Stephani Damato's Blog
April 23, 2020
New Website
This blog is no longer in use, please visit my website at www.StephaniDamato.com. Thank you for visiting!
August 14, 2017
Why I Love Avatar: A Reflection on a Fictional World
As a reader and a writer, I love stories. The best kind of storytelling, in my humble opinion, are stories that you escape to whenever reality is getting you down. When the author can create a fictional, complex, fantastical world that makes me want to explore there if only for a day, that is the kind of storytelling that will stick with me throughout the years. The first story that made me feel this way--this indescribable, nostalgic emotion--was Harry Potter. Although the plot was set in a magical land of wizards, witches, extraordinary creatures, and perplexing sorcery, it still felt like all of it was within the realm of possibility. It explored very human elements: romantic and familial love, friendship, bravery, grief, sacrifice, death, and the idea that good can always triumph over evil even in the face of adversity. The depth of this artificial world and the multi-dimensional character creation allowed its audience to feel empathy for people and situations that perhaps have not or could never exist.
In my personal life, it isn’t often that a book or a television show or a movie can make me feel this way. When it does, it’s a fierce reminder to me as to why I love being a writer and why I hold others’ stories so very closely. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a series that has done for me what my beloved Harry has done. Its world-building and character development are unparalleled. This was a television show that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, spanning three seasons with a total of 61 episodes at the series’ finish. In 2005, I was 12 years old and ignorant to most elements of a good story. Although I am currently a lover of books, at 12 I had not yet read a full novel myself. I had never watched an entire series on television. But I knew I had a passion for storytelling, which is probably why this show was so attractive to me. At the time of the show’s airing, I had watched many episodes, but certainly not all of them, and I had never seen the four-part series finale.
As an adult, I realized that I never received closure with this storyline that at one point in time piqued my interest. I have always been intrigued with the supernatural and characters who have amazing powers that transcend anything here on Earth. My sister, being a hardcore Avatar fan since the series’ premiere, encouraged me to watch it with her from start to finish. So, last year, as a 23-year-old person, I devoured all three seasons fairly quickly. Although considered a children’s show, and although it is a cartoon, this show touches on such relevant topics. At its core, it is one of the most political kid’s shows I have ever seen.
The story centers around 12-year-old Aang, the world’s current Avatar (a deity-like person who can bend all four elements) who has been frozen in ice for 100 years. In his absence, the Fire Nation--led by a dictatorial Firelord Ozai--has begun a war under the guise of spreading its prosperity with the world. It is the Avatar’s duty to maintain peace among the nations, and Aang quickly discovers that he doesn’t have much time to master all four elements in order to stop the Fire Nation from committing another genocide and conquering the world. On his journey, Aang meets many characters who help him on his way, showing him and the audience what kind of state the world is in. Of the main characters, we as the audience get to know Katara, the last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe, who is still grieving over the death of her mother and holds much resentment towards her father. We meet her brother, Sokka, a non-bender who struggles with his masculinity and his leadership role as the oldest male in the village. We meet Toph, a 12-year-old master earthbender who is more powerful than her family understands. We follow the banished Prince Zuko, son of the Firelord, on his quest to regain his honor by capturing the Avatar in order to return home. And in the second season we meet Princess Azula, Zuko’s sociopathic sister, who will show no mercy to anyone that stands in the way of her father’s victory. In addition to these characters, we meet more people throughout our protagonists’ travels, and whether they are a proven ally or sworn enemy, each one has their own part in strengthening Aang’s beliefs and abilities. As the main characters travel from city to city, nation to nation, and as Aang learns the elements, we are able to see the many facets of each character and their influence on the plot, whether they play a major or minor role in the series.
Throughout the story, the characters face many dilemmas: How much can power corrupt a person? Is ignorance truly bliss? Is every villain as heartless as they appear? Is revenge worth tarnishing your morals? Is it reasonable to deny your responsibilities if you never asked for them? What sacrifices would you make for the people you love? Is murder acceptable in order to save the lives of many? The conflicted actions and emotions of the characters bring about a very human question that I think we all ask at one point or another: Who am I? We cringe at the repercussions of their mistakes. We rejoice in the happiness of their triumphs. And above all, we learn that no matter how many poor choices we have made in the past, any trial can be overcome with hope and perseverance. The writers of this story made me fall in love with the characters and the world they have delicately woven together. Although fictional, the plot mirrors real-life issues that are happening in the world today. It allows me to reflect upon the kind of person I am and examine my own belief system. It makes me question how I would react in similar situations and the length I would go in order to bring about justice where I thought I could. Would I be the character who stands up for what is right or would I stand idly by? All of these reasons, and many more, are why I will always return to this realm of elemental bending and spirit worlds and flying bison and tyrannical monarchs any chance I get.
