Ksenia Merck on Love, Loss, and Bringing Ghostflower to Life
Updated: Aug 22
From Architecture to a Life of Creativity
Ksenia J. Merck joined Erin Patten on the Metabusiness Millennial Podcast for a personal conversation about architecture, creativity, love, grief, and the work that followed the loss of her husband, William F. Merck II. Ksenia has more than 40 years of experience in architecture, construction, and program management, with her interest in the field beginning when she was a child accompanying her father to job sites. Her early interest in both math and art eventually led her to architecture, construction, and later her own consulting business, which she started in 2002 with Bill's support.
A Partnership That Shaped Her Life
Ksenia also shared the story of how she and Bill met through a professional project and eventually built a 26-year marriage together. She described Bill as an exceptional storyteller and someone she simply wanted to be around, whether they were at home, traveling, or attending events. Even after his passing, she continues to feel connected to him, including through the process of recording his books in audio form at his desk. Reading his words and hearing his stories has given her a way to stay close to the memories and experiences they shared.
When Grief Became a Creative Process
After Bill's passing, Ksenia had to work through the practical responsibilities that came with losing a spouse while also processing the trauma of his extended hospital stay. When she eventually returned to his unfinished work, she found herself reconnecting with the story and noticing personal memories woven throughout it. Working with the editor became a turning point. She began sketching, painting, and immersing herself in the creative process, describing a strong feeling that Bill was present with her as she worked.
The Story Behind Ghostflower
At the center of the conversation is Ghostflower, Bill's science fiction novel about a team from the future who travels back to 1585 to plant clues that could help humanity survive in the future. The story involves a healing flower connected to beings from the Andromeda galaxy and explores ideas of leadership, collaboration, culture, love, and purpose. One of the most significant elements of the story is that the team knows they will not be able to return to their own time, yet they choose to make the journey for the sake of future generations.
Love That Continues Beyond Loss
Ksenia spoke openly about how her relationship with Bill continues to influence her life and creative work. She described their connection as one that transcends time and shared how she still talks to him and experiences a sense of his presence. For her, recording his books, returning to his writing, and continuing the work they began together have all become meaningful ways of maintaining that connection. The conversation also touches on Ksenia's view of love, the afterlife, and the places and experiences that hold personal meaning for her, including Sedona.
Continuing Bill's Story
The episode offers a closer look at the person behind Ghostflower and the woman who chose to bring his story forward after his passing. Ksenia's experience brings together her background in architecture, her relationship with Bill, her creative work, and the process of finding a direction after loss. What began as Bill's unfinished manuscript has become an ongoing creative project and an important part of Ksenia's own journey.
Listen to the Full Episode
Listen to Ksenia's full conversation with Erin Patten on the Metabusiness Millennial Podcast to hear more about her relationship with Bill, the story behind Ghostflower, her creative process, and what she is working toward next.
Listen to the episode and learn more about Ksenia's books and upcoming projects at Merck II Press.
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