Unearthing the Past: Cave Dwellings in Ancient Armenia Inspiring My Fantasy Novel’s Enchanting Setting

Photo by Ani Adigyozalyan on Unsplash

Cave dwellings have been an enduring feature throughout human history, and ancient Armenia holds a rich tapestry of these remarkable habitations. Inspired by the cave dwellings that once adorned the landscapes of ancient Armenia and its neighboring regions, I felt compelled to breathe life into a cave village within the pages of my young adult fantasy novel. Nestled in the enchanting Ar-Haya Highlands – a fictional village I created that was influenced by the captivating landscapes of the Armenian Highlands – this cave village serves as a pivotal setting in my novel, immersing readers in a world where echoes of ancient history intertwine with the realms of fantasy.

Cave dwellings in Armenia date back to the Stone Age. Armenia is home to many natural caves, some of which are large and deep enough to accommodate human habitation. These natural rock formations were used as shelters by early peoples who carved out living spaces, storage areas, and even places of worship inside them, providing protection from harsh weather and predators.

The oldest known cave dwelling in Armenia is the Areni-1 cave complex, which dates back to earlier than 4000 BC. This cave complex, located in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia, was used as a burial site and is known for its well-preserved artifacts, including pottery, baskets, and clothing. Another famous cave dwelling in Armenia is the Old Khndzoresk Cave Village. Located in the Syunik Province of Armenia, this village consists of many interconnected caves, which were used as homes, schools, and even churches.

Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash

These cave dwellings were a symbol of early human adaptability and ingenuity. The ability to carve out living spaces from natural rock formations is a testament to the resourcefulness of the ancients, who were able to thrive in even the harshest of environments, and one of the main reasons I wanted to include such a village in my fantasy. Within the pages of my novel, the cave-encased village nestled between two mountains holds significant importance to the plot. Within the village lie two ancient temples, each playing a paramount role. One temple serves as a portal, a gateway to the gods, while the other serves as a sanctuary for hidden magic wielders. These two sacred spaces become instrumental in the quest to save the Ar-Haya Highlands from an evil sorcerer. This inclusion of the cave village in the story serves not only as a crucial plot element but also as a symbolic tribute to the resilience and perseverance of the people who inspired its creation.

By incorporating the cave village into my novel, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the historical and cultural legacy of these remarkable dwellings.

Imagining Other Worlds: How Art Inspires Fantasy Worldbuilding

Art has the power to transport us to other worlds, to ignite our imaginations, and inspire us to create fantastical worlds in our own writing. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a tapestry, or even a piece of music, art can provide the inspiration we need to bring our own fantasy worlds to life.

Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash

One way that art can inspire fantasy worldbuilding is through its ability to create a mood or atmosphere. A single piece of art can evoke a feeling of wonder, mystery, or terror, which can be used as the foundation for an entire fantasy world. For example, a painting of a dark and ominous forest might inspire a world filled with ancient trees, eerie creatures, and supernatural forces lurking in the shadows.

Imagery is a powerful tool in worldbuilding as well, as it allows us to visualize the world we’re creating in our minds. By studying art that features fantastical landscapes, creatures, and architecture, we can gain a better understanding of how these elements work together to create a cohesive world. For example, a sculpture of a dragon might inspire a world where dragons are revered as powerful creatures that have a significant impact on the world around them.

Art is often a reflection of the society in which it was created, and by examining the art of different cultures, we can gain insight into their beliefs, values, and customs. This can be particularly useful when building a fantasy world that is inspired by a specific culture or civilization.

Exploring different cultural art forms can be a rich source of inspiration for writers, especially if they are from a particular culture themselves. Every culture has its own unique forms of art, from music and dance to visual arts and literature, and each can offer valuable insights into the values, beliefs, and experiences of that culture. By studying the art forms of their own culture, writers can gain a deeper understanding of their roots and identity, and use this knowledge to enrich their writing. Whether it is the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of traditional textiles, the poetic language and rich imagery of folktales and legends, or the unique sounds and rhythms of traditional music, exploring the art forms of one’s own culture can offer a wealth of inspiration for worldbuilding in fantasy writing. By incorporating elements of their own cultural art into their writing, writers can create worlds that are both fantastical and deeply rooted in their own heritage, allowing them to connect with their own roots while also creating something entirely new and imaginative.