In my personal life, it isn’t often that a book or a television show or a movie can make me feel this way. When it does, it’s a fierce reminder to me as to why I love being a writer and why I hold others’ stories so very closely. Avatar: The Last Airbender is a series that has done for me what my beloved Harry has done. Its world-building and character development are unparalleled. This was a television show that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008, spanning three seasons with a total of 61 episodes at the series’ finish. In 2005, I was 12 years old and ignorant to most elements of a good story. Although I am currently a lover of books, at 12 I had not yet read a full novel myself. I had never watched an entire series on television. But I knew I had a passion for storytelling, which is probably why this show was so attractive to me. At the time of the show’s airing, I had watched many episodes, but certainly not all of them, and I had never seen the four-part series finale.
As an adult, I realized that I never received closure with this storyline that at one point in time piqued my interest. I have always been intrigued with the supernatural and characters who have amazing powers that transcend anything here on Earth. My sister, being a hardcore Avatar fan since the series’ premiere, encouraged me to watch it with her from start to finish. So, last year, as a 23-year-old person, I devoured all three seasons fairly quickly. Although considered a children’s show, and although it is a cartoon, this show touches on such relevant topics. At its core, it is one of the most political kid’s shows I have ever seen.
The story centers around 12-year-old Aang, the world’s current Avatar (a deity-like person who can bend all four elements) who has been frozen in ice for 100 years. In his absence, the Fire Nation--led by a dictatorial Firelord Ozai--has begun a war under the guise of spreading its prosperity with the world. It is the Avatar’s duty to maintain peace among the nations, and Aang quickly discovers that he doesn’t have much time to master all four elements in order to stop the Fire Nation from committing another genocide and conquering the world. On his journey, Aang meets many characters who help him on his way, showing him and the audience what kind of state the world is in. Of the main characters, we as the audience get to know Katara, the last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe, who is still grieving over the death of her mother and holds much resentment towards her father. We meet her brother, Sokka, a non-bender who struggles with his masculinity and his leadership role as the oldest male in the village. We meet Toph, a 12-year-old master earthbender who is more powerful than her family understands. We follow the banished Prince Zuko, son of the Firelord, on his quest to regain his honor by capturing the Avatar in order to return home. And in the second season we meet Princess Azula, Zuko’s sociopathic sister, who will show no mercy to anyone that stands in the way of her father’s victory. In addition to these characters, we meet more people throughout our protagonists’ travels, and whether they are a proven ally or sworn enemy, each one has their own part in strengthening Aang’s beliefs and abilities. As the main characters travel from city to city, nation to nation, and as Aang learns the elements, we are able to see the many facets of each character and their influence on the plot, whether they play a major or minor role in the series.
Throughout the story, the characters face many dilemmas: How much can power corrupt a person? Is ignorance truly bliss? Is every villain as heartless as they appear? Is revenge worth tarnishing your morals? Is it reasonable to deny your responsibilities if you never asked for them? What sacrifices would you make for the people you love? Is murder acceptable in order to save the lives of many? The conflicted actions and emotions of the characters bring about a very human question that I think we all ask at one point or another: Who am I? We cringe at the repercussions of their mistakes. We rejoice in the happiness of their triumphs. And above all, we learn that no matter how many poor choices we have made in the past, any trial can be overcome with hope and perseverance. The writers of this story made me fall in love with the characters and the world they have delicately woven together. Although fictional, the plot mirrors real-life issues that are happening in the world today. It allows me to reflect upon the kind of person I am and examine my own belief system. It makes me question how I would react in similar situations and the length I would go in order to bring about justice where I thought I could. Would I be the character who stands up for what is right or would I stand idly by? All of these reasons, and many more, are why I will always return to this realm of elemental bending and spirit worlds and flying bison and tyrannical monarchs any chance I get.
