Why Write Fantasy? How is it Important?

I have finally returned from the craziness of my college schedule to resume my regular postings on this blog. I have to say, I apologize for leaving you all hanging for so long! Time slipped by me so quickly, I hadn’t realized how long it’s been since I wrote anything. Because of that embarrassingly true fact, I wrote a heavier article today that’s longer then my usual poem posts, despite the fact that I do have many new ones to share. Today, I will be talking about the reasons I believe it’s important to write fantasy, and how this genre can bring glory to Christ. First, we’ll start with a basic definition of fantasy.

Fantasy as a general term applies to what is fictitious, and more often than not, completely disconnected from reality. Fantasy is a very popular genre in books, movies, and plays, and often cultivates a passionate following. It often has a very strong pull on a lot of people’s identity. Numerous book series have become incredibly popular over the ages, seeping into the film and play industries, and beyond. Series like The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Grisha Trilogy, Game of Thrones, and more have become so influential that fans view those stories as a part of their identity.

Simply put, I believe that fantasy stories can be vehicles to lead people to Christ. Firstly, as a reader, and secondly a writer, I have experienced the impact fantasy can leave on one’s heart. One of my favorite authors, Wayne Thomas Batson, wrote a Christian fantasy trilogy called The Door Within Trilogy that so significantly impacted me, it drew me closer to Christ. Even though it was just a story, Batson had woven scripture so deeply in the threads of those novels that there was no denying it was spiritually impactful. Those books encouraged me in my faith and brought me through some very dark times, and for that reason, I am a firm believer that fantasy can and has been an evangelical strategy. The Bible itself contains narratives that are common in fantasy stories. Battles, betrayals, sacrifice, love, good vs. evil…the list goes on and on. The reality is, a lot of fantasy authors have drawn inspiration from the Bible for their content. Great authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are excellent examples of this. They both drew inspiration for their works from many classics, including the Bible. Fantasy may be an untrue, fictional story, but it can employ the power of a story’s influence to take what is fiction and point to the very real truth found in Jesus Christ. 

As any reader of fantasy could probably tell you, fantasy stories have a special ability to transport the reader from their often-perceived mundane lives to a place of excitement and adventure. It serves a present need for the reader, who desires a change of pace from the trials and strains of our everyday lives. It forges a fandom’s identity and increases the allegiances in that people group, bringing them closer together with a strong sense of community. This is displayed in many visible ways, from book clubs to cosplay conventions, depending on each person’s personality and level of dedication to the series. I believe that every story has its own unique narrative (unless the author is playing copycat) and is told in the author’s unique voice.    

Fantasy also elicits powerful responses from fans, bringing them together in a unified appreciation of the story. It also creates a strong desire to invest in and defend that story. Authentic narratives are something that fantasy readers and writers alike often vehemently defend are real and true. However, these narratives critically hinge on the reader’s interpretation. I’ve seen readers discuss the same book and draw completely different conclusions from the narrative. Fantasy books do not correlate with real historical events, rather, they exist as a past-time that can consume readers to such a degree that it becomes a pivotal part of their lives.

Now, this isn’t to say that fantasy is purely a waste of time. It is a vehicle that can be used to bring people closer to Christ, despite being a nothing but a story. Stories can profoundly impact us, for good or for bad, and it is critical that we as writers and communicators do not underestimate that power. It is important to write fantasy because it reaches people in a way that a straight-up discussion might not. Instead of tackling current issues head-on, by wrapping those issues in a story, living it through characters, it presents an easier platform for people to discuss those things. As a writer myself, I believe that I can reach my readers through my fantasy novels and show them the love of Christ through my characters, albeit through an indirect fashion. Not to say that writing should be preachy, on the contrary, Christian writers should avoid that. Instead of telling the reader what the message of the story is, we must show them God’s love and power through characters and stories that truly matter. Fantasy points to a very real story in which we all play a part, and that is a truth that rings through our words, echoes in our pen, and thrives on our pages.

(Graphics (C)Elizabeth Hornberger 2018)

Unexpected Pain: When the Church Wounds Instead of Heals

I'd like to take a break from posts about my books and poetry to focus on a topic that has been on my heart recently. The reason I haven't posted this sooner is that I wanted to approach the subject with all the respect and sensitivity as possible. I am aware that this concern may be ignored by some...but I hope that you all will understand my heart. This all began several months, no years, ago with one question: we’re commanded to be the hands and feet of Jesus, but what happens when those hands are used to harm, and the feet to walk down paths they were never meant to traverse?

