Phoenix Rises

I had previously mentioned that the title of The Long, Slow Summer Sun was almost Fur and Phoenix, and in a previous blog post I talked about the reasons behind some of that title.

Now for the rest of the story.


Alongside the wolf, I’ve always been a fan of the story of the phoenix (though I honestly don’t know the whole story!). Be it that I’m a tad dramatic, or have that overactive imagination, what have you- I love the idea of the phoenix’s rebirth through the flames and pain of its own death. Like most people, I have been through my share of pain and suffering, and I feel that I can identify with the phoenix. I have had some pretty amazing revelations in the past (if you remember the sock or the field from the book...though the sock story is just a little corny, I freely admit), and have been reborn within the past decade, though not in the religious sense, which took place decades ago. Life had changed dramatically for me, and I am forever grateful that I have been given the chance to truly live. I think that this rebirth is far from over, but I know I am on this path, and hope that I can finish the journey complete and whole.


Strangely enough, the phoenix has relevance if the title is interpreted as referring to different people, and eerily-prophetic significance now in light of my fiery-haired mate (the word "shieldmaiden" also comes to mind) . I naturally had no way of knowing or predicting this angle when I named the book originally, but it is absolutely apropos today, and given that you’ll also find such references in the book- Fur and Phoenix is even more fitting than before.


Maybe in time there will be a sequel, or new edition of that title.

Food for thought.