As someone of Armenian descent, I have always been fascinated by the rich history and culture of Armenia, particularly its vibrant and diverse art forms, which have inspired me in my own writing and provided a powerful connection to my roots. For example, Armenian carpets are renowned for their intricate patterns and vivid colors, which often incorporate symbolic elements from Armenian mythology and folklore. These carpets can provide a rich source of inspiration for fantasy worldbuilding, as their patterns and motifs can be adapted to create fantastical landscapes or creatures.

Similarly, Armenian folklore music is deeply rooted in its culture and can provide a wealth of inspiration for fantasy worldbuilding. This music often features haunting melodies and intricate rhythms that can evoke a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. Traditional woodwind instruments such as the duduk or zurna, or the dhol (a type of drum) have unique and distinct sounds that can transport listeners to other worlds and evoke a sense of mysticism and wonder. These instruments can be adapted and reimagined to create new and fantastical musical instruments in fictional worlds. Armenian folklore music often tells stories of heroes, gods, and mythical creatures, providing a rich source of inspiration for the creation of new myths and legends in a fantasy world, allowing me to incorporate these elements into my own worldbuilding, thus, adding a depth and authenticity to the fictional cultures and societies I’ve created.

Photo by Swastik Arora on Unsplash

Art is a powerful tool for inspiring fantasy worldbuilding. Whether it’s through the creation of mood and atmosphere, the use of imagery, the introduction of new cultures and traditions, or the provision of a starting point for our own creativity, art can help us to create fantastical worlds that are rich, vibrant, and full of life. So next time you’re feeling stuck in your worldbuilding process, take a moment to immerse yourself in some art and see where it takes you!

Ayg, the Goddess of Dawn: Exploring Armenian Mythology

Armenian mythology is rich with stories of gods and goddesses. I’ve always been fascinated by the legends and lore of the lesser-known gods of various pantheons. Ayg (or Arshaluys), the goddess of dawn in Armenian mythology, is a figure about whom little is known. When I discovered Ayg, I was immediately drawn to her role as the herald of a new day and her association with renewal and hope. Despite the scarcity of information available about her, I was inspired to incorporate Ayg into my work-in-progress young adult fantasy novel and offer my own interpretation of her mythology.

During my research, I initially came across the idea that Ayg may be the daughter of Aramazd, the chief god of the Armenian pantheon. However, upon further investigation, I could not find any definitive information about her parentage, and it appears that Ayg is often considered a separate deity.

Ayg is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a radiant halo of light surrounding her. She is sometimes portrayed with wings, carrying the sun in her hands or on her shoulders, symbolizing her role in bringing forth a new day. In some depictions, Ayg is also shown sitting on a boat, surrounded by the golden light of the rising sun. Her arrival each morning is seen as a symbol of a fresh start, a chance to leave the troubles of yesterday behind and embrace the possibilities of the present.

Though there is very little known about Ayg, her representation as the goddess of dawn speaks to the importance of the sun and the dawn in the daily lives and beliefs of ancient Armenians.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

In my young adult fantasy novel I sought to depict Ayg in a unique way. Rather than portraying her with wings, I surrounded her with a halo of light and situated her on a boat, where she carries a golden disk in her lap to represent the sun. She has winged horses to help her carry the sun and mark the arrival of a new day. These winged horses also have other important roles to play in aiding my protagonist in her important work.

Despite the discrepancies in Ayg’s myths and legends, she still holds significant symbolism as the goddess of dawn and new beginnings. As a writer, I found it exciting to create my own interpretations of her role. The universality of dawn goddesses in different cultures underscores the importance of the concept of new beginnings and the promise of hope that each new day brings. Personally, I find it fascinating to explore and compare the similarities found in the mythologies of different cultures.

