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
Now You Can Read the Kailmeyra Series for Free!
Readers have been asking for this one for a while, so I’ve finally taken the plunge. For a short time, you can now read the Kailmeyra series for free through Kindle Unlimited. Click on the pics below to check it out!
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
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