Neferet's Curse

Dear Readers,

Neferet’s Curse was a very difficult, yet ultimately cathartic, book for me to write. While all of my characters in all of my novels are fictional, at times the circumstances they encounter reflect to a degree my own life experience. As an author, the characters in my books come to life, revealing themselves to me as I write. I come to love, understand, and know them in much the same way that you do, chapter by chapter and event by event.

I came to understand the character Emily, who later became Neferet, much deeper in this book. By the end of the novella I felt pity, compassion, and concern for her even though Neferet decided to take the pain of her experience to the dark side. What I would like my readers to take with them from this book is that Neferet’s choice is not one that gave her true empowerment. Only healing with the help of experienced professionals and trusted adults and doing the work to regain personal power from damaging experiences can bring true peace and happiness.

If you have concerns about your own experiences or feel uncomfortable about how you are being treated by anyone in your life, turn to an adult you can trust. There are people willing to help you. Your parents, professional counselors, teachers, clergy, or organizations in your community dedicated to protecting young adults from being violated are there to make sure you get the help you deserve, and the support you need to be safe or heal from an experience that has made you feel powerless or violated. If you have to reach out to more than one person, then do so. You deserve all the light that comes from reclaiming your power, and it is a light the world needs.

I wish you the brightest of blessings and love … always love …

P. C. Cast