David Berger's Blog, page 4

Wonder Woman and Korra—Fantasy Meets My Reality

Wonder Woman / Korra by Stanley Lau (artgerm)I’ve been having some conversations with a friend about connections to characters like Wonder Woman and Korra, and the more I think about it, the more I see how much being a lover of fantasy is just a large part of who I am and won’t change. Decades ago, I latched onto the fantasy genre (novels and comics) because I needed escape from this world into one where there were individuals more powerful than I was who could lead by example. I felt powerless for many reasons in my youth (fear of coming out, for one), and I saw the possibility for more from these otherworldly characters. Strength came from purpose, not necessarily physical attributes; higher powers interacted with these characters, guiding them in tangible ways (when I had felt abandoned by my own higher power); and, these characters inspired not because they intended do, but rather, because they just did by their actions. Back then, these characters—yes, fictional characters—spoke to me like nothing else did.
As an older adult, I don’t have the same needs, but I still feel connected to these characters. That may seem childish to some, but what they represent to me goes beyond—into potential. I can never be an actual superhero or character imbued with magical powers, but the idea that I can be something more all the time is what remains appealing.
I like having friends, some older adults like myself, who feel the same way. We find our path, our anchor, our impetus to move forward in myriad ways, and talking to like-minded people keeps me focused, ironically enough, on the real world.

Fatherhood of a Different Sort

Since 1993, I've been an English teacher, and I like to think that my students are, in essence, my children. I do help nurture them while they're in my class, but they were born to (and/or raised by) other people. Those people, in most cases, had the distinct pleasure of seeing their child from birth all the way through adulthood. Despite the fact that I have the ability to adopt children (having none of my own), I realistically won't, for reasons beyond this post. I've made my peace with that, actually.
I do, however, have children of my own. You're thinking, "Didn't he just say he didn't have kids?" I don't have the flesh-and-blood sort of children, but I do have offspring that came from the fruit of my... mind. My characters came from the blessed union of my inspiration and me. I know that sounds a bit odd, so I should explain. First, I have two sons: Danelos Fairmont and Brandon Jeffries. These boys are everything a father could want and more. 
Left: Dan by Silver Jow; Right: Dan by Mike HamlettLet me introduce you to Dan. My firstborn, he's an educated man, someone who takes excellent care of himself physically, mentally, and spiritually. He's a college professor of Archaeology and Antiquities at Boston University, a school where I would love to teach. Being a hero means he has to take care of himself, so he works out regularly (I wish I had his exercise regimen) and eats pretty healthily. Unlike his old man, however, he has long, black hair and blue eyes. No milkman here—he really is my kid, I swear.
He enjoys puzzles of all kinds, especially when it comes to figuring out prophecy, and loves crosswords. He's chosen a different spiritual path than I have since he's taken a sacred pledge to Gaea and Olympeia, the spirit of Mount Olympos. Hey, it makes him happy. While some kids go off and get tattoos, Dan wears a manacle that shows his allegiance to the goddesses to whom he's devoted himself. When he was old enough, I gave him his first weapon, PortalBearer, and he's mastered it like any good son would. He 'came out' to me when he was in his early teens, something I have no problem with, of course, and—like me—he's monogamous. I'm really proud of Dan for all his accomplishments, taking up with the U.N. Task Force Division.
Left: Brandon by Silver Jow; Right: Brandon by Mike HamlettMy other son, Brandon, looks a little more like me (when I had more hair). He's my "tree hugger" son, the one who works as a zoologist also through Boston University, but he tends to work on making sure the animals are where they need to be. He's also like me in that he loves to be outdoors, hiking, camping, running, etc. Like Dan, he also takes excellent care of himself, eating organic food, avoiding processed products, and working out, but he stays more in shape from his outdoor activities.
His spirituality comes from his connection to the sky mostly, and looks for guidance in the stars. I tried to tell him he had taken on quite a bit, trying to find his path that way, but he's a stubborn kid. He has an amulet, something he never takes off no matter what, and it allows him to channel the abilities of the Zodiac signs. This boy has a heart of gold, and his connection to Virgo confirms that. Brandon doesn't have a devious bone in his body, and he would have been a Boy Scout or something similar if he could have. He, too, works with the U.N. Task Force Division, alongside Dan, and they're like brothers.
Now what kind of proud poppa would I be if I didn't tell you about my two girls, Aleta Halston and Sarah Jacobs. They are the apple of my eye.
Left: Aleta by Silver Jow; Right: Aleta by Mike HamlettFrom an early age, Aleta loved working with animals, birds especially, so when she wanted to go to medical school, who was I to argue? She graduated with a few degrees and expertise in genetics. The day she became Dr. Aleta Halston was one of the proudest moments in my life. My little girl—a doctor. Now, she's like me in a few ways, but the most obvious one is my sarcasm. This girl can wound with words in a way that makes some people nervous. Yeah, she got her razor sharp wit from me. Sometimes, her headstrong nature gets in the way of her relationships, and she hasn't had a serious boyfriend in a while. Baby steps, I say.
A father can't always be there when his little girl gets into trouble, and she was caught in the middle of an accident while doing genetic research. She'd developed a machine that could transport malignant cells from a body; this would work wonders with things like cancer exploration. One day, she ended up inside her machine while an albino eagle was also inside. When she came out of the hospital, she found she'd been genetically fused with the eagle. The first day I saw her fly—literally fly from the nest—I nearly cried. Okay, I did cry. When she came of age, she received her silver javelin, the one that gives her access to lightning. That's my girl.
Left: Sarah by Silver Jow; Right: Sarah by Mike HamlettMy second little girl (not sure I can call her little since she's all grown up) is Sarah. Like Brandon, she's my "earthy-crunchy" child, someone who likes playing with clay, and is really down-to-earth in more ways than one. When she was old enough to understand certain things, she decided to become Wiccan, something I highly encouraged since I thought it would give her perspective. Not sure where she gets her red hair from, but she has that fiery spirit to go along with it. Of all my kids, she's the most artistic, making pottery and sculpting. A precocious child, she didn't have any problem speaking her mind. That's probably why she and Aleta get along so well.
At that special age girls get when they start pulling away from their father, I realized she needed to be able to protect herself, so I gave her a ring that lets her manipulate the four elements: earth, fire, air, and water. I didn't want her to get ahead of herself, so she can't actually create those things, only manipulate them. Merging her Wiccan beliefs with her understanding of the ring, she's actually quite a powerful young woman. But, if she's not careful, she could lose control, and that wouldn't be something I'd like to see.
I'm as proud as any father could be with my kids. They have their idiosyncrasies, as all kids do, but I raised them pretty well (or, at least I think I did). They do grow up fast, though.
If you'd like to read more about them, their stories are on Amazon.

