"One could assume a degree of truth in any novel written in first party experience - but this story is an imaginary account of occult worship in a New England town. The real truth is that there are over 5,000 secret agencies taking part in enthusiastic devotion to some person, idea or thing including magic and sorcery throughout this land of mysterious social groups.
Years ago street gangs roamed around mostly at night, but there was no mystery concerning their activity. They just believed they were kings of certain areas always reminding outsiders they didn't belong. Their doctrine was simple and to the point; stick together and there was strength and it was always better to be part of something than part of nothing.
Occult philosophy can only be determined by the kind of clan you are part of. Some agencies believe in membership sacrifice of business to pleasure. With this in mind I was able to put together a story of ceremonial worshippers belonging to a class called ""Zebra"". They were purchasable for dishonorable assignments by a secret bureaucracy.
When you read Stairway of Sand it may not seem so unreal - in fact, some might honestly believe I have knowledge of such a group - not realizing that I'm just an author with imagination."
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