READ,WRITE & LIVE YOUR TRUTH

Category: I Seek Therefore I Am

     As a fiction writer, and author of five books I feel our truth gives good writing its soul.

     When I think of living your truth I think of living as authentically as possible– to be true to who we are that is underneath the facade. I know there have always been discussions about the meaning of life but what we  truly yearn for is  to find the meaning of OUR life. We can only find our meaning if we are true to ourselves.

     Seeking More contains posts for all of us who seek more in and from our lives. I hope you find what I have written to be thoughtful, provocative, or comforting ideas to consider. As members of the same race—the human race—we are connected, and so is our journey.

  • Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, and a Moment of His Time

    E.G. Kardos

    Our life is all about moments. We string togehter our moments and that is our life. We hope we have more good moments than not, but all of those moments no matter what make us who we are. I try to remember my moments that made a difference for me like the one I had with Bill Moyers .

    That one moment — and it was just that, a single moment — that I have never forgotten is when I received a message from the late Bill Moyers,  (June 5, 1934 – June 26, 2025).

    Photo from the ap

    Reaching Out to Bill Moyers

    I wrote to Bill Moyers assistant inquiring if he would be interested in accepting a copy of the first book in my fantasy trilogy, “The Amulet: Journey to Sirok”. It didn’t take long before she responded, sharing with me that he would be happy to receive my book.

    I sent him the book with this email:

    August 4, 2017

    Dear Mr. Moyers,

    I am very honored to have this opportunity to not only send you my book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, but to tell you that The Power of Myth and Joseph Campbell inspired me to write it. I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology. Thank you.

    My book takes a new spin on the Hero’s Journey as I feel I have written it for our time. This is a time when stereotypes are been thrown to the wind and, those who have their eyes open and looking forward, are embracing humanities beautiful differences.

    I would like to urge you to read my story. I hope you can sharewith me your thoughts. Please share with (assistant’s name) that I appreciate her warm and inviting response to me.

    Thank you for your consideration, and I hope for only the best to come your way.

    Warmly,

    Ed Kardos

    Ten Days Later, Mr. Moyers Responded

    Aug 14, 2017

    Dear Mr. Kardos:

    Thank you for your generous words about THE POWER OF MYTH and for your book. I look forward to reading it.

    My best to you,

    Bill Moyers

    There are many other articles written about Bill Moyers that reflect the generous and powerful impact he made during his lifetime, but what I found profound was the moment he gave to me. It was both generous and powerful.

    Most folks of his stature, and those with far less stature (and we all know who they are), would have dismissed my original email. But in less than two weeks, Bill Moyers not only accepted a copy of my book, thanked me personally, and, according to his assistant, “took the book home”. There’s so much packed into these moments.

    He validated my place as a writer.

    I meant it when I shared with him: “I have read the book several times, as well as other books by or about Campbell, but your interview style and questions bring great clarity to the vastness, and sometime complexity, of mythology…”.

    Those “questions” that brought “great clarity” made all the difference for me

    My Take on The Power of Myth

    The Power of Myth explores how universal themes and symbols in myths provide insight into our humanity. This includes our relationships with others, the powers of the universe, and ourselves.

    The “Hero’s Journey” is analyzed and clearly demonstrates that following one’s bliss has been essential to humanity since our earliest thoughts and will remain so as long as we exist. In other words, myths are just as important today as they were long ago.

    As the Hero’s Journey is central to my work, I have read this book and a dozen others about Joseph Campbell’s work many times. I recommend this one in particular because of Bill Moyers’ contributions.

    Mr. Moyers made numerous contributions during his lifetime in many areas and we are better off because of him. What a wonderful man.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • If You Were Able to Talk to Your OLDER Self

    E.G. Kardos

    Have you ever wanted to talk to your older self?

    I frequently hear the question: if you could talk to your younger self, what would you say? Intriguing, but why ask this question or for that matter, why give it much thought?

    After all, we can’t do it — never. 

    A figure sits, contemplating in a surreal setting.

    The allure of the question lies in the supposition that we are now wiser; if we could just have a moment back, say from twenty or thirty years ago, we would be able to share our new found wisdom with our younger selves and we would benefit from it. I get it, really I do. Yep, I’d love to be able to do it.

    But after some thought I realize it’s just never goning to happen. So I’ve come up with my own twist on this notion. 

    Photo by Europeana

    If you were able to speak to your OLDER self, what would you say? That’s something we can do…well in time.

    We all have valuable experiences that we can share, however, not many folks don’t want unsolicited advice no matter how wonderful we think we are. However, we probably don’t, and won’t, mind listening to ourselves so let’s share it with ourselves a little down the road.

    No matter how old we are, we have had experiences — both good and bad. Events in our lives have shaped us, bothered us, have even played with us, and at times, questioned our very being.

    If we ever reflect and allow for even a modest amount of introversion in our lives, we learn. 

    We may learn, but we don’t always remember or practice what we learn, as it may be crowded out by the everyday and mundane activities that can overtake the best of us. So, write it down! Keep it tucked away and pull it out and share it with our older self. Your older self will appreciate it as we know it comes from a special place deep within and meant to make our lives more fulfilling down the road.

    We Don’t Know When

    You’re in the present for goodness sake, and your future may or may not come, but be ready for it as your older self wants to hear from you.

    Since the past is gone, I say don’t waste your brain power on what you’d tell your ghost of the past.

    What would I say to myself when I’m 67 or 75 or 85 or…? You may be younger than I and may wonder what you might say to the 25, 30, 45, or older you. Whatever you end up saying, it is relevant and important as it meant something to you “back when”. It shows how you thought and how your mind worked. It is a memory that is just yours and it’s worth remembering and repeating, especially to yourself.

    Here’s what I’ll say, at least for now

    Not only do I want to think of what I “might” say to my older self, I already know some ideas to share. By the way, when I use the word “you” it means “me”.