A Friend and Muse—Meeting James Matlack Raney

A FEW years ago, I came across an author on Facebook who had recently published his first middle grades novel, Jim Morgan and the King of Thieves . I bought it on Kindle initially so I could read it during my school's Read-A-Latte, a day when we could bring our classes to the library and just have them read books, enjoy some coffee or hot cocoa, and a light snack. Well, all of my classes participated in this event, and I finished the novel in just a few periods, finding it a refreshing and engaging read for all ages.
This was my first exposure to James Matlack Raney.
Since then, I have read the second book in the Jim Morgan trilogy— Jim Morgan and the Pirates of the Black Skull —and this book blew me away with the vibrant imagery, spot on characterization, and fantasy world elements that I enjoy so much. Not long after reading the first novel, we started chatting on Facebook, and since then we've talked about our own books, writing in general, book publishing, promoting through social media, etc.
He was also kind enough to help me with a film treatment I was asked to write for my own debut novel, Task Force: Gaea . We spent hours over the course of a few days discussing this project, and his advice on books to read on the subject was invaluable. I am truly grateful for all of the time and effort he put into helping me make my project as strong as it could be. Not many people would take time of our their own lives to help someone they hardly know like that—he's truly a good-hearted person.
Having read James' works and talked with him, I found myself inspired in my own writing. A gifted writer, his advice and thoughts on various topics have come across as helpful without being the least bit condescending or pedantic. He truly knows his stuff. As I finished my second novel (and now my third), I can honestly say he was integral in helping to inspire me as a fellow author and a friend.
A few months ago, he re-purposed his blog—Storygazing—to showcase author's short fiction and poetry, and I was humbled when he asked me to contribute as well. The works that those authors have posted have been some unique and inspiring pieces, truly evocative of the inspired mind. As like minded storytellers, we both appreciate the written word and the effect it can have on others. My hope is that Storygazing will become an ongoing repository for creative works that people will enjoy for years to come.
Recently, while I was in Los Angeles for Bent-Con, I had the opportunity to meet James the night before I left, and it was like meeting an old friend. I have to admit: I was a little nervous. He's a role model and a sounding board, and I hoped I wouldn't make a fool out of myself. Our three-hour-long conversation couldn't have been more at ease, however, spanning comics, books, writing, movies, school, and even my favorite topic, Wonder Woman. 
Whenever I meet author friends, I feel like I'm meeting a member of an extended literary family, and in this case, I was meeting a brother. My hope is that we can make that meet up a yearly occurrence when I am out in Los Angeles.
It's not often one gets to meet a Muse, and I feel especially lucky to have had the chance to chat with someone whom I respect highly and for whom I want nothing but success.
Writing is a journey for the author as much as it for the reader, and reading compelling stories that can stand the test of time is something we all enjoy. I've only been an author for a short time (although I've been a writer for as long as I could hold a pen), and knowing others who would rather sit and write than do much else makes me feel more validated.
James' third novel in this series, Jim Morgan and the Door at the Edge of the World , comes out December 1, 2014, and I've been waiting quite a while to read it. You should definitely join the adventure of Jim Morgan—you won't be disappointed.
As his bio states, "James Matlack Raney grew up all over the world, in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Now he calls Southern California home, writing adventures and occasionally living a few of his own," and I think we're all the better for it!

