From a Youth a Fountain Did Flow
The Fountain of Youth Book 1
by Miranda Levi
Genre: YA Dark Urban Fantasy Horror
Praise for From a Youth A Fountain Did Flow
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1
SCARLET
With each step, the city sucks a little more light from me. I’ve become a shriveled fraction of my former self. My insides let sorrow and darkness take hold. It grips onto my heart and seems to weave a thread through my core, sewing torn and broken pieces together again. I want to stop walking and lay down to die. But giving up is only an option for the broken. I’m patchwork now. So, I keep walking.
I’m not sure why I follow the old woman and a boy named Marcus. We walk for twenty minutes in silence. I consider leaving, turning right when the others go left. Each step is moving lead. I am dead weight.
I should have called the police myself. I should have stayed behind with mom. When I think about what’s happened, it feels like lies slipping off my tongue to speak my truth out loud. A tightness rises in me, choking out my ability to ruminate rationally. I don’t think I would even believe it had I not witnessed it myself.
The pizza delivery guy crouched over my cat’s slain body. He looked up at me with inhuman black eyes.
I’m going crazy.
The scene plays over and over in my brain. Like a movie on repeat, I can’t shut off. I was backing out of the bedroom, knocking things over along the way, stumbling into Mom as I clamber over the top of the couch to get away from the black-eyed man.
Limp fur, black eyes, and Mom telling me to run.
I don’t let myself think past that. I don’t want to remember.
“Run.”
It is the last word Mom ever spoke to me. She looks at me with chocolate brown eyes and points.
“Run.”
Mom’s voice is calm, collected. It’s not a question.
“Run.”
It’s not a demand either. I want Mom to grab my hand and drag us out of the house together.
“Run.”
It’s a plea.
All I want is her, whole and perfect. To be in her warm arms one more time. Hear her voice whisper me to a safe harbor. Only I know one more time would never be enough. No amount of time would be.
Her screams still echo in my mind.
I can hear her begging for a savior, for someone to help her.
But nobody came.
My mom is dead, and it’s all my fault.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
John Scalzi
The Bobiverse series by Dennis E Taylor
Clair North
Seanan McGuire
Rainbow Rowell
From The 911 Files by Justin Anhalt
What book do you think everyone should read?
“13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher. The novel gained a lot of popularity in recent years and sparked important discussions surrounding mental health and the impact of bullying. It is important to note that the book and its themes can be sensitive and triggering for some individuals. It is crucial to approach such content with care and consideration for one’s mental well-being. That being said, I think it’s one of the most impactful books for readers of all ages.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for thirty years. I’ve been writing seriously with the goal of publication and through the lens of learning everything I can to be successful for 12 years.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
When it comes to creating characters, the process is dynamic. For me, it often begins with the main characters who take center stage in the story. They emerge gradually, not all at once, as I spend considerable time ruminating over their essence. I ponder upon their identities, their relationships, and their intricate backstories. It’s as if I am peering into their souls, allowing their personalities to take shape and form.
As I delve deeper into the lives of these main characters, they gradually become fully realized, brimming with a history all their own. It’s at this point, when they feel like authentic individuals with distinct pasts, that I’m compelled to set fingertips to keyboard. Their stories beckon me to share them with the world.
Interestingly, as I begin writing, the side characters tend to materialize effortlessly. Stepping into the lives of the main characters feels akin to entering a vivid tapestry, where the supporting cast emerges naturally. These side characters, like the brushstrokes that add depth to a painting, have a way of fitting seamlessly into the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. They may surprise me with their quirks, their interactions, or even their unexpected impact on the main characters’ journeys.
As an author, my role is to be an observer, to witness and document the lives of these characters as they unfold before me. It’s a privilege to share their stories, to lend a voice to their triumphs, struggles, and growth. The characters, both main and side, become companions on this creative journey, guiding me through their experiences, revealing new facets of their personalities, and driving the narrative forward.
