Wondrous Stories

     There are places in the galaxy that are grand and important. The majority of us, we never see those places. But we have our own stories...     - "Nomad," Star Wars Tales: Volume Six

As a writer, I am always searching for ways to learn and gain experience. The more I am familiar with, the more depth my writing will have. Through this, and and inspiration from my dad, I decided to start this blog. I see this blog containing a vast array of subject matter, and the significance of thought will be the only criterion that my posts will meet. And so, I begin with a favorite idea: everyone and everything has a story.

Image from
{http://www.sfsite.com/07a/gn203.htm}

As early in my life as I can remember, I have been utterly fascinated by stories. I think this is why I became, even at a young age, a voracious reader. Reading has been among my favorite activities for quite a long time and I don't ever anticipate becoming disheartened with it. Over the years, I have read many books, and, as difficult as it may be to believe, I have found a series of books that I call my favorites. I first read Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy a year or so before I entered high school, and I loved the series so much that I bought copies for myself after having originally checked them out from the public library. What really appealed to me about the books, in addition to a well-crafted and elaborate fantasy world, was that the characters were deep and I could identify with many of them. The second and third books of the trilogy depict the journey of an unsure young woman named Lirael who discovers her character along the path of destiny with a trusted friend and companion. Lirael's dynamic transformation in the series is incredible, and it still inspires me every time I re-read the books.

Image from
{http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/nintendo/32054/}

Another story that greatly inspires me is actually a handheld video game: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness. The appeal of this story is in the title: mystery. The game opens on the player character, a human-turned-Pokémon who has acquired retrograde amnesia. Throughout the story, the player, and his or her partner, attempt to uncover the strange circumstances behind the player's lost memory. Though the driving force behind the tale is the element of suspense, much emphasis is placed upon the strength of companionship and trust. Plot twists, desperate situations, and ultimatums are dotted throughout the main characters' adventures, with a particular heartwrenching moment that breathes life and spirit into the characters. As with any dynamic characters, they grow and change from the beginning of the story to the end in drastic ways. As I was playing, I felt one with the story, as if I were actually present in the game.

Image from {http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Darca_Nyl}

The story "Nomad" from Star Wars Tales: Volume Six (after which this blog is titled) is somewhat different. This short graphic novella follows the journey of a traveler as he jumps from planet to planet with a purpose that is gradually revealed within the pages. On his travels, he meets many individuals, slightly influencing each of their lives, though he never stays for long. He has no companion other than the lightsaber he carries with him, and is always focused on moving towards his goal. On the outside, he is hardened by past horrors. Though wounded on the inside, he is still compelled to assist those he meets in times of need.

Each of these stories have two common themes. There is a journey, rife with unexpected events, and there are connections with others. What brings these characters to life are their reactions to their situations and their interactions with other characters. Therefore, what seems to make a story compelling is its reflection of life.