Holy Bent-Con, Batman—What a weekend!

Some conventions leave the most lasting impressions, and this year, Bent-Con 2014 certainly has etched itself into history as one of those. Held in Los Angeles at the Marriott Burbank Convention Center, this LGBTQ event brings together geeks, artists, creators, cosplayers, celebrities, and vendors from all over the world. Attending this extravaganza has only a little to do with me as an author—I truly go to see my friends.
This year, I had the great pleasure of meeting my friend Cyn Duby, who describes herself as "a solitary eclectic hedge and kitchen witch with Native American and Celtic leanings," and is a fellow author; she has a piece of my heart. We shared a suite this year which undoubtedly put us in the center of the action. Arriving late Thursday evening, we spent the rest of that evening just getting acquainted in person (we met on Facebook through mutual friend, Jezza Smiles, who unfortunately couldn't make it to Bent-Con this year). The rest of the weekend resulted in frivolity and madness that cannot be described in words. Suffice it to say, we had a hilarious time. Her daughter Stevie Montoy helped me tremendously by sitting at my table when I was away, selling books, and just being a good sport in helping out throughout the weekend.
Friday brought about setting up my table, something that establishes my base of operations for the duration of the convention. To one side of me was Jim Cartwright, friend and fellow author of the Las Vegas Bandits series, and to the other was Ashley of Monkey Minion Press, maker of posters, magnets, T-shirts, art prints, and so much more. Here is where I spotted my first "con" purchase, a print of Wonder Woman that I had originally seen on Facebook (eventually gifted to me by Cyn as an early birthday present). A few tables down was The Ninjabot, another wealth of art prints, and they have the Origin series which includes a stunning piece for Wonder Woman (that I ended up buying).

Top: Sean Maker, Jody Wheeler, Viktor Kerney, and PK Eiselt; Bottom: Michelle Lagos, Bellz Jordan, and Tomás Prower

Before I go into more detail, I want to thank those who make Bent-Con happen. Specifically, I have to thank Sean Maker, the president and founder. He has a big heart and warm smile, and he has become a dear friend as well as has Viktor Kerney, director of Outreach. Of course, I can't forget Jody Wheeler, VP of BC, and PK Eiselt, gentlemen I have come to know and respect over the past three years, and Bellz Jordan, someone I have known in passing, but would like to get to know better. This year, I also had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Lagos, Director of Programming and Talent Relations, and Tomás Prower, author and Youth Outreach coordinator. I hope to work with Tomás more in helping Bent-Con bring in the younger audience. Plus, I need to thank all of the volunteers and anyone else who makes Bent-Con so special.
Now for the main reason I go to Bent-Con...

Peter Saenz, Boston Blake, and meTo say I have friends who attend this event would be misleading—these people are family to me, some of whom I met online over a decade ago and only just recently met in person. These guys have my heart: Boston Blake, actor; Peter Saenz, author of Coven of Wolves as well as contributor to a few anthologies; and Phil Jimenez, writer/artist for Marvel and DC Comics, are brothers to me, and we share a tremendous longstanding love and respect for Wonder Woman. Missing from this 'family reunion' was another brother, Michael D'Alessio, who was unable to make it this year, but he was there in spirit. I had the privilege to meet artist Glen Hanson , someone whose work always leaves me breathless. Boston, Peter, Viktor and I had one of our Wonder Woman-themed dinners on Friday night, and the following night, Jase Peeples and Glen joined us for the second dinner devoted largely to our favorite Amazon princess.

