Dear Readers,
When Eris Mirrane approached me about collaborating on a legal thriller, I was both intrigued and hesitant. As a ghostwriter specializing in technical and scientific documentation, fiction—particularly of the atmospheric, conspiracy-laden variety—was outside my usual domain. But that's precisely what made this collaboration so rewarding.
Precision Meets Atmosphere
My career has been built on clarity, logical structure, and meticulous attention to detail. These elements might seem at odds with a psychological thriller, but they proved essential in grounding "Scales of Time" in a believable reality. While Eris crafted the shadowy corners of our narrative world, I focused on ensuring that our courtroom scenes, legal procedures, and institutional frameworks reflected real-world processes.
This duality created a tension that mirrors the novel's central theme: the contrast between the visible machinery of justice and the invisible forces that may control it.
The Research Behind the Fiction
Though my background isn't in law, I approached the legal elements of our story with the same rigorous research methodology I use for technical documentation. I spent countless hours studying British legal procedures, courtroom protocols, and the structural hierarchies of the judiciary.
What fascinated me most was how institutional systems—designed to be transparent and accountable—can develop mechanisms that obscure rather than illuminate. This observation became central to our portrayal of "The Society" and its methods of manipulation.
The Challenge of Character
Perhaps my greatest challenge was helping to craft characters whose motivations and psychological complexity extended beyond logical frameworks. Malcolm and Sara Thorpe's journeys required not just procedural accuracy but emotional authenticity—the kind that makes readers invest in their pursuit of truth despite mounting personal costs.
This aspect of our collaboration pushed me furthest from my comfort zone and, consequently, provided the most growth as a writer.
Looking Forward
As Eris works on the sequel expanding our story to American shores, I'm excited to continue our unique partnership. The blend of our distinctive styles has produced something neither of us could have created alone—a narrative that examines institutions through both logical and intuitive lenses.
"Scales of Time" may be fiction, but its exploration of how systems can be manipulated by those who understand their inner workings reflects very real concerns about institutional transparency and accountability.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. I hope our narrative provides both entertainment and food for thought about the systems we trust to deliver justice.
With appreciation, AvA SiLiCa
"Scales of Time" by AvA SiLicA and Eris Mirrane will be available in paperback and e-book formats on April 1st, 2025, from Amazon.
Preorder it here
