A memory popped up in my Facebook feed the other day about Asteria receiving honorable mention in The New York Book Festival. It seems like only yesterday, and yet a lifetime ago. The world has changed so much … as have I. For one thing, I no longer struggle with the disease to please, thank God. Being a people-pleaser is … Read More
Symbolic Sunday–Why is Kailmeyra’s Moon Purple?
One of the most challenging aspects of making a different world is finding a way to infuse fiction into reality. Readers must be able to navigate through the story without being bogged down by unfamiliar places and lengthy descriptions. Weaving familiar images into fantasy serves as an anchor, giving the reader a visual they’ve experienced. When creating Kailmeyra, I wanted distinctive … Read More
Symbolic Sunday- What’s Up With Oak Trees?
The relationship between humans and trees is symbiotic as we both produce gasses than enables to the other to exist. Tree worship was common among early pagan cultures and have often been given profound and sacred meanings throughout the ages. The Biblical Tree of Knowledge and Tree of Life are part of the Christain, Judeo beliefs. Norse mythology held the … Read More
Symbolic Sunday- Why is Kailmeyra’s Portal in Water?
Since the beginning of time, water has symbolized sanctity, change, and washing away the old. Every ancient culture/religion I studied views water in a similar vein. And so, when Nora pours out her intent and asks for forgiveness, I could think of nothing that would be more appropriate than to have her submerged in water. It only seemed right that … Read More
Understanding the Power of Intent
Cultures normally develop because of beliefs. Some stem from religion (like the Native Americans belief that the Earth is the one true life source given to all by the Maker) while others focus on societal structures (such as America’s central conviction of freedom). And so when I first started creating the world of Kailmeyra, a world without evil, I thought … Read More