T.A. Barron's Blog, page 15

Merlin’s Seven Magical Words: Knowledge

“The important thing is not to stop questioning.” —Albert Einstein

Knowledge, one of Merlin’s magical words, is so much more than just the things you learn by sitting in a classroom. The truth is, Knowledge is just as much about what you don’t know than what you do, and it’s about your journey to fill those gaps in your understanding of yourself and the world.

Knowledge requires that you look both within and without. To
explore your passions, hopes, strengths, and dreams. To examine your fears,
weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and prejudices. To come to know the true you —
honestly, deeply, wholly — and then seek growth. To always remain open to
expanding your horizons, altering your perspectives, and thinking outside of
your box.

Curiosity, in all its forms, is the gateway to knowledge. As children, we are born with a drive to ask questions, to explore, to discover things about our world and the people that surround us. Children’s open minds mean that sometimes they think of questions that are both simple and deeply revealing — my own children would often ask me, “Dad, is that true”? That one simple question was often just what I needed to re-examine some of my own beliefs, and to look at things in a new way.  If you allow yourself to re-discover that childlike curiosity, it becomes like a key — a key that opens the doors leading to Knowledge.

As you live openly in your world — tasting, trying,
exploring, experiencing it — do so with a mindfulness towards the fact that
there is always more… below the surface, around the next corner, beyond what
you see. Remain open to growth, stay committed to it, and you will always be
open to increasing your Knowledge.

When it comes to Merlin, as much as the wizard’s story lives within me, I still make new discoveries through exploring his story — about myself, about Merlin, and about the things we share as a part of this great planet. The Knowledge I have gained over the years by being a loyal companion of Merlin has paid dividends time and again throughout my life.  His story is never-ending and, as much as been written about him across the ages, I am excited by the idea that there are still discoveries to be made, mysteries to be solved, and magic to be conjured.

Take some time to test your Merlin knowledge by taking this fun quiz based on his Lost Years — for a few clues to start you off, I invite you to take a look at a bit of his magical family tree from The Merlin Saga!

How well do you know Merlin’s Lost Years?



Merlin’s Family Tree*: Here’s What You Need to Know

(*based on T. A. Barron’s The Merlin Saga)

Merlin father was nonmagical.

Corrupted by the evil spirit lord, Rhita Gawr, and hungry to have power he was denied because of his lack of magic, Merlin’s father, Stangmar turns into the power-hungry tyrannous king of Fincayra. Rhita Gawr eventually leads him to betray his entire family, including his young son, Merlin.

Merlin’s mother is human.

Elen of the Sapphire Eyes, as she’s known in Fincayra,
journeyed from Earth and fell in love with a young Stangmar (before he was
allied with Rhita Gawr). The two would go on to have two children—Merlin and
Rhia.

Merlin’s sister was raised by a tree.

Lost as an infant in the Druma Woods, Merlin’s sister, Rhia,
was raised by the great oak tree, Arbassa. Many years later, when she was
eventually reunited with her brother, she bestowed upon him his new name:
Merlin.

Merlin’s grandmother was a mermaid.

Making a selfless decision in the name of love, Olwen, the woman who would bear Merlin’s father, Stangmar, left her family, the mer people, to be with Merlin’s grandfather.

Merlin’s wife was a deer woman.

After returning from Camelot in the Year 27, Merlin wed his
graceful love, Hallia, atop the highest peak in the Seven Realms. The pair
would go on to have a son named Krystallus.

Merlin’s son was born without magical powers.

He did, however, excel as an explorer, going on to discover
and explore many remote parts of Avalon. It is on one of his journeys that he
met the flamelon princess who would eventually become his wife, Halona.

Merlin’s grandson was a lost boy, too.

Separated from first his father, then his mother, and finally
his adoptive brother, Merlin’s grandson, Tamwyn Eopia, spent much of his life
in search of things in much the same way Merlin did.

Merlin’s Seven Magical Words: Wonder

Wonder, one of Merlin’s Seven Magical Words, is more than just something that we stumble upon from time to time. There is intentionality in Wonder, though it is not something you seek. It calls you to question, to explore, to investigate. To wonder is to open the doorway to imagination.