    • You were always hard on yourself and if you still are, stop it. Ease up old fella.
    • You always said that if you had the time, you’d travel the world, so do it–now.
    • You wondered if your life’s work helped anyone. Hell ya, you spent your work life in a field with a mission to better life for others, and the modest paycheck you brought home, you gave it to your family so that they could have what they needed, and then some, at the time.
    • So, what if you didn’t write the “great American novel” you sure have hell tried. Who else do you know even attempted writing a book much less finished writing one?
    • Bucket list or no bucket list, if you haven’t done everything you wanted, don’t worry about it but keep going.
    • The regrets that are floating around in your head aren’t worth spending time on. Don’t bog yourself down with stuff that could’ve been or might have happened if you had only done this or that.
    • Thank God you are not a perfectionist and did not live a perfect life. Have you seen those who are and how they lived? Sheesh!
    • Be who you are even if you couldn’t do it when you were my age.
    • Chill out, smile through it. I think older folks could smile a bit more–even you.
    • You ain’t in the 80’s anymore and that’s a good thing wheter you think so or not. It wasn’t as wonderful as you may remember. I know from personal experience even if you think otherwise.
    • How fortunate you are to have experienced love of and for another and for so long.
    • Your kids loved you then and still do so don’t even think about it.
    • You met a lot of people along the way, befriended some and they embraced it or not. They missed out.
    •  The decisions you made along the way were the best for that moment in time so that means THEY WERE the best decsions. so don’t do all that second-guessing.
    • Hey, I’m telling you these things because I love you AND I know what I’m talking about as I’m talking to you and your me—just my older me.

    So What Would You Say?

    If you liked this post, you might like: The Meaning of OUR Life, If You Can Text You Can Journal, The Time We Have.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • The Gloaming: When Day Meets Night and it is Spectacular

    E.G. Kardos

    Ah, the gloaming. Twilight…the moment when the day dims its brilliance and welcomes the early shadows of its friendly rival, of sorts, the night.

    Madeira

    It’s far more than twilight, dusk, or the setting sun. There’s something more mystical about the moment known as the gloaming. I would say that this peaceful transition of power in nature is even magical. I’ve experienced it, have you?

    Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina

    Experiencing The Gloaming

    First you must be outside and it can be just about anywhere. I prefer where you can observe nature. It costs nothing, but if you’re willing, it just might open a door—a magical door. 

    First, clear your mind, or the door of enchantment remains closed. Be open to what your internal voice tells you. Your imagination will become heightened. You may even feel “as one” with your surroundings. As we grow older, we lose our natural sense of wonder.

    The Gloaming Begins…

    When does the gloaming begin or end? Pinpointing those exact moments isn’t easy. I would say that when the day’s clarity becomes muted and loses its luster, and displays for only a few moments blends of blues, purples, and reds, you know it’s the gloaming. It’s a feeling, too, and not a calculated moment that can be recorded.

    I love when the sun’s rays lose their intensity, and its light melts into the earth. This is the moment when only what we imagine comes alive. It is a magical moment, that is, if you permit it to be.

    After all, that’s what magic is…if you believe in it, you will be part of it.

    The magic of the gloaming is poetic…it is lyrical. The moment is enchanting as the fading light dances on the rocks, trees, or a pond, it stirs a sense of awe. The “what ifs” freely enter your mind. 

    The moment teems with the spirit we all possess as it tugs us into introspection. What we long for comes to mind as we look back on the path the day had to offer. Like that very day, we now loosen our hold of both the good and the bad that the day detailed and eases us into a smooth wholeness of the evening, where the once sharp edges are now softened.

    Lightening Bugs

    Where I am, in June and only during this month, I am joined by lightning bugs. Just think of their existence. I heard they have been around for 100 million years. It’s really pretty cool. Their flickering presence is unique, and it is dreamlike. They are a welcome guest as they are nothing less than magical.

    To their potential mate their luminescence is clear and attractive and is the door to future generations. To their predators, however, their light is a signal that if eaten, it will not fare well for the aggressor. Nature is wonderful.

    Our Thoughts are the Magic

    The gloaming sparks possibilities—some mundane and sensible, while others may be wild and untamed. Our thoughts are the magic. Our feelings float like a mystical aura, and we know there is much we cannot explain, and we are reassured that this is a good thing.

    In this vast universe, our knowledge is but a small sliver of what life is all about. As the years progress, we learn more, but we have a long road to travel before us if our goal as humans is to unravel every mystery. 

    There’s still time to enjoy the magic and mystery in each of us. I hesitate to attempt to dispel all that is magical in our lives and encourage others to consider the same. We just need to slow down and allow our minds to wander. We need the clarity of our future like the lightning bug, and subtly let it be known to our detractors that we are not to be messed with.

    I do write fiction, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true.

    Note: An Old English word, gloaming, originated with the Scottish and has been used since the Middle Ages in English and Scottish literature.

    It you enjoyed this post, you may like: Stepping Into Worlds Where I am the First to See, The Meaninbg of OUR Life, It’s All Created By the Mind

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Paulo Coelho and Small Miracles

    E.G. Kardos

    Several years ago, soon after my first book of my fantasy trilogy was launched, Paulo Coelho responded to an email I sent him with a note of “congratulations and success”. Talking about small miracles, I was in awe. 

    Coelho happens to be an author I hold in high regard and who has inspired much of my writing, especially in my trilogy, The Elias Chronicles.

    Coelho has authored numerous books, but the one that captured my heart was The Alchemist. It was given to me by a dear friend who felt it was important for me to read. I had never heard of the author or the book at the time. Now, I recommend it to all. It is a story of believing in yourself and following your dream.

    More Small Miracles

    Months later, I sent Coelho a follow-up email. Would I be lucky again and hear back from this known author around the world. I was amazed to hear from him once, but would I hear from him again? 

    Celestial bodies aligning in the night sky, planets, stars

    The stars and planets must have been aligned, as I did hear from him once more. With a short note, he sent me a copy of a story that he wrote that was being published in many journals around the world. 

    Photo by Prayoon on Adobe Stock

    Again, I was overwhelmed by his gift to me. His generous action and the simplicity and power of his story inspired me to write Blessing the Poor.  A holiday story, which I plan to post in December. 

    Here’s What I’m Thinking

    The book that was given to me by my friend years ago, and Coelho’s generous acts, are testaments of why I believe the way I do; we must take time and value each moment of our lives. But then, we need to do more. We must take it upon ourselves to inspire others to reach for what is good in them and around them. 

    Not only should we dream, and we should dream, but it is what we do with our experiences that counts much more than the dream. Dreams are just that, dreams, but our experiences make us who we are.

    In Coelho’s last message to me in 2008, he ended by telling me, “The Warrior of light concentrates on the small miracles of daily life.” I decided to learn more from his words and read what I found. I contemplated this phrase.  

