Ask the Author: Kimberlee Ann Bastian
Answered Questions (2)
Kimberlee Ann Bastian
The Inspiration behind The Element Odysseys Series:
A Lightning Bolt Moment is merely a starting point. For me, my bolt of lightning was not so obvious, at least not initially. I met my muse during the fall semester of my sophomore year of college. I was taking public speaking at the time and for our latest assignment we were asked to write an informative speech. We were allowed to choose anything as a topic and being that it was October, I thought it would be fun to talk about the history of Halloween.
I researched the topic online and to my surprise I did not have to dig far because the History Channel already had its Halloween spread active on its website. Combing through the information, I came across the history of the Jack O’ Lantern and learned that the practice stems from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. As the story goes, Stingy Jack tricked the Devil twice, each time making a deal, that if he should die, the Devil could not take his soul. When Jack died, God would not let such an unsavory character into heaven and true to his word, the Devil did not claim Jack’s soul. From that day on, Jack was doomed to roam the earth, with only a piece of coal inside a hollowed turnip to light his way.
From there, I tried to learn more about this Stingy Jack, but no other stories were written about him, nor could I find the true origins of his Irish folktale. It fascinated me, the lack of information about this ill-fated character, confused why no one would have written a story about his wanderings, although one might claim Tim Burton already did in A Nightmare Before Christmas. But I was not looking for the Pumpkin King. I wanted to know what a mortal soul would do with its eternity. Could Stingy Jack fall in love? Would the Devil still be trying to beat his now immortal foe? Could Stingy Jack change his ways? Could he be granted a reprieve and be allowed into heaven? I wanted to know! And in order to know, I had to write his story. But it would take five years before Stingy Jack and I would meet again, and another eight before the first book in the series was polished enough for publication. Sometimes you just can't rush creativity.
A Lightning Bolt Moment is merely a starting point. For me, my bolt of lightning was not so obvious, at least not initially. I met my muse during the fall semester of my sophomore year of college. I was taking public speaking at the time and for our latest assignment we were asked to write an informative speech. We were allowed to choose anything as a topic and being that it was October, I thought it would be fun to talk about the history of Halloween.
I researched the topic online and to my surprise I did not have to dig far because the History Channel already had its Halloween spread active on its website. Combing through the information, I came across the history of the Jack O’ Lantern and learned that the practice stems from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. As the story goes, Stingy Jack tricked the Devil twice, each time making a deal, that if he should die, the Devil could not take his soul. When Jack died, God would not let such an unsavory character into heaven and true to his word, the Devil did not claim Jack’s soul. From that day on, Jack was doomed to roam the earth, with only a piece of coal inside a hollowed turnip to light his way.
From there, I tried to learn more about this Stingy Jack, but no other stories were written about him, nor could I find the true origins of his Irish folktale. It fascinated me, the lack of information about this ill-fated character, confused why no one would have written a story about his wanderings, although one might claim Tim Burton already did in A Nightmare Before Christmas. But I was not looking for the Pumpkin King. I wanted to know what a mortal soul would do with its eternity. Could Stingy Jack fall in love? Would the Devil still be trying to beat his now immortal foe? Could Stingy Jack change his ways? Could he be granted a reprieve and be allowed into heaven? I wanted to know! And in order to know, I had to write his story. But it would take five years before Stingy Jack and I would meet again, and another eight before the first book in the series was polished enough for publication. Sometimes you just can't rush creativity.
Kimberlee Ann Bastian
Dear Aspiring Authors,
Contrary to what the world might tell you, there is not a wrong or right way to create a story. Of course, there are some rules, and while rules can be broken, for your first time out of the gate you’ll need to follow every last one. Or you’re a complete genius and if so, I applaud you for your brilliance. I have no doubt it will be an instant masterpiece!
For the rest of us, and I include myself in this, there are somethings I have learned that I can impart.
1. If you want to be an author know why at the start of your journey and what you want to build towards. Have your “I’ve made it moment” in mind and be honest with yourself.
2. Be sure to have a network of people you trust that you can bounce ideas off of and who will support you as you pen your creation.
3. Be prepared to live in two worlds. The “real” one and the one you are building. Be sure to find balance between them.
4. Know that the journey to becoming an author will be a rollercoaster of emotions and that as much as you believe it is taking far too long to complete your journey, know that it is taking the amount of time that it should.
5. As Thomas Edison once said, “Many of life’s failures, are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
If it is in your heart, your soul, and your mind to be an author, with determination, you have all the power you need to be one.
~Best wishes on your literary journeys ~ Kimberlee Ann Bastian
Contrary to what the world might tell you, there is not a wrong or right way to create a story. Of course, there are some rules, and while rules can be broken, for your first time out of the gate you’ll need to follow every last one. Or you’re a complete genius and if so, I applaud you for your brilliance. I have no doubt it will be an instant masterpiece!
For the rest of us, and I include myself in this, there are somethings I have learned that I can impart.
1. If you want to be an author know why at the start of your journey and what you want to build towards. Have your “I’ve made it moment” in mind and be honest with yourself.
2. Be sure to have a network of people you trust that you can bounce ideas off of and who will support you as you pen your creation.
3. Be prepared to live in two worlds. The “real” one and the one you are building. Be sure to find balance between them.
4. Know that the journey to becoming an author will be a rollercoaster of emotions and that as much as you believe it is taking far too long to complete your journey, know that it is taking the amount of time that it should.
5. As Thomas Edison once said, “Many of life’s failures, are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
If it is in your heart, your soul, and your mind to be an author, with determination, you have all the power you need to be one.
~Best wishes on your literary journeys ~ Kimberlee Ann Bastian
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