Traveling the world, through the lens of fiction.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing Pursuit of the Golden Lily

 was scouting out the places featured in the book. The greatest compliment I have received so far, from people who have visited those locations, is that my descriptions were spot on. The marvel for a writer, living in today's 'connected' world, is the luxury of being able to visit locations virtually. Thanks to Google Earth, I was able to describe the minutest of details with an authenticity that allowed me to embellish and enhance my story. My goal in doing so, of course, was to try and give the reader a visceral experience of the protagonist's journey as she meandered through Thailand and Malaysia; an experience that would immerse him or her into the texture of that country. Something that is easier to achieve, perhaps, if one has actually visited the place - but I had not.

Before I'd even set foot in the Temple of the Golden Dragon....

I knew that the entrance had red steps, white walls and an ancient legend depicted through a series of murals...

The legend of Nang Bua Klee... which fit perfectly into my story!

Information about temples and legends came mostly from tourist websites and a few Travel Blogs, but the nitty gritty details of where a boat could be moored in Bang Lang National Park... 

Where the jungle is thick, growing down to the water's edge...

Well, that's where Google came in. I was able to zoom in on the tiniest of beaches nestled in the thick forests of 1998. So, if you're writing a novel set in an exotic location that you have yet to visit, take heart and board your satellite magic carpet now!

I will say, having gone on to visit all the locations featured in my book, that for me, there is nothing like the real thing... so if you're on the fence about taking that trip - my two cents - go ahead and book your ticket. Thailand and Malaysia are awesome places to visit.

And as I begin the task of writing my next novel... you can be sure, I'm dreaming up some exotic locations!

The trail of gold.... The Golden Lily?

                               

As with many stories of gold and greed, the tale of the Golden Lily treasure is fraught with rumor and speculation. And, like other accounts concerning fabulous amounts of money and treasure, the word conspiracy is ubiquitously tossed about. I'm not typically drawn to conspiracy theories, but that's not to to say I discount information that might seem at first glance to be preposterous. The human condition is constantly spinning webs of intrigue.
What intrigued me about the Golden Lily is the way in which it was so brilliantly covered up. Of course! Billions of dollars were (and are) at stake. When that kind of money is involved, heads roll, no matter what century you're in. The public's love/hate relationship with banks and other financial institutions continues, mistrust lingers. The fact that so many of these bastions of power are somehow able to finagle their way out of lawsuits (except in Iceland where bad bankers go to prison), does not foster confidence.

Back to the trail of gold. Post WWII ushered in a new era of global economy and gave birth to the current system of international finance. 

"Battered and bankrupt by their long war in Europe and Asia, America's allies had no choice but to stand aside as the U.S. Government set about the 'dollarization' of the global economy." - Gold Warriors: Sterling & Peggy Seagrave 

The Bretton Woods Conference in 1944 (see links below), gave birth to the International Monetary Fund. Gold was assigned a dollar value per ounce and all other currencies were measured against the dollar. It's complex, but relevant to the Golden Lily because the unfolding of these new institutions, laws and alliances laid the groundwork for the formation of the Black Eagle Trust Fund.

Ostensibly set up to launder 'black gold' - looted WWII gold bullion, diamonds, precious stones and other booty - the BETF provided a healthy slush fund that would enable Washington and its Allies the wherewithal to bring pressure on unruly leaders at the end of the Cold War. There is SO much to wade through, which is why most people never bother, and why those that do are painted as 'conspiracy theorists'. My interest in highlighting all of this stems from my research for Pursuit of the Golden Lily. I think it's important to have conversations about these 'shadow' organizations that prop up society as we know it. If we are ever to move forward and embrace more fair and just banking and governance, then surely we must air out the closets of the past, learn from the successes and failures and insist on transparency.
As I begin research for my next novel, I shall share more of these insights. Please follow along if this is something that piques your interest.
Thanks for stopping by!
Pursuit of the Golden Lily is now available in all formats.

Golden Lily
Bretton Woods Conference
Black Eagle Trust Fund
Gold Warriors by Sterling and Peggy Seagrave

The Last Error... or was it?

            

If you're a writer, then you probably know the angst of searching for every typo and grammatical error in your final manuscript. If you're self-published, you may also know the frustration of combing through your final proof with a fine-tooth comb, only to discover one more 'to' or 'of'' that mysteriously shows up where you are SURE it was not before. It's quite mind-blowing how a letter or a word can magically appear in the hard copy sent to you by Amazon!

Am I the only one suffering from this malaise of the unseen error? Surely not. 

But never fear, tenacity and fearlessness are here! I have meticulously scrutinized my proofs again and again and I think.... I have found all those errant words lurking in the shadows between letters on the page. I guess I could have hired a proof reader - right? I know. Next time, I think I will. It would probably cost me less than the fees Create Space has charged me for my errant ways. 