    Photo by Alban_Gogh
    pilgrim, pilgrimage, desert, wanderer, walk, nature, sand, landscape, dunes, sunset, spirituality, peaceful, spiritual quest, ai generated

    These are my takeaways

    • These small miracles are found in our ability to find beauty and appreciate it. Finding joy and fulfillment can be found in the sublime and the mundane. This, I would say, is always found in the moment.
    • Gratitude need not be for receiving abundance, but for the sliver of good that may pass us by if we are focused on our desires.
    • The “Warrior of Light” finds beauty in others as they nurture their light within them.
    • The “Warrior of Light” isn’t always successful, but in failure, they find the light.
    • We are all intuitive creatures, and when we open ourselves to the voice within and look to the powers of the universe for guidance, regardless of our spiritual beliefs and practices, wisdom is not too far away. 

    I must remind myself to acknowledge the small miracles of daily life.

    What are your takeaways?

    You may enjoy these articles: Be True to Yourself: The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, The Meaning of OUR Life, Follow Your Heart and Live Your Truth, Magic in a 

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • C.S. Lewis, Fairytales and You

    E.G. Kardos

    “One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”
    ― C.S. Lewis

    Have you ever read The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis? For that matter, have you ever read any fairytales, fables, myths, legends, folktales or any story that takes you on a magical adventure?

    Well, I’m pretty sure we’ve all read a tale or two when we were young. Lucky are those of us who have included these stories—I would include fantasy in this category—in our lives as we’ve moved beyond the innocence of childhood and have experienced the layers of age. 

    So what did Lewis mean when he said,“One day, you will be old enough to start reading fairytales again.”?

    Just as the first few stars that appear in the early night sky are followed by many more, in Lewis’ twelve word quote, we realize there are countless ways to interpret his words. I have a few thoughts to share.

    When We First Read Stories of Magic, Marvel, and Mystery

    Innocence Lost, but is that Forever?

    We all wanted to be that kid—at least I did and still do. You know, the kid with the sword, in the spaceship, the one who went on an adventure and became the hero. Or the kid that found something marvelous and magical—or the one that went back in time, into the future or was a princess or a prince. The kid that won the “golden ticket” or flew with dragons.

    house inside tree

    As kids we search for magic as we know it is there. It’s a question of how do we get to it. Maybe there’s a special cave, or a hidden door to an undiscovered land. Maybe a wand in a trunk or a map with a code that we can crack. Maybe it is in an old trunk in Grandma’s attic.

    But We Grow Up

    As we grow older, something changes all that. We decide, or it is decided for us, that the thoughts, feelings and desires of our childhood should be left behind. Grown-ups know best…they know it all and that’s what we should aim for. Yeah, right.

    Deeper Layers

    What many grown-ups don’t always realize is that there is wisdom in fairytales and stories that take us on magical and mystical adventures. That’s why they were written in the first place–wisdom. This deeper layer of meaning may be missed by children but when it comes to grown-ups, they have no excuse. That’s a good reason to return to such stories.

    Just like the simplicity of Lewis’ quote, fairy tales and the like may seem uncomplicated and naïve, but they are full of wisdom.

    Wisdom is, unfortunately, a word that is seldom used or valued anymore.

    A Place for Magic

    When we grow older, the sheen of adulthood fades, however. Sometimes we see this when we are twenty-five, sixty-five or somewhere in between. Don’t get me wrong, the wonders and beauty of life grow exponentially forever, but the powers of some and the structures they impose have a way of ensnaring the best and dampen our journey–our life’s journey that should be filled with riches.

    We are here but once, and to live it in a box is unappealing to say the least. If we haven’t yet found magic since we were a kid, whether we are twenty-five or sixty-five, we just might want to pause and ask why. Then look for it once again.

    Magic is found in many places, and we don’t have to go far to find it in books both old and new. Wow! What a diversion. What a way to learn what it is to be human. Yes in any story that takes you on a magical adventure?

    Thinking About It a Little More

    I may have overcomplicated this twelve-word quote. I’m not nearly as elegant as C.S. Lewis but here are my twelve words:

    You will find magic if you remember the marvels of your childhood.

    It’s time to read a fairytale…a legend…a myth…or any story that takes you on a magical adventure. You deserve it.

    YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: THE TIME WE HAVE, FROM A STRUGGING READER TO A WRITING FANTASY, FOLLOW YOUR HEART AND LIVE YOUR TRUTH

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Writing Literary Fiction and What I’m Learning

    E.G. Kardos

    There’s genre fiction and then there’s literary fiction. Examples of genre fiction to name a few are: romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thrillers, horror, and adventure fiction. When it comes to literary fiction, there’s really just one kind—literary fiction. There are “types” of literary fiction for instance, there is realistic, philosophical, contemporary and philosophical and something referred to as experimental fiction.

    What is Literary Fiction?

    Literary fiction is character-driven as opposed to being focused on the plot. Yes, you must have a plot, but it is secondary to the story. When I say “character driven” I am referring to an inward journey the main character takes and whisks the reader off to join them. 

    photo by Uran Wang

    A person standing in a field at sunset

    Full of Complexities

    If the protagonist isn’t introspective, it’s not literary fiction. This is, in my opinion, the sheer joy of reading—and writing literary fiction. The main character does not react to the event in the story itself, but event spawns a feeling and the feeling manifests into an action.

    Metahors, imagery and symbolism help to tell the story and by doing so may lead the reader to personal interpretations. Our own experiences shape the meaning of what we are witnessing just like in all art forms.

    More About the Internal Journey

    Literary fiction is purely human-centered. This is what makes this type of novel relatable. It makes it significant…important…applicable to our own lives.

    Most of our journeys have nothing to do with boarding a plan, getting in a car or taking a train. Most of our journeys are inward as we try to decipher this larger journey we are all on together and that is life.

    Who Reads Literary Fiction? And I’m Being General

    Too few! Mostly women. Men, not so much. 

    Nothing against men—I’m one—but come on guys, there’s more to reading books than just science fiction, history, and biographies/memoir, crime and thrillers I should throw in stories about sports and war. Don’t get me wrong, if these are the kind of books you love to read, keep it going as reading is important, but consider mixing it up a little. Try literary fiction.

    Having written literary fiction, fantasy and short stories, I’d have to agree that literary fiction is an art form…that it is “serious”. Perhaps folks would argue that all fiction is an art form. When our creative expression come in the form of words and it evokes a feeling in the observer, the reader, it is nothing less than an art form.

    While reading literary ficion, our feelings and thoughts could evoke a sense of beauty or just the opposite, as humans are capable of just the opposite and pulling out our dark self. The feeling could inspire, transform or wake up that part of us that is sleeping. Believe me, there’s quite a bit burying in all of us that is fast asleep.