Wonder is that breathtaking sunset infused
with colors you can only see when the light passes through the air in just the
right way. It is that curious gathering of ancient stones that has inspired
tales for centuries. It is the depth of a mother’s love, the determination in a
new calf’s gait, and the magic felt in a hidden, mist-covered meadow.

Curiosity and openness are the two things
really at the core of Wonder.  It is
curiosity that inspires you to explore, to adventure; and openness that allows
you to discover beauty so grand it can take your breath away.

This ability to be open to Wonder is most present in young people. While we adults, impacted by cynicism and discouraged by experience, struggle to let awe in, children are inherently open — blank canvases eager to be transformed by the wonders of our world. They’re open to awe, as they eagerly see the world afresh, in all of its beauty and strangeness, mystery and delight.

The happy news is that no matter your age or
your life’s course, I truly believe we can choose to reframe our thinking, and
open ourselves up to live lives full of Wonder.

5 Real
Ways to Live a More Wonder-Filled Life



Be open to
adventure.

It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of day-to-day life and forget to seek out opportunities for adventure. Even when those opportunities arise, we are often unwilling or unable to take them.

Remain open to adventures of all shapes and sizes — whether you’re trying a new food, or exploring a new nation — and be ready to accept Wonder into each moment.

Travel as often as you’re able.

When you leave your home and venture into
places unknown, you open yourself up to myriad experiences that would otherwise
be unattainable.

I’m the first to acknowledge the many beautiful, awe-inspiring landscapes right here in my own country, but some of my adventures far from home have had a unique and lasting impact on my life and work. The tales of Merlin and his worlds were given colorful energy from the Wonder I experienced during my travel through the Welsh countryside.

Or, let your imagination be your guide.

To Wonder is to open the doorway to imagination. And that leads to other doorways: appreciation, creativity, and fulfillment.

For me, this is possible through books. They allow you to travel wherever you like in
your imagination. You don’t even need a ticket… or a toothbrush! The very best
stories spark the imagination, empower us, provide comfort, and help us
understand the world around us. They allow us to gaze upon the remarkable parts
of our world and be inspired by them without even leaving our own homes.

Give freely.

Every time one person shows genuine kindness, compassion, honesty, or courage, that person shines a ray of light into the darkness that has the potential to illuminate beautiful elements of our world that may otherwise have been overshadowed.

Shine your kindness around as much as possible and who knows what Wonder it can illuminate!

Surround yourself with nature.

Nature has been an inspiration for me for years, and is the place where I am most overcome with Wonder. Questions are answered, new ones are born, and I am constantly filled with a sense of awe at how I am able to feel at once both very small and very large — dwarfed by the grand sweep of the stars, the oceans, and the mountains, and yet still a part of it all.

Where do you find Wonder in the world?

Congratulations to the 2018 Barron Prize Winners

Since 2001, The Barron Prize has been awarded to more than 100 young people whose projects make a positive difference in the world. This national award is meant to highlight the idea that every single one of us — regardless of gender, race, age, or anything else — can find great qualities in ourselves. Can make a difference with our lives. And, yes. Can be a hero.