Are those actions simple missteps on the path toward righteousness, or are they pointing to a much more dangerous truth? If these questions are indeed worth seeking answers, I was left wondering, will I even find an answer to something that is either ignored, or blown far out of proportion? Where is the middle ground?

As a Christian, I have to ask those questions to myself, no matter how difficult answering them can be. Granted, I haven’t lived on this earth for a very long time. I’m a college student, a part-time worker, author, a millennial...the list seems endless sometimes. Despite that, I look at the world around me, and I’d have to be blind to not see the pain and suffering that surrounds me. Because I’m a Christian, I try to always see the world though a Biblical perspective. If you were to compare the Bible to a set of lenses, those are the glasses that I see the world through.

Seeing the world from a Biblical perspective isn’t easy. Honestly, it sometimes is downright painful. There is always going to be injustice in the world, but sometimes, that injustice comes from places you’d never hope to find, or expect. That’s right, I’m talking about the church. Now, before I continue on, I must stress something...I am NOT bashing the Church. The church is still relevant, and isn’t outdated. Let me repeat that; the church is still relevant, and isn’t outdated. However, in my relatively short years, I have seen some of the most amazing people in my life suffer the greatest at the hands of the congregation...and that reality caused me to delve into a deep soul-searching session that would last for several years. Honestly, it’s still on-going. But through this time of questioning and seeking, I’ve discovered a grace that far surpasses anything I’ve ever known.

How can the church be called by God to be the salt and light of the world when we shun those in need of the light? I’ve always been a passionate person. If I believe in something, I will defend it until my dying breath. My faith is no different. When I was in youth groups, I heard stories of people I knew walking away from the church, and those stories always bothered me. Why were they leaving? Didn’t they know it was...wrong? I felt sad, being one of the last of my peers still in the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Then, I always wondered...what’s so wrong with the church that would make them do something so rash?

And then, the answer hit far too close to home. A dear friend of mine was burned by the church in ways that to this day still make me incredibly angry. Not only did this person undergo brutally verbal mistreatment, but they were left emotionally scarred from the trauma. As I stood alongside my friend in the trenches, so to speak, I found myself asking that age-old question. Why would God let this happen? This friend of mine certainly hadn't done anything to deserve such awful treatment. As they were left asking why, I myself asked the same.

No, I never experienced the same degree of wounds from the church. My childhood years spent at church on Sundays and Wednesdays were uneventful at the least and often exciting at most. I did experience quite an awful amount of bullying from my peers, but I never blamed the church for that. My teachers were always kind and I never was yelled at, mocked, or belittled by authority figures. With all that being said, I'm sure some out there would question my reasons or right to talk about this subject. If I didn't experience it, then why would I even bother saying anything? I may not have dealt with it personally, but because my friend and I are so close, I had to see what that pain did to them, as well as others that I know.

Ephesians 4:32 says, "Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." This is a scripture that I see many people in my church living out to it's fullest. They're kind, open, and will do almost anything for you. Even on bad days, they're quick to come to your aid if you need it, and that's something my family and I have truly appreciated over the years. Then, there are those who don't. Now, this isn't a comparison rant post. I'm not going to describe these people and give a list of all the things I think they're doing wrong. I'm not to judge, that's God's job. I can only state what I see before my own eyes for the sake of clarity. There is a truth in that there are many judgmental people in the church. If you don't believe me, then ask around your community.  In my previous job, two of the four coworkers around my age admitted to me that they had been hurt by the church, and that was the primary reason they didn't believe in God.

Why is this such a common thread? It honestly hurts my heart. As followers of Christ, we're called to reach out to the lost and show them the light of Christ. We're not supposed to turn people away because they're not like us, or are struggling with some pretty big things. Haven't we all dealt with sin? Salvation isn't a pedestal. It isn't designed to lift you above the masses, and parade you about as the pinnacle of human idolatry. It isn't meant to be puffed up with pride, but open, and honest, with humility. The problem is, a lot of people don't see it that way. They wear their salvation as a badge of honor, believing that they're somehow better then everyone else. Pride is certainly dangerous, but in the church, it can wreak devastating consequences.