    I Also Mentioned it’s “Serious”

    Any time we read, or write, about the human condition, it is “serious” whether it’s direct, satirical or somewhere in between. Some things are out of our control and there’s no way around it, so we, and the character, deals with it. Is it how we would deal with it?  Maybe.

    When we read literary fiction, we are reading about what it is to be human and we see it in the choices the characters of the story must make to continue on our their path. Many times their path is not so different than ours.

    My Reminder

    Just a reminder, this article is what I learned from writing literary fiction. Others may interpret their knowledge and experience differently than me. That’s the beauty in writing and reading fiction. My thoughts assembled here, just like literary fiction itself, doesn’t end with a neatly tied bow, but I hope it makes us think. It makes us feel.

    Do you write or read literary fiction? Thoughts?

    You may also like: Why Read Fiction?,Self Discovery Books – an Excerpt from Cutting of Harp Strings, Developing the Protagonist

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

  • Symbols of Our Love Every Day and Mother’s Day

    E.G. Kardos

    Although many folks express their love for their mothers on Mother’s Day, I think it should be a daily occurrence in some way. That’s not always easy to do as we get wrapped up in our own world, but we should aspire to do more…always. Something I did as a kid many years ago reminds me of doing this. I thought I’d share it with readers on this Mother’s Day.

    Several years after my mom passed away, I uncovered this note and drawing. I would never have remembered writing it or drawing the picture had I not been lucky enough to find this perfectly preserved loose-leaf page.  When I first laid eyes on it, memories gushed forward. 

    I was nine years old when I drew this picture and wrote this note—that was in 1969 some 56 years ago! 

    A Simple Act

    It was infrequent that my mom and dad went out to dinner, but I now vividly recall this particular evening. I am the youngest of four children, and so there were MANY babysitters that night. It was an April evening. Without prompting, I did a chore for my mom. Moments after, I rummaged to find a piece of paper and a pen. For a kid my age, using a pen was new, and I wanted to use one any chance I had. I sat at the kitchen table, pulled my thoughts together, and put pen to paper. I wanted to share my picture of our home, tell her I loved her, and let her know the picture and note were hers to keep.

    The Feeling

    When this memory had become fresh not long ago, it came with the feelings that I had at that very moment in 1969. Feelings of a little, skinny, and shy kid. Yes, this was very weird! It was not “like” going back in time, it was more like I only knew that time as there was no other. 

    She Saved It

    As I thought more about it, it was clear my mom cherished this gift and what it meant to her as she tucked it away and saved it.  Why did she save it?  I am not sure, but I have a few guesses. Looking at it today, I am warm with delight, joy, and love. Not because of anything I did, but because she saved it. Our connection was seamless—one. 

    Maybe she saved it for me to find many years later, when she was gone. Yes, I am certain of that.  I was meant to find it these many years later. The thing is, she has never been gone from my life.

    So, what about these symbols? The drawing is one thing, but the action of tucking it away is symbolic. As a parent of four myself, I know the value of such a gift. Life would be meaningless without symbols and our actions that express ourselves and our enduring love. 

    Not Just on Mother’s Day

    The sentiments of my 9-year-old self and those of my “mommy” symbolize something powerful that cannot be touched, but it can be held as it has a place in my heart. This treasure represents goodness, life, and light. It’s a symbol of love. It’s for everyday and Mother’s Day.

    What Does Love Mean?

    Many folks have tried to define “love” but there is no one clear definition. For me, love lasts an eternity as its vibrations that began years ago, or at this moment, continue to move outward and forever. These vibrations trample over the ills it may find on its path. These vibrations are warm and tell us so much if we are open to listening.

    It’s not about data, analytics, AI, algorithms, technology  and other soulless distractions, but love is about being a part of something spectacular, wonderful and beautifully human.

    Love’s Not Perfect

    Interestingly, I found the rough draft of this note on the back of another picture I drew so I attached it to the back of this picture and placed it in a frame. Even after my nine-year-old self “practiced” what I wanted to write, in the version I gave my mom, I still made an error. Even after I have practiced, when the curtain goes up, and I step in front of the limelight, I do so in all my vulnerable ways—I like that about me. Never used to, though… I’m sure she knew this about me. This, too, is symbolic as I am imperfect and always have been. Love really isn’t perfect either. It is organic—it’s living, growing, and changing. As we change with it, love never ends. I miss her.

    “Our House”, the chore I did without being asked, my imperfections, but most of all, the care she gave this gift and me is, indeed, a symbol that gives my life—and hers—a profound and cherished meaning.

    Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Stepping Into Worlds that I am the First to See

    E.G. Kardos

    Stepping into worlds that I am the first to see before all others and being the first one to meet those living there is a joy unlike anything else I’ve experienced. This, to me, is inspired writing, and I want to share this joy with an invitation to readers. 

    Reading fiction opens a gate to other worlds, whether in the distant past, the here and now, or light years from now. 

    Fiction creates a path that unites us with a story’s characters; in best-written fiction, those characters resonate with us. Why?

    Somewhere in our lives, we have felt the same deep emotion as the character, shared some quirky behavior, wondered the same thought, or had the same experience. Perhaps we identify with the character’s misgivings or flaws and feel a connection.

    Reading fiction makes us think and feel differently.

    This is why I read. Why do you? If you don’t read so much anymore, pick up something you’re interested in and start today.

    Stepping into Worlds of Writing

    As a writer, I dig into a part of me that many folks seem to have misplaced over the years—my imagination. As we get older, it seems to me that our creativity wanes. I’m not talking about “old age”, I am talking about when we grow up and become overly serious. Maybe you are like me and cherish your imagination and lean on it throughout your day, and I think this is a very good thing.

    When I write, I pull from inside of me a new land or a place never thought of by anyone else. Maybe it’s a place that seems real or one found in an enchanted forest but the bottom line—it’s new and different as we see this place through our own filters. Our mind makes sure it is.

    This, to me, is inspired writing, and I want to share this joy with an invitation to readers. 

    You’ve Got to Have a Reason

    What’s my reason for writing? Simply, I am drawn to illuminate the human condition. Without judgment, light pierces the darkness and is freeing. It allows us to explore what it is to be human. I weave these themes into my works of literary fiction and fantasy.

    This is why I write. Why do you? If you don’t write, start today with a journal, a note, or a sentence that captures a moment in your day. It can be a text to yourself! Write anything that means something to you.

    Words Spark a Whole new World Inside

    If you are here reading this post, you probably appreciate the written word at some level. I’m fascinated with books as they transport us, give us an escape from the out-of-control world, or give us a moment to ourselves to stir up our imagination.  Maybe you’re here to gain a different perspective, or to learn something new to spark something inside you—hope so.

