About ABL


Tracy Nobd is shot and killed during the course of a bank robbery. In the aftermath she finds out that this isn't the first time she's died, but that this is her last life, her borrowed life. 

The realization inspires Tracy, and she transforms into a source of inspiration for others. She enjoys Oprah-like success, inspiring people to do better and to be better. 

But with success comes corruption, and Tracy loses focus on her original message. She isn't living the pure life that she envisioned. Eventually she is assassinated, and meets the same person who originally told her about her borrowed life. He has an interesting perspective and message for her. 

***

The story was inspired by my curiosity into the phenomenon of the hypnic jerk. Some say that it is your awareness falling into your subtle self, right before you reach deep sleep. The idea gelled over the course of a few days. I was also inspired by the James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, You Only Live Twice. There is a  line in the book that really spoke to me: You only live twice, once when you are born and once when you die. I loved that and wondered what I could do with it.

Tracy Bond is the name of James's wife, so my character is Tracy Nobd. I also borrowed names of various characters in the book and actors in the movie. There is a character named Conner Thomas, named for Sir Thomas Sean Connery, the quintessential James Bond! There is also a Dikko, Kissy, and others. I've pretty much done my own thing as far as changing names around, but the inspiration is solidly Fleming!

The posted artwork is Gregory Lent, an amazing artist living in Shanghai, China. He makes beautiful sculptures and was lovely enough to give me permission to use his art! I hope that A Borrowed life can be published someday, and I will be pleased to use his work for the cover if possible.

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