I started writing Nav’Aria while working as a substitute teacher in 2011. I had finished the novel I was reading by 3rd Period. For anyone who has ever substitute taught, you know that that does not bode well for your day. The students were testing. Without a book I faced a LONG day with nothing to do besides keeping an eye on the class to ensure the students eyes’ didn’t wander, etc.
As I sat there, I grabbed a notebook out of my purse (always have one just in case I have an idea or come across something I don’t want to forget) and began writing. My Grandpa had gifted me a painting of a unique unicorn that initially inspired my story. My youngest brother had recently showed me his new tattoo. As I sat observing the teenagers, I pondered the idea of warring unicorns, and a teen with a tattoo on his hand. Somehow my random musings, turned into the first pages of my book, Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir.
The story evolved into a little hobby—my secret summer project when I wasn’t teaching high school History. My family knew, but I kept it pretty quiet otherwise as I plugged along.
My husband and I adopted our daughter in 2017, and it was then that I got the inspiration needed to write the entire second half of the book in a two-week span. I PUMPED IT OUT. Apparently, that’s what had been missing: My why!
Did I actually want to finish this story? If so, why? Would I finally admit that I wasn’t just dabbling but actually had written a book? Did I really want to go after my goal of becoming an author, or stay complacent with half a manuscript?
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Adoption has always had a huge place in my heart—and my writing!—and after years of working with struggling teens and then adopting my daughter, I realized that I wanted to finish the book for her- ‘for the “Darions” of the world’.
Darion’s story is not unique. Okay, let me back up… yes, having a glowing arm, encounters with unicorns, and living in a parallel universe is EPIC, but the idea of longing for a family, searching for his identity, and questioning his worth, is unfortunately, something many young people face today. There are millions of orphans globally, and thousands of kids in the U.S. who cannot go home due to tragic or dangerous circumstances.
Call-to-action!
How can you help a child TODAY? Perhaps begin the adoption process if you feel so led; Become a foster-parent or CASA volunteer; Sponsor a child in a third-world orphanage; Give to your local CPS; Donate to a reputable organization that helps women with micro-loans or children with school fees; Volunteer with a mentor program; Coach or sponsor an activity; Support a family from your church or school with foster kids. Whatever it is, help! Together, WE can support these children in their quest to belong.
And for the “Darions” reading this!
The teens struggling with self-doubt, loss, and a lack of family stability, I want to speak to you. YOU ARE IMPORTANT. YOU have a purpose. YOU have overcome much, and you can do much in your life. Seek positive role-models and influences. If you’re in a dangerous situation, please seek help. If you’re struggling with suicidal/depressive thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. Keep working. Keep trying. Keep believing. And more than anything, remember:
YOU matter.
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Check out Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir and let me know what you think! Stay tuned for the sequel, Nav’Aria: The Pyre of Tarsin, to see how Darion will handle his ever-changing family bonds.