Lost in the Backrooms: Author's Notes

 

(At the end of the book, you will find a section titled Author's Notes, which delves into the story, the characters, and the inspiration behind this story. Below are the Author's Notes for Lost in the Backrooms.)

This book is part of an anthology/book series related to supernatural/ paranormal stories, the first book in this series is, Lost in the Backrooms Vol. 1. This is the main character’s first encounter with the non-Euclidean dimensional realm. When I began working on this book, I checked out videos and read various writings to gather more insights on the subject. Most of my research happened online, and since the Backrooms concept isn’t copyrighted and is open to interpretation, anyone can use it for videos, books, art, and other creative projects. Not all the books on the Phoenix Files will be related to the Backrooms, in fact the next time the Backrooms are mentioned it will be in Volume 3. The main characters in this book only skimmed the surface of the Backrooms. They did not go through all the levels. I place them mostly in level 0. According to the lore of the Backrooms, it starts like this: If you’re not careful and no-clip out of reality in the wrong areas, you’ll end up in the Backrooms, where it’s nothing but the stink of old moist carpet, the madness of mono yellow, the endless background noise of fluorescent lights at maximum hum-buzz, and approximately six hundred million square miles of randomly segmented empty rooms to be trapped in. God save you if you hear something wandering around nearby because it sure as hell heard you. I found this very intriguing and somewhat scary, but it gave me inspiration for this book. According to some people, most wanderers don’t meet each other in the Backrooms, it’s rare but in my story, I chose to have the characters meet each other so they can fight together and find a way out.

About the main characters: Jane is 28 years old; Father Patrick is in his early 50’s and John, her mentor, is five years older than her. Jane’s sexual preference is loosely mentioned in this book. The relationship between Mary Kate and Jane will grow throughout the book’s series. I feel that being diverse in character is important to go with the flow of today’s society, despite what certain groups think. As a writer, I feel that it’s important to represent certain groups in society in my writing. Jane is also half Scottish/Irish and native American. Her parents were Hunters but died during one of their assignments. Jane was raised at one of the orphanages that the Church owns and trained to be a hunter.

 What about the subtle connotation of religion in the story? I grew up Catholic, so I included some religious themes in the story. Jane and MK's faith, bravery, and trust in God really helped them as they looked for a way out. In the narrative, they belong to a church-related group that tackles paranormal and supernatural cases that the authorities shy away from because they can't solve them. Jane and MK were changed by their experiences in the Backrooms. It left a scar and for months they’ve experienced restless nights as any person would if the Backrooms were real and he or she ended up there and came back. They would have PTSD and would suffer some inner turmoil. Unlike Jane’s nightmares, MK’s dreams take her into the BACKROOMS. She is in astral form when she enters, and she can go further into the Backrooms, visiting other levels. There she finds people who have set up small colonies and are living a life there unbeknownst to the outside world.

On occasion, Reyna experiences similar dreams but cannot astral project. Reyna and others who have been thrown into the Backrooms by accident, they were unprepared unlike Jane and MK. Jane and MK are Hunters and have dealt with entities and cryptids in the past, so they were prepared but the Backrooms was something else entirely different. MK found new powers hidden within herself but once they crossed over, she was back to normal, or she thought. Jane and MK ventured through three or four levels before ending up back at level 0. They may have been prepared with weapons and other necessities, but they had no knowledge of what they would find and what to expect while looking for Talia. John arrives at the Backrooms searching for all three of them. I felt that the characters stood a better chance of escaping the Backrooms together. Together they fought monsters and together they found a way out. John and Talia were the first to exit the Backrooms and after some tribulation, Jane and MK found their way out too. The exit may appear anywhere. Portals can appear anywhere at any time. However, in the Backrooms lore, it’s probably not that way. Mary Kate’s connection to the Backrooms will not be addressed until volume 3, when she ends up entering the Backrooms once again. The gentle voice she hears in her dreams is an unknown person who lives in one of the Human based communities in one of the levels of the Backrooms. The next book in the series is called, The Path Less Taken vol. 2.

