“The
spiritual path is not a solo endeavor. In fact, the very notion of a self who
is trying to free her/himself is a delusion. We are in it together and the
company of spiritual friends helps us realize our interconnectedness.” – Tara
Brach
Greetings!
It’s Mary Lee, writing as M. Lee Prescott, author of mysteries, romances – contemporary and western -- other fiction and nonfiction. No matter what the genre, my books, even the nonfiction titles, are about interconnectedness and the communities we create, large and small. I believe Tara Brach’s words about being “in it together” and want that for “characters” in my fiction, nonfiction, and in my life.
The theme of connectedness came to me when thinking of what I might blog because I’ve been pleased with the story arc linking two of my recent romances, last year’s A Horseshoe Crab Cove Christmas (HCCC) and this December’s Joe’s Calling. They are both part of the Morgan’s Fire series, set in New England, number 7 and 8 respectively.
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When writing series, many authors,
myself included, introduce, or incorporate minor characters who then move to
center stage in subsequent books. I love this foreshadowing as it builds reader
excitement for what’s ahead. We become attached to these relatively minor characters
when they do something that touches our heart, grabs our attention, or makes it
impossible to ignore them. They push in, make themselves known, and ask for
their own stories. There is delightful anticipation that builds in the
characters as well as the readers and writers interacting with them. Such fun!
Although Joe O’Leary appeared in earlier titles in the Morgan’s Fire series, the holiday book, begins and ends with him. A Horseshoe Crab Cove Christmas follows him as he grapples with life after leaving the priesthood. At fifty, where will his spiritual journey take him, and will he/ must he make his way alone? Early on in HCCC, as the village bursts forth celebration, Joe meets Meryl, chef of the town’s hottest new restaurant. Amidst the tinsel, lights, and carols, these two connect, first as friends and then, perhaps, something more. There is promise at the story’s conclusion. There is also the question Brach addresses about solo versus connected journeys, spiritual or otherwise. Do we need or want loving friends on our life passages? Are our spirits destined for interconnectedness or something else?
The village
of Horseshoe Crab Cove sparkles as the community celebrates a birthday and a
wedding. The kindling of a new relationship and a baby boom bring joy and
resonance to the season as Joe O’Leary makes the difficult decision to leave
the priesthood. Will he find peace in his new life? Celebrate the holidays with
a copy of Morgan’s Fire # 7!
Links to A Horseshoe Crab Cove Christmas!
Of course. I write romances. Connectedness always wins out. In Joe’s Calling the story arc continues as these two lovers explore whether, indeed, freeing oneself to walk alone is a delusion or the only path to wholeness in life. One can and should practice self-love and compassion, in effect, romancing oneself, but Joe’s Calling is a romance between two people, so a shared path looks promising!
Pre-order links to Joe’s Calling: Release date: December 20th
Story arcs and foreshadowing are
important elements of many series, but somehow the links between these two
books seemed subtler yet determined. As if the silken threads of emotional
connection blew forward in the soft, prevailing winds, from book to book,
without my awareness. This particular arc became a discovery for me, a
surprising, lovely connection that supported plot, but also these beloved characters.
I wish everyone a lovely December and happy holiday season! May your connections sustain you as the days grow darker and bring you peace, comfort, and joy.
Warmly,
Mary Lee
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5 comments:
Mary Lee - you are so right about the interconnectedness of characters in stories. I love developing characters who played a minor part in one book, to give them their own story. And I do love reading a series of books, as characters grow, even when they are not starring in that particular book.
Great post, Mary Lee. I find I am doing the same with secondary characters moving to main characters in subsequent books. It's fun to do.
I'm a bit late to the comment party. Busy times! Another aspect I love about series is the ability to see how the main characters of earlier books are doing. That was/is one of the highlights for me when writing in my series or the spin off series. Although I haven't thought of it in the way you've expressed, I can see the themes show up in my non-fiction. Thanks for being our guest! May the remainder of your 2022 be full of joy and happiness.
Thanks, Mary Lee. I'm also intrigued with connections, and I loved your eloquent phrase "the silken threads of emotional connection blew forward in the soft, prevailing winds."
Your title intrigued me, and I wasn't disappointed. I enjoyed your thoughtful post.
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