In just over a month it will be the one year anniversary of the Fort McMurray fires so aptly named 'The Beast'. 

One author who lived in Fort McMurray, Dee Bentley, was part of the nearly 90,000 people that had to evacuate.

She has turned her harrowing escape into a novel that captures her and others very dangerous treck to safety.

Muscle and Heart is a compilation of stories from the firemen and women that were involved, RCMP and EMT's accounts of the fire and evacuations, and also the stories of those who were running for their lives and many who lost everything.

Bentley says turning her families experience into a story has helped her heal and that's what inspired the novel.

"I thought that these stories would be great on the road to healing now, but also, a great story is a great story." Bentley adds "I think that people can appreciate well told stories that are based in Alberta and it turned out to be way bigger and more dramatic then I had even imagined."

Thomas Zimmermann, a contributing author to Muscle and Heart, says his story in the book is about how he and his seven children made it to safety.

"I only had three of the kids with me, the other four were trapped at the school. Basically it was all about making sure the three kids I had with me got out safely."

Zimmermann, Bentley and their families are still struggling with the after effects and PTSD associated with everything they went through.

Bentley says the book is a message to other Fort McMurray-ites that people are still there for them.

"I think the big thing right now is that, this is not over. We're somewhere in the middle." She adds "I just want my friends and neighbours in Fort McMurray to know that we are standing with them.  Maybe the book won't raise that much money and that's okay, we just want people to know that we are offering our emotional support to them."

All of the proceeds of the book are going to be used in Fort McMurray for recovery efforts.  

You can purchase the novel at amazon.com by clicking here, or by contacting Dee Bentley directly through Facebook by clicking here. 

Bentley has relocated to Okotoks since the fire and is willing to sell the book personally for those who prefer it.

The authors would like to dedicate Muscle and Heart - Fort McMurray Fire Stories to the Emergency Responders who put everything on the line to help others.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com