Strength passes from parent to child, and in our patriarchal society, it passes from mother to daughter like a sacred inheritance, but so does the shadow of trauma. For Armenians, like many other cultures, this legacy is both a blessing and burden carried forward through time. It flows through our blood, whispered in lullabies and…
Dragons, Fire Breathing Monsters of Legend?
The Vishap: From Armenian storm dragon to the underworld’s dangerous trickster guardian in my YA dark fantasy debut novel, Light Weaver.
Why Fantasy Captures Our Hearts: Ancient Magic in Modern Pages
Fantasy literature beckons us into realms where the impossible unfolds like ancient parchment beneath our fingertips. It’s more than an escape—it’s a bridge between what is and what could be, where dragons soar through the skies and ancient magic pulses through the air. We turn to fantasy not just to flee reality, but to understand…
Sunken Forests and Caverns
When I first started to write my novel, Sea Weaver, and created entire worlds beneath the seas, I didn’t consider whether it was possible for forests and cities to exist within the ocean depths. Hey, it’s fantasy, right? So out of curiosity, I researched this concept to see if it’s at all probable for forests…
Imagining Other Worlds: How Art Inspires Fantasy Worldbuilding
Art has the power to transport us to other worlds, to ignite our imaginations, and inspire us to create fantastical worlds in our own writing. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a tapestry, or even a piece of music, art can provide the inspiration we need to bring our own fantasy worlds to…
Unearthing the Past: Cave Dwellings in Ancient Armenia Inspiring My Fantasy Novel’s Enchanting Setting
Photo by Ani Adigyozalyan on Unsplash Cave dwellings have been an enduring feature throughout human history, and ancient Armenia holds a rich tapestry of these remarkable habitations. Inspired by the cave dwellings that once adorned the landscapes of ancient Armenia and its neighboring regions, I felt compelled to breathe life into a cave village within…
Ayg, the Goddess of Dawn: Exploring Armenian Mythology
Armenian mythology is rich with stories of gods and goddesses. I’ve always been fascinated by the legends and lore of the lesser-known gods of various pantheons. Ayg (or Arshaluys), the goddess of dawn in Armenian mythology, is a figure about whom little is known. When I discovered Ayg, I was immediately drawn to her role…
From Crossroads to Fantasy: How Armenian Mythology Inspired My Writing
As writers, it’s often said that we draw from our own experiences and cultures to create unique and captivating stories. For me, being of Armenian descent has heavily influenced my writing, particularly in the realm of young adult fantasy. One of the most fascinating aspects of Armenian culture is its mythology. As a child, I…
Semi-Finalist, Writers of the Future Contest
I’m honored to announce that I’m a semi-finalist in the 2022 second quarter of the Writers of the Future Contest. Out of so many talented entries from all over the world, to be placed toward the top is humbling.