But today... I found an angel.

Her name was Amber. She answered my call at Create Space (self-publishing depot at Amazon) - it was the 3rd time I had called regarding the same error (not of my making as it happened). Amber came to the rescue... after apologizing profusely for their mistake, she offered... "Is there anything else I can do for you?" I gulped... there was ONE more extraneous word nestled innocuously where the eye did not expect it to be, rendering it invisible time and time again. A simple, two letter word that meant coughing up yet another $79. Aargh! But I so wanted my book to be perfect, to meet every publishing standard it possibly could.

"Actually," I ventured, "there is something.... "

Yes, sweet Amber snatched that word and threw it away. Hooray. I think we've got it!
Available now! Click the book button on the upper right!
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Research.... does it really matter?

                           

Before I wrote the first chapter of Pursuit of the Golden Lily, I spent months researching facets of the story. In hindsight, I see how that research was key in helping me formulate the details of the narrative. You know how it goes... one thing leads to another and before you know it you've fallen down the rabbit hole into worlds beyond worlds. For me, that was powerful and definitely one of the most enjoyable aspects of writing this book. For others, that may not be. But one of the marvels of living in this technological age, is the ability to actually visit a destination without leaving your living room!

View from Bellevue Hotel, Penang Hill, Malaysia

Of course visiting all the locations in person, after I'd finished the book, was beyond amazing! But in the interest of creating an authentic and exhilarating novel it was most helpful to be able to visit places virtually. Aside from destinations, the internet also allowed me to validate precise details, like: what was the weather on a certain date? Were cell phones available within my book's time frame? How do you tie a Kinbaku knot? OK, I'll concede, some people probably won't go rushing to their computers to check up if it was raining in Thailand on the night of November 14th, 1998 - but if they do... well, they'll find it was a clear night on the road from Kanchanaburi to Chumphon!

And then there are the researchers. Individuals whose lifelong work uncovers for us a story that is rarely found in mainstream media. Stories that lurk in the shadows, often veiled in 'conspiracy' theory land - (most likely relegated there by the very people that have been exposed by said researchers!) They're people like Sterling and Peggy Seagrave, whose book Gold Warriors set me on the trail of the Golden Lily. Fearless people are these, who, undeterred by threats from government agencies and organized crime, continue relentlessly in search of truth. That's why, we should care about journalists who risk their lives seeking their stories; bloggers who write, despite the horrific deeds committed against their peers; researchers and writers who dig and dig, not for the money or the glory, but because they care about finding the truth, about exposing bullies, racketeers and high handed government officials who believe they are beyond the grasp of justice. We should be grateful to these people; they are the heroes amongst us. 

Click Here to learn more about the Seagraves work.

Shamans & Tigers

Malaysian Tiger Photo by Tu7uh

As I immersed myself in writing Pursuit of the Golden Lily, the practice of shamanism wove its way into my storyline. Awareness of indigenous healers, or medicine men and women, was not new to me; I had read some books, attended a few workshops and firmly believe in alternate realities. However, what I learned about the shamanic traditions of the Orang Asli aboriginal groups of Peninsular Malaysia, was extraordinary. My newfound knowledge arrived courtesy of Diana Riboli, President of ISARS (International Society for Academic Research on Shamanism), and Assistant Professor in Social Anthropology at Panteio University's Department of Social Anthropology in Athens. 

Diana is one of the few 'outsiders' to witness the inner workings of tribal medicine practiced by the Jahai, a semi nomadic indigenous tribe who are members of the Orang Asli. The Jahai have roamed the mountainous borderlands between Thailand and Malaysia for centuries. Diana spent several spells of time with the tribe, studying the remarkable traditions and customs of these gentle people. Unfortunately their invaluable knowledge (passed down through generations), of rainforest plants and animals, not to mention spiritual practices, risks being lost forever as the tribes are increasingly 'encouraged' to assimilate into Malaysian society.

Temuan People (Orang Asli)

One shamanistic ritual I found particularly riveting is the ability of the jampi (shaman in Jahai), to take on the shadow soul of any animal or plant. This practice enables them to travel anywhere, inhabit anything, all the while retaining the 'essence' of their hosts's physical nature. When a rogue tiger threatens a tribal village, a jampi will embody the shadow soul of a tiger to ward off the live predator.  

While the shadow soul is at large, the body of its host remains in physical homeostasis, as if asleep. However, the fate of the shadow soul is intricately bound to that of its host. It experiences the same physical and emotional sensations – whatever befalls the shadow soul befalls the host body. If the shadow soul is killed, the physical entity dies too. 

Extraordinary does not even begin to describe what these medicine men and women are capable of. Indigenous people worldwide have suffered, and continue to suffer, in the name of progress and religion. Instead of reaching out respectfully to learn from aboriginal elders willing to share their traditional ways, much of humanity has dismissed this precious knowledge as witchcraft or paganism.  