    So Where Does this Idea of “Living Your Truth” Fit In?

    To me, it’s like your fingerprint–your truth. The only person we are with 24/7 from the day we are born until the day we die is, obviously, ourselves. Who we are—who we really are—is our truth. Deep down there is no escaping our truth as it is unique, beautiful, and soulful. It is why you are you and as unique as your fingerprint. If you strive to be true to your core and are trying your best to live authentically, reading and writing is a kind of fuel that moves your personal journey forward.

    If you read or write from this point of view, you become the story.

    The books we enjoy are written by authors who live their truth. Each word is selected with care. It’s easy to see this in each sentence and paragraph they choose. They capture the soul of a character and share them with us. I count myself among the lucky. They allow us to see, hear, taste, feel, and smell the story.

    It’s easy to get sidetracked, but that comes with being the “flawed character” in my own story.

    If you appreciate fiction, you will agree with me that the “best” characters are flawed. I happen to be the “best” character to lead my own personal quest.

    Cutting of Harp Strings is a literary novel and is all about living your truth. My fantasy series, The Elias Chronicles asks the questions we all think about- who am I? What should I do with my powers? What’s ahead for me? Whether it is literary fiction or fantasy, my books are about what it is to be human with all the emotions that make us who we are.

    Stepping into Worlds – More Worlds!

    This blog may include reviews and mentions of books that inspire. As an author, I will share more about what I have learned and still learning. I will share thoughts, observations, reflections, musings, and stories that help me on my own journey to live my truth. This informs what I read and write. You may find it helpful or entertaining as well. If you value the idea of living your truth as well as reading or writing, I hope you find a flash of inspiration in my reflections.

    You may also like: It’s Created by the Mind & Why Read Fiction?

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write. Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Love is a Strange Thing

    E.G. Kardos

    The sun is setting over a field of tall grass

    “Love is a strange thing, and I yearn for it once more. I don’t need to give it much thought, I just need to give it sunlight and space to grow–to run in a field of tall grass and be free.”

    Photo by Victoria Prymak

    This is a quote from my novel, Cutting of Harp Strings. It is perhaps my favorite quote from all my books. Apparently, it is appreciated by others too.

    As a writer, it’s incredibly rewarding when others share a quote or excerpt from my book. They, of course, cite where they found the quote and name me as the author. Sometimes people will mention this in a discussion or post it on their social media. This shows me that others, and not just me, appreciate the quote. Among the throngs of authors, I see this as a major “win.” 

    Quite frankly, it’s exhilarating.

    A few weeks ago, however, I discovered that this quote was used on a social media account, and not only did they not cite my book or me, but they used it as a personal quote – verbatim. Sure, I know this wrongfully goes on all the time, but it was a real shocker for me—at least give me some credit I thought. I was steamed. 

    I mean this is my work and it depicts the soul of my novel—my soul.

    It felt like someone reached into my chest and pulled out my heart. Was I overreacting? Maybe. But I don’t think so because a writer chooses their words carefully. Words matter as does their arrangement. It’s like the notes of music. This novel, too, was thirty years in the making.

    I politely contacted the person and asked them to credit me with the quote. I didn’t ask them to remove it but to merely cite me. That was about four weeks ago, and it is still up as if it is their quote.

    But you know what?

    The very day I contacted the person, I decided to think differently. I decided that it was okay— not that I wanted to continually encounter this situation, but because this person was so captivated by my words that they wanted to use them for themselves. 

    Because of this shift in perspective, I immediately felt good. It was weird – like magic and I felt a surprisingly warm feeling wash over me. I imagined they might have read the book, and this passage had landed in a spot in their heart where they wanted it to remain close. They wanted it to be part of who they were. Then I thought…

    Doesn’t every writer love when their readers become one with their story? I do.

    In a way when I read the quote in light of this event, it grew a hundredfold. It became my elixir – and the reader’s as well. 

    Here is the full quote found in my novel. If you use it in some way, and I hope you do, please let folks know where you found it.

    “It’s a maze—life that is. Sometimes, for moments here and there, it appears otherwise with clean lines and crystal facets. Not often. Life is more than what I thought. And I knew this all along but wasn’t willing to believe in myself—to believe me. Aiden showed me, but it was for me to act. Love is a strange thing, and I yearn for it once more. I don’t need to give it much thought, I just need to give it sunlight and space to grow—to run in a field of tall grass and be free.” 

    … to believe in ourselves….

    You may like: A Little Known Zen Story on Friendship

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • The Meaning of OUR Life

    E.G. Kardos

    Over thousands of years, many of the greatest minds have grappled with the meaning of life. Questions abound regarding life’s origin, reason, purpose, and value. Still other questions persist, such as why we exist or what is life’s significance.

    So Many Questions

    A person standing on top of a sand dune

    We’re here already, so why the question of origin? All the “greats” over the millennia haven’t provided an answer to this or any of the questions that have plagued humanity about the meaning of life. 

    Why do we exist? Again, I’ll take the easy way out and say, does it matter? If we knew would we be doing things differently? Would we think differently? Maybe, but probably not. A brief history lesson will show that humans haven’t changed much over the years in this regard.

    Photo by sander traa

    We develop new tools – from a slingshot to automatic weapons or a printing press to a PC, but a slug moves faster than our progression of thinking and feeling about things how we treat others and ourselves.

    What would we do if we knew?

    Say we find out that we exist to help others of our species live a better life. Knowing that would we automatically do it? I’m talking about everyone since this is “why we exist”. We eat and drink to sustain life and everyone will do that, but wold everyone be in sync to do other things? I’m thinking no.

    As far as life’s significance, well this seems arbitrary. That’s like wondering why we desire love. I’m not sure we need to analyze the significance of life or love. How about we just explore it? Life and love deserve it.

    What about the many questions about life’s reason, purpose, and value? Well this is up to us. S this leads me to a far better question for each of us to ponder and that is: 

    So what is the meaning of OUR life?

    With the question I pose, perhaps we can look at our past for clues, but spend most of our time looking at our present. Our present may then, in turn, inform our future.

    “The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

    We learn about ourselves through our experiences and attempt to find meaning. We are reflective by nature, but we often overlook or are unwilling to find meaning in our introspection. Just look at history and how we, humankind, seldom heed its message. We seem to like our olpitical existence.

    We Decide

    Like the skin of an onion, if we peel back the layers of man’s interpretation of how others should live, we may see ourselves as we truly are. It is up to us to do this as no one will do it for us. We shouldn’t expect anyone else to give us OUR answers, nor should we accept their decrees of other that tell us what’s meaningful to us individually.

