Zipacna Dragons Launch Party

On Saturday, July 20th, I entered a world of dragons and magic. Between hunting for dragon eggs, dining on Indian cuisine, and watching a young warrior find a dragon, I felt transported to another realm.

Author S.P. Jayaraj hosted a phenomenal launch party for his book The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons. He held the launch at Groundswell in Cedar Rapids, IA, a cafe that follows the mission of providing a place where everyone has access to fresh, healthy food, regardless of their ability to pay. From the first moment you walked through the door, you were greeted with origami dragons, riddles, prizes, and the smell of butter chicken.

The Hunt:

Three wooden walls positioned in a triangle in the center of the room bore riddles created by S.P. Each was a clue to finding one of the hand-made dragon eggs hidden throughout the room. Egg finders not only got to keep the eggs, they also received additional prizes.

The room exploded with people rushing around (both inside and out) trying to decipher the clues and be the first to find the eggs. It didn't matter if you were an adult or a child, everyone got in on the action, myself included. And while I didn't find one of the eggs, it was so much fun teaming up with people to try to figure out the riddles. You'd think all my time reading Redwall riddles would have prepared me!

Some eggs were hidden in tables or high above us in the crevice of a wall. And one special egg teased us in the branches of a tree just outside of the building. When it was down to the last egg which challenged the hunters to find the "Winter Elf," we were given one last clue. "She's in this room." I think every woman was approached and asked, "Are you the winter Elf?"

In the end, all of the eggs were recovered by these smiling faces.

The Reading: 

Now, you would expect there to be a reading at a book launch. What I didn't expect was there to be two readers, a play, and scenery as well! Author Mindy Mejia,  keeping to the theme, read from her book The Dragon Keeper. Behind her, a canvas wall painted to look like a story helped us get lost in her world.

And then it was S.P.'s turn to read an excerpt from his book, only, he did it in script style. Local actors picked up wooden weapons and battled in front of a castle scene then escaped into the woods where the main character, Gradni, was confronted by a roaring dragon. I think about half of the people in the room jumped when the actress unleashed her mighty cry.

It was delightful to watch the story come to life through the play. It definitely made me want to watch/read more.

You can check out the entire readings and play here. 

The Cuisine: 

As if writing a book, making dragon eggs, and putting on a play and party weren't enough, S.P. also cooked authentic Indian cuisine for everyone. We feasted on a mix of Dhal (yellow lentils), rice (basmati), potato curry, butter chicken, and Indian ice cream, and they were absolutely delicious! People went up multiple times to get additional servings and chatted with others, both familiar and new. There was such a great sense of camaraderie, and how can there not be when you're sharing the love of books?

Overall, it was a fantastic night, and not even the storm outside attempting to break through the blistering heat put a dampener on the evening. It certainly gave me ideas for future launches, and made me excited for whatever S.P. Jayaraj has in store for his next book.

So if you're looking for an epic fantasy to read all about elves, dragons, and more, check out The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons. 

About The Secret of the Zipacna Dragons

The young Gradni has always known that dragons were evil, a belief widely held by the four people of Adijari - his own elves who can summon the energy in the atmosphere, the devs who are empowered by light, the amesha who have a kinship with the earth, and the qui-lahk who share a bond with animals. When his father dies fighting the dragons of Zipacna, Gradni’s only goal is to follow in his footsteps and help destroy the dragons once and for all. But after being recruited by the manipulative Mogurn, Gradni must compete against Erdun, an amesha who has been imbued with the power of the Fire Spirit Ta’ar, and trained by the dev cult that has already eradicated one of the eight dragon species. In addition to being a pawn in a political game of conquest, Gradni starts to doubt if the dragons really are the villains he always thought they were. Alone and without guidance he wonders which side deserves his loyalty, his own people who are offering him everything he thought he wanted, or the misunderstood dragons whom he has hated his entire life.