Viktor, Peter, Boston, me, and Phil JimenezSome people I have met in person only in the past few years (having known them through message boards and Facebook), and they, too, make up my extended family. Augie Pires, who fought through illness to come to Bent-Con on Sunday, has tremendous energy and passion for our mutual comic book love, Wonder Woman. I was thrilled that he made it. Cosplayer extraordinaire and all-around sweet guy, Chris Riley—someone who has an endearing spirit and an appreciation for the LGBTQ fans of the art that is cosplay—helped make this weekend so enjoyable for me. I also had the opportunity to meet a longtime online friend Nick Corrin for the first time, and he is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I joked with him about "snubbing" me last year since had walked by my table numerous times, but then he left BC without saying hello. This year, he made a concerted effort to spend time chatting, and I'm so glad he did.

Me and Chris RileyWhat truly amazes me is that every single one of these people I met online, whether it be comic book message boards or Facebook. I can't imagine not having these people in my life—we laugh together, argue about comics over dinner, talk about each other's work, and listen to industry professionals talk about the impact so many issues has on comics or cosplay or novels or life in general. A few years ago, I started this journey as both a convention attendee as well as a traveling author. If you haven't been to conventions, you really don't know what you're missing.

In case you're wondering where the cosplay pictures are, I'm choosing to highlight the friends and family I have here at Bent-Con. If you look on Facebook, NewNowNext , or The Advocate , you can find all the cosplay pictures you like. And, if you check back next year, you might just see me in my cosplay debut. Yes, I am a cosplay virgin, and I have just the costume to begin that other side of my life. But, that's for another entry... Shhhh... but let's get back to the people to which I want to devote this blog post:

Augie and me, 2013Chatting with Robert Chandler has always been a highlight of my Bent-Con weekend, and finally had the opportunity late in the weekend. David Reddish, an author of Sex, Drugs & Superheroes: A Savage Journey Into a Wretched Hive of Scum and Supervillainy and The Passion of Sergius and Bacchus , was also fun to spend time with, but we both agreed we needed more time next year. Artist Terry Blas has so much talent it scares me, and I had to get a Starlord print he did if I bought anything. Although I didn't get the chance to spend much time with them this weekend, I did get a little time to chat with Zan Christensen of Northwest Press, Jon Macy, and David Mizejewski. A.J. Catalano, an exceptional artist, and I had a chance to talk about a possible project we'll do related to Task Force: Gaea. Hush hush for now!

Artist and friend Steven Garcia arrived late due to traffic, but he did show up, with all his spectacular art (I bought three pieces!). With him was the ever-adorable Chet Barbour! I didn't have the chance until late in the weekend to see E. Robert Dunn , but he lives in South Florida, so I am sure we'll grab coffee sometime when I am down that way. A fellow Long Islander, Greg Fox has been one of my favorite people for quite some time, long before I ever met him. He writes the Kyle's Bed & Breakfast comic. Me, Peter Saenz, and Greg Fox, 2013I loved meeting Keith Chambers and his boyfriend Angelo Martinez—two sweet guys who had the cutest costume elements (and Keith came to my writing workshop)! Zachary Ledbetter gives awesome hugs, and we did have a chance to chat a bit throughout the weekend, but I hope to have more time to hang with him next year. Joey Dennis and I had only a quick hug hello, but I did see him randomly around the con. Next year, Joey, we sit and chat more! Lex White and David Cook (dressed like Arrow) stopped by my table—I enjoyed finally getting the chance to meet them in person. My across-the-aisle neighbors, Flex Comics, have the superbuff James Jamess and Jeremy Agapitos.
David Cook, me, and Lex WhiteMy friend Jezza Smiles was unable to make it, as were Butch McLogic, Michael Annetta, William Thomas Damon, Paul Charles, and Joe Palmer. I missed them!
New to my friends list this year were artist and aisle-mate Jacob Mott as well as fellow artist Patrick Fillion who is with Class Comics (NSFW). Across from my table was the incredibly talented Rebecca Hicks with Little Vampires, and her Wolfie is just so adorable! My friend Cyn introduced me to Jasun Mark, producer/director with Titan Media (let's just say that it's NSFW). I also can't forget Billy Konstantine—he made an excellent Iceman!
ON SATURDAY, I facilitated my first convention workshop, Character Development 101, and although I only had five guests, we had a successful session, and one of the participants, Josh, who was looking into animation, felt like he had truly learned some new things that might help him in that medium.
Terry Blas and meAt 3 p.m., I attended my friend Boston's lecture, Wonder Woman: The Kink in the Golden Lasso, and this was an incredible discussion of Wonder Woman's history as well as issues like patriarchy, image adjustment, and her role in society. At 6:30 p.m., I participated on a panel, Spiritual Themes in Comics and Alternate Media, with Cyn, B. Dave Walters, and Buzz Dixon. After one of our famous Wonder Woman dinners (Peter/Viktor/Glen/Jase/Me), my fellow Amazons and I visited with Phil Jimenez for a while before attending a party in Zan's room—we actually chatted about cartoons! That's geeks for you!
Glen Hanson and meSUNDAY went well, and I finished the convention having sold 17 of 20 books. Anne Rice and her son, Christopher, made an appearance, and then the exhibitor room emptied—quickly. Saying farewell to my Bent-Con family is never easy, and with big bear hugs and talk of next year, the convention came to a close.
It's not just the common interests that tie people together; it's the memories we create, the love and friendship we foster, and the networking we do to create bigger and better projects that can make a difference in the world.

