Dragons-Why Not?

One thing that I am asked quite a bit when the subject of the novel comes up is "What is the book about?"  Usually I don't get into much detail because that's the way the creative process works for me, so I say it's a High Adventure Fantasy story with swords, kings, and dragons.  

One of two things happens.  Either the person looks at me as if I have two heads, or they say "Cool!"  But the one thing everyone picks out are the dragons.  I had a person tell me once, "You don't look like you would be into dragons."  Ok- that one still has me scratching my head.  What does a person who likes dragons look like?  Do we have a defining feature? 

Bringing the huge scaled mythical reptiles into the story was not a hard decision.  They belonged there so I "saw" them in the story.  When I researched dragons, I found so much information that I decided to use some of what I found, and other things I made up.  So to all you dragon purists- I apologize ahead of time- I'm sure you will get over it.  (LOL!) 

I would have to say that one of my favorite characters is a baby dragon named Nigel.  The more I work with him, the more fun he is!  There is something about a baby dragon and a small child that change the tone of the story- and these two do! 

Another favorite is a big black dragon with red eyes.  He is a nightmare, but is too- fun to write.  Who doesn't enjoy a massive fire breathing dragon that sounds a lot like the T-Rex in "Jurassic Park"?  I've only started writing about him and I know any scene he's in will be interesting. 

I've also created people that interact with the dragons; a couple of them specifically work with the huge beasts.  That has also been a blast!  One of my favorite scenes involves one of those people and a giant and my main girl, who ends up taking an unexpected ride on a dragon. 

I don't know exactly how or when I decided to add the dragons- all I know is that in part of the dedication that I wrote for the book; I give a shout out to my dad and mention that he heard the rush of dragon wings long before I did.  My dad was NEVER a Sci-Fi or fantasy fan, but he knew I was.  I'm sure it would not surprise him in the least to know that the dragons are all over this novel. 

I think that dragons must spark something in everyone; positive or negative- and I think that says a lot about the person.  For me, the dragon is the symbol of imagination, power and creativity.  Heck, I just love 'em!  So no matter what side of this issue you are on I will leave you with this awesome poem from Jack Prelutsky.

If you don't believe in dragons,
It is curiously true
That the dragons you disparage
Choose to not believe in you.
~ Jack Prelutsky