UtopYA Countdown Day 6

 Forsaken by Kristen Day

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Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. 

Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her.
Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity. 

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendents of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love. 

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendents will forever depend upon it.

Guest Post by Kristen Day

There are many adjectives that can be used to describe Marilyn Monroe; sex symbol, famous, promiscuous, curvy, etc.  The list goes on and on.  What if I asked you to describe Norma Jean Baker?  For those of you who are staring at your computer screen with a big question mark on your faces, Norma Jean IS Marilyn Monroe.  However, Marilyn Monroe IS NOT Norma Jean Baker.  Another of her quotes that is a favorite of mine is “Isn’t it all just make believe?”  With those words she encompasses her life.  Marilyn Monroe was a character, a larger than life persona created by Norma Jean and the media which brought about fame and wealth to her.  Some people say she was misunderstood.  I disagree.  I believe she understood perfectly the road before her and how to play the cards she was dealt.  While Norma Jean grinned from inside, Marilyn captivated every audience she encountered.  There are a few real things in life - everything else is perception, illusion, reputation, and smoke & mirrors.  Also known as ‘make believe’.  Well played Norma Jean, well played. 

Marilyn

Norma Jean

One particular quote of hers that has always stuck with me is:

While the ever-moving wheels of imagination and creativity rolled around in my head, the rest of my brain was concentrating on how to fit into the human race.  Not an easy feat I might add.  For me, it was especially difficult.  I’d love to explain why, but no amount of descriptive words could do her pain justice.  What I will say is that I’m a fast learner.  And a good actress.  I’m a master at deception when the core of my being is thrown into the spotlight.  I know what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.  Everyone smiles and the world spins on.  But the little girl in my head who’s in the process of building a fourth novel is the true Kristen.  She knows my secrets, my fears, and my true feelings.  She’s seen the dark side of life.  And by some grace of God, it did not succeed in destroying her will.  For that she is rewarded the ability to write - to touch others in a way that leaves them wondering, asking questions, and most importantly leaving them breathless with emotion.

She is still ten years old, sitting on a brick staircase staring up at the sky on a chilly fall night wondering when it would be her turn.  Wondering when she could stop cowering and begin shining.  Because when it’s all said and done, people will remember how you make them feel.  They’ll remember how you inspired them and how you nudged them to grow.  And that is why I truly believe that Imperfection IS beauty.  Madness IS genius.  And it is most certainly better to be absolutely ridiculous, than absolutely boring.

So the next time you feel different or you’ve been cast out of the golden circle; try to remember that in order to make a true impression on this world - you must first be different.   Norma Jean would undoubtedly agree.

Thank you Kristen for writing that beautiful Guest Post and Donating E-copies of your series and SWAG!

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