First, teen writer and artist Mirriam Neal has posted an awesome article on her blog, Thoughts of a Sheildmaiden, about fairy tales* and why they are not, in fact, evil or occult and are a legitimate genre for Christians to read. I adore the points she makes. CLICK HERE.
Second, Mike Duran (yes, him again :P) has posted an interview with YA fantasy author R.J. Anderson. Mrs. Anderson also describes the draw to faery tales*, and tackles Mike's question about the distinction between YA and adult fiction. Her answer nails it, imho. CLICK HERE.
*In case you're not familiar with the difference, Miss Neal is talking fairy tales, as in stories with magic and such, while Mrs. Anderson is talking fae. Not that that helps if you don't know what fae is. Just go read the posts--you'll figure it out ;).
And last, but oh-so-not least....
Here's the back cover copy:
Open your heart and mind to the simplicity and complexity of a name.
I know only my name. Beyond that is confusion, a void where fantasy and reality swirl together. Fairies, Giants, Elves, Dwarves, ancient Keepers, and…Dragons?
A dark soul threatens the Five Kingdoms, but I am powerless to stand against him, overwhelmed by phantom memories, broken and lost.
Somehow, I must live. I must find my purpose. There are friends to love and battles to fight.
I know my name. Perhaps that is enough.
I am Ocilla.
This is my story.
And my endorsement:
Fairy tale and fantasy, adventure and emotion--I am Ocilla took me on a journey that had me laughing, cheering, crying, and contemplating. It is a story of self-discovery, of love, of good and evil, all told in a voice that captured me from the first page.
Buy it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble*. Yes, now.
(*Nook version coming soon.)
