Interview with A.B. Raphaelle, Author of Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold?

Although Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold was written as a standalone book, its themes continue the journey I began in my first novel, When We Were Warm: A Futuristic Time Travel Romance. Both books were born from the same source: a spontaneous vision in 2012—a moment that has stayed with me ever since. In a wide-awake dream state, I saw a man with silver skin appear before me. He came with a warning—a glimpse of a transhuman future, one where humanity was on the brink of losing itself. That vision, combined with my own heartache over the rapid decline of San Francisco, ignited the need to tell this story. Rather than writing a dystopian manifesto, I chose to make it personal, to weave these ideas into an emotionally resonant narrative—one wrapped inside romance, time travel, and adventure. This new book expands the theme in an even more epic way, blending historical romance with romantic fantasy, touching on sci-fi, the paranormal, and the haunting echoes of San Francisco’s Gold Rush past. Time moves fluidly in this story, just as it does in life—and the choices we make now ripple across all of history.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold, what would they be?

Actually, that’s exactly how I work! Music is a huge part of my creative process—it invokes emotion with such force that I rely on it to deepen scenes and characters. For the heartbreaking moment near the beginning, where Aroya witnesses his own body reverting back into a machine, I used “Creep” by Radiohead to pull out the raw devastation of that scene.

When he later travels to the dystopian future of 2050, “Welcome to the Machine” by Pink Floyd perfectly captured the bleak, dehumanizing reality he steps into. I could go on and on—music was a constant source of inspiration while writing this book, and it always is when I create.

In fact, I’m carrying that love of music forward in a new way—by bringing Aroya’s poetry to life through music on his new YouTube channel. So, in a way, the story isn’t just words on a page—it’s an experience that extends into sound and resonance.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Not really! In fact, I actually avoid reading anything too close to my own genre—I don’t want outside influences to seep in unconsciously. That way, my writing stays unique and fresh, shaped only by my own creative instincts. The only reading I do outside of my own work is for research—especially when it comes to the historical aspects of my story and the poetry woven throughout. Those elements require deep study to ensure authenticity, but when it comes to fiction, I prefer to let my imagination lead the way, unfiltered.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

OMG—it’s a strange and eclectic mix! Right now, I’m deep into books on mind control, music, and social engineering in the ‘60s—all in preparation for my next book, which takes place in 1969 San Francisco. Researching that era has been fascinating—so much was happening beneath the surface of the counterculture movement, and I can’t wait to weave those layers into my next story.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Although most readers say the Gold Rush scenes are their favorites, my personal favorites are the warehouse scenes in dystopian 2050. There’s a deep camaraderie between the characters that warms my heart, and certain moments still bring me to tears—even now. To me, these characters are real—in their suffering, their triumphs, and the way they hold onto each other in the darkest of times. Their relationships are what touch me most deeply, and writing those connections was one of the most meaningful parts of the book.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

LOL—no, not really! I don’t have any lucky objects or rituals, but the one thing I absolutely need is no distractions. When I write, I completely immerse myself in the emotions of my characters, feeling every moment as the story unfolds. That deep focus is what brings the scenes to life, so I prefer to work in silence, undisturbed.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Hmm… I suppose it would be something I learned from my Sufi teacher: “The heart is the seat of the King, and the mind is the King’s wise advisor. For harmony to exist in the kingdom, the King must consult his advisor—but the advisor must never dethrone the King.” In other words, rule with your heart, and always consult with your disciplined mind—but never let the mind overpower or silence the heart.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

There are two things, really. First, I hope readers remember the power of love—because love has the ability to make the impossible possible, across all time and dimensions. Second, if we want to change the future, we must focus on the present. What we do here and now creates ripples forward, shaping the unfolding of future events and our own lives.

A. B. Raphaelle is the author of the new book Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold

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