A to Z Challenge – L is for La Fi

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La Fi is the voice of The Thulukan Chronicles. La Fi’s real name is Fiona Bartlett Thulukan and she tells the story of magic returning to Earth. We see her and Thulu’s (her husband) roles change and expand through the course of the series.

La Fi was described by one reviewer as a reluctant heroine and I think this is apt. Throughout the three novelettes, as well as the novels, she prefers to fly under the radar in spite of her special gifts. La Fi is able to see and speak to the dead. She’s also able to understand any language, whether she knows it or not. It’s her connection to those who have not yet passed on that gives her a unique perspective on the world. As the world around her changes, it is her connection to the dead which actually serves as her anchor.

Her sense of humor tends to be dry and she has a paranoia about being locked up and studied in a lab somewhere. Throughout all the changes and turmoil around her, she maintains a very stoic view, showing an inner strength, that has yet to be shaken. However, that may (or may not) change in Book 3.  🙂

 

What will tomorrow’s word be? Come back for the letter “M” in the challenge.

Be sure to check out the rest of the cool blogs in the challenge!  A to Z Challenge.

A to Z Challenge – K is for Key

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I love words that have multiple meanings and uses. Key is one of those little words that have such big meanings. It can be the key to a puzzle, key to a door. The key character, the key for a song. It’s a noun, verb and adjective. In honor of the tiny word, here are some of the key elements in my own life. Even though there are more, without these I wouldn’t be me.

My family and friends – My direct and extended family is awesome and a great support. I love that I’ve picked most of them. So says you can’t pick your family? Plus I have this enormous group of friends online that are awesome.

My dogs – The obvious, again. My little loves keep me entertained. Chloe looks out for the house and property. Tréa is my tiny companion. She sometimes helps Chloe bark.

My writing – My newest passion. Who knew it would come to mean so much and become such a large part of my life.

Music – I can’t imagine being without music. It’s part of almost everything I do.

Gaming – This is my hobby. I get to connect with people and live in a fantasy world all at the same time. I have a fabulous guild that I belong to and great friends to play with.

Teaching – While this is only part-time, it’s very fulfilling. Years ago my own mentor tasked me with passing on what I know. I’ve tried to do as he asked.

 

What will Monday’s word be? Come back for the letter “L” in the challenge.

Be sure to check out the rest of the cool blogs in the challenge!  A to Z Challenge.

 

A to Z Challenge: J is for Journey

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Four years ago I reinvented myself as a writer. It was to be a crazy journey that led me into becoming an author and eventually opening my own publishing house, Ellysian Press, with my editor and friend, Jen Ryan. Of course, there are a lot of personal and professional reasons that led me to venture into such craziness, but the end result is what will matter.

When I started writing I had no clue what I was doing. I sent a few chapters to the author Tim Powers, who I’d known since I was in college. He graciously told me my work was publishable and to keep going. I followed that advice. After some hard work and a very steep learning curve, I found a home for my first book, Relics. Yay! I was an author! From there I self-published the rest of my series, with Book 3 coming out this summer.

I decided to use the knowledge I’d gained from my own forays into self-publishing to expand into a small press. That just opened last week and both Jen and I are super excited. We are already going through submissions. So far, so good! Keep your fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted on how our journey progresses.

 

What will tomorrow’s word be? Come back for the letter “J” in the challenge.

Be sure to check out the rest of the cool blogs in the challenge!  A to Z Challenge.

 

A to Z Challlenge – I is for Imagination

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Okay, so this was an obvious one, too. But let’s face it, our imaginations are the hearts and souls of our writing. They are what takes an author from some mundane event to an epic novel of suspense and intrigue. How many times have novels been inspired by something simple that an author took to fabulous and outrageous heights? Without that ability to see the possibilities – the could-have-beens and might-bes, we would be pretty boring people. But our imaginations allow us to soar into new and fascinating lives and worlds.

Something I tell my Theatre students is that their only limits are their own imaginations. I firmly believe that. So, don’t be afraid to step into the Light of Imagination. Take that extra step away from the norm and think out of the box. Let your own imagination guide you, whether it’s as simple as making up a nighttime tale to a child or writing that book you always wanted to write or painting that picture you see behind closed lids.

Let your imagination run wild!

 

What will tomorrow’s word be? Come back for the letter “I” in the challenge.

Be sure to check out the rest of the cool blogs in the challenge!  A to Z Challenge.

A to Z Blog Challenge – A is for Author

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During the month of April you will see a post every day except Sundays as part of the A to Z Blog Challenge. Each day I’ll post a topic with that day’s letter. Today being April 1st, the letter is “A.” The obvious choice for that is “A is for Author.”

While I’ve only been an author myself for the last couple years, I’ve know many authors in my life. Probably the one who had the most profound effect on me was Philip K. Dick. He is the one who introduced me to sci fi and eventually fantasy. Through him I found a love for the genres that would last my entire life.

There have been many authors in many genres over the years who caught my attention. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their books. From Isaac Asimov to George RR Martin, sci fi and fantasy have been my go-to genres. I appreciate Phil’s introduction into those worlds as they have truly shaped my own writing. So here’s to the authors who have enlightened, entertained and electrified me!

And be sure to check out the other blogs in this fun challenge! There’s something for everyone. A to Z Challenge.