October 24, 2016
Beaver Falls Library Event
This past Saturday I had the honor of attending a local author event at the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls. Looming high over its surrounding buildings, the Carnegie Free Library is a beautiful, massive chunk of Beaver Falls history. Its interior matched its exemplary exterior as well with its high ceilings and vast rooms.
My booth was stationed in the smaller area designated of teens/young adults, and I was placed next to many wonderful, talented, and kind authors. This event was a great opportunity to mingle with fellow authors and learn about their lives and writings. Their accomplishments inspire me to continue to pursue my passion of writing, exemplifying the fact that it's hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to (despite being a cliche),
At the event, I was able to sell a few of my novels, but that was not the point in attending--I was able to meet wonderful readers and prospective writers who were encouraging and uplifting. Met people seeking knowledge about the craft of writing and was able to share my experiences with them, hopefully giving them enough insight and inspiration to pursue a project they've been brainstorming for years but haven't yet had the courage to begin.
This was the second library event that I have attended and I hope I made it clear to the administration of this event that I would be delighted to participate in any other activities the library has in store. Communicating and mingling with other people who are as interested in writing as I am fills me with a sense of purpose and demonstrates that there are others like me who share the same burning desire to put words to paper, and that fact alone is enough to renew my faith in humanity and to remember that creativity still exists amongst the terror that often consumes our world.
Again, thank you to everyone who made the event possible and I look forward to seeing those smiling, familiar faces in the near future.
My booth was stationed in the smaller area designated of teens/young adults, and I was placed next to many wonderful, talented, and kind authors. This event was a great opportunity to mingle with fellow authors and learn about their lives and writings. Their accomplishments inspire me to continue to pursue my passion of writing, exemplifying the fact that it's hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to (despite being a cliche),
At the event, I was able to sell a few of my novels, but that was not the point in attending--I was able to meet wonderful readers and prospective writers who were encouraging and uplifting. Met people seeking knowledge about the craft of writing and was able to share my experiences with them, hopefully giving them enough insight and inspiration to pursue a project they've been brainstorming for years but haven't yet had the courage to begin.
This was the second library event that I have attended and I hope I made it clear to the administration of this event that I would be delighted to participate in any other activities the library has in store. Communicating and mingling with other people who are as interested in writing as I am fills me with a sense of purpose and demonstrates that there are others like me who share the same burning desire to put words to paper, and that fact alone is enough to renew my faith in humanity and to remember that creativity still exists amongst the terror that often consumes our world.
Again, thank you to everyone who made the event possible and I look forward to seeing those smiling, familiar faces in the near future.
September 18, 2016
Stephani's Puppy Pastries
Hi everyone! I have recently begun a small business selling homemade dog biscuits called Stephani's Puppy Pastries. I baked the first two batches today and they turned out great! There are nine flavors total and hopefully by the end of this week they will be ready to sell. Unfortunately right now shipping is not available, but if you are in the Ellwood City, Pa area we could do a meet up or a pick up! Here is the link to the Facebook page where I will be posting information on the treats and how to order. Thanks :)
www.Facebook.com/StephsPuppyPastries
www.Facebook.com/StephsPuppyPastries
August 24, 2016
She Searched For the Stars
She searched for the stars
But only darkness she found
She spent time looking up
Although never around
She reached for the moon
But her arms were too short
So she quickly looked round
To find things for support
She stood on a ladder
And looked all around
But she nearly forgot
All the things on the ground
She flew high in the clouds
And the planets she kissed
But she looked down and saw
All the things she had missed
Copyright 2016 Stephani Damato
But only darkness she found
She spent time looking up
Although never around
She reached for the moon
But her arms were too short
So she quickly looked round
To find things for support
She stood on a ladder
And looked all around
But she nearly forgot
All the things on the ground
She flew high in the clouds
And the planets she kissed
But she looked down and saw
All the things she had missed
Copyright 2016 Stephani Damato
June 13, 2016
Me Before You by JoJo Moyes
Here are my thoughts on Me Before You, the book and the movie, if anyone is interested. Spoilers ahead.
I really liked the book. I enjoyed most of it, even though Will was a jerk and I could not understand that for awhile. He and Lou's banter was funny, and although some people had a problem with Lou I thought she was a quirky and relatable character. The story progressed nicely, and I thought the character dynamics were strong.
