Paranormal Perceptions ~ Cursed
The Paranormal Perceptions series was created to gather some of the most interesting authors that are using paranormal elements in their stories. Every author has their own perceptions and provides their own insight on all things paranormal, ranging from urban legends and paranormal research, to myths and inspirations. This week on the guest series is author of Soul Awakened, author Jean Murray (@wickedromance).
History is a treasure trove of story ideas waiting to be written or rewritten. For my treasure box, I selected Ancient Egyptian mythology. Who isn’t fascinated by the pyramids, pharaohs’ tombs, and hieroglyphics? It is an amazingly rich history that has us wondering about many things. How were those pyramids built? Is there truly an afterlife, as they believed? I would like to think so. Although my Key to the Cursed series is a paranormal romance, I utilized the translated pyramid and demotic texts (Books of the Dead) to build my world as real and authentic for the reader.
In my new release Soul Awakened, the setting is in the Underworld. When most think of the Underworld they think of fire and brimstone. The Ancient Egyptians had a very different outlook. Yes there was a hell – Duat, but more importantly there was Aaru, the Paradise Isle of the Underworld where the dead would live a life of comfort and luxury. In the Ancient Egyptian religion most of the Underworld gods were benevolent, protecting human souls on their journey to paradise. These gods are the focus of my series. What have they been doing all this time while the world moved on without them? While their temples crumbled? What happens to a soul that cannot find paradise? The Key to the Cursed series has the answers or at least my version J
To gain inspiration for my series, I went to the only place that has true artifacts of an ancient Egypt. While at the museum, I began to admire the meticulous care and reverence the Ancient Egyptians had for the dead. The body was prepared in such a way to protect it from evil spirits and arm the deceased with protection spells and artifacts to ensure safe passage to the Underworld. To protect history, we have dispersed these artifacts across the world – separating the tomb from those protection artifacts. Can you see where my mind went with this?
One of the best things about a creative mind is that inspiration can come from anywhere. A picture, a location, and an experience beyond our comprehension. If you stop and ask the questions – why, how, when, and what if – a story is to be had. Fill in those blanks with your own answer.
So, I thought I’d ask the question – from where does your inspiration come? Any strange or unusual places?
GIVEAWAY
One lucky commenter will receive an ebook copy of Soul Reborn. Plus, do not forget the Soul Awakened Book Tour Kindle Fire HD giveaway.
In her pursuit of a nursing degree, Jean Murray aspired to see the world and joined the Navy. At the end of 2011 she said a heart-breaking goodbye to her Navy family and retired after twenty years of military service. Although her dreams of writing full time have yet to come true, she continues her writing journey and draws inspiration from her travels abroad. She enjoys spending time with her family and of course, writing about the “Carrigan sisters and their mates, Gods of the Underworld,” to bring you the next installment of the Key to the Cursed series.
Web: www.jean-murray.com ; www.keytothecursed.com
Blog: www.wickedromance.wordpress.com
Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Murray-Paranormal-Romance-Author/130589967006760
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wickedromance
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5103113.Jean_Murray
Book Trailer Soul Reborn: http://youtu.be/smSJsJp5o74