Ghosts in the Graveyard

I’ve been gone for a minute and there’s a big explanation for that. But, we don’t have to talk about that.

I want to talk about writing. About story—metaphors. Which are very VERY powerful in story telling by the way. Symbolism and metaphor have been used in literature and storytelling for ages.

One of my favorite works in progress that I’m working on is called Between the Sparrows. That will hopefully be released along with the Prodigal’s Destiny Series book 2 next year. You’ll have to just stick around to find out the full plot of those two. And for the title of the book in the next series. 😉 Anyway, onward: Between the Sparrows. It’s a southern gothic paranormal romance with a love triangle (I know it’s cliché, but I’m going somewhere with it.)

Writing about ghosts and phantoms has really unearthed some ghosts for me. And like ghosts in the graveyard, there are many things in life that linger.

Ghosts that sit in your chest like pesky little poltergeists. The more attention you put on them—feed them—the stronger they get.

The more haunting they are.

What do you know? All of my ghosts are here, having a picnic in celebration of haunting me for so long. I can name them all.

See that little one over there? That’s Perfection. She seems innocent but she stresses me out. The one over there putting on mascara? Her name is What-If.

She hesitates a lot.

Damage is covering up her bruises and scars with concealer. She puts on a pretty face but I can see through her translucent skin.

The ugly one? The mean looking one? That’s Trauma. God, she’s mean. A real professional, Grade A clinger. Do not let her start talking to you. She’s the worst friend you’ll ever have.

Then there’s the warm one—you. Love. The one that doesn’t bother anything, sitting there in silence while the others won’t shut up about their needs. You don’t need to be heard or seen. You just want to be understood. Provide a soft place to land when the others push me down.

I don’t think they know you’re here. You see, I hate all of them.

But I do not hate you.

See? Metaphors can be a powerful tool. As haunting as a ghost in the graveyard.

You don’t have to let your ghosts tell you what to do. You don’t have to sit at their picnic.

And you can banish them anytime you want, whichever ones you want.

I told you… we talk about everything around here.