A lot of readers ask me why I choose to write what some call a return to the “classic adventure” for my series: the Alex Cort Adventures. Beginning with A Shadow Away, I decided early on that I wanted to provide an alternative to the many books written today with emphasis on chaotic, scary worlds. Instead of fictional depressed or stressed characters dealing with what is already happening too much in real life, I wanted to write about people I’d like to spend time with. Adult friends who come together to solve supernatural mysteries linked with legends from around the world.
In researching magical adventure books, I found virtually no adventure stories with positive adult role models in the bookstores I visited. I did discover most teen and young adult books are dark stories set in dystopian worlds, preoccupied with death and suicide. This might be a sign of our times, but I thought it interesting that Hyperion editor Stephanie Lurie said she was told by a young girl, “We are not all depressed you know.”
In that same bookstore, I heard a father refuse to buy his young sons the books they wanted because the stories “gave them bad dreams.” A lot of movies and books give me bad dreams, too. I don’t need more stress in my life! And I feel there are many teens who are looking for stories that capture the imagination, without the negativity that darkens so many novels today.
I like mysteries and being completely involved in an adventure with a good plot. And because of that, I want to take you on an adventure. Draw pictures with words so you can be swept away into magical worlds of your own imagination. I’d like you to come to love the characters and be sorry when the story is over. I wanted to write adventure stories with positive adult role models for the younger readers who may need some in their lives, and enjoy a good adventure, too. Most of all, I want to offer entertaining stories with a positive approach, and a chance for everyone to learn something interesting about this world, its people, and their myths and legends.
If you like the legends of Merlin and King Arthur, I highly recommend Mary Stewart’s trilogy. Merlin’s story begins with The Crystal Cave, then The Hollow Hills, ending with The Last Enchantment. If you go online and check out her list of books, you will see many, many that capture your imagination.
James Herriot is another author whose books I treasure. His first book is called All Creatures Great and Small. He is a veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales of Northern England, and the way he tells his stories is fabulous. You will love his veterinary “family” in Darrowby. I envy you for being able to read it for the first time.
If you like stories with horses, Dick Francis used to be the Queen of England’s own jockey. He has a knack for telling a good story, too!
Just know there are many books you can sink into for such enjoyable adventures that you will want to read them again.
Happy Reading!
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