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Excerpt from: Lost in the Backrooms Chapter 5

 

(Excerpt from Chapter 5: Talia)

“Talia we are with the Church, we’re here to bring you home,” said MK. They could hear the girl breathing heavily, she was scared and hungry. Talia feels defeated and afraid. MK extended her hand into the darkness of the small space; Talia slowly reached out her hand to meet MK’s. MK brought her out. The girl’s dark brown hair is disheveled, her slender frame was crouched tightly within the space. Her clothes are dirty and torn, and her face shows some light bruising; her big brown eyes show fear and distrust.

When she stepped out, in her hand was almond water. “Where did you get that?” asked MK.

“I found it,” she whispered. MK looked at Jane, perplexed. “Come, let’s go, we can’t remain in one place for too long. When we find a good place to rest, you’re going to tell me how you survived and how you accidentally slipped into this place,” said Jane. Talia nodded. They continued onward until they came across what looked like a library, an empty library. “Look at this place Jane,” MK said. Jane looked around, the shelves were empty, no books, only a computer table and some chairs situated at the center. Jane, MK, and Talia quickly walked in and found a secluded corner and sat down. Jane took off her backpack and MK did the same. “I have an uneasy feeling about this place, even though it’s just a library, there’s something about it that gives off a hollowness of darkness and despair,” said Jane, looking around nervously. “Here,” Jane handed Talia an energy bar. “This should help with your hunger.”

“Talia, how did you get that almond water?” Jane asked. Talia gulped, “I found it in a crate. The wooden crate was open, and one bottle was in there.” “You must’ve come across the wooden crate we opened earlier but how? You could’ve been behind us somehow, but we did not see you,” Jane said and pondered. The structure of the Backrooms changes once every hour, so Talia was randomly thrown into different areas of the Backrooms. 

“Did you come across anything unusual while you journeyed through the Backrooms?” asked MK, she could sense Talia’s angst and the trauma she has experienced. MK looked into her brown eyes. She can see Talia’s memories and her experiences in the Backrooms. “Don’t worry we really are from the other side. We were sent here to bring you back. Father Patrick sent us,” MK reassured her. Talia gulped then spoke, “A werewolf or something like it, tried to grab me, but I ran away, and a Hunter shot at it with a gun. I should have stopped but I just kept running. He called out to me; I hesitated but I didn’t trust anything or anyone in here, so I kept on running,” she paused, “Some of these creatures can mimic your voice or someone else’s voice to lure you toward them. I found a crate with one almond water; I drank the water and suddenly I got a boost of energy, and I ran and kept on running.”

“That other Hunter, did he say his name?” Jane asked.

“No, I wasn’t sure if I should trust him. When I ran, he came after me but the walls in here sometimes shift, I think we were cut off from each other. I found the crawl space and hid in it, I don’t know how long I’ve been in there, I don’t know how long I’ve been in this place either.” A tear ran down her cheek, she wiped it off. MK hugged her, “It’s okay, we’re here and we will help you get out.” Jane sighed and gave her a nod. “Don’t worry little one, we’ll get you out,” she said. “So, it’s true, the almond water in here has healing properties," said MK. Jane nodded, “It’s best to keep some around then.”

“Do you remember how you came into the Backrooms?” Jane asked.

“I was angry with my mother for grounding me, so I decided to slip out at night to go with my friends to a party. I climbed down the sturdy vine trellis on the side of the house where my window is, then I jumped down, it was then that I ended up here. It’s as though I fell through the ground. Am I in hell?” she asked. “No dear, but it does come close,” Jane responded, grimly. They remained quiet for a brief moment, before MK's expression shifted dramatically. "I feel something approaching," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency as she rose to her feet. "What do you mean?" Jane also stood, clutching her crossbow tightly.

"It feels like a creature is near," MK replied, taking a moment to focus. She attempted to delve into its thoughts to pinpoint its hiding place, then MK’s eyes looked up.

