The Common Threads: Exploring Themes in My Novels

As an indie author, my writing journey has been deeply personal and incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I've explored various themes and characters in my novels, but a few recurring motifs stand out, binding my works together under a unified thematic umbrella. Whether it's the ethereal narrative of Soul Jumper, the heart-wrenching journey of The Man Before You, or the magical trials in Encampment, each book delves into the complexities of human emotions, the transformative power of love, and the eternal struggle between hope and despair.

The Complexity of Human Emotions

In each of my novels, I strive to capture the raw, often messy tapestry of human emotion. The Man Before You presents a poignant look at grief and recovery, where Eloise grapples with the overwhelming loss of her husband and the subsequent emotional paralysis. Similarly, in Soul Jumper, Kiidus navigates the regrets and moral dilemmas of his past actions, embodying the emotional turmoil of someone caught between worlds. Meanwhile, Encampment explores Madeleine's fear and resolve as she faces a cruel and uncertain fate, forced to harness her inner strength in the face of daunting magical and emotional challenges.

The Transformative Power of Love

Love, in all its forms, has a transformative effect on my characters. It's a force that propels them through their darkest moments and leads them towards redemption. In Soul Jumper, love is a redemptive force for Kiidus, urging him to make amends for past wrongs and seek a path of righteousness. In The Man Before You, love acts as a catalyst for Eloise's healing, helping her reconnect with life and open her heart again to Jack, whose enduring love offers her a chance at a new beginning. In Encampment, Madeleine's interactions hint at budding relationships that challenge her preconceptions about trust and loyalty in a hostile environment.

The Eternal Struggle Between Hope and Despair

Hope and despair are two sides of the same coin in my narratives. Each character’s journey oscillates between these extremes, reflecting the universal human condition. Encampment starkly portrays this struggle as Madeleine and her fellow witches fight against the despair of their captivity with the hope of escape and freedom. In Soul Jumper, hope is what drives Kiidus to continue his existence as he seeks redemption and a final peace, despite the despair that comes from his transient existence and the shadows of his choices. The Man Before You shows Eloise’s battle with despair following her husband's death, and her gradual reawakening to hope through her reconnection with Jack.

Death and the Possibility of Life After Death

A profound exploration of death and the possibility of an afterlife permeates each of my novels, bringing a depth and universality to the stories. In Soul Jumper, the entire premise is built around the concept of life after death, with Kiidus existing beyond his physical demise to influence the living. The Man Before You tackles the aftermath of death, focusing on how those left behind cope with loss and the lingering presence of loved ones in their memories. In Encampment, although more subtly, the threat of death and the hope for a life beyond the confines of their magical prison challenge the characters to consider what truly lies beyond their current existence.

Personal Reflections

These themes are not just constructs of my imagination but are deeply rooted in my own life experiences. Like my characters, I have faced moments of despair and have been lifted by love in various forms. Writing these stories has been a cathartic process, allowing me to explore and express complex emotions that resonate with my readers.

Each story, while set in different worlds and involving different stakes, reflects a piece of my journey as an author and as a person. They are my attempt to understand and articulate the human experience, to explore the depths of what it means to truly live, love, and sometimes, to let go.

This exploration of common themes not only connects my novels but also serves as a bridge between me and my readers, offering a space for us to find common ground in our shared experiences and emotions.