    What I find meaningful to me should be celebrated and not fit into some ancient scheme or blueprint.

    Acceptance, affirmation, and intimacy are all strong needs we all have. Our existence is about the many connections we all experience. As an example, we have memories that are unique to us. Seldom does another soul value, or even remember, certain memories that we hold dear. They are ours and live in our very core. They are a record of our life. Among other aspects of our life, memories help create meaning in our life.

    The moments of our lives, when collected and strung together like the choice words of a poem tell the tale of our lives and give it meaning. It’s not just the big moments but the tiny ones to

    You Naturally Smile

    Think of what you value, and an experience attached to that value. You naturally smile. We are made up of fun, somber, intimate, scary, insightful, bizarre, and mystical moments that all enliven who we are. That’s where we derive our own meaning.

    Some folks think we must engage in some noble purpose, and this gives our life meaning. I like to keep in mind that, again, I decide what is “noble” and do not need others to judge the way I decide to give meaning to my life.

    I am the only person who I have been with for every second of my life from the moment I was born until the moment I die. No one knows me or you better than me and and no one knows you better than you. 

    We create the meaning of OUR life. 

    You may also like these posts: The Time We Have, It’s Created in the Mind, Follow Your Hear & Live Your Truth

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Who is the Zen Master?

    E.G. Kardos

    I remember a day many years back. It was probably 2005.  The sun shone bright as I was driving somewhere.  The volume on my car radio was up a few extra notches.  Totally at ease, I belted out the song on the radio. I approached a traffic light and continued singing as an onlooker on one side in another car smiled while those on the opposite side poked fun at my expense.  But at all the traffic stops along the way, most, I observed, didn’t even notice my performance as their cell phones appeared to be permanently affixed to their ears. They weren’t there.

    By the time I arrived at my destination, I determined that this was now the norm. People were yakking on their phones pretty much all the time. I assumed they all wanted to be somewhere other than where they were at that moment.

    A butterfly rests on wildflowers in a tranquil natural setting in Türkiye.

    Thinking like a Zen Master

    I reflected more on this situation. Why do we attach ourselves to things? They are terribly unimportant. Just think about it; if we would only listen to ourselves, we might begin to realize what is truly important. I concluded that folks, me included, who rely on so many external devices to get through the day need something more.

    Photo by Objektifin_gordugu

    If we paused for a moment now and then and listened quietly to the story within us, we might surprise ourselves. 

    Then again, what if we listened to others too? I mean really listen to what they say and what they are all about.

    Answers We Seek

    I’m sorry to say that tuning our people because we are busy on our devices is not so unusual these days, but if we stopped what we were doing and paid attention to others, we might find the answers to our questions, even those questions that are firmly in us, but we don’t dare ask. 

    If we let go of things and replace them with people, and we listen, wouldn’t we be on the path to a more fulfilling life?  I think so.

    This is why stories are so important. They help us realize that humanity strives for the same things. We see that we are all connected and spiritual beings, regardless of our faith tradition.  

    The Zen Master is in our Stories

    It’s all in stories. In stories, we discover that we understand ourselves a little more, and by doing so, we understand others.  We find that we are a compassionate people—we must be.

    Ancient but Relevant

    In 2008 I decided to write stories about everyday people doing everyday things that led them to more.

    Parables, Zen stories, and other tales explore age-old ideas but remain relevant as we detach ourselves from what is undoubtedly unimportant, distracting, and troublesome. 

    What may seem obvious to some may be quite tricky to grasp. My stories are relevant and timely, as many of us long to live inspired lives. You know I’m right about this.    

    My writing, which became Zen Master Next Door, serves as a tool worth sharing. 

    Why a tool? 

    Between the truth and us lies a dense thicket of thorns and brush. But with the right tools, it is much easier to navigate. One way to make it through the brush unscathed is to recognize the “Zen Master” who may be closer to us than we think.

    Although first publihsed seventeen years ago, these stories could’ve been written today. What we find in ourselves and those around us has endured and will continue to live as long as humans dwell on this planet.

    We can look within ourselves and see our reflection in these parables.  Zen Master Next Door: Parables for Enlightened Everyday Living aims to show us that we can discover similar stories of inspiration within ourselves.  In each parable, I hope the reader reflects on how each character and circumstance relates to their own life.

    We all possess great stories to share.  I am sharing mine.

    Based on truth, these parables are the epitome of fiction, as the guts of storytelling are the essence of truth. 

    They –

    are gentle but strong. 

    embrace but let go. 

    are simple but complex. 

    They are, of course, parables.

    You may also like the post: A Little Known Zen Story on Friendship

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • It’s Created by the Mind

    E.G. Kardos

    The reality that we navigate daily appears to be, well, real. On the surface, wouldn’t you say that we can count on it? It’s here to last, right? We certainly can’t mistake what’s fake for reality. Oh really? Man certainly does mistake “what is fake or made up” for what is real. It’s hard to miss this one as it is a daily occurance, but that’s for another post. As far as “counting on reality” or reality is “here to last”, I’m just not sure of that either. Suffice it to say, humans shape reality like it or not. I think Plato hit it on the nose when he said, “The reality is created by the mind.

    My leaning on the subject is that “… Nothing lasts forever but the Earth and Sky… “ as the rock band, Kansas, wrote and sang in their hit, Dust in the Wind. Great song. So that’s the way I lean. Unless it is the Earth or the sky, I’m not so sure we can count on it or that it’s here to last. After all, very few physical and nonphysical realities that man has originated have truly lasted. Humans are pretty good at making new tools over time and those in power create social constructs–some last for a while.

    Photo by Michelle LeBlanc

    Created by the mind

    Reality, both in physical and nonphysical reality (like social constructs), is the product of the minds of humans over the millions of years. Other than what comes from the natural world, everything else started as an idea in someone’s head—good or bad. It’s all fantasy until we take an idea and build it.

    Cell phones don’t grow in the wild.

    Just an aside…man has been an expert on how to create a war, but not so good at creating a reality that eliminates them. Perhaps we are still lacking in some areas. This is a little heavy for this post, but it is a clear example that man creates his own reality–for himself and everyone under his control.

