Title: The Indigo Butterfly
Genre: Travel Narrative
Author: Lisa L. Schoonover
Date Published:
Synopsis:
A revealing dream
lures a young woman on a quest to discover the mystery of who she is. In a
triumph of the Human Spirit, this book is a reminder to follow your heart. The
depth, wisdom, and compassion of this book's message will stay with you long
after the last page has been turned. Rewritten as narrative vignettes frim the
author’s journals, this inspirational book is the kind
that is needed at times like this.
The Indigo Butterfly is the true and inspiring story of a young writer’s journey of self-discovery and a yearning for her place in the world. On the eve of college graduation the author has a revealing dream that leads to an epiphany. At the same time, Desert Storm is causing a recession throughout the country, leaving few opportunities for a new writer.
Forced to make some difficult decisions, the young woman rejects conventionality in order to follow her dream of becoming a writer. But she soon discovers that the outer voyage is interwoven with her inner journey to understand herself. While she is on the road, the writer encounters fellow travelers, teachers, mystics, artists, and unique individuals who welcome her into their communities.
The Indigo Butterfly chronicles the author’s fifteen-year odyssey across North America as retold through vignettes culled from her journals during that time. From Seattle’s lush rainforest to the mysterious islands of South Carolina, no region of the country goes unexplored in the determined writer’s quest.
Excerpt:
THE DREAM...
A
young girl with hair the color of the sun wanders through a grassy meadow
bursting with colorful wildflowers. Her eyes are drawn to the cragged branches
of a gnarled elderberry tree. Hovering high above her is a spectacular indigo
butterfly. Sunlight dances on its iridescent wings.
The
butterfly flutters towards the clearing’s edge before disappearing into the
canopy overhead. The girl searches anxiously for the path, unable to fi nd her
way in the darkness. Every shadow becomes a possible threat.
She
searches for the path by the light of the moon, yearning for a sign that will
lead her out of the darkness. On the verge of collapse, the girl falls to the
ground. A dark shadow approaches. The girl struggles to pull herself up from
the place where she has fallen.
A
voice softly whispers, “Hello.” Resting on a rock is the indigo butterfly.
“I
am lost!” the girl cries out in fear. She covers her face with trembling hands.
“Dear child, you are never lost.” The butterfly leads the young girl to
the clearing.
The
butterfly effortlessly transforms into a beautiful maiden. Her shimmering
indigo gown gleams in the moonlight, and her flowing hair smells like jasmine.
Clouds of tiny lavender butterflies swirl around her. With a sweep of her hand,
she gestures to the surrounding woods.
“All
writers begin their lives in the darkness, cloaked where the alchemy of
transformation resides. One must allow for this precious unfolding before
emerging into the light. Without it, the journey is meaningless. Soon, you will
be called. Do not be afraid. When you are ready they will be waiting for you.
Remember all that I have told you.”
The
maiden places an enormous book with a frayed red velvet cover into the girl’s
hands. A golden tassel hangs from the spine of the book. The script has been
recorded in rich, dark hues matching the maiden’s gown.
The
edge of each page has been gilded from gold, and though it appears to be
extremely heavy, the book is entirely weightless. Within a moment, the book
fades from her hands. The maiden raises her cloak and disappears into the
fading night. The girl is alone again in the woods, but this time she can see
the clearing. As she departs the forest, the wind stirs gently for a moment. On
the winds of the night, the maiden’s voice calls once again:
“Go forth with the soul of an
artist with the wings of a butterfly…”
”Readers Are Saying:
"The
Indigo Butterfly is exquisite! I'm recommending it to everyone I know."
--S. Eaton, Managing Editor
"I
couldn't put it down. This book is a testament to the human spirit.
Lovely."
--Konda R., Publicist
"Well
done... this book has it all. This story
will captivate you until the last word."
--Robert, Publisher
Author Bio
Lisa L. Schoonover is an experienced writer, aquisitions editor, curriculum developer, and independent travel contributor. With twenty years of combined teaching and educational publishing experience, she has worked as a senior editor and project manager for Houghton Mifflin, Pearson Education, McGraw-Hill, Riverside Publishing, as well as several other development houses and publishers across the country. Her work appears in texts, ancillary materials, testing materials, and educational curriculum.
Lisa is also active in the literary community as an advocate and writing facilitator. Her work with Headstart and Homeschooling was one of the early after-school literacy programs in the country. She has worked as an ELL instructor, ELA TA, Laubach Literacy instructor, and has taught in both private and public schools throughout the country. Lisa is the former editor of Schoolwisepress in San Francisco, and has worked for CK-12 in Silicon Valley. She has been a contributing writer to many literary journals, anthologies, and publications. Lisa is currently involved with literacy projects of merit.
As an independent travel writer, Lisa is provided with the opportunity to experience other cultures in a more personally engaging way than with pleasure travel. Lisa has written for Conde Nast Traveller, Transitions Abroad, Budget Travel, Boots 'N All, as well as other independent and mainstream publications. Her travelogue for children, entitled A Day in Florence, will soon be re-released in e-book form. Her travel articles have also been published in periodicals and magazines across the country. Lisa was also a stringer for the MV Times, Martha's Vineyard Magazine, and BermudaMagazine.
She has written for neighborhood publications, non-profits, and start-ups. Her curriculum development experience assisted in the transition to technical writing. Lisa has provided educational services for Adobe, Cisco, Upside Magazine, NFA, and The IrishIndependent when Lisa lived abroad in Ireland. She has been a freelance reporter and contributor to a number of political, business, and trade organizations. Lisa's writing skills were honed at the Iowa Writers Workshop and her short stories have appeared in anthologies nationwide. She is currently promoting her new release The Indigo Butterfly.
Twitter @lisa_schoonover
Promo E-mail: http://www.theindigobutterfly@yahoo.com
Twitter@lisa_schoonover
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