A Place to Unwind

We all have one of those places, a spot where we can either mentally or physically go in order to get away from the stresses of real life. They are our safe havens where we can truly just get away. For me, one of my favorite places to go is into Lily's magical world. With Gerhardt's Secrets now in the publisher's hands, and my gaze turning to outlining book three, I'm looking ahead in the saga for where to take the story. But as I do so, I cannot help but imagine myself in Lily's world to see where the story should go, but just standing there, enjoying it for what it is.

I've enjoyed creating Lily's world, and the lore that I have created is deep and complex. I intended to share more and more of this lore both in blog posts, in the books, and in subscriber only emails. The lore is important in order to get a clear picture on the world in all contexts, and is fun to discover. For me, the more lore I create, the more real Lily's world is to me. It isn't just a book series to me, it is a real world, and that world is one that I enjoy spending time in. Lily has an amazing world, and as you go through the saga, I think you will agree.

No matter what series or stand alone book you are reading, you always will have a favorite character or set of characters that you feel are like real life friends to you. For me, Lily is a dear friend, perhaps a daughter to a degree. Spending time in her world, and writing about her journey is like I'm spending time with beloved family. There isn't any effort in doing so, I enjoy being in her world. I find myself easily spending hours within her world comfortably without even realizing it. It is my place to go and just unwind from the stressful days that I have. A form of therapy, you could say.

Everyone needs a place like this to go to in order to mentally make it through our lives. It is no lie that everyday our lives are getting harder and harder, with more and more uncertainty in our world. That's another reason that I go into Lily's world. Sure, her world isn't perfect - no world really is - but in hers, there is a calmer, more steady feeling. The type of world that ours was back when I was little. I love spending time with Lily in her world, being surrounded by magic, and the friends and family that she has.

It is places like this which can draw us so deeply into books. A place where we can be without having to worry about everyday stressors. A place where we can just enjoy the journey that the characters take in their written worlds. Where we can watch and tag along on adventures and relationships that are formed and broken. That's the reason that some series in my opinion are so lovable. You are so immersed within the world, and enjoy it so much that you want to be there. Those series are what keep drawing you back for reread after reread. That is a true place to unwind.