Worldmaker of Yand – Yildun follows a spellcaster that must save her world from invaders while trying to build her family. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

In my previous book Queen of Highwings, one of my favorite characters is Snowfox, a yandar archer who, with his wife Asimia, left his homeworld Yand to a new planet seeking to make a new start after the ravages of the K’tul Wars. Gradually I worked up Snowfox’s back story, which became rich with new characters and magic. Prominently, his mother Yanara evolved as a powerful Celestial Wizard, a Worldmaker, the best defender against their enemy the k’tul.
To describe the devastations of the K’tul Wars, I drew on my personal experience. Many years ago my homeworld here on Terra was invaded and taken over, making half the population, including me and my family, war refugees.

Yanara is a very complex character with unique challenges in her life. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

With Yanara I wanted to reflect on contemporary issues about gender, women’s power, equality in love. Also the duality of nature that many women espouse. As a powerful wizard she is ruthless, devastating, terrifying. But as a wife and mother she is soft, loving, protective, with a huge heart. The intersection of her two natures is very interesting.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The biggest theme is the devastation of war on a world, a people, and a family.

Another is the breaking of gender stereotypes both professionally and in family relationships.

Another is that bonds of love can be as strong as bonds of blood.

A big theme I wanted to bring out in the subplot is that you love who you love, regardless of gender, or exclusivity. On Yand, marriage is whatever you put in your marriage contract.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I have recently completed Worldmaker of Yand-Polaris, and it is available on Amazon under books and my name. The hardcover has many colorful illustrations.

I have just completed a collection of short stories that flesh out events that happened offline in Yildun. Battles, but a few romances as well. Told with humor at times.

I am now writing the third installment in the Worldmaker of Yand series called Eltanin, after the star in the Draco constellation.

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