There are moments when I sit at my computer, fingers hovering over the keyboard, searching for an English word that simply doesn’t exist. How do you translate the Armenian word, “մարդկայինություն” (mardkayinutyun), into a fantasy novel? The closest English equivalent might be “humanity” or “humaneness,” but it carries deeper layers, a profound sense of what…
Tag: Armenia
A Search for Belonging
Growing up, the question “Where are you from?” used to leave me speechless. Not because I didn’t know the answer, but because I had too many answers and none of them felt complete. One particular memory replays in my mind like a movie stuck on repeat. It’s Saturday evening, and my family and I are…
Between Worlds: Why I Write the Stories I Needed
I still remember the first time I found a book with an Armenian character in my local library. I was maybe twelve, scanning the shelves like I always did, not really expecting anything as I flipped through pages of books that looked interesting. Then it happened. I saw that name—unmistakably Armenian—and my heart actually jumped….
Light Weaver
A young adult fantasy fairytale rooted in Armenian mythology “A rich tapestry of epic storytelling that will leave you wanting more.” ~ J.C. Cervantes, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm Runner series When eighteen-year-old relic thief Satya steals an ancient resurrection artifact from the Golden King, she uncovers his dark secret: he’s a puppet to…
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…
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…