Above the Darkness was written mostly in the comfort of a small back yard, on a small deck belonging to a small house with 5 adults, 3 children and a fat cat occupying it. Oh- and the occasional blue heron who sat on top of the neighbor’s roof, so he could scope out fish in their small pond and of course inspire me to keep writing.
I was 22 years old and had just graduated from university the previous year. I was unemployed and desperately looking for a job in my field of study (psychology) so my boyfriend and I could move out of his family’s house and start our own wonderful life together. What I didn’t know at the time is that our wonderful life had already begun. Being in that living situation not only encouraged me to try harder but it also gave me a great amount of strength as I was challenged in many different ways. I even fell in and out of mild depression on many occasions as guilt, and the feeling of uselessness overwhelmed me.
However, even though there has been a lot of down times in my life, I still was not the type to give up easily. One thing I have learned from my mother is that in order to purge those negative feelings all you have to do is reach for something you love and writing was and has always been something I love. I always wanted to write a novel that inspired others and besides looking for a job, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time than to follow my dream. I asked myself many times “what can I write about?” and “who can I help?” and “how can I help them?” Being a young adult, I didn’t feel confident I possessed the wisdom necessary to help others, so even though I wanted to write a non-fiction novel I steered away from it.
One day, I received inspiration for a story, which was eventually to become, Above the Darkness. The inspiration didn’t bestow upon me as a fully formed idea, and it wasn’t all neatly mapped out but at least I finally had a direction. Then, when I finally started writing, I couldn’t stop and committed to it more than anything I ever have in my life. It became a need and a drive deep within me as I knew it would have a special meaning not only for me, but others as well. So even though there wasn’t much quiet time available in the small, crowded house I took advantage of what time I did have, when everyone else was away at work or school.
Just like the blue heron, there were many helpers and guides that entered my life and helped me finish this book just as they have helped me in the past through rough times. This cast of guides and helpers included the people that I lived with at the time the novel was written, and I will be forever grateful to them for their support. I wanted to get the message out that if we take the time to listen and observe there are many people, animals, spirits, and so on that are capable of assisting us through the difficult times in our lives and can even bring the light back into it when the darkness seems too overwhelming.
I didn’t realize before writing Above the Darkness who it was meant for. In the moment, it was just for me, as I was discovering myself again and getting reconnected with my spirit. As time went on I’ve come to realize my greatest intention in life, which has been subtly manifesting itself from when I was a little girl to the moment I finished writing this novel. At that time, I was still looking for a job in psychology (specifically something that involved helping children) as it has always been a passion of mine. I didn’t realize that while I was looking for this “perfect” job I was actually already completing my life’s mission! I wanted to get my own wisdom and the wisdom that has been passed down to me out there to children and anyone who might need it as they pass through, and cope with the tribulations of everyday life.
Taking the basics of what inspires me from day to day - nature, animals, humor, love and peace - I was able to construct a story that encompasses all of these things and create a narrator who wasn’t nearly as fortunate as I had been to best illustrate what can be accomplished with these blessings.
Above the Darkness is the story of an unlikely heroine who just tries to survive from day to day in the midst of an abusive home. The main character, Elizabeth, takes advantage of the small opportunities she is provided with and is not afraid of taking risks for the benefit of her growth and health. Although many supernatural elements occur in this novel, Elizabeth still has to deal with reality and somehow make her way through it. Sometimes, her travels seem like an escape from her reality, but at other times they can be perceived as an unjust punishment. Through confusion and heartache she is able to find moments of peace. As the reader you get to experience the whirlwind of mysteries uncovered directly from Elizabeth’s eyes by taking every step of her journey with her.
Even in a regular human life, there are different developmental stages that need to be overcome in order for one to successfully move to the next level. In Above the Darkness Elizabeth also needs to transcend certain levels in order to learn what she needs to do so she can reach her greatest potential. Her patience is tested, and yours will be too, as you make your way to the next level. Sometimes we want to be 10 steps ahead of where we are in the moment but it is so important to appreciate which step you are at now and take the time to learn everything you can from that place. You will be better prepared for the next steps to come and you will also be able to accomplish everything your heart desires.
My hope and dream is that anyone who reads this novel will get at least one thing out of it - whether that be joy, appreciation, connection, hope or even a life lesson. I am not asking you as the reader to take notes and wrack your brain to find the hidden lesson in every sentence but I do ask one thing and one thing only and that is that you open your heart to what you need to hear, learn and take away from this journey.
With much love,
Sarah Morrissette