Alex, age 17, of Texas, who founded Health Through Science, a non-profit working to eradicate preventable diseases — especially pediatric Type 2 Diabetes and obesity — by matching high school-age science coaches with underserved elementary students.
Armando, age 18, of Illinois, who created the Bridge Tutoring Program to pair young students in under-resourced urban communities with high-achieving high school-age mentors who offer free, weekly, after-school tutoring.
Bria, age 11, of South Dakota, who founded Faces of the Endangered to protect endangered species through the sale of her artwork. She has sold more than 250 paintings of endangered animals and donated over $33,000 to animal conservation groups.
Claire and Mercedes, age 17, of Maryland, who co-founded Baltimore Beyond Plastic­ to reduce trash and plastic pollution in their city on the Chesapeake Bay. Their non-profit of more than 500 students has convinced the Baltimore City Council to pass a citywide ban on Styrofoam food containers.
Claire, age 15, of Montana, who created the Solar Makes Sense initiative and raised the $118,000 needed to install solar panels on her middle school. She has sparked a movement in her school district and community, inspiring a new commitment to green building.
Genevieve, age 12, of Quebec, who created Milkweed for Monarchs to help protect migratory monarch butterflies. She raises and plants native milkweed – monarchs’ sole food source during their caterpillar phase – and has logged more than 500 hours conducting research on the butterflies.
Harry and Heath, ages 13 and 9, of Massachusetts, who co-founded Bennett Brothers Balm after learning of their young friend’s cancer diagnosis. The brothers have raised more than $12,000 to support pediatric cancer research through sales of their hand-made line of lip and body balms.
Isaiah, age 18, of California, who founded the San Diego Chill, a non-profit that pairs children with developmental disabilities with high school-age mentors who teach the younger kids how to skate and play ice hockey.
Kenzie, age 13, of North Carolina, who founded the non-profit Make a Difference Food Pantry to provide nutritious food in a compassionate setting for those in need. She has distributed more than 600,000 pounds of food to over 400,000 people.
Marcus, age 16, of Ontario, who has invented the NOGOS water filter for use in developing countries. His filter costs just $2.00 to manufacture and is made from three readily-available materials — sugar, sand, and seashells.
Robbie, age 10, of Hawaii, who created Kids Speak for Parks, a non-profit that is building an army of activists, including fourth-grade students (who can visit our national parks free of charge), who will speak up to protect our national parks and monuments.
Robby and Emma, ages 16, and 12, of Michigan, who founded the non-profit Eimers Foundation to help people in need. They have raised more than $80,000 to fund their weekly Sharings for the homeless, distributing food, blankets, and other necessities.
Shelby, age 17, of California, who founded her non-profit Jr Ocean Guardians to educate young children about ways they can protect our oceans and planet. She also created the #NoStrawNovember movement and is working on legislation to eliminate plastic straws in California.
Shreya, age 14, of California, who founded the non-profit Grey Water Project to promote the safe reuse of grey water, along with water conservation, as a way to address drought. Her outreach includes curriculum for elementary students and a partnership with the United Nations’ Global Wastewater Initiative.
Tabitha, age 18, of Utah, who founded Pawsitive Pawsibilities, a non-profit that has raised more than $130,000 to place nine service dogs free of charge with people challenged by physical disabilities.

Please join me in celebrating the inspiring passion and imagination of this year’s winners!

Celebrating Summer Sparks!

When you think “summer” you likely think of long lazy days… maybe it puts you in mind of holiday beaches, or fun family camping, or perhaps it simply signals it’s time to shed your winter layers and savor the warm weather. But when you’re a parent, summer can also bring challenges, including a chorus of “I’m bored”s from young people used to the structure of the classroom.

With 5 kids of my own, I’m very familiar with the challenges of keeping curious young minds occupied during the summer months. And I know that kids need guidance, especially when it comes to teaching them how their actions can make a concrete, positive difference in the lives of those around them. That’s why I created my Summer Sparks program, with activity ideas and summer printables, and it’s why I asked several fantastic bloggers to share their unique perspectives on the importance of families doing good.

 

 

“These random acts of kindness are an excellent cure for the “mom I’m booooooored” conversation, or to get kids from in front of their various screens!” Dani from OKDani knows the struggle! Her post shares some of the terrific things she and her family have already done to spark goodness.

 

Amy of TeachMama knows well the importance of teaching kids to be kind.  It’s a lesson that she re-enforces daily, and it’s why she’s so excited about Summer Sparks! And if you’re looking for ways to get your kids excited about the chance to share their sparks, she’s shared some excellent ways to help them get started with a bang.

 

 “The world is what we make of it. We have to be active participants.” I simply love this perspective from Deborah Cruz! Her blog post on MotherhoodTheTruth explains exactly why she’s so adamant about teaching her girls about the lasting effects of spreading kindness in both large and small ways.

 

It’s not just Moms who are encouraging their families to get into the SparkGoodness game — Adam from Dadapalooza explains why it’s important for everyone to bring light into the world: “A small dam can change the course of a river, a well-placed word can be the deciding factor in a business deal, and yes, a butterfly flapping its wings can change the weather pattern.”

 

 


 Meghan of Jamonkey.com has some great ideas of her own on how to encourage thoughtfulness in young people, and explains how you can spark goodness, even in your own home: “Squish had a really bad dream this past month that has caused her to be scared at bedtime. JaMonkey decided to let her sister have a “sleepover” in her room. Needless to say, Squish was ecstatic, and she had no trouble falling asleep that night.”