“It’s in the ceiling,” she whispered. “Talia, go hide under that table and don’t come out until it’s clear,” said Jane. Talia nodded and scurried under the librarian’s desk. Jane looked at the ceiling and noticed that some of the panels were punched out. “The ceiling has some missing panels,” she pointed up. “I can feel it coming closer it will be appearing soon,” MK warned. A strange long dark insect leg stretched downward from one of the missing panels, it looked like spider legs. “There’s nowhere to hide for us, we’re just going to have to face it. Be prepared,” said Jane. MK took out the taser that was in her backpack, the new weapon that the scientist created. The creature managed to squeeze down from the hole, emerging in full view. Talia screamed. “Jane it’s a very large spider or,” she paused, “Well, something like it I guess,” she said, with a shaky voice. Jane gulped. She can see that the creature looks like a spider by all respects, but there are indiscernible features she can’t make out. When they kill it, she will examine it. It lifted itself using its back legs, exposing what looks like a vertical maw, wide open revealing jagged teeth.

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Audiobook

Chandra’s Quest: Audiobook

 

I am currently working on converting several books into audiobooks. You will find them on GooglePlay only. Below is the list of books: 

Chandra’s Quest Book 1

Lost in the Backrooms: The Phoenix Files Vol. 1

The Dark Side of Mr. Smith (this is part 2 from A Time Traveler’s Companion)

Books that I am revising:

Secret Diary of a Gypsy Heart

I am currently undertaking the addition of four new chapters to the book. Previously, I indicated my intention to write a sequel; however, I have opted to incorporate this content into the existing work instead. Furthermore, I have removed certain images from the book. The same applies to both Chandra’s Quest and Lost in the Backrooms. Additionally, I am continuing my efforts on Path Less Taken: The Phoenix File vol. 2. The progress is gradual, and I will make an announcement regarding the publication date once it is finalized.

Chandra’s Quest (Audiobook)

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An Author’s Choice

 

Every writer sometimes chooses to steer their work in a new direction. Sure, many authors draw from their own life experiences, adding a twist for a bit of fun. I'm definitely one of them. 

For anyone interested, I have drawn on my past relationships with men in my recent books, written under CG Heandez. Additionally, I am married and have been for 33 years. 

Let's move past my personal life; I prefer to keep that private. Overall, it's up to the author to explore different genres, and if you appreciate their writing style, the genre shouldn't be a concern, whether it’s young adult stories or more mature adult content. 

Feel free to swing by my profile link and take a look at my books.

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GooglePlay Books

 I have not uploaded many of my books to Google Play, but after recently adding one of my fanfiction stories, I have decided to upload part 1 of A Time Traveler’s Companion there as well. This series will be available exclusively in parts on Google Play. The complete novel will be available on Amazon in the future. I am offering readers an opportunity to explore this dark romance time travel story through an early preview. As some of my works include illustrations, I will provide the file in PDF format, while the audiobook will be available in EPUB, as that is the required format for audio production. For more information about my books, please check the link below to access them on Google Play. By the way, the cover image that is posted on GoooglePlay will not be used on Amazon.

GooglePlay: A Time Traveler's Companion part 1

Updates: FLARE A New Book & Audiobooks

 

Updates on my books: I have recently published a new book called, FLARE. It is available on Amazon and GooglePlay. I will be working on the audiobook version and in a couple of months, a link to the audiobook will be available on this blog and the website.

I am currently editing a book titled A Time Traveler's Companion, which spans more than 400 pages. Once it is published on Amazon, a link will be provided on the website and this blog. In the meantime, it will be available on Google Play starting this month, where I have chosen to release it in segments. Those eager for an early preview can download or listen to the audiobook version on Google Play. The complete book will also be published on Amazon.

Saints and Sinners: Affairs of the Heart has been revised and is available on GogglePlay. I will upload the revised version on KDP over the weekend. The same goes for The Stranger Things: Paranormal, Supernatural and Unusual Phenomenon, (revised)

FLARE GogglePlay

FLARE Amazon

Saints and Sinners GogglePlay

Path Less Taken Excerpt from Chapter 3

 

“So, no magic whatsoever is involved?” Jane asked. Gabriel glanced at Maria, then he turned his attention to Jane. “Katy is just an everyday woman, a devoted Lutheran who cherishes her family deeply,” he said. MK reached out with her abilities, feeling the unmistakable pulse of life within Katy. "She is still alive," MK declared confidently. In that moment, Maria realized that MK possessed similar powers to her own, a revelation that brought a smile to her face as she considered the possibility that MK might be a witch too.

MK's striking sky blue eyes met Maria's gaze, and with a warm smile and a subtle nod, she acknowledged their shared connection. Maria took it as an acknowledgement that MK is a witch. She feels comforted.