From Crossroads to Fantasy: How Armenian Mythology Inspired My Writing

As writers, it’s often said that we draw from our own experiences and cultures to create unique and captivating stories. For me, being of Armenian descent has heavily influenced my writing, particularly in the realm of young adult fantasy.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Armenian culture is its mythology. As a child, I was enraptured by the stories of gods and goddesses, monsters and heroes, and the intricate folklore that wove them all together. It wasn’t until I started writing that I realized just how much these tales had seeped into my imagination.

In my work-in-progress young adult fantasy novel, I wanted to incorporate elements of Armenian mythology in a way that was fresh and exciting. I decided to create a fictional world that was loosely based on Armenia’s geography, with elements of fantasy woven in. The result was a land of rugged mountains, sprawling forests, and winding rivers, filled with magical creatures and ancient ruins.

One of the things that made this world so rich was the crossroads of Armenia. Its location at the intersection between the East and the West meant that the myths and legends of many different cultures intersected there, from the Greek gods to the Persian djinn. I used this idea to create a pantheon of gods that were inspired by various mythologies, giving them my own unique spin.

For example, a little-known goddess, but a powerful one in her own right, is Ayg, the Goddess of Dawn. In my novel, Ayg is a benevolent deity who brings light and hope to the world. On the other hand, the main villain of my story is Ahriman, who’s based on the Zoroastrian god of darkness and evil. Ahriman is a malevolent deity who seeks to plunge the world into eternal darkness and chaos. By including these two opposing deities, I was able to create a sense of balance in my worldbuilding, where light and darkness were in constant conflict.

By using the crossroads of Armenia as a foundation for my world-building, I was able to create a rich and diverse universe that was both familiar and fantastical. I drew from my own cultural background to create a story that was uniquely my own, but also one that could resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Winner of SCBWI-Florida 2023 Rising Kite YA Category

https://florida.scbwi.org/2023-rising-kite-contests/winners2023/

Semi-Finalist, Writers of the Future Contest

I’m honored to announce that I’m a semi-finalist in the 2022 second quarter of the Writers of the Future Contest. Out of so many talented entries from all over the world, to be placed toward the top is humbling.

SCBWI Orlando Conference

#reunited22

This past weekend I attended my first conference in four years – the SCBWI Florida Regional Conference in Orlando. All I have to say is, wow. Just wow.

I’ve attended various writing conferences before, including the SCBWI ones in the northeast. But this one was different. Smaller. Personal. Supportive.

Rob Sanders and Becky Herzog, the co-regional advisors of the SCBWI Florida region, as well as Angela, Candy, and Fred, and all the volunteers of the SCBWI Florida region, went above and beyond to make sure that the conference ran smoothly. They ensured that all the faculty and attendees were comfortable and had everything they needed to have the best experience possible. I’m especially thankful to Eileen Meyer of the northeast Florida region who made a point of speaking with and supporting everyone who approached her.

The breakout sessions with authors, editors, and agents were the most informative of any conference I’ve ever attended. The keynote speakers were heartfelt, motivating, inspiring, and overall blew me away with how giving and generous they were.

I met so many wonderful authors and illustrators, people that I hope to keep in touch with and continue to evolve with – Sahtinay, Laura, Sharnese, Erika, Caroline, Stephanie, and many others. The connections I made are invaluable.

Maybe it was because I hadn’t attended a conference in a while, or maybe it’s because I was so hungry to be part of an in-person creative tribe again, but when it was finally over on Sunday, I didn’t want to leave.

A mixture of emotions flitted through me throughout the weekend: Inspired beyond belief, humbled to be among so many successful and talented people, and motivated to continue to grow in my own writing path.

Most of all, I felt honored to take part in such a beautiful event with this wonderful community of people who are generous and giving of their time, advice, and support.