 

 


 “Helping those less fortunate than us sparks so much goodness for those that need food and also instills the desire for the kids to continue doing more.” Parent and blogger Krystyn from “Really, Are You Serious” shares what her family is doing this summer to inspire her daughters’ inner heroes. She’s got some terrific ideas!

 

Whit from Dads4Change is another terrific parent who is helping his kids recognize the importance of spreading kindness — even on hot, lazy days when they’d rather be raiding the fridge! “It’s summer, the perfect time to harness the light around us and apply it generously, with love and kindness. There is a part to play for each of us in making our world a better place, and it only takes a spark.”

 

 


 “The light that lives within children should be fed at a rate that makes it grow to the point that it becomes contagious in a way.” I really couldn’t have said it any better than Natasha of HouseOfNicholes. Her terrific take on sparking goodness within her community is inspiring!

 

 


 Whitney of 510Families says she tries to use summer to give her kids life skills — a little bathroom scrubbing never hurt anyone! — and this year, she’s adding “kindness” to the list of skills her family is practicing. I love it!

 

The rewards of parenting often come in the small moments, says Amanda of Dudemom: “[T]here’s doubt and you always wonder if you’ve done the right things[…] And then, out of nowhere, they do something that makes your heart swell with pride…” Read how her kids are sparking goodness daily through their thoughtful actions.

 

 

 

Summer is a great time to harness the enthusiasm of youth and encourage your kids to make a difference… and have fun doing it. I encourage everyone — even those who aren’t parents! — to take advantage of the season and make the world a better place. Download my Summer Sparks Activity Page and Tracker Worksheet, and don’t forget to submit your acts of kindness into my SparkGoodness contest for a chance to win one of my great monthly prizes.

Let’s all work to make this summer the best yet!

Celebrating American Sign Language Day

On April 15th, 1817 Students gathered in Hartford, Connecticut for the opening of the very first school for the Deaf in the U.S. It was here, and at other subsequent Deaf schools across our nation, that students intermingled Native American Signs, French Sign Language and Martha Vineyard Sign Language, and together developed the language we now know as American Sign Language. In honor of these first students, April 15th is recognized across the United States as American Sign Language day!  

In addition to being an important day of recognition in its own right, this special day holds a deeper, more personal meaning for me. My mother, Gloria Barron, worked for more than 20 years as a volunteer teacher at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, sharing her passion for geology, nature, and science. As part of her experience teaching there, she became proficient in American Sign Language so that she could easily communicate with her students who were deaf.  As a result, it wasn’t unusual for our family to be practicing signing with each other around the dinner table.  I loved practicing signing – and my favorite was the sign for “lightning”, which looks like a bolt of lightning zapping through the sky! 

This year, to honor American Sign Language Day, I asked the wonderfully talented Deaf Poet, performer, and storyteller, Peter Cook, if he could use his skills to bring the words of Kate and her adventures to life. His artistry truly adds a new dimension to the story.

After you watch the video above, I encourage you to explore more of Peter’s work. His storytelling is truly magical, radiating expression and emotion that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Thank you for your skilled interpretation, Peter, and happy ASL Day to all! 

Let’s Double Down on Goodness

These are dark times.  In our country and our world, we’re surrounded by divisiveness, greed, mean-spiritedness, hatred, cynicism, fear, and rage.  So much so, the darkness sometimes threatens to cover us all in shadows.

That’s why we need to double down on goodness.

Each of us has that power.  Even if we don’t remember that, it’s true.  Our daily choices matter; our actions make a difference.  For every time one person shows genuine kindness, compassion, honesty, or courage – that person shines a ray of light into the darkness.

And even in the darkest times… shadows quake and run away from the light.

Every single day, across this country and around the globe, people are doing things to lift the boat in which we all sail.  And to lift our spirits in the process.

Look around, beneath the news headlines, and you’ll see examples of what I mean.  Acts of kindness, hope, and heroism.  Acts of real compassion – helping someone who was, until moments before, a stranger.  Or real generosity – planting a tree that will someday provide beauty and clean air for future generations.  Acts done not out of any desire for fame or glory or monetary gain…but out of genuine goodness.

There aren’t any limits to who can do these things.  Even the youngest among us, kids of all backgrounds and descriptions, are stepping up to help!

