Interesting Questions Raised

First I want to thank Lenita Sheridan for posting her review for my book Bluestone: The Forest, the Path, and the River. Since the review raises some interesting questions about the book, I thought I would use some of my answers to those questions to initiate this blog.

When I first started writing some scenes for Iyla, one of the main characters in my book, I was initially hesitant. How could I, as a man, do justice to writing from her perspective? At the same time the “woman warrior” theme or idea in fantasy is a popular one. The idea of a woman who can “show how it’s done” is an appealing character.

In the case of Iyla in my story for each situation I had her react how I felt I would react if I were in that situation, and in accordance with the character traits I had given her. Perhaps this means that I am very, or too emotional as a man and would be overly protective, or would want to take care of any children if in a similar situation. My reasoning for having Iyla react in the way she did to the situations she was in was not because I believe those are proper or in the least bit expected of women.

Could an emotional woman like Iyla, when push comes to shove, also rise to the occasion and accomplish the things she needs to as a soldier. I think she could.

I would be very interested In hearing other peoples opinion on this.

As far as answering why the children didn’t stay with Iyla at the end of the story this was because I originally was going to write a sequel to the story using the children grown up as the main characters (and perhaps still will). And to do that I need them back over on that side of the river and Iyla remaining behind.

Here is some context for the situation for the army of soldiers. The army was established thousands of years previous, but it has lost its reason for existence, and Iyla herself is conflicted in her vocation which is part of her story as it progresses.
And to end I will list the characteristics I gave Iyla early on.

Iyla Characteristics
Adventurous, affectionate, brave, somewhat carefree but still careful, committed, dependable, discouraged at times rather than disillusioned or doubtful, dutiful, eager, easygoing, encouraging, faithful, ferocious fighter when she needs to be, forgiving, friendly, sometimes frightened and frustrated, somewhat humorous, often lively but not always, loving, mysterious, responsible, respectful, sensitive, sentimental, sharp-witted, sweet, tactful, and loyal.