How do we avoid those traps? How can we, the church, do a better job at loving those in desperate need of God's touch? How can someone who's been hurt by the church ever be healed, and be able to see the church in a good light, as God intended?

It starts when God's people get on their knees, and repent. Then, it's important to spend time in God's Word. Joshua 1:8 explains this perfectly, "Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." In order to live according to God's Word, we have to know it. We can't expect to live a Godly life without it. This isn't something you can use to point a finger at someone else in judgement or even well wishes...it is a microscope. Like the sword spoken about in Hebrews 4:12, the Word cuts through all lies and pretense, revealing the true intent of the heart. If we ever wish to see true change, we have to be willing to turn that sword upon ourselves and learn where we need to find forgiveness and healing. As the saying goes, hurting people hurt people, and there are far too many wounded sitting in the sanctuary, as well as in the world at large.

Do you know someone in your life who has been hurt by the church? Have you ever asked them what is still holding them back from seeking God, despite their pain? Be encouraged to reach out to them, you never know what they may be dealing with. It says in 2 Timothy 2:25 that we are to "Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth." It could be that in their pain, they really need someone to come alongside them and be willing to show them love, where others wouldn't. Even if something hasn't directly affected you, like my friend's pain afflicted by the church, still be willing to step out of your comfort zone to gain more understanding.

If we ever wish to turn this tide around, we'll have to be willing to get to work to fix it. Yes, it will be hard, and often painful, but in the end, it will be far worth it. In order to help those outside of the church who need Jesus, we must first help the hurting in our congregations, who perhaps have been wounded similarly to my friend. Once we've done that, then we will be far more effective at reaching the lost and telling them the good news. It may be work, and it might not be what we want to do, but it's highly necessary if we wish to truly impact the world. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 enforces this, saying, "Endure suffering alone with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them."

If you've been hurt by the church, please don't give up. Don't lose faith in God, and don't lose heart. You're not alone, and you're not abandoned. If my friend can go through so much pain, and still cling to faith, I know you can, too. If you're like me, and you haven't experienced that kind of pain, know that you're still able to make a difference. You can make a real change in someone's life, and it all starts when you walk in love instead of judgment. This world can be very dark and hopeless. It can be really hard, full of days when you wonder if this is all worth it...but I promise you, it is. I've dealt with enough of my own hurts and negative experiences to tell you that I have a little experience in the pain department. But we all do. We're placed on earth at this time in history for a reason, and I'm banking on that fact. Even in our greatest hurt, God is still there for us, and I know He's been there for me.

I wish you all the best, and know that I pray for every single one of you. I believe in you, I know God's created you to do amazing things, and I hope that you'll see that someday. Don't lose heart! If you are hurting from these sort of wounds, please don't hesitate to reach out. You're not alone, and you CAN get help! God won't give up on you, and I pray you find peace and healing under His wings.






(Picture not my own, found on google images.)

Book 3 News! Wings of Revelation Cover Reveal, and More

I am happy to announce that I have received the cover art for my third book in The Warriors of Aragnar, Wings of Revelation! Some of you may have already seen this, as I've already posted it on Facebook and Instagram, but I couldn't wait to share it with all of my blog readers!

Each book cover is so special to me, and I want it to capture the themes of the book, as well as the feel. After having a yellow/gold theme, and a red/black theme, I really wanted to have a cover that showed the beauty of Aragnar's landscape at night, in a scene far more peaceful then the second book's intense cover! I've always loved stars, and so when I told my cover artist I wanted a beautiful night sky.

I wasn't disappointed! Not only did the cover turn out exactly the way I was hoping it would, but it far surpassed my expectations! Book covers, especially for fantasy books, are a great opportunity to show the reader and illustrated depiction of the story's world and characters. For the Aragnar books, I've been doing my best to share it with you all! Not only do I have the book covers, but I have some more of my own art coming soon!

Speaking of my art, I have some exciting news to share with you!

After talking to my publisher, we have decided to release a fifth book in the Aragnar series, which will be an art book of sorts. It will be a guide to Aragnar, and I'm so excited to share it with you! Not only will it be filled with my artwork, depictions of the creatures, people, and armor in the series, but it will include brand-new short stories, notes, and other awesome tid-bits about Aragnar!

I've been wanting to do something like this for years, so I am incredibly grateful that my publisher is giving me this opportunity! I will share more information about it as it comes, but for now, I hope you enjoy the new cover! 