“The increasing number of missing people is a cause for concern. A woman who miraculously reappeared after a year shared a bizarre story of getting lost, stumbling into a cave, and emerging in either Utah or Arizona. She claimed to have spent time with a Native American tribe, leading her to believe she had possibly traveled through time.” Sean recounted this tale as he casually sipped his beer. Jane expressed her apprehension by sighing and questioning, “Well, I hope we have the proper weapons to take with us.” Gabriel reassured the group that they were prepared, citing information from Father Patrick about a portal that supposedly transports individuals to a realm inhabited by the mysterious "Ant People." The mention of these beings piqued MK's curiosity, prompting her to inquire further about them.

“Ant People? What do you mean?”

 “Yeah, supposedly the creatures look like giant ants. The woman who came back said they look like giant praying mantises,” he said. MK gulped. She remembers the creatures she and Jane dealt with in the Backrooms. She took a hard gulp from her beer and cleared her throat. Maria sensed that Jane and MK must’ve been through a great ordeal that still haunts them. After finishing their meal, they made their way back to their respective rooms. "Jane, it's a shame we can't share a room," Sean joked. Jane, feeling unimpressed by his comment, was clearly irritated by his lack of awareness of her sexual orientation.

She scoffed and shook her head, making it clear that she was not amused. "I'm perfectly fine staying with the girls," she chuckled, trying to brush off the awkwardness. Once they reached their rooms, they parted ways, each going to their own separate accommodations.

"Sean seems to have a crush on you," MK teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sorry, but I'm not interested," Jane replied firmly, making her stance clear. Maria beamed as she stepped into the bathroom, preparing to freshen up before slipping into her pajamas for the night. Meanwhile, MK leaned closer to Jane, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

“You do realize that Maria is a witch, right?” Jane's eyes widened in disbelief, her jaw dropping in shock. “Are you serious?” MK affirmed with a nod, prompting Jane to exhale sharply as she sank onto the bed, her hand covering her face in disbelief as she fixated on the bathroom door.

“Look, she’s not malevolent; she’s a white witch, which is precisely why Father Patrick brought her on board. I have a strong feeling she’s been on the organization’s payroll for quite a while now.” Jane let out a scoff, shaking her head in confusion. “How is that even possible?”

“Maybe he felt that we could use her insight. Please give her a chance. I have abilities and you don’t see me as a witch, right? Look at her as a person with abilities and not a witch. It will be easier to accept her presence,” MK urged.

 Jane nodded. “For you,” she put her arm around her friend and kissed her head. Maria walked out and noticed a tender exchange between them, she smiled.

 "The bathroom is available now," she announced as she made her way to her bed. "I understand what you are," Jane remarked, her tone laced with suspicion. 

"Please don’t," MK interjected, directing a warning look at Jane.

 "I regret that you harbor such negative feelings towards witches, but not all of us are malevolent," Maria defended herself, her voice steady.

 "She’s aware," MK shot Jane a glance that clearly conveyed a message to keep quiet.

"Could you please explain how you know Father Patrick?" Jane pressed; her curiosity piqued. Maria nodded in response, a hint of surprise crossing her face. "I’m actually surprised he hasn’t mentioned me, especially since he wanted me to join this mission with the team."

"No, he didn’t," Jane replied, her skepticism evident as she scrutinized Maria. With a resigned sigh, Maria continued, "Well, he discovered me and recognized my potential, offering me a chance to contribute positively. My parents are devoted Catholics and have been since I was a child and they noticed that I had,” she paused. “Certain abilities. They thought that maybe I was possessed but it was the father who gave me a chance and I was trained by the organization to serve and protect people who encounter magic. I sense magic and guide the Hunters. I am also psychic.”

Maria looked at MK. “I know that you have abilities too,” she paused. “Are you also a witch?” 

MK shook her head. “I really don’t know what I am, but Jane accepted me as I am and she’ll accept you too, right Jane,” MK raised an eyebrow and gave her a nod. Jane sighed and nodded. “I will try that’s all I can say.”

“I know why you feel the way you do about witches and maybe after this assignment is over, I can help you find who you are looking for,” said Maria, she gave her a nod. Jane smiled and stood up, grabbed her clothes, and walked into the bathroom to shower.