Peter Saenz, me, and Billy Konstantine

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For the Love of a Woman

Every day, my newsfeed flows with images of the one literary character who literally lives in my house.
I’ve been a Wonder Woman fan ever since I can remember (probably around 8). Since then, I’ve surrounded myself with comic books, figures, toys, and other paraphernalia resonant of a more childlike past, back when I could get lost in my own world without the benefit of C. S. Lewis’ wardrobe. It didn’t take much to travel through a portal of my own devising to get to Themyscira (then, Paradise Island) and imagine what life would be like on an island with immortals surrounding you, or to know that inner peace that I would find being around others who share my interests for a few millennia.
Today, I am still surrounded by all of the trappings of the Amazon princess, and those items do indeed provide inspiration for me on many levels. The magic and mythology of Wonder Woman has ensnared my heart, and while that might seem odd for a man my age, I feel that I’m more connected to the world around me because I have a passion that makes me smile. I share this passion with many people—some of the best friends I could ever ask for—and I’m just happy that I can be myself. Life is way too short to be anyone else.

I’m lucky that I have something that inspires me, fuels my inspiration to write, and emboldens me. I can see pictures of just about anything in my newsfeed, but whenever I see HER, regardless of the artist (and I see these images every single day), I can’t help but smile and stop for a moment. She represents so much more than a superhero. Her image stands for feminism, peace, compassion, love, wisdom, knowledge, and power (not just physical power, either). People use her insignia to show that they, too, are truly potent. Her eagle or the =w= is an icon, an archetype.

I like when I have to explain to someone why I feel for her the way I do. I feel like I’m breaking down a wall, opening up myself just a little so others can see just how I view this character some consider fictional as non-fiction to me. She exists. She’s real. Look around the world, the Internet, TV, etc.—her presence permeates culture.

As the song says, “Change their minds and change the world.” That’s what I do in the classroom, and I’m who I am today partly because of my love of one woman. Ain’t she a wonder?