New Poem: Louder Than Words

I am finally back after the insanity that has been the last few weeks! Between setting up new book events, working my (regular) job, and writing the third book in the series, I haven't had much time for anything else. Fortunately, I've been writing a lot of new poems, and compiling some of the best (at least, in my opinion) for Dauntless.

Soon, I plan to write some posts about subjects other then my books and poetry, I have a lot I want to write! Time management has always been a friend to me, but as I get busier, it's become harder to breathe! Whoever told me that summer break would be less crazy then a semester was wrong, or at least, in my case! Oh well, at least I'll get to vacation before school starts back up.

The poem that I will share with you today is called "Louder than Words", and was borne after a long day that prompted deep thought. Sometimes I'm convinced that my best poems come to fruition in the oddest hours of the morning, but oh well! I really hope you enjoy it, as it was a lot of fun to write!

Louder than Words

I love the depth of mind-crafted words

Precious thoughts inscribed in ink

The heart's true intent, that like a bird

Wings it's way to glory, refusing to sink

The pen is mighty, stronger then blades

Oh, how fitting that it bends the swords

Should warriors tremble at the sound, afraid

For don't they know war is louder than words?

Discriminate not, in passion the fiery tongue

Meant to be heard, a pounding drum

That breaks from the pages and through lungs

Calling for all who crave depth to boldly come

Why hide your face, did disgrace promise aid

In a life scrambling for meaning, craving truth?

So much empty talk, but is anyone unafraid?

Can an ear bend to works grand in breadth?

Shadows dwell where pools of light should be

Eyes show shattered windows to empty souls

Hungering for the ability to boldly live free

Speaking words of truth beyond their control

Like vines, the whispers tangle

Desperate to breathe in wonder

Their minds, oh so strangled

Can blind eyes ever see color?

The world is muted and violent

But there's a glimpse of light

In kind words that shatter silence

Ringing in ears longing to fight

The pen is mighty, stronger then blades

Oh, how fitting that it bends the swords

Should warriors tremble at the sound, afraid

For don't they know war is louder than words?

(Picture not mine, found on google images)

HEAV Convention: An Absolute Sellout!

I am finally returning to a regular schedule of posts, after spending the last two weeks preparing for the Virginia homeschoolers convention! I had first attended this convention as a vendor two years ago under the Young Entrepreneurs section, and now I finally had a chance to return; this time as a full-blown vendor under my own brand. 

I have to admit I wasn't sure what to expect. My first experience had been good, but disappointing in some ways, so I was naturally a little nervous. After all, this was to be my first book signing as a traditionally published author, and there are certain risks to be taken when undergoing such an endeavor. Being a new author can honestly be scary at times, but also incredibly exciting. 

I am happy to say that I did not leave discouraged. In fact, I found my passion for writing rekindled through the passion and fire in the hearts of many, many young people I encountered. Not only did I sell out of every single copy of Wings of Honor, as well as most of Wings of Darkness (all but two), but I also got the chance to meet so many aspiring authors and writers!

Speaking to these amazing young people truly humbled me. I honestly found it a little difficult to stand there as they looked up at me with admiration...because I truly still see myself as one of them; a fiery dreamer with goals as big as the sky. Who am I but a simple artist with a love of words, who wants to bring hope to a dying world? Some would call that statement dramatic, and perhaps it is. But if it is truthful, then at least I can speak with candor.

I was also incredibly blessed to have my best friend (basically a sister) Sarah help me run the booth and keep the operation smooth and stress-free! Not only has she inspired my writing and encouraged me to share my stories with the world, but she has been a steadfast warrior at my side through thick and thin. Seriously, every writer needs a friend as awesome and indispensable as her! Thank you sis, for all you do, it is not taken for granted!

Yes, I experienced overwhelming success, but money is not my end-goal, nor will it ever be. I really enjoyed encouraging these incredibly talented young writers to press forward into their writing, and to never give up on the story God has given them! I hope to read their stories one day, I sure am excited for each and every one of them as they embark on their journeys God has in store for them! 

This is my favorite part of writing; meeting like-minded people who share a similar passion for writing. Sure, I love penning stories and delving deep into worlds previously unknown...but how precious is a heart full of love for books that could one day change the world? 

Even if my books never fall into the hands of another reader, this past weekend has proven to me that what I have done, and am doing, matters. That God is using me to touch people I have never met, and perhaps may never truly know. And even if I never get to meet these young people again, I am praying for them all every single day! May I always carry that passion in my heart as long as I write, and I pray I never forget that God is the source of my stories, as well as my success. 

