One of the many magical aspects of the Mindful Writers Retreat is our afternoon guided meditations led by recorded instructions from an original member of the retreat, Madhu Bazaz Wangu.

For her story in our latest anthology, Madhu explains, “I want my stories to ignite an emotionally and spiritually fulfilling spark in my reader’s mind that by the ending turns into a flame. “Figures Do not Stay Flat” began with a nightmare that pricked my concentration in one of my morning meditations. I wrote the first draft in minutes. But after several revisions, the story formed its own will. It surpassed my initial vision. I trusted and followed it. It spoke to me the way my Authentic Self whispers to me. I listened, I revised and stopped revising only when the story and I agreed that it was done.”

“Figures Do not Stay Flat” blends psychological horror and magic realism. Haunted by recurring nightmares of her own fictional monsters, a horror novelist travels to a writers’ celebration. When her imagination begins to bleed into reality, she is forced to confront the terrifying creatures she created—and her deeper fears that created them. The story “Figures do not Stay Flat” is a meditation on creativity, consciousness, courage, and the thin boundary between fiction and reality.

This and other fantastic tales, poems, and essays can be found in Cashmere Ghost and Graveyards at Night, the latest charity anthology from the incredible story weavers of the Mindful Writers Retreat. The book goes live on August 31, but you can preorder now! Proceeds benefit the Allegheny Land Trust. Click here for more info and preorder!