Thank you Mama's Homestead, Bonnie Bluewater 🐦, Lessons Along The Way, Jason Stephenson, and many others for tuning into my live video with Pam | Echoes of Ancient Wisdom! Join me for my next live video in the app.
Sometimes the stories we write take us to places we’ve never been, only to help us understand something about ourselves that has been there all along.
Today on Stories, Soul Work & Substack, I had the pleasure of welcoming Pam Lob, author of Daughter of the Solstice, the first book in her Gia Remembered series.
What began as a conversation about historical fiction became something much deeper: a discussion about grief, healing, belonging, the people we lose, and the memories we carry forward.
Pam introduced us to Monia, a young woman whose life is shattered by violence and who finds herself transported across the sea into an unfamiliar world. Her journey takes readers into ancient Kemet, but the heart of her story is something we can all recognize.
What happens when everything familiar is taken away, and how do we rediscover who we are?
That question stayed with me throughout our conversation.
We talked about how our experiences shape us, sometimes in ways we don’t fully understand until years later. Pam shared a personal story about losing contact with family members after a death and how grief can affect generations when people choose to push painful memories away.
That brought me back to Remi’s Journey 2, particularly Remi’s experiences with Gus. I’ve been writing about grief, loss, and the emptiness someone leaves behind. And perhaps that’s why Monia’s journey resonated with me.
Both stories remind us that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the people who helped shape our lives.
We also explored the writing journey itself, the importance of sharing our stories, and the opportunities independent authors have to build meaningful connections.
Pam reminded us that after years of writing, some of the greatest rewards aren’t necessarily book sales or recognition. They’re the people we meet along the way.
And I couldn’t agree more.
That’s one of the reasons I continue building The Positive Pen, our Pen Library, and our book club. It’s about creating opportunities for writers while developing a community where we can learn from one another.
Thank you, Pam, for joining me and sharing your story, your experiences, and the wisdom behind your writing
Five Lessons I Took Away From Our Conversation
* Our past is part of who we are. We cannot change everything we’ve experienced, but we can discover meaning in what we’ve lived through.
* Grief doesn’t have to erase connection. Remembering those we’ve lost can help us carry their love and influence forward.
* Healing is a journey of rediscovery. Sometimes we must find our way through unfamiliar circumstances before recognizing our own strength.
* Stories connect us across generations. Whether set in ancient civilizations or today’s world, human experiences of love, loss, courage, and belonging remain familiar.
* The relationships we build matter. Success as a writer isn’t measured only by books sold, but also by the lives we touch and the friendships we develop.
Perhaps the greatest lesson from today’s conversation is that remembering who we are also means remembering the people, experiences, and lessons that brought us here.
Our stories may change, but the wisdom we discover along the way becomes part of who we are.
Thank you for reading. This work is reader-supported, and your presence here matters.
About the Author
The Positive Pen by John Rinaldo is a weekly publication centered on soul work, reflection, and the quiet process of becoming. Through honest writing and lived experience, he explores what it means to grow, endure, and find your voice.
He also hosts the live podcast The Positive Pen: Stories, Soul Work & Substack, where writers, authors, and artists share their journeys through meaningful, real conversations. The show airs every Monday at 4 PM EST.
Author’s Note: I have dyslexia and use assistive technologies, including AI-assisted editing, to improve grammar and readability. Every story reflects my lived experiences, voice, and final approva
© 2026 John V. Rinaldo. All rights reserved.
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