Every day, kids raise money for cancer research, dig wells for clean drinking water in Africa, teach other kids how to read, and feed the hungry.  They invent new ways to stop disease, deliver solar power, and help blind people live independently.  They deliver vaccines to people in remote places, build sanctuaries for sea turtles and endangered birds, and help other kids who are at risk.  They fight injustice, stop pollution in a nearby river, reduce gun violence, and plant community gardens.

I’m not making up these examples.  They’re just a few of the many wonderful things done by recent winners of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.  These kids simply never got the memo that they are powerless or too young to help.  They just went to work to build a better world for us all.

As these kids demonstrate, no one is too small or unimportant to do something helpful.  Every one of us can make a difference.  And when we do things that matter…it means that we, ourselves, matter.

Try it yourself today.  Just choose a way you’d like to add a little goodness to the world.  Give it freely to whatever lives you touch, whatever places you see, whatever causes you share.

Then double down on that goodness. In 2018, I plan to do just that by doubling the Barron Prize from $5,000 to $10,000 for each winner. My hope is that it sparks a wave of goodness and light around the world. And it all starts with you and me.

Whether or not you ever see the results, your actions will build bridges.  Heal wounds.  Renew hope.  And yes, solve problems.  You’ll be helping our world – chasing away shadows with your own remarkable light.

And if more people did that…imagine how bright that light would shine.

This entry originally appeared on The Huffington Post.

Outstanding Young Leaders — Introducing The 2017 Barron Prize Winners

Real heroes are those who overcome obstacles to make real, positive changes in the world. Their stories help to inspire us with evidence of the power of people just like ourselves who have worked to change things for the better. For over 25 years the Barron Prize has celebrated heroic young people, and this year is no different. It is a great honor to showcase these remarkable youth; real kids who radiate courage, compassion and perseverance. Introducing the 2017 Barron Prize winners:

Abbie, age 18, of Colorado, who created Ecological Action, a non-profit that provides solar energy to underprivileged communities, including a school for AIDS orphans in Uganda and a military veteran’s home on a Native American

Reservation.

Alex and Jack, age 17, of California, who founded The Plastic Pick-Up, a non-profit committed to keeping plastics pollution – especially golf balls – out of the ocean. They have removed 21,000 golf balls from the seafloor below Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Alexa, age 15, of New Jersey, who created Bags of Books, which has distributed more than 120,000 gently-used and new children’s books to students in underprivileged communities through free “pop-up stores.”

Ana, age 16, of Virginia, who created Watershed Warriors, a non-profit that has paired high school students with nearly 300 low-income and minority fifth-graders to teach environmental awareness through hands-on STEM activities.

Aryaman, age 17, of Pennsylvania, who founded Get2Greater, which uses local health workers, electronic tablets, and an app he created to provide people in developing countries with better access to medical care.

Elizabeth, age 18, of New York, who founded NY is a Great Place to Bee! to educate the public about bees and their plight, pass bee-supportive legislation, and help ensure healthy bee populations.

Ella, age 11, of Massachusetts, who created Ella’s Lemonade Shop as a six-year-old and since then, has raised $50,000 to support pediatric cancer research in honor of two of her close friends who succumbed to cancer.

Jahkil, age 9, of Illinois, who founded Project I Am to help the homeless in Chicago. In just one year, he has compiled and distributed more than 3,000 Blessings Bags filled with toiletry items, a towel, socks, and light snacks.

Joris, age 10, of Washington, who works to save cheetahs from the very real threat of extinction. He volunteers each summer at a cheetah sanctuary in Namibia, Africa, and has raised more than $14,000 to purchase GPS collars that track and protect the animals.

Josh, age 18, of Arizona, who founded GOALS (Giving Opportunities to All who Love Soccer), a non-profit unified soccer program that pairs intellectually disabled kids with neurotypical peer buddies. His program has impacted over 400 children.

Joshua, age 16, of Florida, who founded Joshua’s Heart Foundation, a non-profit that has distributed more than 1.5 million pounds of food to over 350,000 individuals in South Florida, Jamaica, Africa, India, and the Philippines.

Nitish, age 17, of Georgia, who co-founded Working Together for Change (WTFC), a non-profit that has mobilized more than 600 volunteers to help 3,000 homeless people through free medical fairs, supplies distribution, and job training.