Here's the thing. Obviously I am against suicide, assisted suicide included. I am not downplaying severe depression. It exists and it is debilitating. I understand that after Will was hit by that motorbike that his fast-paced, successful life completely turned upside down and he could no longer participate in the things he loved anymore. What didn't help was his family, either. His sister isn't around (not that I put any blame on her, she's an adult and doesn't have to stick around just for her brother), and his parents' relationship was estranged. Although they love Will, they hardly showed it. They never seemed to try and sit with Will, talk with him, get him professional mental health. Of course these things may have happened behind the scenes, but as far as the book and movie, I could not gather much support from his family. It isn't even that I blame Will for trying to commit suicide. Suicide is an unfortunate reality and I was not surprised to learn that he had already attempted it, or that he continued to have suicidal thoughts. What I did have a problem with, though, was the end.
I thought this was going to be a love story, I was prepared for it, and it truly wasn't. I am not usually interested in love stories anyway so I quickly got over that part. I thought the story depicted how a non-disabled person could fall in love with a disabled-person—that their ability did not matter. It was Will's soul and personality that Lou fell in love with, and I think that Will fell in love with Louisa as well, although he wasn't very great at showing it. This story did not have to have a happy ending, I've read plenty of books that don't. Honestly, I was expecting some medical fallacy to kill Will or that he would pass away from complications from his paralysis. I did not anticipate him to still want to kill himself after all Lou showed him he could do. After she showed him that he could love and be loved back. That he could have a wonderful, fulfilling life and family and career despite his setbacks. It didn't seem that Will even considered any of this. He set his mind on dying and he basically gave up.
Yes, this happens to people. When something tragic happens, they sometimes give up. But it is up to their inner strength and the people they love to pull them out of it, which is exactly what Louisa was trying to do. All I know is if I was Will's parents I would go through Hell and back to try and convince Will that his life has meaning. I would not accept his decision to end his life, as selfish as this may seem. I would not take him to the place where he will be killed. I understand respecting a person's decision, but how could you drive your child to a place where you know he will never leave? He was 30 years old, he barely even had time to live. Just because he can't jump off cliffs anymore doesn't mean that he can't do anything of worth. A drastic lifestyle change, yes, but two years does not seem like enough time to fully pull yourself out of a setback like losing feeling of 90% of your body.
What does this tell disabled/paralyzed people? That you can't do amazing things anymore because you're in a wheelchair? That you might as well give up because it isn't going to get any better? That although you could have a great life, it isn't the life you used to live, so you probably should just end it? Not only was the end of this story not a happily ever after, but it left a feeling of despair and hopelessness. People who are disabled: things can get better. You can do anything you want to do. You have worth and can accomplish amazing things. Your disability does NOT define you. It's never too late, never give up. This story may not have told a story of hope, perseverance, acceptance, or courage, but stories like that DO exist. I am not sure what the message was that this story was trying to send. I know it focuses on Louisa changing herself for the better, but Will did not need to die to accomplish that. (And she also didn't have to realize her potential because a man told her to, but that's another topic). I hope everyone can enjoy this story to some degree, and I hope it hasn't discouraged anyone, both disabled and non-disabled.
I really liked the book. I enjoyed most of it, even though Will was a jerk and I could not understand that for awhile. He and Lou's banter was funny, and although some people had a problem with Lou I thought she was a quirky and relatable character. The story progressed nicely, and I thought the character dynamics were strong.
Here's the thing. Obviously I am against suicide, assisted suicide included. I am not downplaying severe depression. It exists and it is debilitating. I understand that after Will was hit by that motorbike that his fast-paced, successful life completely turned upside down and he could no longer participate in the things he loved anymore. What didn't help was his family, either. His sister isn't around (not that I put any blame on her, she's an adult and doesn't have to stick around just for her brother), and his parents' relationship was estranged. Although they love Will, they hardly showed it. They never seemed to try and sit with Will, talk with him, get him professional mental health. Of course these things may have happened behind the scenes, but as far as the book and movie, I could not gather much support from his family. It isn't even that I blame Will for trying to commit suicide. Suicide is an unfortunate reality and I was not surprised to learn that he had already attempted it, or that he continued to have suicidal thoughts. What I did have a problem with, though, was the end.
