SUSAN MARSHALL PROVIDES SOME INSIGHT INTO HER
INSPIRATIONS AND WRITING STYLE

“In every moment that we exist, we are blessed to be surrounded by the natural energetic motions of our worlds. Some examples may be the kinetic motions of the wind against our skin or the radiant energy of the sun warming our beings. In this very busy, over saturated world, we each deserve to take time to reconnect with our mind, body and spirit and to heal. One way that this can be achieved is by becoming more attuned to the flows of energy that exist around us. We would do well to remember that we are never separated from life energy, yet are present within its motions and are an integral part of its flow. Sometimes we feel that our own energy is stagnant and so attuning ourselves to the energy flows that exist around us, can help us to reconnect with ourselves, release negative energy
and to heal.

“When creating this space, I was inspired by research into healing gardens around the world. Their abilities to promote the wellbeing, rejuvenation and spiritual connection of ourselves via our own precious connections with nature and the earth’s energies cannot be underestimated. Many cultures around the world have their own spiritual beliefs, even ways of harnessing energy within the natural landscape, that are wonderful to learn about.

“To take care of a garden is a very big responsibility, as we do all we can to nurture and cultivate growth and to keep it alive. The process is never straight forward and varies according to the needs of plants. The energy of plants changes and is influenced by many factors, including: seasonal, weather, infestation, dormancy, budding, stagnant growth, etc. We are also an integral part of our garden – we bring our own energy to it. In fact the garden and our energies work together in unity. This sense of belonging and wellbeing is vital for our continual growth.

“Just as we dedicate ourselves to nurturing our garden, we should also allow ourselves the time to nurture ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. We are in a constant flux in our worlds and nurturing ourselves is important for our very own health and wellbeing.

“Nature, the spirit and its connections have a strong influence on my writing, particularly because I am often outside, engaged in the energetic motions of my lifeworlds. I have a special interest in Romanticism and will often fuse this classical style with Metaphysical philosophy. Across my body of work, I have made a stylistic choice to focus on the mindful journey of the Romantic Spirit. To ensure that my work is relatable for a contemporary readership, I combine my stylistic choices with genre, such as:  mystery/crime, romance, science fiction, fantasy, classical and literary fiction. Of course I also undertake a lot of research! This helps me to set the metaphysical aspects of the world into an identifiable stylisation. Furthermore, it helps me as a metaphysical writer, to distil and transcend relatable moments for the reader.

“Worlds and their universes are not viewed as ‘whole’ entirely in my metaphysical visions. Rather, I consider them to exist in fragments, which can draw one’s focus to aspects that can be explored with depth and breadth. To show that reality can be interpreted metaphysically involves an ability to engage with the motions, states, moments and atmospheres of time, space and place.

“I work to distill and transcend single moments of character existence and detail through their own personal interactions, as well as problems and solutions faced within their states of being / worlds. I highlight my characters’ essences, atmospheres, flows, blocks and harmonies (among many other things). At its core, my writing aims to set the character’s Romantic spirit alight via its journey of revelation, connection and self actualisation within time, space and place.” 

-Susan L. Marshall