S.L. Vaden's Blog, page 2
March 21, 2018
Preview of second installment of Legend of Zelkova.
In the second installment of The Legend of Zelkova, you will once again be drawn into the world of elements. As the adventure unfolds, be prepared to see new and familiar faces as the line between friends and foe blurs.
In this new dawn of time, elementals have become a thing of the past; known only in legends and stories of old. The land of Elementum where the legend once roamed has changed very little since; at least on the surface. Despite it being two hundred years since Zelkova passed, things have vastly begun to shift. A darkness has begun to prowl the countries like a wild shadow, consuming its lands and the people with it. Will the elements become unbalanced once more due to these predatory shadows? Will the shadows consume all of the vast lands before another legend is willing to step forward?
In this new dawn of time, elementals have become a thing of the past; known only in legends and stories of old. The land of Elementum where the legend once roamed has changed very little since; at least on the surface. Despite it being two hundred years since Zelkova passed, things have vastly begun to shift. A darkness has begun to prowl the countries like a wild shadow, consuming its lands and the people with it. Will the elements become unbalanced once more due to these predatory shadows? Will the shadows consume all of the vast lands before another legend is willing to step forward?
June 9, 2017
Short Profile
I started writing short stories pretty much when I learned how to write and read. I took inspiration from nature, and the world around me. Growing up on a small farm I learned how to take care of the land I lived on and to not take this world for granted. In the back of my mind I had always hoped I would become an author, never really telling my dream of becoming one to those around me, in fear of my dream shattering. When I moved from a rural town in NC to a larger city San Diego, my imagination took flight. As I started a new job in a new city I started writing The Legend of Zelkova.
December 23, 2016
How I found myself to start writing
I've always been a day dreamer, ever since I was young. I would think of stories and worlds beyond the one I found myself in. I was homeschooled and felt isolated at times, so day dreaming was a way to combat my loneliness.
When I dreamt up stories, I was never in them. I was just a watcher as the events unfolded in my head. I wrote my first short story when I was around 13 and progressively started writing longer stories. I would ask my dad to lead an extension cord from the house to a spot under the trees to type on my electric type writer. Yep before computers.
Growing up where I did and with the parents I had I was always trying to be respectful of nature. Learning that everything has a place in the world, and if we must cut a tree to help warm our house or kill an animal to eat we must respect that they had a life and are giving up theirs for us and to be thankful of that.
Because of living in a rural area I was able to roam my parents woods freely along with my trusted companion, a beagle. I remember there was this one spot where I would set and think leaning against a tree, feeding my dog crackers while I ate mine.
I knew at a young age that not everyone had such freedom. I saw the hardship others endured and wanted to help.
When I was just out of high school I married someone who I thought was like me. Kind and goal driven. But within two years of the marriage I found that he was only goal driven for himself and not willing to help me reach mine. As his anger grew I found that the anger and abuse was not what I wanted for my life. So in the end after four years my parents help me get out of a harmful relationship. Which I am forever grateful for.
After a while of living on my own and trying to find myself again. I met my now wonderful husband who is pure kindness and would give the shirt off his back if he saw someone else needed it more. As our relationship grew I found myself more and more.
I stopped shying away from defending others from bullies just as I did when I was a child. I would no longer set idle when others were hurting someone with their fist or words. If I could intervene I would.
After losing my job I found my dream job in California and my husband was so supportive that he willingly moved across the country with me to help me pursue my dream carrier. After the first two months I knew that I finally found my place. I felt comfortable to be myself and with that comfort I started my book.
I knew in my book my characters would have to show the world around me, which is not all white. The world has tons of color and life and diversity and that little things can triumph over big challenges.
Among that I wanted to show my love of nature and that without it we would not have a place to call home. That we must respect all living things, no matter how small.
When I dreamt up stories, I was never in them. I was just a watcher as the events unfolded in my head. I wrote my first short story when I was around 13 and progressively started writing longer stories. I would ask my dad to lead an extension cord from the house to a spot under the trees to type on my electric type writer. Yep before computers.
Growing up where I did and with the parents I had I was always trying to be respectful of nature. Learning that everything has a place in the world, and if we must cut a tree to help warm our house or kill an animal to eat we must respect that they had a life and are giving up theirs for us and to be thankful of that.
Because of living in a rural area I was able to roam my parents woods freely along with my trusted companion, a beagle. I remember there was this one spot where I would set and think leaning against a tree, feeding my dog crackers while I ate mine.
I knew at a young age that not everyone had such freedom. I saw the hardship others endured and wanted to help.
When I was just out of high school I married someone who I thought was like me. Kind and goal driven. But within two years of the marriage I found that he was only goal driven for himself and not willing to help me reach mine. As his anger grew I found that the anger and abuse was not what I wanted for my life. So in the end after four years my parents help me get out of a harmful relationship. Which I am forever grateful for.
After a while of living on my own and trying to find myself again. I met my now wonderful husband who is pure kindness and would give the shirt off his back if he saw someone else needed it more. As our relationship grew I found myself more and more.
I stopped shying away from defending others from bullies just as I did when I was a child. I would no longer set idle when others were hurting someone with their fist or words. If I could intervene I would.
After losing my job I found my dream job in California and my husband was so supportive that he willingly moved across the country with me to help me pursue my dream carrier. After the first two months I knew that I finally found my place. I felt comfortable to be myself and with that comfort I started my book.
I knew in my book my characters would have to show the world around me, which is not all white. The world has tons of color and life and diversity and that little things can triumph over big challenges.
Among that I wanted to show my love of nature and that without it we would not have a place to call home. That we must respect all living things, no matter how small.
