I’ve always believed that writing is my passion, but teaching is my calling. Writing fills a part of me that few things ever will, but my purpose in this life is to empower each child to realize that their voice matters, that they have gifts and talents, and that they are essential to this world. It’s an incredible responsibility, one … Read More
The Magic of Creativity
In the enchanting realm of words, imagination dances with possibility. Creativity transforms mere sentences into magic. If there’s one truth that weaves through great storytelling, it’s the power of imagination. It transcends the ordinary, breathing life into characters and worlds that linger in the reader’s mind. Creating is the deepest form of intelligence. And I love it. I love putting … Read More
Being a Recovering People-Pleaser
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
Recovering from the Pandemic
This past year has been one for the record books, especially for teachers. Scrambling to create virtual classrooms on the fly while dealing with food and technology disparities for our low socio-economic kiddos was, at times, overwhelming. Prolonged stress had left me burned out and bone-weary. Nothing, not even writing, could pull me from that infernal sense of detachment. My … Read More
Kailmeyra’s Makeover
Last year I started thinking about giving Kailmeyra makeover. I love the old covers, but they were looking dated. Too, I like the idea of having something that represented the symbolism that’s seen throughout the series. And so, after the release of The Scythian Trials, I decided to take the plunge. Here they are, in all their glory! The … 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
Understanding the Power of Intent
Cultures are born from the depths of belief. Some take root in the sacred, like the Native American belief that the Earth is the source of all life, a gift from the Maker. Others grow from the ideals that shape societies, such as justice and freedom being the heart of democratic nations. Each culture is a living testament to the … Read More