A few months ago I was fortunate to have been interviewed by Jolene MacFadden of Jolene’s Books and Writers Talk. She asked some really great questions. Here’s the link to the Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2Ul8x5YgXXRPjifTqMwpVq?utm_source=generator
Tag: Writer
Being an Armenian Voice in Fantasy Literature
The email sits in my inbox for three days before I can bring myself to respond. A reader has written to thank me for Light Weaver, saying it’s the first time they’ve seen Armenian culture represented in fantasy. Their words fill me with joy and terror in equal measure. Joy because I’ve succeeded in creating…
Lost (and found) in Translation
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…
Explore Works by FCRW Authors
See the published works by the amazing authors of the First Coast Romance Writers, my local writing group! CS Bennett - The Allure of Roses – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-allure-of-roses-cs-bennett/1139786767 Leah Miles - Baby ConSEALed – https://www.amazon.com/Baby-ConSEALed-SEAL-Shelter-Book-ebook/dp/B0FVTXLF28 Vickey Wollan - Her Mentor’s Revenge – https://buy.bookfunnel.com/kqrbm5nu24 Maggie FitzRoy - Never on Monday – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6HBDXYS Melody Johnson - Sight Beyond the Sun – https://amzn.to/3S5MycN E.A. Dicer- The Coven Eternal – Book of Roman – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBDRNM8X S.E. Smith - The Worlds…
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….
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…