The Dark Fantasy World of Children Of Ankh
Kim Cormack discusses how her MS diagnosis influenced her writing, the creation of the
Children Of Ankh Universe, and the therapeutic role of storytelling in her life.
Kim Cormack, the imaginative force behind the Children Of Ankh Universe, has crafted a literary world that seamlessly blends dark fantasy, comedy, and coming-of-age themes. With a background spanning over 16 years as an Early Childhood educator, Kim’s life on Vancouver Island in the picturesque town of Port Alberni, British Columbia, has been as multifaceted as her writing. A single mother of two, a fierce MS warrior, and a cat enthusiast, Kim’s journey into the realm of storytelling began following a life-altering MS diagnosis. Her unique perspective and indomitable spirit shine through in her work, offering readers a profound exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
In this interview, Kim delves into the profound impact of her MS diagnosis on her writing, the origins of her fantastical universe, and the personal experiences that have shaped her characters and themes. From the inception of her series in a vivid nightmare to the therapeutic role writing has played in her life, Kim shares how her creative process has been both a sanctuary and a source of strength. Join us as we explore the mind of an author who has turned her battles into a captivating saga, proving that true heroes are forged in the fires of adversity.
Kim, your journey as an author began following your MS diagnosis. How did this life-changing event influence the themes and characters in the Children Of Ankh Universe, and what role has writing played in your personal healing process?
I had a nightmare that started at the open front door in Sweet Sleep and ended at the creepy lullaby. The entire universe was born out of that dream. Finding a deeper rabbit hole to dive down, gave me somewhere to vent my frustration as MS made my box smaller. It’s humbling to see things in your life played out figuratively. Enlightenment, book two was a giant inner pep talk. MS throws such random symptoms at you. It can be anything at any time. You reach a point fast where you understand nobody is coming to save you. You have to learn how to be your own hero. Stand up when you fall and always keep the others with you.
In your note, you mention that whenever things become dark, you use your imagination to find the light within yourself. Can you share a specific instance where writing helped you overcome a particularly challenging period in your life?
I’ve been through a list of unthinkable plot twists but surviving those events made me stronger. I didn’t get diagnosed with MS, and think, it’s over. It was just a new day with another fight. I was on a level one immune suppressant when Covid hit. That didn’t go well. I got permanently sick. I have an awesome immunologist so I’m still alive on monthly IVIG. I’m in the MS underground garage nobody tells you about now. I was unaware your immune system just opting out was a thing but here I am. This dark sense of humour is my saving grace.
The Children Of Ankh series is known for its unique blend of dark fantasy, comedy, and coming-of-age themes. What inspired you to create such a multifaceted world, and how do you balance these diverse elements in your storytelling?
I was two books into the main universe waiting for Enlightenment’s release when I swerved down Lexy’s lane and wrote Wild Thing. I’m six books into the main series and five into Lexy’s spin off. I also have a middle grade spin off novella series.
Children Of Ankh Series
Sweet Sleep
Enlightenment
Lert There Be Dragons
Handlers Of Dragons
Tragic Fools
COA Series
Wild Thing
Wicked Thing
Deplorable Me
Sacrificial Lamb Club
Middle Grade Novella side series
Bring Out Your Dead
Coming Soon
New York Hive
Of Doves And Swans
Repopulation Project
My next releases are ‘New York Hive’ a COA Universe spin off series about a Hive of Vampires in New York. ‘Of Doves and Swans,’ the universe prequel and then an unrelated series about a post-apocalyptic world called, the ‘Repopulation Project.’
Your characters often face intense trials and transformations, mirroring your message that ‘all heroes are born from the embers that linger after the fire of great tragedy.’ Can you delve into the significance of this message and how it resonates with your own experiences?
A psychologist would have tons of fun with this universe. I think I’m figuratively sharing lessons I’ve learned. Sometimes, you can’t control anything but your reaction. When you’re in survival mode, you search for reasons to laugh and take the time to enjoy beautiful moments. You know if there’s a way to persevere, you’ll find it because that’s who you are. Your broken places heal stronger like calcified bone, giving you resilience.
As a single mom and former Early Childhood educator, how have your personal experiences and professional background influenced the development of your characters and the themes explored in your books?
The repeat theme in my universe is the Correction that happens when partially immortal teens are detected by the Third-Tier. The ones who’ve already been through darkness survive. Those waiting to be saved usually don’t. Raising my kids as a single mom, my youngest is heading off to university soon. Learning how to save yourself is huge. We’ve had plenty of trials in this department. My son’s dad passed away at the end of last July. It threw off his post-secondary plans. You haven’t failed at something until you’ve given up. I use everything in my writing. I’ll have Clan Ankh doing a job where everything goes wrong and they don’t manage to save anybody or make anything better, but they learned something. You’re less likely to forget lessons learned the hard way.
Your writing is described as a ‘comic romp through the afterlife’ with elements of fantasy adventure and magical realism. How do you approach world-building in the Children Of Ankh Universe, and what do you hope readers take away from the immersive experiences you create?
By the time I got halfway through Enlightenment, I knew this rabbit hole would be my happy place and padded room deterrent for decades. Nothing is plotted. I sit down at my computer vanish for say six hours and reemerge when someone pulls me out. I made this deal with myself to stay true to what I wrote. Anyone writing for mainstream would have tweaked Lexy’s age in Wild Thing or maybe not murdered half of the cast in chapter one of Sweet Sleep, but my partially immortal teens must gain the spiritual growth in a year to survive Immortal Testing. You evolve fastest through trauma. It takes guts to roll the dice with hardcore storyline. I’m usually terrified before a release. Why half ass something epic? ‘All heroes are born from the embers that linger after the fire of great tragedy.’ If you’re going to make a bold statement like that, you’ve got to own it.
