Robin Mahle – What Inspired Me to Write My Book

 

What Inspired Me to Write My Book

by Robin Mahle

The odd thing about inspiration is that sometimes it’s present when you don’t even realize it.  I have always been a fan of suspense novels, so that’s what I enjoy writing.  It wasn’t until I was working on a draft of a novel, which incidentally, still sits unfinished on a flash drive that the idea for Redwood Violet came back to me.  I say ‘came back’ because it was always there, boxed up in my mind and labeled “For when she realizes she’s supposed to be a writer.”

When I was very young, I would say maybe eight or nine years old, I had this recurring dream of being chased by a looming shadowy figure; very frightening, really.  In fact, the book was originally titled, Shadow Man, to more accurately reflect the vision that always haunted my sleep.  I can’t recall exactly when the dreams stopped, but the unknown, faceless figure has always stayed with me.

Fortunately, in my case, this was simply the dream of a young girl with an overactive imagination and in no way relates to the events my main character, Katie had suffered in the story.

I first attempted to write a novel in my late twenties.  I had always been the creative-type; high-school theater geek, transitioned to college theater geek, and then eventually took a shot at acting professionally.  I think we can all guess how that turned out!  So, I struggled to find another creative outlet, which eventually led to a hap-hazard attempt at a semi-autobiographical book about two people brought together by fate.  (ie, the story of how I met my English husband).

It didn’t take long for me to realize I hadn’t a clue as to how to write a book.  Nor did it take me long to realize the fact that it probably wouldn’t interest as many people as I might like to believe.

So, I tucked away that ambition in pursuit of a more secure future, having a family and a career.  But, after all that had unfolded, I was still left with a void.  It was a void that could not be filled with the love of my family because it was a different kind of void.  It was a deeply personal emptiness that I struggled for years for which to find the cause.

When I took to writing again about four years ago, it was because the economy was in the toilet and so was my career.  But lo and behold, the void slowly began to fill with each ezine article I wrote, essay, short story and eventually, my novel, Redwood Violet.

So, I guess my inspiration for writing my book came from years of searching for my true passion. My imagination that has, once again, begun giving off sparks and the love and support from my amazing family inspired this novel.

Katie Reid is living the quintessential Southern California life. A dream job and her college sweetheart, Spencer top it all off. However, she can’t seem to shake the terrible dreams that have been tormenting her nights these past few months.

After seeking help to find relief from the exhausting effects of these dreams, it becomes apparent that Katie is dealing with something much deeper and much more sinister. Her only solution is to delve into a past that no one wants her to remember.

With the horrific discovery of a dark secret kept hidden for years, Katie is drawn into a world mired in evil and lost innocence. And only with the help of Detective Marshall Avery will she be able to channel her pain and anger.

But, will he be able to contain Katie’s desire for vengeance that has begun to unravel her perfect life?

The first in a two-part series, Redwood Violet will keep you firmly in its grip and refuse to let go!

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Genre – Mystery  / Thriller / Suspense

Rating – PG

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