Ray, age 14, of California, who founded Ray United FC (RUFC), a non-profit that has raised more than $130,000 to fund soccer training and health education camps in Uganda, reaching over 3,000 youth.

Riley, age 14, of Vermont, who founded Be Brave For Life and in two years, has raised more than $265,000 for benign brain tumor research. Over the past six years, Riley has had multiple surgeries to remove two benign brainstem-based tumors.

Rupert and Franny, ages 13, and 10, of British Columbia, who have worked for three years to convince 23 Canadian municipalities to make Environmental Rights Declarations, formally recognizing citizens’ rights to clean air, healthy food, and safe drinking water.

Sharleen, age 17, of California, who founded STEMup4Youth and has provided interactive STEM activities to more than 5,000 economically disadvantaged children at 40 locations across Southern California.

Sophie, age 17, of Missouri, who founded Grow Healthy and has created 22 vegetable gardens at low-income child care centers across St. Louis. She has also harvested and donated 17,000 pounds of produce to local food banks.

Stella, age 13, of Nova Scotia, who is spearheading the clean-up of the LaHave River, which contains alarmingly-high levels of fecal contamination. Because of her work, the Canadian government has allocated nearly $16 million to address the problem.

The Barron Prize annually honors 25 outstanding young leaders ages 8 to 18 who have made a significant positive difference to people and the environment. Up to 20 top winners each receive $5,000 to support their service work or higher education.

Merlin on the Wind

I am thrilled to share this article I wrote for the current issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine on newsstands now. The article is featured in a section titled “British Accents” and includes a selection of beautiful photographs and stories about the British countryside, including this short essay about the mythical land of Merlin – Wales!

Stand on the ridge of Cadair Idris, in Wales’s Snowdonia National Park, and listen closely, and you can almost hear the calls of ancient voices carried on the winds, the chords of plaintive harp strings, and the names of legendary folk whose tales were first told here centuries ago—names like Merlin, King Arthur, Rhiannon, and the Lady of the Lake. Plus many more Welsh names, some seriously hard to pronounce.

The name of this mountain was inspired by the mythological giant Idris, who was said to sit atop the summit, recite epic poetry, study the stars, and philosophize about the universe. Standing on that ridge, I could almost feel the giant’s presence, as if he were still sitting up there, watching me. And I could sense why some folks say that anyone who stays overnight on Cadair Idris will awake as either a raving lunatic or a gifted poet, if they wake at all.

Legends about the great wizard Merlin have inspired many of my travels in Wales. For years I’ve swallowed those stories as eagerly as a hungry guest at a pub eats Welsh rarebit. I love to walk on the same paths as the many bards who have told those tales—and to feel for myself the enduring magic of Merlin.

Sometimes on those walks, I’ve learned practical things not found in any legends. On one trek through the hills, I kept seeing signs to some mysterious destination called Llwybr Cyhoeddus. Practically every quarter mile stood another sign to that place. What was it? I wondered. A village, a castle, a waterfall?

Finally, a friendly Welshman out for a stroll in his muddy boots answered my question. “Public Footpath,” he translated.

Image credit: Guy Richardson, National Geographic Traveler Magazine

One of my favorite walks is on Dinas Emrys, a hill rich with Merlin lore. Overlooking the village of Beddgelert in the Glaslyn Valley, it’s believed to be the site of the warlord Vortigern’s castle, which kept crashing down no matter how often it was rebuilt. It took Merlin to figure out why.

Weak timbers or a leaky roof? No. Merlin revealed that two dragons, one red and one white, slept beneath the castle. Released from the castle, they engaged in an epic battle. Merlin correctly predicted the winner, inspiring the famous Welsh symbol of the red dragon.

Adding to the allure, local folk will tell you that Merlin left some precious treasure (including a golden cauldron) hidden in a secret cave on Dinas Emrys. When just the right person searches for the treasure, the mouth of that cave will open at last.

Another place where you can feel the wizard’s presence is Carmarthen, the oldest continuously occupied town in Wales, known at one point as Caerfyrddin—“Merlin’s fort.” History pulses in every side street and stone rampart, including the most westerly amphitheater in the far-reaching Roman Empire.

Near Black Mountain in Brecon Beacons National Park, Llyn y Fan Fach, the legendary home of the Lady of the Lake, calls to any traveler’s imagination. What enchantments may still linger in that water, so cold it will make your teeth chatter?