Like indigenous people everywhere, the Jahai understand that all of life is connected. That, as Albert Einstein so eloquently said: 

"A human being is part of a whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness... Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Einstein was a theoretical physicist, revered for his brilliance. The Jahai are a nomadic tribe living in the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia. Their conclusions about life, in all its forms and manifestations are not so different from those of Einstein. As we prepare to face the formidable challenges brought about by our rapidly changing climate, it might behoove us to listen closely to these wisdom voices calling to us across millennia, and learn from them as quickly as we can.

  The Center for Orang Asli

Combining your passion into the story....

                                     
                                           Rafflesia: Photo by ma_suska

Rafflesia has the largest known individual flower in the world. This fascinating southeast Asian plant also has the distinction of being one of the stinkiest plants around; its foul-smelling odor attracts carrion insects.

When visiting the rainforest at the Royal Belum State Park in Malaysia last December, the rafflesia we found was not in flower. Our  guide told us that animals eat the fleshy plant despite it's fetid odor, but if a human touches the rafflesia, it dies! Nature never ceases to amaze me, which is why I wanted to be able to include interesting ecological morsels into the storyline of my novel, Pursuit of the Golden Lily. Exploring and experiencing the wonders of the natural world has been a lifelong passion for me. So, as the story seeds planted in the fertile ground of my imagination begin to germinate, I'll be sure to seek out opportunities to continue including aspects of nature in my plot lines.

The photo of this enormous leaf was taken in the rainforest at Royal Belum. The biodiversity that exists in rainforests such as these is extraordinary. Unfortunately the planting of monocultures such the palm oil tree is threatening biodiversity throughout Malaysia and Indonesia. Huge tracts of virgin forest are logged to make way for palm oil plantations and while the boost to the economy in Malaysia is undeniable, it is not sustainable. If you haven't heard about palm oil, just look at the ingredients of your grocery items next time you go shopping. You'll find that palm oil has become a ubiquitous ingredient. Palm oil can be planted and harvested sustainably. Adhering to persistent demands from ecologically minded consumers, Target and Costco have both committed to establishing stronger guidelines for palm oil sourcing. It's a start. There's still a long way to go but never forget that as consumers, we drive the markets. It's never too late to get involved!
Thanks for stopping by. My novel is currently available as an eBook and will soon be for sale on Amazon and Kindle.
Learn more about Certified Sustainable Palm Oil
Is Malaysia's Palm Oil worth the cost?
Learn more about the fascinating Rafflesia

Biodiversity & Hornbills

Rhinoceros hornbill

In writing Pursuit of the Golden Lily, I wanted to weave a variety of ecological and environmental topics into the narrative. Part of the story takes place in southern Thailand, in what is now the Bang Lang National Park. This vast area of mountainous rainforest straddles the border with Malaysia. On the Malaysian side is the Royal Belum State Park, located in Northern Perak. My research for the book led me to hornbills - prehistoric-looking birds that roam the forests. Both parks are home to several different species of hornbills. Sadly, many species of Thai hornbills are at present near extinction.

A Hornbill Research Team led by Dr. Pilai Poonswad, holding a captured rufous-necked hornbill.

Aside from their obvious unique beauty, hornbills provide a vital service to the forests they inhabit. As far-ranging fruit eaters, they help maintain forest regeneration and biodiversity by dispersing seeds as they 'eat on the fly'. Healthy forests depend on birds like hornbills to maintain diversity of species. Hornbills are poached for a couple of reasons. The first is the pet trade - the chicks are captured then sold. The second is that the appendage on the upper bill, called a casque is a valuable commodity in some societies. Made of a substance called keratin, the casque is sometimes referred to as hornbill ivory and is sought after to be carved into precious objects.

Rhinoceros hornbill: Photo by Tom Murphy VII

Helmeted hornbill: Photo by Doug Janson

We didn't visit Bang Lang National Park on our journey, but we did get to see hornbills when we were at Khao Sok Lake; unfortunately they were too far up in the treetops for me to capture a good photo. We did, however, visit the Royal Belum State Park, which is absolutely beautiful. I'll write more about that in the next post, continuing on the theme of biodiversity and Pursuit of the Golden Lily.

Maintaining biodiversity in all regions of earth is crucial to our own survival. Every tiny insect, yes, even the ubiquitous mosquito that we disdain, has a purpose.

Pursuit of the Golden Lily is available as an eBook and will be on Amazon and Kindle by the time my next post comes around! If this Blog is of interest to you, please do sign up for email notifications. Thanks for stopping by. 

You can learn more about hornbills at the following websites.

Hornbill Research Foundation 

Archive

Hornbill Watch