    My family and I like to go to the mountains and escape from the craziness of life. On a recent trip I remember sitting on the cabin’s porch in an old rocking chair. I was looking out to the mountains, the stream and a setting sun. A thought popped into my head. I thought that everything that was in front of me was truly real and untainted. As that thought became louder in my head so did another.  Where I sat and all behind me (the cabin and everything in it) was only “real” because man had a thought and did something about it. For example, he might have said, “I want to sit on something other than the ground.” From that, came the first chair. It suddenly became real – it is now part of reality. Fast forward to cell phones–same thing.

    I still think that the sky, the mountains, and the stream are my reality of choice but I assume they don’t measure up for some folks. It’s what I value. The stuff we own, not so much.

    Taking a stake in what’s created by the mind

    The communities we live in didn’t just happen. Someone or some group thought about what they wanted to do, and they built it—urban, suburban, and rural. This all seems very obvious. I remind myself it’s fine for others’ reality to enter our life as that is how it is and our hope is that others’ intentions are good. But we should have a stake in our reality. In other words, we don’t have to be penned in by others’ reality everytime we turn around.

    One way to give us some control of our reality is as easy and as enjoyable as reading and writing. Both of these are solitary activities. So take control of what is real for you, and one way to do this is when we read or write.

    What?

    When we read fiction—any kind of fiction—it transports us. We to to another land—could be London in the 1880s, the Congo in the 1940s, a million light years in some other time or in a different parallel world to right now. 

    Wherever it takes us, it is for sure, taking us away into a reality of our choosing.

    If we allow ourselves, we are immersed into the author’s version of those places, times and situations. But best of all, through their eyes we now live in this fictional space. We become part of the fabric of the tale. We are given freedom to interpret what we read. It is us who give the words shapes, color, sounds, smells, taste, and know how it feels in our hands or beneath our feet. What a gift the author has given us.

    Our self expression is created by the mind

    I encourage people to not only read but to write—or to express themselves in the manner that best suits them. There are many wonderful options for expression. Dance, painting, sketching, photography, digital art, and the list goes on.

    When we express ourselves, we become the master of our own reality as we are in control and we’re calling the shots. 

    When Plato said, “The reality is created by the mind”, I think he meant that the world is best lived when we seek its meaning. We have the capacity to shape what’s in front of us—not just to passively let it go by. It’s less about making a chair or a cell phone but it’s about using our imagination to help us understand what is happening around us, and to find the meaning in our own lives.

    There’s something about knowing that nothing lasts forever except the earth and sky. I say let’s try to understand where we live and those who live here. That reality speaks to me.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • From a Struggling Reader to Writing Fantasy

    Third Grade Me and How I Never Forgot

    E.G. Kardos

    I was a slow reader when I was young. Full disclosure: I’m still a slow reader—no big deal.  But back in third grade and earlier, as a struggling reader, no matter what I did, I could not move up from the “Group 3” readers to Group 2 and certainly not Group 1. For an eight-year-old, that was a very big deal.

    I know many teachers still use reading levels, and this is now under great debate, but it was nothing but a horrible experience for me and was a deterrent to my progress as a reader in many ways—anyway, I am digressing from the start so let me get back to my story.

    As I said, I tried everything to advance to Group 2. Group 1 was my ultimate dream—weird, but that’s how my eight-year-old brain worked.  My mom brought home books, and she would work with me, so I had wonderful support. Though I probably made more strides at home than at school, it just wasn’t enough for the teacher to notice my improvement. I liked reading as I knew, even as a little kid, that I could be a part of an adventure by reading books–and I liked that. But as a slow-reading little kid, this was painful time, but I kept plugging along.

    When I was in third grade the bottom fell out for me.

    I remember that day so clearly. The teacher, who I will only refer to only as Miss Cringeworthy told us, in her usual harsh tone, to open our readers. Our readers were full of forgetful stories that were anything but what third graders may read today: Matilda, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants, Stuart Little, or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to mention a few..

    The book we read was a collection of archaic and unmemorable stories. What we read was the only part of that day that I can’t fully recall. I just know the stories were NOT interesting. Maybe if they were, I wouldn’t have struggled as much.

    Our desks were arranged in rows. Miss Cringeworthy always started our reading lesson by having the first kid in the first row read the first paragraph. they would be followed by the second kid who would read the second paragraph and so on down the row to start again with row two.

    I was the twelfth kid and near the end of the second row. I looked ahead in the story to find “my paragraph” that I would be reading. Reading it over and over again I hoped I would read it perfectly when it was my turn.

    That was my plan – struggling reader or not!.

    The Worst Silence

    My heart began to beat faster and faster as the eleventh kid was finishing her paragraph. I cleared my throat and I began to read. I thought I was doing fine. But the next thing I heard came from Miss Cringeworthy. At the top of her lungs she bellowed, “STOP!”

    It seemed like the worst silence I have ever experienced, as I felt my heart thump and thought the rest of my classmates could hear the “thump” too.

    From where she was standing at the front of the room, she began to slowly walk down the aisle to where I sat. The only sound in the air was the click-click of her pointy high heels that she stuffed her feet into that morning. Each short step she tookgnawed at me until she stopped and hovered over me. Looking up, her face reminded me of a bowl of quivering Jello and her eyes bulged out. 

    I swallowed and looked right at her.

    “I taught your older sister,” she said softly.

    Pause.

    “And I believe your older brother as well.”

    Another pause that was much too long for any eight-year-old to endure.

    “And you are nothing like them.”

    Still looking at her bulging eyes in a pool of jiggling Jello, I was crushed–I was mortified.

    My eyes welled up and I was ready to bust out and cry. But I don’t know how I did it, but I held it in. 

    But I cried inside. Thankfully the class looked down at their books and said nothing. 

    She click-clicked her way back to the front of the classroom. That was that…until I told my mom…but that is another story.

    Here’s me speaking to a college-level course in 2023 about writing fantasy.

    Photo by Lisa Cipolletti >>

    So…From a Struggling Reader to Writing Fantasy...Years Later

    I never dwelt on this moment but I never forgot it either. Leap forward to 2011. As a lifelong daydreamer and lover of fantasy, I looked back at that moment and decided I wanted to write a story that I would have loved as that kid—and as an adult.

    One that would captivate the reader that was full of mystery, marvel, and magic.

    My story had to be about a young boy who was searching for answers; a story where the mentor was an encouraging guide. I wanted to write about following our heart and our truth. I wrote the first book, The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, of a fantasy trilogy. I called the series The Elias Chronicles.

    Miss Cringeworthy was long gone before I wrote and published Book I of the trilogy, otherwise, I would have delivered her a personally signed copy–with a smile..

    Have you ever had an experience like this one? What did you do about it? Let me know.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Follow Your Heart & Live Your Truth

    “Be You” or “Be Your Authentic Self” 

    Cliché? Not at all.