In essence, the process of character creation is a fluid and evolving one. The main characters often arrive first, fully formed in my mind, their histories and relationships deeply ingrained. Yet, it is through the act of writing, stepping into their lives, and immersing myself in their world, that the characters truly come alive, revealing themselves in ways that surprise and inspire. Their stories become intertwined, and my role as the author is to honor their presence, faithfully sharing their tales with readers who will, hopefully, embark on their own journey of connection and discovery.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
The research I undertake before diving into writing a book varies depending on the specific project and its needs. In the case of “A Tear In Time,” where a significant portion of the story is set in 1968, extensive research became crucial. I delved into a plethora of resources to understand the time period, focusing on the places mentioned in the novel and the specific months during which the events unfolded. Each location featured in the book was a real place during that era, and my intention was to breathe life into forgotten moments of history. For instance, when the main character, Fear, travels to Las Vegas, I conducted arguably too much research to ensure accuracy. I discovered that the hotel he stays at no longer exists today, but during that time, Tom Jones was performing there. By finding actual footage of that show, I aimed to infuse the narrative with authentic details and bring those moments in time alive.
On the other hand, with “From A Youth, A Fountain Did Flow,” the research aspect was less prominent. Instead, my focus was primarily on delving into mythology and exploring the history of one specific character. While this character had a significant impact in the first novel, he did not receive much screen time. However, in book two, he takes center stage. To maintain authenticity in portraying his dark plight and his shifting motivations, I immersed myself in understanding his character, intertwining his history with actual historical events mentioned in the first book.
Research, in essence, plays a pivotal role in grounding the story in reality, evoking a sense of authenticity, and enhancing the reader’s experience. Whether it involves delving into specific time periods, locations, mythology, or character histories, the research process allows me to weave elements of truth and detail into the fabric of the narrative. For me, it’s a vital step in ensuring that the story resonates with readers, offering an immersive and believable journey into the worlds I create.
Do you see writing as a career?
Writing, to me, is more than just a passion or a hobby—it is my unequivocal career path. I firmly believe in the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on readers’ lives. To pursue this dream, I dedicate a substantial amount of time and effort, fully aware of the challenges and the length of the journey ahead.
My commitment to writing is unwavering. I invest between 40 to 60 hours per week into writing, promoting, and editing, all while juggling the responsibilities of my day job and spending quality time with my family. It’s a delicate balancing act, but when faced with a choice between different activities, more often than not, I find myself drawn to writing. It’s a natural inclination, a deep-rooted desire to pour my thoughts and emotions onto the page, to craft stories that resonate with others.
From the moment I embarked on this path, I understood that writing would demand my full dedication. If I aimed to achieve the level of success necessary to transition from my day job to a full-time writing career, I had to treat it with the same level of commitment and professionalism as any other occupation. This realization led me to embrace a mindset that views writing not merely as a hobby, but as a career that requires consistent effort and unwavering focus.
My routine exemplifies this mindset. I rise at 6am each day, even on weekends, to Immerse myself in writing, editing, and marketing before my better half wakes up, ensuring that we still have quality time together. On weekdays, after work, I dedicate my evenings to writing, squeezing in as many productive hours as I can. This structured approach allows me to make significant progress towards my goals.
In the upcoming twelve months, I have an exciting prospect ahead—a remarkable opportunity to release four, possibly five, books. It’s an ambitious endeavor that fuels my drive and determination. To accomplish such a feat, I need to approach writing as a career, channeling my energy and resources into making it a reality.
Writing is not just a passing interest for me—it is the career I have chosen to pursue with utmost passion and dedication. Through careful time management, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling, I strive to build a successful writing career. It is a journey that demands continuous effort, but one that I wholeheartedly embrace, as I am confident that by treating writing as a career, I will achieve the fulfillment and success I have always aspired to attain.
Miranda Levi is an accomplished fiction writer and poet hailing from the Pacific Northwest. Her writing is known for captivating readers with her evocative storytelling and lyrical prose, which transport readers into other worlds and perspectives. With a passion for exploring the human experience, Levi’s works delve into the complexities of life, love, and loss and offer a glimpse into the human soul. She lives in Seattle with her husband, Peter, and their cat Hamilton.
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I think this story sounds great. Thanks for sharing.
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