The Adamantine Jewel follows a university professor and former U.S. Marine who, with the help of his daughter, tries to track down a mythical healing stone to save humanity from a flesh-eating virus. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for my story came from a dream I had over fifteen years ago. I wrote the first twenty pages within a few weeks, but as life got busy, the project was put on hold. It stayed on the shelf until last year when I discovered NaNoWriMo.org, a writers’ resource. I decided to take on their 55,000-word challenge—to write 55,000 words in one month. I succeeded, and that’s how my novel was born.

David and April are intriguing characters with great emotional depth. What emotional and moral guidelines did you follow when developing them?

David believes in the inherent goodness of all people, though he acknowledges that some make poor choices in life. He is compassionate and non-judgmental, firmly believing in second chances and embodying unconditional love for all living beings. With unwavering faith and hope for a brighter future for humanity, David exemplifies the archetype of the peaceful warrior—kind and forgiving, yet resolute. He possesses the strength and skills needed to protect his family and friends when it matters most.

April, on the other hand, is on a quest for meaning and purpose, struggling to define her identity and place in the world while battling a life-threatening illness. Despite her challenges, she maintains a good sense of humor and discovers a profound spiritual connection with the universal goddess energy, or divine feminine. She faces her impending death with remarkable courage and fortitude.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

One theme I explore is the interplay of the past, present, and future. The past is represented by a prophecy rooted in an 18,000-year-old religion. The present follows the journey of David and April, including an epic battle of good versus evil. The future envisions transformative initiatives for spiritually focused individuals on Earth.

Another theme I delve into is the mythic archetypal structure of the Hero’s Journey—and the Heroine’s Journey—that mythologist Joseph Campbell is renowned for. Both David and April are living their ordinary lives when they are suddenly thrust into a life-or-death quest. Through their struggles to fulfill this quest, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

April grows and matures as a woman, with a budding romance on the horizon, a deeper understanding of her role in the world, and her mission as a divine world spirit healer. Meanwhile, David collaborates with world leaders to address the issue of homelessness, assumes his role as Earth’s representative in working with advanced civilizations within the Galactic Federation Council, and expands his mystical understanding of universal truths.

New characters are introduced, enriching the narrative, while existing characters develop deeper and more meaningful relationships. The upcoming twelve metaphysical supernatural novels in The David Thoreau Adventure Series further explore the visionary themes introduced in this first installment. These visionary initiatives aim to guide humanity toward becoming a spiritually evolved, space-faring civilization.

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