Adventure, hardship, tears and triumph...
And that was just the writing of it, not the story itself, which is much more than a personal journey. There are people and animals in this story who would not tolerate a superficial characterization. More than once, a character would show up in a vivid dream or vision to set me straight on their intentions and feelings. Sometimes an entire chapter would start playing like a movie in my mind, showing me the deeper meaning of the characters' plight or a clarified vision of the actions they were taking.
Addison Diaz, the psychic forensic psychologist at the center of the story, brought in two daughters, a husband, and a psychic 86 year-old grandmother. Her close friend Isabel Chung, or 'Izzy' for short, has been a friend since college; she and Addie joined the FBI together after graduation. Addie and her friend Star have been bonded since preschool. Star's husband Ben found an enduring place in both their hearts, validating and enhancing their mystical development while he and Star launched the Omni Center, a San Francisco Bay area spiritual center that, for decades, has become a global phenomenon.
Addison's journey turned into a team event, and other characters brought their best...and their worst... to the story. The characters that entered the story in Mexico brought so many unexpected gifts and conflicts to the task, I continue to be amazed at everything Addie and these emerging characters endured. When love-inspired spiritual powers meet hard core criminal intentions, only God knows where it ends!
A lot of research went into the dynamics around the failed policies of the US War on Drugs, and the history of escalating violence in organized crime on both sides of the border. We see the similarities between the failed policies that began and perpetuated the Viet Nam war; lies the government told the public for decades, that were finally exposed, bringing an end to the war. Blood Dilemma chronicles the emergence of what is now a change in policy regarding the decriminalization of addiction and drug use, and a shift toward keeping families together while addicts are sent to treatment programs instead of overflowing prisons.
The characters, their deep relationships, the personal and social crises they face, move through the story with depth of intention and strength; even the screw-ups leave lasting impressions. I'm grateful they joined me in making this story what it is, and I welcome your responses!
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