Mark Ristau's Blog - Posts Tagged "light"

Human beings have been grappling with the problem of violence ever since the rise of the world's first civilizations some 5500 years ago. My novel, A Hero Dreams, explores this seemingly intransigent problem through the eyes of a child—a ten-year-old boy named Ricky. Early in the story, Ricky suffers multiple childhood traumas: a near-drowning at the age of four; the loss of his father when he's only eight. Later, he falls victim to a brutal assault at the hands of an older boy named Spencer Black.

The path that leads to the end of our suffering—and ultimately to inner peace—requires courage. This is not a time for squeamishness. We must embrace that which is most abhorrent to us and walk through the dark of night in order to witness the glorious dawn of a new day. This is why our journey is called the "Hero's Journey." It is a journey that lies well outside our comfort zone. It is a journey that will test our resolve. Along the way, we will be forced to face the very ugliest, the most vile aspects of human nature. This is unavoidable. We must face the dark if we wish to one day see the light...

We've learned that avoiding pain by burying unpleasant memories doesn't work. Our demons are clever. They have a way of resurfacing when we least expect it, often at the most inopportune moments.

Now here's the good news: Within each of us lies a hero—a hero of virtually unlimited resources. We have the tools and the power to choose to live our lives as men and women of courage. We are not defined by the past, nor do our fears have control over us.

In A Hero Dreams, Ricky's journey leads him through a metaphorical and literal "Tunnel of Doom," where all his demons are lying in wait. With each step, he must relive the terrors of his past—a necessary rite of exorcism. His only defense is to speak directly to the demons: "You're not real...None of this is real!" He's right. As we shall learn, the demons live—have always lived—inside his head and not in the material world.

As Ricky approaches the tunnel's end, he spies a speck of light that fills him with hope. When finally he emerges, his heart overflows with gratitude, and he lets loose with an exuberant yawp. But his journey is not yet over. There's a voice. A mysterious voice is enticing him to take one more step—a step that will transport him across a threshold and into another world...a world of infinite possibility...

A Hero Dreams
Mark Ristau
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A little bird informs me (I’m never one to ignore the wisdom of a little bird) that there’s something of great significance inside of you, something valuable that needs to be shared with the world…something that wants to come out and play…

My advice is to let it out…just tell your story! Tell it in whatever manner, in whatever medium feels right for you. Don’t worry about getting it right or whether it will be accepted by others. Just tell your story and tell it from your heart. Don’t think about it…just step aside and let your heart reveal itself authentically…and gloriously. Let your light shine!

Too often, in this transactional, results-oriented world of ours, we filter our messages; we tell our story in a way that we think is likely to please others. This is understandable. There is a deep-seeded, primal need within each of us for acceptance, acknowledgement, and recognition. A need to connect with others. But I urge you to tell your story regardless of whether it’s likely to be received with critical or general acclaim. The only way to establish a true connection with others is by first being true to ourselves.

It took me many years to discover within myself the courage to write and publish my novel, A Hero Dreams; and when I did, I made a conscious effort to resist the temptation to pander to commercial interests. Rather, I told my story as authentically as I could and without regard to how well it might be received. Maintaining creative freedom was (and is) of critical importance to me, which is why I chose to bring A Hero Dreams into the world via the indie publishing route. It had always been (and continues to be) my intention to bring something new into the world—something that inspires readers with the idea that anything is possible…

“How to begin?” Well, first of all, find yourself a sacred space and brew a really nice cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer!)…and then…just write. My preferred method is to start with a pen and a legal pad and later migrate to a computer. But if you feel more comfortable in front of your keyboard and screen, then by all means, start by hammering away at the computer! Eventually, you’ll want to think about structure and to develop an outline, but for now, just write, revise, and write some more…

A final word—nothing truly great was ever accomplished by following a formula or by guessing at what message might resonate with an audience…it MUST come from your heart…and you must have faith that your story will find its audience…so start writing—no matter how simple, short, silly, complex, long or gravely serious your story might be. We NEED to hear your voice. It’s the only thing that can save our world…