Going Up Against Self-Doubt, the Author Killer

I used to think that not being inspired would kill or squelch my motivation to be an author, but I've come to learn that inspiration is only a small piece of it. What eviscerates an author's desire to move forward is Self-Doubt. It goes beyond being thick-skinned about criticism, too. Being a teacher, I know that criticism is part of what helps an author (or anyone, really) grow beyond the moment and into the stronger place. Knowing what others think is a good thing, although it does depend largely on the spirit in which that feedback is given. Even when I think I have a handle on things, that insidious creeper of an emotional pick axe strikes, that self-doubt that can push a writer off the path.
And, no matter how much desire exists within a writer's heart, he can't always embrace it long enough to get past that Self-Doubt. Armor is only as good as its lack of flaws, and even the most minuscule flaw can render one's authorial armor useless. No matter how much sunscreen you put on, if you miss that one spot, you get burned. You learn to endure the discomfort for as long as it lasts, and you hope to prepare for the next time because it will happen again. And that is when you are the most vulnerable to the pick axe. It strikes without mercy, too. There is a way past it, though. Embracing your flaws, your imperfections. When someone points out something that he or she thinks is wrong or unsatisfying or undeveloped or whatever, you have to look close enough to decide just how much validity it has. It's not easy to do, though. What I do know is that I cannot compromise what I want while I am re-evaluating. Recently, I've been having been playing mental tennis matches between continuing to write or stopping altogether. Just bringing everything to a halt. Walking away from it all. It was a dark, dark place to look into, and it made my heart pound, but it was necessary. I had to have a few hard conversations with myself about what I wanted. I had to revisit the reason why I want to write, and here's what I've come up with:
I don't care about being published. I mean, I do it because that's the only way to get my stories, the ones I yearn to tell, out there into the world. But, I'm not looking to be famous. Unlike some authors who devote their lives to the craft (and there's nothing wrong with that), I already have a passion that fills my life: teaching. Writing isn't a hobby, and it isn't a career. It's a part of my DNA, and I can't resist the urges to do it. My mind fills with stories and ideas and conflicts and connections and characters... and I need release. Self-doubt, like a cancer, has plagued my inner drive to write, and I need some "literary chemo" in order to get past it. I'm sure you know that once you feel doubt, that feeling escalates until it can be debilitating. I need to re-dedicate myself to my drive to write because I AM a storyteller.
Complicating this are the uproarious emotions that come with starting a new school year: new students, lesson plans, administrative duties, going to work with that face that shows everything is okay so you can focus on what's important. Putting my career before everything else means that I have to put writing away until I can focus. I hate that feeling. It's almost like suppressing a part of who I am as a person. How do you suppress your personality? Do you lose a part of yourself when you do this? Can you get it back?
It's exhausting. So, my course of action is simple:I do my job to my absolute best (that's a no-brainer).I push and push past the self-doubt, no matter what, to devote time to my writing, since that's a part of me I need to express. It's an imperative I cannot ignore.I need to revisit the uncomfortable, more unpolished aspects of my writing and see if anything can or needs to be done. It won't happen right away, but it's on my To Do list.If you've read this, thank you. I needed to vent a little. Since I'm on a temporary Facebook hiatus, I needed an outlet to speak my mind. I welcome any comments below that might help me on my journey.

As the picture above shows, I'm armed and ready to go up against the Beast of Self-Doubt. The faith I have in myself provides the armor, and it needs to remain strong and unyielding. May my aim be true, my blade swift, and my resolve unwavering.

Guest Post: The Dragons of Dragonica

The world of Draconica (where the Draconica) series was created, was given life by an ancient race of powerful beings known as the dragons. No one knows how they first came to exist, but some state that they have existed since the dawn of time – possibly before. Dragons were extremely powerful and very intelligent beings, sometimes appearing as winged lizards, other times appearing more humanoid. They possessed the ability to create weapons using their breath, such as fire, ice, etc. Some also possessed psychic abilities or other such similar powers.
However, all dragons had mastered the art of travelling through Time and Space, allowing them to travel to different places in the world at any time they desired. This was a skill that the dragons were highly secretive about and to this day, no one knows how they were able to do it. But the dragons have appeared all across the Universe and even visited our world at one point – which is why we have our own version of dragons.
When they created Draconica, it was said that it was originally a dead world. Wanting to give it life, they travelled across the Universe, bringing back life and forging the geography of the worlds based on the worlds they visited.
Though now extinct, the dragons are worshipped as gods by the people of Draconica and their legend lives on in the Dragonkin – humans that were granted dragon powers so that they will never be forgotten.
These are the dragons of Draconica and their role in Draconica legend.
Jeova - The Father of All and the first dragon. He created the Afterworld (Heaven) and the Necroworld (Hell) in the wake of The Black Hurricane. Said to be the most powerful of all the dragons, Jeova is worshipped as the one true King of Draconica and his influence spreads far and wide across the land.
Abadon - Wife of Jeova and known as The Destroyer. She was responsible for The Black Hurricane, a catastrophic event where she destroyed most life on Draconica. She was imprisoned in the Necroworld, where she has been for many thousands of years.
The Magistrate - He Who Judges The Passed. A dragon that guards the entrance to the afterlife and decides where souls go when they die.
Dronor - The son of Jeova and Abadon and creator of the Dragonkin. In his life, Dronor was a protector of mortals and sought to create peace amongst them. He also brought the Age of Sorcery to an end when he taught the mortals about science, so that they would not have to rely on magic.
Arkana - The Forest Wyvern. She created and tended to the forests of Draconica.

