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: Young Adult
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…
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…
YARWA Finalist!
I’m very excited that my novel, Seabreather, made finals in this year’s YARWA contest – in the speculative fiction category.
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