I dream of a time where I was warm, safe, and loved.
But my waking reality is starkly different.
Anxiety plagues me and spirits haunt the shadows. No matter how fast I run, I can’t seem to escape my past.
The only solace and steady force in my life is my best friend, Finn.
And now… there’s a ghost haunting me. And I’m not certain if it wants help or if it wants to kill me.
There’s only one person who can understand: Finn’s brother, Damen.
However, in reaching out, I’m betraying Finn and setting things into motion that cannot be undone.
But nobody ever said that doing the right thing was easy.
—
The Garden of Eternal Flowers is a re-envisioning of my Grimm Cases series. Eternal Flowers has taken my original vision of Bianca’s story and transformed it into something new and beautiful. Some chapters are similar, and some dialogue is the same, as The Grimm Cases, Origins, but overall, about 75% of the book has been entirely revisioned with new plot points, mystery, and interpersonal relationships. Also, unlike Origins (originally a Wattpad release), there is now a clear beginning, climax, and conclusion in each individual novel, which allows them to be read alone or as part of the ongoing series.
I hope that you will enjoy Shadows of Nightshade as much as I enjoyed writing it. Truly, it is an honor to write about Bianca and her boys, and all of these characters are near and dear to my heart.
Trigger Warning: This series deals with the aftermath of severe childhood trauma.
Writing Interview questions.
What inspired you to write this book?
I originally came up with the idea for this series when I was studying Traditional Chinese Medicine and about to enter a master’s acupuncture program. I always wrote short stories to help me understand complex subjects. The foundation stayed stuck in my head for a long time, and I decided to finally expand on the series and publish it.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
This is a series about acceptance and healing. Bianca has a rough background and must deal with sexual trauma before she can move forward and have healthy relationships with the other characters in her life. A lot of the focus in the books is on how someone with an avoidant personality can eventually face their demons.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Resilient, creative, vindictive.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Switching between POV chapters. There’s only one POV in book one (Bianca), but I have multiple POVs (between the same five characters) later. I spend a lot of time trying to make sure to voice from the correct headspace, and the characters are very different.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No. This is my second revision of the series, and I made sure to include everything I had planned from the beginning.
What are you currently working on?
Book two!
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Practice! I only used to be confident in writing scripts. The only way to improve is to actually write, even if it’s not perfect. You can always better it later.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Writing is not my full-time job. I have two children, a full-time position during the day in a high-level IT field, and I am in school for my master's trying to hit phi kappa phi. But when I have downtime, my husband and I enjoy going out on date nights and watching movies.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always alternated between being a doctor, an astronomer, or a marine biologist. I first went to school for pre-medicine and psychology, then got my license in massage therapy and acupressure, before finally switching to anthropology, which is what my bachelor’s is in.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
We’ll probably order out tonight! I want sushi, but most likely will not be able to have any. ☹
What would be a perfect day?
I live in the forest, and I also love the beach. Since it’s been almost a year since my last sighting, a perfect day would be to spend the day at the beach with my husband and kids, then eat dinner at a nice restaurant right on the water.
What is the best part of your day?
Night! I love to sleep.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Hot or cold: Hot
Movie or book: Book
Morning person or Night owl: Morning person (the kids get me up early)
City or country: Country
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: eBook (I am particular about storage and style)
Lyla Oweds is a paranormal / urban fantasy author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania with her husband, children, and animals. While she enjoys all genres of fiction, she has a deep appreciation for fantasy, romance, mystery, crime, and horror. Lyla has a bachelor’s in anthropology and will be completing her master’s in information technology in 2023.
Writing is her moonlighting passion, and she loves having the opportunity to share her perspective as a disabled (profoundly hard of hearing) woman. During the daylight hours, Lyla works as a principal / lead design and development specialist focusing on user experience and accessibility. When not working, Lyla is usually indulging in one of her many hobbies such as amusing her children, gardening, crocheting, interior decorating, baking, cooking, or playing video games.
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