Tribute to David Wolverton (writing as David Farland)

I met Dave in 2016, when he was offering online and in-person writing workshops. I signed up for one of his online classes, then had a one-on-one coaching session with him about my work. In 2018 I wound up traveling to Texas for his in-person workshop, Writers Peak, which he ran with his son, Forrest. Every year after, I took workshop after workshop, honing my craft under his tutelage.

I realized back then, even before I got to know him through his many workshops, then later through Apex, that he was a warm, giving and generous individual who wanted to share his wisdom with other writers, who wanted to help every writer who had the will to succeed to do so. He raised our writing to levels we would have never thought possible, all because he could see our potential even when we didn’t see our own.

Dave passed away last night surrounded by his family. The hours during which he was in a coma, our writing community offered each other support and love. This is a community, a family, Dave created out of his love for helping others. His legacy will live on through us. Every time I write a story, it’s his voice that helps me shape it. Every time I write a sentence, it’s his guidance that helps me mold it. It’s his wisdom that, through the challenges of work-life balance, have helped me carve out time for the craft that means so much to me.

Thank you, Dave. Thank you for reaching out to all of us writers, for giving us the tools we will need to succeed in this business. For helping us grow in our writing and in this profession. For pushing us to follow our passion. You will be deeply missed, you already are. Just look at the community of hundreds of writers in Apex who are grieving for you. I will never ever forget how much you taught me. Your legacy will live on in all of us.

Be at peace, my friend. May the angels guide you in the next steps of your journey.

YARWA Finalist!

I’m very excited that my novel, Seabreather, made finals in this year’s YARWA contest – in the speculative fiction category.

Liz Coley’s Guest Post About Her New Series, Tor Maddox

My friend, Liz Coley, author of Pretty Girl-13, has launched a new series, Tor Maddox: Unleashed, the first in a series about a girl investigating the mysterious and deadly new flu being spread by dogs. Here’s a brief synopsis about book one:

When sixteen-year old Torrance Olivia Maddox, self-confessed news junkie, figures out that the mysterious and deadly New Flu is being spread by dogs, she has one question—if the danger is that obvious to her, why hasn’t the government revealed the truth and taken action?

Her search for the answer will take her farther than she ever imagined. But then again, she never imagined that man’s best friend could become public enemy number one, that men in black might show up in her cozy suburban neighborhood, that she’d spend her sixteenth birthday as a teenaged runaway, and that her effort to save one dog would become a mission to save them all.

The following is Liz’s guest blog post explaining how she came up with the idea!

My heroine Tor Maddox was born one day in the car when NPR was running a report on the Avian Flu while my husband and I were driving past the Best Friends Veterinary Hospital. Over 20 BILLION birds were sacrificed to suppress the disease and reduce human exposure. My brain sproinged. “Wow, what if it were dogs?” I commented. “Can you imagine?”

“You should write about that,” my husband said. And that’s how Man’s Best Friend became Public Enemy Number One. This story seed germinated as my NaNoWriMo 2009 novel.

In spite of the premise, this isn’t a horror story. It’s a fun thriller, an over-the-top adventure for a teenaged heroine. Tor is impulsive, brave, optimistic, open-hearted, sneaky, and ambitious. Her family is functional. Her friends are not drug addicted, orphaned, or otherwise tortured. Still, she thwarts authority, runs away from home repeatedly, stirs up trouble all over the place, and falls for the wrong guys.

Fun fact: when I wrote the scene where Tor is squatting under a bush perusing the internet on her phone, the Apple iPhone had not yet been released, and phones didn’t yet have GPS signals. Lesson learned–never try to write near future. It arrives before the ink is dry.

Now here’s something spooky. On launch day (5/1/15), an article appeared on CNN about pit bulls carrying the plague and passing it on to humans.  http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/01/health/pit-bull-plague/

Stay tuned for her next few books in the series, Tor Maddox: Embedded and Tor Maddox: Mistaken. Thank you, Liz for sharing your story about your exciting and adventurous series!