    E.G. Kardos

    “Just do you” and “It’s nobody’s business but yours” are phrases that we hear and, at best may be well intended but are grossly superficial. If it were that easy, we wouldn’t live in a world of raised eyebrows from followers mostly cut out of the same mold. I say, follow your heart!

    If you strive to be your true self, you know the value of “following your heart.” 

    Although some may think that following your heart is the same as following your dream, they are very different. 

    Dreams are something outside of us that we aspire to be or have. I may have a dream of getting rich and living in a castle. I might dream of being a high-powered lawyer, CEO, or a movie star. I’ll admit, these aspirations are exciting, but they aren’t who we are.

    Sometimes dreams can lead us to make some very unsavory choices. We may cut corners or end up stepping on a few folks to get to where we want to be.

    Dreams, many times, come from wants and desires.

    But when you follow your heart, your dreams come from a different place inside of us. That place inside of us is who we are at our core. When we are true to our core, our dreams are all about what’s most important to us,.

    These dreams are more than wonderful. They are spectacular, joyful, and true to what and all about us. These dreams emerge from our authenticity. 

    When our true self ignites a dream, it can never be misguided.

    “It is simple. By following your heart, you will find your fortune. Your dream matters not, as many dreams are driven by something other than one’s heart.” 

    “Oh, I see,” Elias said with no real conviction as he only heard half her message. Knowing he did not hear the truth in her words, she knew he would have to learn this on his own.

    Nattymama speaking with Elias

    The Amulet: Journey to Sirok, E.G. Kardos

    Why is it difficult to follow your heart or live your truth?

    It’s true –we’ve got to learn this all on our own, but this is why I think we tend to shy away from doing so for three reasons:

    • Society—this is a big one. It’s not just parents or our family who may steer you away from being true to yourself, but society as a whole. We may experience peer pressure, what is deemed “acceptable” to a group, what others claim as “normal” or “fitting in” and it may be difficult to muster the courage to be authentic.
    • Fear is often internal, but anxieties mount as we think about following our own path. Will we lose friends? Or will we be successful? How about, will we be happy? What does my future look like? If I’m successful, I have a whole set of new situations to address and am I ready for that?.
    • Guilt—if we follow our heart, are we taking something away from someone else? Are we disappointing someone else by being true to ourselves? Maybe we begin to spend more time away from those who unintentionally pull us down. Or should we devote more time elsewhere and just give in and live a life the way that others think is best for us?

    There are many questions to consider.

    Social conditioning, fear, and guilt are strong forces to overcome. Sometimes, however, we hide our truth from others or even from ourselves. This is why it takes courage, a personal commitment, and a lot of time to make this journey.

    Fiction and Our Journey

    This is why I believe reading fiction should be part of our journey. Why? I remind myself that as a writer, the best prose written comes from “our truth”.  The best fiction authors dig down to there core and find their “truth” and share it with the world.

    We as readers benefit as the moments about which they write are full of color, emotion, and are real. We are there. The story is very human as we meet multi-dimensional characters. They are characters that could be you and me. That’s why the moment we read becomes our moment as if the book was written only for us.

    Fiction gives us an opportunity to see other perspectives and helps us to interpret our own path. I see a real connection. Do you?

    Not There Yet

    I do my best to live my truth, but I’m not there yet, but it is the path I am on. So these are questions that guide me: 

    • In my own words, what am I like? What makes me who I am?
    • What do I think about when I’m alone? What’s important to me?
    • What is most important to me even if I don’t show it? 
    • What brings me joy? 
    • Lastly, what’s my definition of me?

    These questions have nothing to do with how others perceive me—or you. When we commit to a life we know that deep down makes us who we are, living our truth comes naturally. We’re not always able to do this as we live in an overly complex world and one that may not always be open to what our humanity offers.

    Think about it, humans decide what other humans should be. This is just deplorable. We have one chance at our lives and it isn’t for others to dictate who we are.

    When we follow our hearts and live our truth, we are overcome by joy, and we live a more inspired life. Like I said, I’m working on it. That’s okay because recognizing this and moving forward the best I can is the only way.  

    Here’s a related post about being true to yourself.

    What do you think?

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

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  • Magic in a Simple Message

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – a review of sorts

    E.G. Kardos

    Paulo Coelho wrote The Alchemist and published it through a small Brazilian publishing house in 1988. The initial print run produced only 900 copies. Few copies were sold, and Coelho went on to find a larger publisher. The book took off due to word of mouth and Coelho’s innovative approach to marketing. I don’t know the specifics, but in a short time, the world wanted to read the book. It is, indeed a story of magic in a simple message.

    Since he and his book were gaining momentum, HarperCollins became interested in the book and struck a deal with Coelho. They decided to publish the book in 1994. Soon thereafter, it became a global phenomenon and an international bestseller. By some estimates, it has sold nearly 250 million copies and is among the top books ever sold. Incredible!

    What’s it About?

    The Alchemist is a fantasy and adventure quest. Some think of it as a myth or fable. Santiago, a young shepherd boy living in the hills of Andalucia, Spain travels the world for his treasure. He travels to Egypt and encounters the old alchemist. His adventure and specifically what and who Santiago encounters along the way allows him and the reader to grow. We learn the wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning from the omens along our way, about our own “personal legend” and following our dreams.

    If only all of us could listen to the wisdom of our hearts…we may find that our dreams are not so elusive. 

    Masked in Magic

    Coelho’s simplicity of storytelling inspires the reader to search for the wisdom that will lessen the burden of the complexities of life and potentially make our lives a masterpiece. This is why I think the book has found reader after reader for thirty-six years. Coelho’s “truth” gives the story life.

    We all aspire to something greater …

    Santiago’s quest is masked in magic and fantasy but is very much like our daily journey. Coelho uses the format of the “Hero’s Journey” to tell a story that resonates with our human spirit. We all aspire to something greater in our lives, but we may have difficulty getting there. Instead of only envisioning the end, like Santiago we should continue to keep an eye on the road as well. If we do, we may see the potholes or help someone who may need a lift along the way. There are times that we all need that lift… or get the nudge to take that next step. 

    The reason this book rose from humble beginnings is not only because of Coelho’s persistence to create awareness of his work but also because of the magic in a simple message. It is soul-searching and beautiful.

    Have you read The Alchemist? Thoughts? What other books contain magic in a simple message that is meaningful to you?

     “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

    –Chinese proverb.

    About E.G. KardosI

    am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

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    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

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