Frostella - The Ice Dragon. She created the ice world Naedor by blowing a terrible blizzard during a fit of rage.
Karana - The Storm Drake. Known for creating terrible storms and hurricane force winds.
Kerrigal - The one who first taught magic to the mortals. He became the rival of Dronor when he tried to teach science to the people.
Venomac - A deformed dragon known for his ugliness. It’s said he created the swamps of Draconica by breathing on Arkana’s most beautiful forest lands.
Tah - The Dragon of the Sun. Second in power only to Jeova and worshipped by the people of the eastern lands. He created the deserts when his aura burned the land and turned it to sand.
Nar-Gar - The Serpent of the Sea. A huge sea monster that turned Draconica into a set of islands by breaking the lands apart.
Baala - The Four-Horned Warlord. Founded the Baalarian Empire and taught the world of Draconica about warfare. He was previously a war ambassador in his life and no country could go to war without his say so. He died during a war with his brother Leoni.
Leoni - The Bloodthirsty Lion. Founded the Leonidan Kingdom and brother to Baala. He challenged his brother for dominance and was killed at the end of a seven year war.
Isiah - The Dragon of Love. Wife of Baala. She taught the mortals of Draconica how to love. Marriage was a concept that she taught to the mortals.
Dahli - The Muse of Art. Helped found the Republic of Garmany, the leading country in art, design and technology.

Character Tag Blog Tour

I have been asked to participate in this Character Tag Blog Tour by Brandon Witt. The follow questions are about a character in my upcoming release, The Liar's Prophecy .
1. What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person?

Although he's not a main character for the entire novel, the fictional character I want to talk about is Akmon.

2. When and where is the story set?

Akmon's part of the story is set in ancient Arkadeia, a country located in the Peloponnese part of Greece. Arkadeia figures prominently in the series as the kingdom of Apollo and his wife Alkinoë.

3. What should we know about him/her?

Akmon was left as a baby in an orphanage in Megalopoli by an unknown priestess. As he grew older, he took on the responsibility of caring for the other children in the orphanage, acting as a big brother to those with whom he lived. He was known for telling stories to the younger children as well as doing everything he could, even with limited resources, to make their lives tolerable.

4. What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?

Part of the conflict in Akmon's like is who he is. He doesn't know who his parents are, although he finds out, but he isn't prepared for the truth. As he travels with one of the main characters, he encounters parts of his past that forever change how he sees himself. One of the greatest challenges he will have to face is giving up what he has known to experience something completely new.

5. What is the personal goal of the character?

His goal is find out who he is, but equally as important is his devotion to his friends. He would rather put himself in harm's way to protect those he cares about that allow someone to feel pain. Not formally education, his "street smarts" have taught him more than most people learn in a classroom.

6. Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

The Liar's Prophecy. Here is the blurb (it's a work in progress):

Aegis, Talon, and Aether struggle with Zodiak’s absence from the team as well as their friend Ari’s brave sacrifice to help defeat The Nebulous One. Prisoners from Tartaros having escaped when Hades lived as a mortal on Earth start appearing all over the world, following prophecies they believe will give them power. A set of gruesome murders starts an investigation that leads to betrayal that could tear apart the team. One of Gaea’s own children, a powerful prisoner long forgotten, has decided to make mortals pay for his millennia in the gods’ dungeon.

On his own quest, Zodiak has to confront his own failings, his role as a son of Apollo, and new truths hidden by the gods. Through his travels, he learns the prisoner’s identity and needs to devise a way to defeat him with the help of some new allies.

In the midst of this chaos, the prisoner secretly releases The Liar’s Prophecy, and an unsuspecting Task Force: Gaea has no choice but to see it to completion, actions that could bring them to madness. Zodiak must get back to Aegis, Talon, and Aether before he loses them for good.

One among them is fated to fall because even death cannot protect you from your past.

7. When can we expect the book to be published?

I'm expecting to release it January 2105.

An Interview with Dan Wright, author of Final Ragnarok: She Returns

1. Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took.

The Draconica series, which is my Fantasy/Manga series, came about because I always enjoyed reading about Medieval Fantasy and Greek Mythology. This helped me craft the world of Draconica as it is now. When I got into Anime/Manga, that also helped my writing style, as I tended to write with a more tongue and cheek feel.

