The third short story I published in June 2019 came about from something I heard of, but didn’t know firsthand.
At one point many years ago, I started working on a personal memoir and self-help book on how to navigate life after losing a spouse. I have since abandoned that project and don’t know if I’ll ever return to it. But in the process of talking to different widows, I heard a story that sparked my imagination.
A couple had been married for over twenty years when the man decided he wanted a younger woman, so he left his wife. They agreed to a divorce, but hadn’t yet filed when the man died suddenly. The irony of it was that the wife had to attend to all of the funeral arrangements, even though they were estranged. That scenario had to be turned into a story!
So, I wrote Voodoo Or Destiny: You Decide.
And while my story went in a different direction, it kept the same premise of a woman having to bury her estranged husband. One of my favorite places on the planet to visit is New Orleans. And of course, voodoo is everywhere in the French Quarter. Marie Laveau is a legend and while they call her the Voodoo Queen, she was in truth a healer, herbalist and midwife. But she earned quite the reputation.
In my story, the scorned wife is convinced to seek revenge by making a voodoo doll and performing a ceremony. So, did she actually kill her husband with voodoo, or was it simply fate? I left it up to the reader to answer that question in their own minds.
I’d love to hear your thoughts after you read the book. Do you think voodoo actually works?
I’m enjoying these revisits, Jan, and I always love hearing how stories originate.
I’m happy to hear it, Teri. I love hearing how other authors get their stories as well. The creative process is amazing! Thanks for visiting.
I thought your Voodoo story was fantastic, Jan!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Yvette!
I loved your Voodoo story, Jan and believe the mind and beliefs are a very powerful tool.
Thank you, Denise! I appreciate your support!
I’ve always believed that all stories stem from real life and become magnificent in the hands of a talented writer. Thanks for sharing the background of this story, Jan. I am going to get a closer look.
Thank you, Balroop. I’m always interested in where other authors get story ideas, so it’s fun to share. I appreciate you stopping by!
What a great idea to revisit some of your previous books, Jan. I remember this one, and it was fun to get the backstory on the inspiration. A thrilling quick read.
Thank you for visiting, Diana. I love sharing where some of these stories originated. 🙂
Love the back story, and love the story it created 🌻
Thank you so much, Nicole! I’m happy you stopped by.
You’re very welcome. 🌻
The backstory is pretty interesting. I remember reading this one and loving it.
We never know where stories are going to come from. I like sharing. Thank you for stopping by and adding your recommendation for the book, Craig.
That’s an intriguing story, Jan. I’ll add it to my list.
Thank you, Tim. I hope you enjoy the short read!
It sounds like an intriguing book. I am not superstitious, and I don’t believe in voodoo, astrology, or any of that but that doesn’t stop me from reading books with supernatural themes or watch supernatural horror movies. It is good for entertainment.
I really like your attitude, Thomas. Like you, I read all genres of books and yes, they are entertaining. Thanks so much for visiting!
Great backstory, Jan.
Thanks for visiting, John!
Gosh, this is such a weird situation!
For sure. I just had to write about it.
It had offered itself clearly!
A very strange situation. When I heard about it I knew I had to write a story. Thank you for visiting, Erika.
Hi Jan, I remember this enjoyable short story. It was the first of your short stories I read.
Aww, thank you, Robbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I used a voodoo doll once on an old boyfriend. Not sure if it worked.
Ha! Ha! That’s too funny, Jacqui. Thanks for visiting!
I got my copy!
Wonderful! Thank you, Priscilla. I hope you enjoy it.
That is always a weird scenario. I know someone who nursed her estranged husband after he got very sick and had no one to look after him at the end. She said she did it because he was her children’s father so felt she had to do it. Not sure I could.
Apparently, it isn’t an unusual situation to have to tend to an estranged husband. I’m with you. I don’t know that I could. Hearing about it certainly sparked a story idea, so I ran with it. Thanks so much for stopping by, Darlene!