Research

For my YA paranormal, UNTIL DEATH, one of the main characters (Jake) has a near-death-experience (NDE), while my other main character, Emma, desperately searches for answers to what, if anything, comes after-death. 

While reading and researching NDEs I discovered that right here in my own state of Connecticut there’s a support group for NDEers at UCONN’s Medical Center. Really? I mean, there are that many just in my state? I couldn’t believe it, even though I’d read many accounts of NDEs I’d never spoken to or heard anyone speak about their experience live.

So after clearing it with the person who runs the group – and after trying (unsuccessfully) to get my hubby or my sister-in-law to join me - I set out for the meeting alone.

I get there. And I admit it, I’m nervous.  I turn the corner and find twenty-five plus men and woman of all ages sitting around a long rectangular table taking turns talking about why they came. Uh, crumb cake! I have to talk? Kidding (sort of), but seriously, they were the nicest and most interesting, unique group of individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. And when I told them I was a writer and had an interest in NDEs they welcomed me with open minds and hearts.

They talked. I scribbled. They told stories of Tibetan Singing Bowls, sound healing, meditation, medium readings they’ve done, Reiki, their inner eye, NDEs, dreams that came true, auto-writing to the dead (seriously), out-of-body-experiences (OBD) and how to have one without having to almost die, galaxies within galaxies, tunnels of light, love and forgiveness, past life regression . . . I learned things I had no idea about, which got those writer-ideas churning.

Research – it’s not just in libraries.