takes your book. They can do what they like with it! I wanted more control. Luckily for me, my wonderful editor, Naomi Rose, became an indie publisher (Rose Press) and offered to publish my books. I am so grateful to her!
Do you have a mission for your writing? If so, what is it?
For years, I wasn’t sure why this intense, fascinating, and challenging story was coming through me. Finally, a few years ago, I asked in a deep meditation to receive the purpose of this Trilogy. What I heard amazed me: “The purpose of this story is to heal the inner and outer culture of hatred, revenge, and punishment, and promote an inner and outer culture of love, forgiveness, and healing.” It was very clear and definite, and explained why I feel such an obligation to write, edit, polish, publish, and publicize the Trilogy, despite my doubts and resistance.
If you could have one wish granted what would it be?
That my Trilogy could fulfil its purpose in the world.
Well I hope it does. Thanks for the chat.
Website: https://starseersprophecy.com/
Book Link –http://geni.us/znAD
