Why Embracing The Darkness?

Why did I write Embracing The Darkness? Nothing like it existed. I felt it needed written not just for myself as therapy but also to reach out to others and shine some light on the lifestyles that we lead. I wanted to give a voice for so many like minded people. For years I had an unshakable feeling that prompted me to write Embracing The Darkness. I knew I wasn't alone in my feelings, opinions or way of life. My writings, especially the chapter "Devil's Due", existed prior to the publishing of the book ever becoming a reality. I vented often in small articles and wanted to know if other people shared my way of thinking. Talking to my closest friends (and new ones that I've made in creating this book) inspired, if not challenged, me to write out my own path. Some of my inspiration came from books like Goth Chic by Gavin Baddeley, the Psychic Vampire Codex by Michelle Belanger, Out of the Shadows by John J. Coughlin, and a few others.  These books all touched upon various aspects of many subcultures I felt drawn to. However, I felt the need to explore these subcultures, and myself, more fully and discover the histories of such as well as how present day has evolved into what it is. The more I wrote the more I discovered how so many of these subcultures overlapped each other in their philosophies and ideals. I felt more at peace knowing I didn't have to choose one part of myself over another and that they could easily all be a part of everything that I am.

A dear friend of mine (thank you Danny) mentioned while reading a rough draft of the book that it was good but too impersonal. It was lacking information on my reasons for being part of the work. He said, "You live it, not just report it. I feel cheated somehow. Your readers will identify with you more if you explain why you did this." So, I started a 2nd draft where I included more aspects of my own life such as various experiences in public where I was ridiculed for being "different". Being judged by how one appears and feeling ostracized no matter how creative or intelligent you might really be has a deep effect on a person. These incidents stoked the fires of my creativity. I vented on canvas and in writing. It was a stepping stone for me to seek out others like myself and prove that if I were such a freak there were others out there like me and we could make a motley crew.

In my business I often come across people who feel the same as I did. Especially the younger generation who in their teen years find it the hardest to cope with such matters. They find it appealing that someone older than themselves takes the time to reach out to them and really find out what they're thinking and feeling and can actually relate to it. That they don't have to "sell out" as they "grow up" and get older. They truly can continue to be themselves even in everyday society outside of high school. Other prominent individuals such as the two owners of Monolith Graphics, Don "The Vampire" Henrie, Fashion Designer Kambriel, author Michelle Belanger are all successful because of who and what  they are, not in spite of it.