I thought this was going to be a love story, I was prepared for it, and it truly wasn't. I am not usually interested in love stories anyway so I quickly got over that part. I thought the story depicted how a non-disabled person could fall in love with a disabled-person—that their ability did not matter. It was Will's soul and personality that Lou fell in love with, and I think that Will fell in love with Louisa as well, although he wasn't very great at showing it. This story did not have to have a happy ending, I've read plenty of books that don't. Honestly, I was expecting some medical fallacy to kill Will or that he would pass away from complications from his paralysis. I did not anticipate him to still want to kill himself after all Lou showed him he could do. After she showed him that he could love and be loved back. That he could have a wonderful, fulfilling life and family and career despite his setbacks. It didn't seem that Will even considered any of this. He set his mind on dying and he basically gave up.
Yes, this happens to people. When something tragic happens, they sometimes give up. But it is up to their inner strength and the people they love to pull them out of it, which is exactly what Louisa was trying to do. All I know is if I was Will's parents I would go through Hell and back to try and convince Will that his life has meaning. I would not accept his decision to end his life, as selfish as this may seem. I would not take him to the place where he will be killed. I understand respecting a person's decision, but how could you drive your child to a place where you know he will never leave? He was 30 years old, he barely even had time to live. Just because he can't jump off cliffs anymore doesn't mean that he can't do anything of worth. A drastic lifestyle change, yes, but two years does not seem like enough time to fully pull yourself out of a setback like losing feeling of 90% of your body.
What does this tell disabled/paralyzed people? That you can't do amazing things anymore because you're in a wheelchair? That you might as well give up because it isn't going to get any better? That although you could have a great life, it isn't the life you used to live, so you probably should just end it? Not only was the end of this story not a happily ever after, but it left a feeling of despair and hopelessness. People who are disabled: things can get better. You can do anything you want to do. You have worth and can accomplish amazing things. Your disability does NOT define you. It's never too late, never give up. This story may not have told a story of hope, perseverance, acceptance, or courage, but stories like that DO exist. I am not sure what the message was that this story was trying to send. I know it focuses on Louisa changing herself for the better, but Will did not need to die to accomplish that. (And she also didn't have to realize her potential because a man told her to, but that's another topic). I hope everyone can enjoy this story to some degree, and I hope it hasn't discouraged anyone, both disabled and non-disabled.
May 3, 2016
Novel Contest
My latest novel, Between Dawn and Dagger, and now available on Inkitt for a contest. The winner of the contest gets a publishing deal through a major publishing house (Penguin, HarperTeen, Random House, etc). That is my ultimate life goal, and I would appreciate any and all help! All you need to do is click the little heart icon when you open the novel to vote, voting ends June 7th! You can also rate and review the chapters. Follow the link below to check it out, and thanks again for your support!
https://www.inkitt.com/stories/68163
https://www.inkitt.com/stories/68163
May 2, 2016
EC Ledger
A big thank you to Louise Carroll for writing this article about me in the Ellwood City Ledger!
https://www.facebook.com/stephani.m.d...
https://www.facebook.com/stephani.m.d...
April 27, 2016
"Write On"
The EC Library is hosting a "Write On" event this Friday from 6-9pm, focusing on local published authors. I had the honor of being invited, and I anticipate the occasion! I've printed flyers, book order forms, created posters and gathered copies of my books to sell if anyone is interested in purchasing them. A fellow author, Jonathan Cortez, wrote a great article about the event on Ellwood City's website. You can read it here: http://ellwoodcity.org/2016/04/26/lib...
A writer for the Ellwood City Ledger contacted me today and told me that she is writing a story about me in the paper and had some questions regarding my writing, books, and goals. I am so very honored that people from my community are reaching out to me with an interest in my writing--something I have been passionate about since I was a child.
I look forward to future publications and will continue to post fiction excerpts, opinion articles, poetry, short stories, and more. Thank you all for your support!
Pictures will be posted soon :)
A writer for the Ellwood City Ledger contacted me today and told me that she is writing a story about me in the paper and had some questions regarding my writing, books, and goals. I am so very honored that people from my community are reaching out to me with an interest in my writing--something I have been passionate about since I was a child.
I look forward to future publications and will continue to post fiction excerpts, opinion articles, poetry, short stories, and more. Thank you all for your support!
Pictures will be posted soon :)
