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| Rae Z. Ryans, Author CHIVALRY AND MALEVOLENCE |
Fantasy and paranormal romance
author Rae Z. Ryans writes about dragons, witches, and fairies in her book
CHIVALRY AND MALEVOLENCE. She is a fan of history and a fantasy aficionado, and
blends the two in her writings. Ryans
was born in Alaska, raised in New Jersey, and currently lives in Alabama with her four cats, three dogs, three children, and her husband.
In the following article Ryans explains about the world of dragons. Don't miss the giveaway opportunity at the end of the article.
The Elusive Dragon
by Rae Z. Ryans
Fantasy creatures come in all shapes and sizes, but perhaps
one of the most elusive is the dragon. Throughout mythology, we see these
strange beasts and learn of heroic tales, but when writing fiction it becomes
harder to paint the picture. When we hear dragon, we all hold our own mental
image. Maybe you see the large leviathans breathing fire or a massive swimming
sea serpent. Perhaps you visualize something else.
When writing CHIVALRY AND MALEVOLENCE I wanted dragons on
Alfheim. There were some dragons in Norse mythology, but not much in the way of
prose. Still, I’d always held a fascination with the creatures of lore. This is
why I chose dragons.
Constructing the dragon took a lot of imagination, at least
on the inside. Information on dragons comes solely from mythology, but I’m not
one to follow the rules. These are my dragons after all. However, I’d always
loved the dragons from World of Warcraft and Richard Knaak’s novels.
Those dragons talked, transformed, and held ancient magic.
The idea just fit perfectly into my strange and unfamiliar world for Thomas to
investigate. Later in the series, more light sheds upon the beasts he recalls
from fairytales. Mine weren’t all that different if you look on the outside.
Inside they weren’t kind, gentle creatures, but they held the potential of
feeling such emotions. That notion stemmed from my belief that good and evil rest
in all of us.
They held
consorts, not untypical as they lay eggs and hatch clutched, but the young
Prince Drust of Durkheim discovered love. The idea of a dragon loving one was difficult
to establish when the leviathans of popular myth lacked the ability. I’ll admit
that I’ve received the most criticism on this fact, but I have faith in my
dragons, my world, and my writing. In turn, it’s also applied to my characters.
Hold faith and love for what you’ve created, because if you make
it, it’s yours to do with as you please.
Writers shouldn’t fear stepping outside of a mold when
creating fantasy creatures. In less than thirty years, look at the
transformation of the vampire and werewolf. Both creatures were once fearsome
foes, but now they grace love stories or have become the heroes. We rewrite
histories and create universes, so why not create a dragon to torment, love, or
save the day?
About Rae Z.
Ryans
Rae Z. Ryans currently resides
in Tumbleweed, Alabama, with her four demons (cats), three lycans
(dogs), three sprites (kiddos), and her “normal” mood-shifting husband.
Born in Alaska and raised in New Jersey, Rae now calls the south her home. Oh,
and contrary to popular belief, Rae never lived in an igloo.
She claims to own a pink
elephant that buy shoes and books. While there is plenty of proof that Rae
loves both, no one can prove the existence of Punky the elephant. She would
point out that we can’t disprove it either.
All kidding aside, Rae is an
alternate ego who enjoys writing urban and historical fantasy/paranormal in her
spare time. With a deep love for mythology and history, she blends the two
together, and creates new worlds, heroic obstacles, and weaves dark tales.
These works are often loosely inspired by Norse Mythology, but with plenty of
unique twists.
She is currently working on a
secret (shh) new steampunk series and continuing to write the Nine Realms
series: Alfheim and Midgard. http://www.raezryans.com http://www.facebook.com/raezryans
Blanked in white snow, Alfheim is off-limits to mankind. The elves and fae of the Unseelie court ruled
over their lands, inciting chaos for the sake of power. The young Princess
Morgana, forced to wear protective layers over her face, disagreed with the
ways of her people. She craved love, but love is not the Unseelie way.
The Knight and his horse
traveled toward home after two years on the battlefield. Within moments, the
world transformed before his eyes as green gave way to white. He blinked as
Achilles stirred. Strange creatures wielding swords and axes surrounded and
captured him. They tossed him into a dank prison where he awaited his death.
With no hope of survival
or escape, he prayed for the shrouded woman, who showed him kindness and healed
his wounds.
Social Links
Where to Purchase
Giveaway
First Prize: $20 Amazon Gift Card
Second Prize: Rae Z. Ryans’ Bookmark
Hi Joyce,
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of Rae Z. Ryans and Book Marketing Services, I would like to thank you for hosting Rae today on Strand’s Simply Tips. She is thrilled to be here. If anyone has any questions and/or comments they would like to share with Rae, please leave them in the comment box. She will be by later in the day to respond.
Rae is the winner of Book Marketing Services’ giveaway and she is having a giveaway of her own on her tour. Remember to enter for an opportunity to win. 1st prize: $20 Amazon Gift Card; 2nd prize: A “Rae Z. Ryans” Bookmark.
Please join Rae tomorrow, Thursday, December 5th, 2013 when she will be interviewed live on Blog Talk Radio by the Literary Diva www.blogtalkradio.com/diva29.