“I believe Jane will accept your help. She just needs time to get to know you,” said MK.

“This case is more than what it seems,” Maria said as she pulled back the sheets on her bed. She wore a white night shirt that had gold printed stars on it with matching pajama pants.

“What do you mean?” asked MK.

“Well, there are forces that control space and time. It’s possible that these creatures are in possession of something very ancient that can manipulate the laws of time, maybe reality itself.” 

MK pondered, “Maybe this is what I’ve been sensing.” She slipped into her pajamas in the bedroom, deciding to skip the shower. Her slim figure was adorned with a cute red nightshirt, which was actually an oversized tee shirt she had picked up at a thrift store, featuring the BJ Winery logo. Feeling a slight chill in the air, she pulled on her black leggings before climbing into bed. Just as MK settled in, Jane emerged from the bathroom, ready to unwind for the evening. “You’re not gonna use the bathroom?”

 “Well, maybe to pee,” MK chuckled. She got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. Maria was brushing her hair, and she took off her glasses, setting them down on the nightstand. “Goodnight Jane, pleasant dreams,” she said.

“You too,” Jane responded and took off her blouse, threw a grey tee-shirt over her head and unstrapped her bra from behind before pulling the shirt all the way down. Maria was lying on her side and noticed a scar on Jane’s back, it’s not that prominent but a moderate size. She wondered where Jane got it. Jane noticed her stare and her eyebrows furrowed.

 “I got the scar during a hunt for a velociraptor in Utah. It attacked me but another hunter neutralized it before it sank its teeth into my neck.”

 “Oh,” Maria said. She made the decision to shut her eyes and attempted to drift off to sleep. The concept of dinosaurs roaming the Earth was something she never entertained, yet the world is full of surprises, and she had witnessed her fair share of peculiar occurrences. After MK emerged from the bathroom, all three women were soon fast asleep.

"Have you had the chance to peruse my letter?" The man who professed to be MK's father communicated with her telepathically. Glancing around, she suddenly realized she was in a different room altogether. "Please let me be. I will read it in due time, but I do not wish to remain here."

"But this is where you truly belong. Return, Little Princess, come back home." Maria found herself in MK's dream by mistake. As she looked around, she saw MK talking to a mysterious man whose face was hidden. Curious, Maria approached the man to get a closer look. Suddenly, the enigmatic man turned to her and demanded, “Who are you?” Maria's heart pounded in her chest as she laid eyes on the figure with three eyes, grayish skin, and a menacingly wide mouth. As the third eye began to open, she felt a sense of impending doom, prompting her to hastily wake herself from the nightmare by whispering an incantation. Gasping for breath, she sat up in bed, relieved to be free from the terrifying vision. MK was mumbling in her sleep. Maria sighed and quietly stood up, and stepped toward MK. She gently placed her hand on MK’s forehead and said a prayer. MK’s pulse eased, and her mind became calm. Maria crawled back into her bed, pulling the bed covers over her head, and laid in a fetal position. The next morning, Jane, MK, and Maria joined Sean, and Gabriel at the restaurant adjacent to the hotel where they were staying. 

The Church arranged their accommodations and provided transportation to Yosemite National Park. While the Hunters reflected on past missions, Maria's curiosity sparked as she asked, “What was your experience in the Backrooms like?” Jane and MK shared a knowing look, while Sean cast a disapproving glare at Maria. “Did I say something wrong?” Maria questioned, puzzled.

 Jane reassured her with a shake of her head, "No, everything's okay," she replied, swallowing nervously.

“I have a confession to make," Maria began, "I've been having strange dreams about the Backrooms. I often see the inhabitants and wander among them, invisible," she revealed. 

The air was heavy with silence until Gabriel shattered it, “Explain,” he demanded. 

"I possess the power to astral project and journey into alternate dimensions. During my time in the notorious Backrooms, I stumbled upon small communities of individuals residing in various corners of that eerie realm. The Backrooms stretch far beyond what you might have witnessed during your own visit," she gazed at MK, her expression filled with solemnity. “The dimension has expanded so much that it feels like a new world,” Maria said. Jane nodded in agreement, yet her expression made it clear she preferred not to discuss it further.