Books – Minor Inkrements

Inkrement #8

Posted on April 30, 2023 by T.L. Minor

I’m excited to introduce the themes of the fantasy novel that I’m currently working on. In this novel, I want to explore the possibility of redemption and forgiveness, the power of magic and spirituality, and the strength of love and connection. I talked about the premise in my last blog post.

One of the central themes of my novel is redemption and forgiveness. Two of the main characters, Topaz and Kamari, confront their own prejudices and biases and learn to see each other in a new light. Through this process, they develop a deep understanding and compassion for each other. As humans, we all make mistakes and sometimes those mistakes can have far-reaching consequences. Forgiveness and compassion are essential in healing deep wounds and bridging divides between people. I believe that this message is especially important in today’s world, where we often face polarization and divisiveness. It’s a difficult journey, but one that is ultimately rewarding.

Another theme in my novel is magic and spirituality. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of magic and how it can be used to bring hope and healing in the face of adversity. As Topaz grapples with the dark magic that has cursed her family for generations, she discovers the power of spirituality and magic in offering hope and healing in the face of trauma and adversity. I believe that the exploration of magic and spirituality can offer readers a sense of wonder and hope, reminding us that there is more to life than what we can see and touch.

Finally, love and connection are essential themes in my novel. At its core, this is a love story, but it’s not just about romantic love. It’s about the connections we make with others and how those connections can help us overcome our fears and find new paths forward. Topaz and Kamari start out as strangers, but over the course of the novel, they develop a deep and meaningful bond that helps them both grow and evolve.

As I continue to work on this novel, I’m excited to explore these themes and more in greater depth. I would love for this to inspire readers to embrace compassion and forgiveness, explore the mysteries of spirituality, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I look forward to sharing more updates with you all soon!

Blog, Novel, Reflections

Inkrement #7

Posted on April 26, 2023 by T.L. Minor

So I figured it’s about time that I share what I have in mind for my novel-in-progress. This story has been bouncing around in my head for a while, and I’m excited to finally put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and bring it to life.

The protagonist of the story is Topaz Cameron, a young woman who has always been focused on her own problems and issues. She has never been interested in anything beyond what she’s dealing with until she reclaims a charm bracelet from her estranged mother. It seems like a simple accessory at first, but turns out to be much more.

As Topaz delves into the history of the bracelet, she discovers that it is not just any piece of jewelry but a key to a dark and dangerous past that threatens to consume her. She realizes that the bracelet is cursed, and that she is the only one who can break the curse and put an end to the danger that threatens her life.

Topaz turns to Kamari Burton, a classmate she initially despises, but who becomes her closest ally. Together, they embark on a journey to break the curse and uncover the truth behind the bracelet. The charms on the bracelet guide them to places linked to the curse’s history, revealing the two lovers caught in its tragedy.

As they get closer to breaking the curse, the stakes grow higher, and the danger increases. The forces of dark magic are arrayed against them, and they must use their wits and the powers of the bracelet to overcome the curse and set things right.

The novel will explore the enduring legacy of generational trauma, the redemptive power of love, and the magic that can be found in unexpected places. I hope to create a world that is both magical and grounded in reality. The idea of breaking a curse feels like something out of a fairy tale, but the characters are dealing with very real issues and emotions. I want readers to feel like they could step into the pages of the book and join Topaz and Kamari on their journey.

One of the things that I’m most excited about with this novel is the character of Topaz. She’s a young woman who’s been through a lot of pain and trauma, but she’s also incredibly resilient and strong. I wanted to create a character who is relatable to readers, but who also has the ability to inspire and empower them.

The character of Kamari is also a highlight of the novel for me. He starts off as someone who Topaz can’t stand, but as they go on their journey together, they develop a deep and meaningful bond. I believe their connection is a prime example of how, sometimes, the people we least expected can have the greatest impact on our lives.

I’m in the very early stages of writing this, but I’m excited about bringing Topaz’s story to life and I’m really looking forward to see where this takes me. It’s starting off as a Young Adult novel, but I believe that it has the potential to touch readers of all ages. I have a general idea of where the plot is headed, but I’m always open to new ideas and twists that might present themselves along the way.

Stay tuned for updates!

Blog, Personal, Reflections

Inkrement #4

Posted on April 8, 2023 by T.L. Minor

Throughout our lives, we experience life events and traumas that are just too difficult and complex to process. I know that recently, I’ve found myself struggling to make sense and come to terms with what’s going on in my life. Lately, I’ve felt lost and alone and have no clue how I can possibly move forward. That’s usually when I turn to books for comfort and a sense of safety.

At first, I didn’t realize why I would find myself grabbing book after book. There were several times when I only wanted to spend my free time getting lost in these imaginary worlds. None of these people were real. Why did I find myself so invested in their wellbeing? Why did I become so attached to these characters? Then one day, it clicked. These fictional characters were helping me process my own emotions and feelings. I didn’t feel safe enough to do it in real life. So, I had to vicariously find healing and closure through someone else.

These imaginary people and worlds can provide a safe space for exploration and expression. They exist in their own little realm. And in that realm, they weren’t fictional. They were complex beings with their own backstories, lives, and hardships. We can put ourselves in their shoes and for a few hundred pages, live through their experiences, and in doing that, gain insight into our own lives.

As I started writing my own stories, I realized that creating characters that embodied my own struggles helped me process whatever I was going through. Writing became my outlet to express my fears, my anxieties, my anger, and my insecurities without judgment or ridicule. I could explore the darkest parts of myself through the eyes of my characters. I was able to explore all aspects of my experience in a safe and controlled way. Throughout my life, I believe that fiction truly helped me to work through my feelings and gain a deeper understanding of myself. When I read back over their stories, I am reminded of the progress I’ve made in my own life.

One book and movie that truly hits home for me is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. The main character, Charlie, hasn’t truly dealt with his best friend’s suicide or the abuse that he himself endured as a child. It was one of the first books I came across that had a genuine portrayal of mental health and the aftermath of trauma. I related heavily to Charlie because he was flawed. He made mistakes throughout the story and visibly struggled with his mental health. But it was through his imperfections that he became a more compelling and realistic character.

Another character that resonated with me was Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” She initially volunteered for the games to save her sister’s life, but she inadvertently started a movement that became bigger than she could’ve ever imagined. Throughout her story, I witnessed her make some life-changing choices that I also would have made and some decisions that I can only hope I would have the courage to follow through with. Through Katniss, I saw that it was okay to be terrified, but we can’t let our fears get the best of us.

Fictional characters can be a powerful tool for healing. They provide a safe space for us to explore and express our emotions. They remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that it’s okay to feel the way we do. They show us that even in the darkest of moments, there is hope for a brighter future. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to process your emotions, pick up a book or start writing your own story. You never know where the healing power of your imagination will take you.