If your wandering takes you west of there, listen for the echoing cries of the birds of Rhiannon. Ancient Celtic lore celebrates this bold woman who galloped over the hills and vales on her white horse, accompanied by her magical birds whose songs had great power, including the ability to wake the dead.

Take time to explore the four Welsh castles that compose a UNESCO World Heritage site: Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris. Beaumaris Castle is known for its perfect symmetry. You might call it a fairy-tale castle— unless you happened to be an attacker centuries ago who passed under the murder holes of the main gateway. Then you were likely to get a barrel of boiling oil poured on your head.

Wherever you go in Wales, you will find, as I have, that its most compelling bards are its people. Just order a pint of the local brew at any pub and you’ll meet some of these generous and affable folk. Ask them about their local life as well as their favorite tales. Maybe you’ll hear the tragic story of Blodeuwedd, a woman made of flowers, or the comical one of Twm Siôn Cati, the Welsh Robin Hood.

Tintern Abbey is one of my favorite jewels in the Welsh crown. Built in the 12th century, it’s now a ruin. Yet those soaring Gothic arches, towering over the Wye River Valley, still ring with half-remembered chants and prayers. And with other sounds too. The poet William Wordsworth came to this haunting place and heard its “mountain-springs With a soft inland murmur.”

So listen well as you roam Wales. Who knows what long-lost voices you’ll hear on the wind?

PDF Version

Live Your Life as a Story

These remarks were given as part of my address to the graduating class of the University of California Santa Barbara in June 2017.

Image courtesy of University of California Santa Barbara

If you folks like a good story, as I do – then try this: Think of your life as a story.

A Story You Create Yourself

My own story is one with an especially bizarre plot: lots of drama, excitement, struggle, surprise, and comedy. Growing up in Colorado, I always dreamed of becoming a writer. To live in a mountain cabin, writing books. My first novel had a terrific reception – rejected everywhere (32 times… but who’s counting?). Rejections hurt —but at least one was very personal: “Dear Sir/Madam”, with “Sir” circled.

So I shifted to Plan B: I joined a business in New York City, and eventually became president. As the business grew more successful, I got more busy. Even so, I’d get up before dawn to write stories. Finally, I realized that life is just too short not to give this enduring passion another try. So I had the fun of shocking all my business partners and investors by quitting as president of the company. They thought I was completely crazy.

That was 26 years ago – and 31 books ago. In that time, more good things have happened than I could have ever guessed: best sellers, international editions, and a movie in the works at Disney.

People often ask me – was it scary to change careers? Sure, all change is scary. But the thought of trying and failing again wasn’t nearly as frightening as the idea of growing old, coming to the end of my life, and knowing that I had a big dream – but I never really tried to make my dream come true. That would be far worse than any nightmare.

All we have – all we have – is our time and our souls. So why not make the most of them? As Buddha said: “Make of your life a light.” Not just for yourself – but also for the wider world.

The Power of Story to Shape The World

One reason I like to write fantasy fiction is not because it’s an escape from this world. Rather, it’s a powerful way to examine this world – to look at it more closely, through the bent mirror of imagination.

As I often say – good fiction must be true. Not in a factual sense, but in an emotional and spiritual sense. That’s why fantasy fiction, set in an imaginary world, can tell us so much about ourselves and our world. That’s why I love a good story that’s a hero’s journey. A character we care about must rise above huge obstacles to survive… and also save his or her world. There’s real, honest struggle – conquering inner fears as well as outer foes. If done well, this kind of story is hopeful and uplifting. But that hope must be earned. Authentic. And thus truly heroic.

Stories Matter

Here’s an example: In my books set in Merlin’s magical land of Fincayra, or in my new trilogy on the mythic isle of Atlantis – there is growing peril. Despite all the inspiring beauty, deep wisdom, and magical creatures of those worlds… there is great evil from people who are greedy, selfish, divisive, and mean-spirited. Fortunately, there is also great heroism from people who are courageous, loving, compassionate, and generous. The stakes are high – the very future is at risk!

By the way… do those fantasy worlds sound at all familiar? Do they remind you, by chance, of another world you know? You see, this kind of story is more than just a page-turner with high stakes. It’s also a metaphor for the place we call home.