I am so thankful for everyone who came out and supported me, purchased my books, and shared in my dream! You guys are the best, and I am so grateful to have met every single one of you! 

I plan on doing more events in the future, and as soon as I have some events set in stone, I will share them on my blog and Facebook pages! 

Brief Hiatus Broken! New Poems and Wings of Darkness Release Date!

After a busy conclusion to the spring semester and my reintegration to life at home, I'm back! Not only did God bless me tremendously with good grades and new friends, but summer is here and I couldn't be happier! Now, being home doesn't mean I get to fully relax. Not with a major book-selling venue around the corner and two new releases on the way.

I am happy to announce that Wings of Darkness, the second installment in The Warriors of Aragnar, will be released on eBook and paperback June 9th! (And that's six days after my birthday, would you look at that!) It has gone through the rigorous editing process and is finally ready to be shared with my beloved readers and the world! It certainly is something for me to be excited about.

 I will be selling my book at the Virginia Homeschoolers Convention in June, and I can't wait to be able to meet and talk with some of my readers, as well as aspiring young writers. I love nothing more then encouraging them to write their stories and to never give up.

Quickly arriving after Wings of Darkness will be Dauntless, my poem book that I will be self-publishing through Amazon's Createspace (just when I thought I was done self-publishing!) and it will be available for purchase in the next few months! I already have my cover files completed, and all that is left is the formatting of the poems themselves, which won't take too much time. Between these two books, I have been super busy and productive.

Yes, I do indeed plan on having fun over the summer like a normal human being. It'll just have to be...planned, is all! But I schedule everything and anything as it is, so it won't be too bad. Anyway, instead of reading my incessant ramblings, I will share a new poem with you that I wrote today!

I call this one "Cornerstone", and it is another free verse poem that I wrote today. It focuses on the cry for justice in an unjust world, as well as a call to stand for what we believe in. I hope that you enjoy it!

Cornerstone

All rise to the cry of an unbroken soul

Our hearts beat as one, born and bred for war

Rebellion is sweet when lacking opposition

But the field of conflict is ripe for transition.

Dead eyes blink with unseeing apathy

As a chorus of pleas rise unheard

Will anyone stand against the cull

Of hopeless souls fading to black?

Tear down the haughty banner of comformity

Unity isn't found in a lack of creativity, but

An army where differences are strengths

Is where victory sets fire to whispering lies.

They ask, why pound the drums of war through a pen?

How come peace isn't a commonality in your veins?

I say, why close your eyes to the pain around you?

How come you don't make a stand for something?

Battles are fought when wrong raises its head

Righteous is the cause to bring it to its knees

Anything less is pure cowardice of the fearful

Who would be ignorantly blind then see. 

The Poetry Has Returned! "Embers", and more Dauntless Plans

In the crazy busyness of book releases, approaching finals, and summer plans, I have taken a brief pause to write something new. Poetry is always my go-to form of writing when I have creative busts (and the rare occasion I actually have some free time). So for tonight, I wrote a free-verse style poem that I am titling "Embers". While my poetry is often personal, I wanted to capture my heart in this one, as I hope to place this one in Dauntless!

Speaking of Dauntless, I am hoping for a mid-summer release. It won't take me very long to publish, as all of the content is basically finished. I hope it will be sooner then later, because I'm very excited to release it with you all! For now, I will leave you all with "Embers", enjoy!  

"Embers"

Do you remember sitting beneath a crimson sky? 

Like arrows, the birds flitted through the air with a certain 

Sense of freedom, I longed to fly unhindered with them. 

To be loosed from the captivating tethers of gravity. 

Was it wrong, to wish that I could leave this world behind? 

Not to die, but to spread hope as if it were wings, and 

Shake off the crippling chains of dull mediocrity. 

Could it be possible to see the world through new eyes? 

I had always been a loner, my mind was too vast 

To be understood, my heart full of thunder and storm. 

Hope, like feathers, spread despite doubt’s decay, 

Have I always felt so fierce, even when so alone? 

The sun’s setting grace has faded to tranquil night, and 

Here I sit, in solitary reflection as the stars gleam above. 

Perhaps one day, someone will stop and see the light 

That hides in plain sight behind my electrified heart.