'There was something to be said for the forward motion of the sea, for a destination on the horizon.'ĭain has been living on a ship with his father since his mother died when he was 9 years old. I admit that half of the reason why I bought this book is that I fell in love with the cover. I poured so much of my own personal life journey and lessons into this novel, and I'm hopeful that the premise and messages in this story will speak to the hearts of those who read it. This tale gave me a reason to wake up each day it gave me a purpose. Yet, word by word, this book saved my life. The process was arduous, and sometimes I used dictation when the pain was too severe. Typing with my non-dominant hand took some getting used to. I needed something to keep me sane amidst the chaos and pain. It was a tough season, and I was desperate for a creative outlet. Art has always been my lifeline, and when my arm went, and that privilege was taken from me, a bout of depression inevitably followed. And that decision was brought on by several major life events: a mix of chronic health struggles, my firstborn leaving home for college (don’t let anyone ever tell you it’s easy when your children leave home-it is not), and a severely injured drawing arm. It wasn’t until 2018 that I revisited The Maiden Ship. The book didn’t get far back then because the demands of a new marriage, a new child, and so many other life callings forced me to set the story aside.

My firstborn was only three months old when I developed the story of The Maiden Ship.

The maiden ship by micheline ryckman