Whether it’s our world or an imaginary one, the point is the same: If wisdom and love are going to prevail; if the wondrous beauty of nature and wilderness is going to survive; if humanity, diverse cultures, and the great array of creatures are going to live together in peace – then it’s up to the people of those worlds. People of courage, perseverance, tolerance, and high ideals.

You Can Make A Difference

And in our world… it’s up to YOU. What you do matters. What you say matters. What you choose matters.

Despite our disagreements, we are all citizens here – citizens of our world. We all share common bonds – with each other, with this nation, and also with this planet. We all care about the future, and we must communicate better if we’re going to create that future together. So let’s talk to each other – and more importantly, let’s listen to each other.

Also…the environment has been made (by some people who would profit from it) into a highly political issue. But clean air, clean water, healthy fisheries, wildlife, and parks benefit us all. These are not partisan issues! They are very important – to all of us now and to future generations.

Everything I’ve said today boils down to this: Always remember that you are writing your own unique story – with every day you live and every choice you make. This is your story, set in your world – with your time and your soul – and YOU are the author. You will write every chapter – all the way to the end. Just make sure your story – like any good book or movie – has plenty of heart and humor. And some important ideas.

Put all this together and you will have a truly meaningful life story!

Now go tell your story with courage. Tell it with passion, love, and gratitude.

Make it the most AWESOME story you can!

My Favorite Villain

Kulwych as he appears in ‘The Book of Magic’ (Merlin Saga, Book 12)

Much of the focus of my stories is on the path of heroes, since, as Joseph Campbell so wisely taught, every great and enduring adventure involves the journey of a hero who works toward a worthy goal. But some of the most memorable stories have another very important character…. the villain.

Villains are hugely important in a compelling story. Too often they’re painted in quick brush strokes, making shallow, uninteresting characters. But a villain who is well-wrought is someone we yearn to know better — someone with depth, nuance, authenticity, and unpredictability.

Who, among all the villains I’ve written about in my story, was my “favorite”? Well, of course, it’s difficult to choose just one — I have special places in my heart for all of the characters I write, even the bad ones! I think two of the runners-up would be the wicked sorcerer Kulwych from The Great Tree of Avalon trilogy and Narkazan, the terrible warlord of the spirit realm from the Atlantis Saga. But for my favorite villain? I choose Stangmar from the Merlin Saga.

Stangmar’s troubled youth made him a very compelling character to me as a writer, and I hope he is just as compelling to my readers. I believe a large part of what makes the dark king such an interesting figure is his humanity — how closely his flaws match the ones we all have, and how easily his mistakes might mirror ones we’ve made in our own lives. In the very first book of the Merlin Saga we learn that Stangmar is descended from the great wizard Tuatha, but despite his magical bloodline he possesses none of his father’s abilities. As the non-magical son of Fincayra’s legendary sorcerer, as a child Stangmar was humiliated and constantly aware of his own shortcomings. His judgmental father only made things worse. Apart from his brief escapes to climb trees in Druma Wood or to ride his magnificent horse, the young Stangmar had no peace, no freedom from self-hatred.

Given his troubled background, I think it’s no surprise that the spirit warlord Rhita Gawr would try to corrupt Stangmar.  Under Rhita Gawr’s influence, and desperate to enhance his own power as king, Stangmar tried to capture all the Treasures of Fincayra. These magical objects represented all he had come to hate, but deep in his heart he still longed to make up for the qualities he himself lacked. His dark allegiances twisted him into a creature full of rage and lust for power — someone who obeyed Rhita Gawr’s every command. He was so helpless under that evil influence that when faced with the option he even made the choice to kill his own son Merlin — a boy who had been born with all the magical abilities that Stangmar himself lacked. Despite that, there remained a deeper part of him — a man who dearly loved the woman Elen so much that when she fled Fincayra with their son, it broke what remained of his heart.

As those of you know who have read Merlin Saga Book 5, A Wizard’s Wings, all this complexity gives Stangmar a special kind of depth. In some ways, he’s the mirror image of Merlin. For Merlin, like his tormented father, wrestles often with his own dark side and light side. That depth makes Stangmar surprisingly unpredictable… and gives him, at long last, a chance for redemption.

Portions of this post were created for “Villains Week” on the fan-led Isle of Fincayra Facebook fan page