My first book took me about five years to write, on and off. The other books took significantly less than that – one an off about two years per book or so. I try to fit in my writing around my real life commitments, where I can.
2. What did you enjoy most about creating this book?
It’s the first part of a two parter – and it’s my most epic story so far. I really went all out with this one, seeing how far I could push myself. I’m particularly proud of the big battles that are to come later in the series, but also the huge twist at the end of this one. I think my readers won’t believe how this turns out – in a good way of course! 

3. Some writers embed parts of their lives into their work(s). What aspects of who you are appear in your work? If not, why didn’t you?
Hmmm. I try not to put too much of myself in my characters. If you do that your characters risk becoming “wish fulfillment fantasies” and this tends to turn off a lot of readers in my experience. That’s not to say my characters don’t reflect my views and beliefs, but I try to keep myself out of the character personalities where I can. 

4. Why did you want to be a published author?
Simply, because I wanted to tell a story. And maybe make money doing it, but that’s not my main reason. I have a job that helps me pay the bills so anything I make from this is just a nice little bonus. 

5. In the process of writing, did you find you deviated from your original plan? If so, how severely? If not, what about your plan kept you focused?
Absolutely. Nothing I ever write is EXACTLY how I imagined it. I often finding myself changing things – whether it’s to fix something that doesn’t work in context of the story or just to try out a new idea. My first book, Trapped on Draconica, for instance went through about a million changes before that was published. My problem is that I’m always changing my mind and that often means my work gets torn apart as I try to write it. Guess that’s just the joys of editing! 

6. Some writers plot out a great deal of their work while others write “by the seat of their pants.” Would you say you’re more of a plotter or a pantser? 

Plotter most definitely. I always plan for months on end before sitting down to write it on computer. I prefer to know what I do before I sit down to write. It’s just the way I do things. 
7. What message, if any, does your book have, and what is that message so important to you? 

A common theme in my books is friendship, love and family, which are things that I hold close my heart. Redemption is also a huge part of my work as I like to think that everyone deserves a second chance in life. For this book, the main theme I would say is “Light in Darkness”, because sometimes, to appreciate the light in our lives, we have to crawl through darkness to get to it.
 8. If you could co-author a book with any author, living or dead, who would it be and why? What kind of book would you write with this person? 

Andrez Bergen is an author that I would love to write with. He writes some of the most original sci-fi I’ve ever read. If it were a dead author, I’d pick Douglas Adams. Hands down, he’s my favourite author and I’d love to have been able to work with him on something.
 9. A new author approaches you for advice. What three things would be at the top of your list?Don’t follow trends. Write a story that you want to tell, not what’s popular.Don’t get discouraged. Contrary to popular belief, writing is not always easy, and you will get knocked down a few times. But just remember what they said in Batman Begins... “Why do we fall? So that we learn to stand up again.”Some authors will say that you need to read a lot to be a writer, and I don’t necessarily agree with this. Yes, you need to read to know how to write, but you don’t have to be a bookworm. All you need to do is have a basic grasp of grammar and an imagination.Also, as an extra bonus, I’d say find someone to proofread your work. This is of utmost importance and it’s always better to have a fresh pair of eyes look over your work. 

10. When you talk with fans of your work, what types of things do they ask you about? 

Funnily enough, at the moment, the thing I mostly get from new readers is why my character Zarracka is a lot like Elsa from Frozen. People seem to think that Zarracka is a copy of Elsa as she’s a princess and has ice powers. Then I tell them that Zarracka came first! I even created my own meme over it, just to put this to an end!
The upshot of this is that it seems to have attracted a lot of people to my work. Zarracka seems to be my most popular character – which is kinda funny as she is really the villain. I guess villainous characters are always the popular ones.

Formats Available In: Digital and Print

Publisher: Self-Published

Publication Date: TBC

When Daniar Dragonkin heard those words, she had no idea of the full horror that would follow. Now, enemies converge to bring to life a monstrous plan that has been set in motion since long before the events of Trapped on Draconica. A plot to bring Her back from darkness.

With her family threatened, her old enemies back to torment her - and a civil war in Baalaria preventing any help from her sister, Daniar faces the darkness moment of her entire life. Her sanity will be pushed to the limit as she faces evil in it's purest form. Heroes will die. Villains will rise. And She will return - bringing with it the end to all of

She Returns is the first book in the Final Ragnarok saga - and the conclusion of a trap that has been building for years. Everything you'd read about Draconica so far has been leading up to this moment. This is where it all changes - and where Draconica's ultimate fate (and of it's people) will be decided.