I am a thoughtful and deliberate person. Formulating the idea and storyline of this book has taken more than three decades. I started writing it in my head, and on paper, during high school. I continued to develop the plot and characters into adulthood. When I finally sat down to author the whole story, I wanted to write in an unfamiliar genre that combined all my favorite genres.
I love fantasy novels. As a kid, I wore the covers off my copies of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I have read many other fantasy authors since being a teenager. As an adult, I fell in love with history — specifically, the Industrial Age, World War I, and World War II. In addition, I fell in love with all things Japanese: language, culture, religion, steampunk, and anime. I have read many diverse types of fiction and non-fiction, but not a lot of fantasy-steampunk novels. So, I decided to try and write one.
While writing my first novel, I realized a couple of things. One. I’m a terrible writer but I have a good imagination. Two, the more I practiced writing, and through the fifth rewrite of this novel — I realized that I wanted to write about myself. Not in an egotistical way, but I wanted my life experiences and my belief system to be an intrinsic part of this book, indivisible from the story.
By the sixth and final rewrite, I decided the story needed to add elements and themes from my son’s life in addition to my own. My son William passed away in 2026 at the age of seventeen. The story of Will’s life is written in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and community. I hope and believe that his book of life will be opened again some day, so that new chapters can be written. Meanwhile, I would like to preserve some part of him here in this book. I hope that you can find a little bit of yourself in this story and come to know me and Will just a little bit.
The result of my efforts within these pages includes my own poetry and poetry from my big sister. Almost every chapter includes experience retold through other characters. I have also added themes and imagery that attempt to convey my perception of the world around me. You should quickly notice many references to water, blood, and spirit. It may help to know that the Greek word for spirit is ‘breath.’
In humility, I acknowledge that my perspective is limited, and my beliefs are not shared by everyone who might read this book. I’m not looking to convert anyone to my way of thinking. I am simply sharing. Fundamentally, I share because I believe everyone’s perspective has value, and I would gladly read a book about you. I hope someday to meet you and read your book of life. I know that you truly have something unique and loveable to share with the world.
So, welcome to my world. I warn you to be careful with what you find rattling around in my head. Don’t get stuck in there. And, if it’s at all possible, please read and enjoy (or at least read the first three chapters before giving up).
Sincerely,
C. N. Hyland