_______

Photography: All photography and video was done by Wayne Anderson at wayne@wgamedia.com. 

How to Ruin Character Arcs A La Game of Thrones

Note: This post is dark and full of spoilers from S8E5. 

Sunday treated us to the fifth episode of season 8 of Game of Thrones, and it left watchers and readers raging. Between Dany activating "Mad King" mode and burning King's Landing to the ground, Jamie going back to Cersei, and Cersei getting the fastest, easiest death of most characters of the show, it left people wanting. And lighting pitchforks. 

Now, let it be clear, it's not that the episode didn't go the way I wanted that has me upset, it's the destruction of the character arcs that has my blood boiling as much as Dany...or any of her victims for that matter. This episode--frankly the last two--have shown a gross break away from the character arcs that we've grown to love over the past 8 seasons. In one episode, these fleshed out characters get a 180 makeover leaving us all feeling a bit whip lashed. 

So let's go through and talk about just how our beloved characters were ruined. 

Daenerys Targaryen

Yes, ladies and gents, we're going to pounce on the Mother of Dragon(s) herself first. To begin, I'd like to say that I've read an incredible article about how Dany's fall into madness makes sense, and I suggest you take a look at it. Check out "Game of Thrones": Don't be shocked by Daenerys-- her King's Landing turn was very much earned written by Amanda Marcotte. 

In summary, in the article, Marcotte explains how Dany's descent shouldn't be a surprise to us as George R.R. Martin, and the show writers, have hinted at her fits of rage more than once in the series. From killing the "masters" to free the slaves to frying Sam's father and brother, Dany has shown she doesn't handle people disagreeing with her ideology very well. 

But, here's the caveat. Dany started out the series basically as a brood mare for her brother to help him gain power. She was married off to Khal Drogo where she was subsequently raped and taken advantage of until she learned how to bend him to her will instead. She started from the ground up, learning how to find a foot hole in a situation that would otherwise see her as a captive. 

Throughout the series, Dany's main focus has been going to Westeros and claiming the Iron Throne which is her birthright--up until we learn that Jon Snow is a Targaryen of course. She works on building her army through taking command of the Dothraki, freeing the Unsullied by killing the masters, raising her three dragons, and swaying people to her side, all the while fighting to convince everyone that she's not like her deranged father. Robert Baratheon sends assassins after her when she's just a girl because of the threat she poses (what if she truly is like the mad king)? And yet she survives it. 

Varys makes a point to say that when a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin to see on which side it lands. Dany could have become a powerful queen or an evil dictator, and unfortunately, the latter came into play. And it's maddening. It makes sense that with the loss of Jorah, two of her children, and her best friend, Missandei, that she would go into a spiral of rage, but that doesn't mean she had to go all Mad King. While she--along with many characters-- has demonstrated violence towards those against her, she's also shown mercy, love, and caring. 

The thing that angers me the most is that the writers set it up that the fact that Jon doesn't want to boink her is what sends her over the edge. Can we please stop the themes of women going crazy because they're scorned by a guy? 

When the Lannisters surrendered at King's Landing, that should have been it. I would have understood her wanting to go after the Lannister army, and Cersei of course, but to destroy the entirety of King's Landing along with all the innocent people within? It seems contrary to her character. She's fought all this time not to be her father. She has one dragon, one child, left, and she puts him completely at risk to take King's Landing and destroy all of the people. It doesn't do her character justice. She basically destroys the very thing she's come to claim. If the city is burnt to the ground, who's going to serve her? Never once in the series (that I can recall) has she intentionally caused the deaths of children or mothers. And yet here, she destroys every single one of them, and without any remorse. 

This isn't the Dany that we were presented with. 

Jamie Lannister

Where to begin? We all hated Jamie at the beginning when we were introduced to him banging his sister followed by him shoving a kid out the window to protect their secret. Great moral compass there, Jamie. 

But, as the seasons progress, we get to see him and Brienne together and learn that he killed the Mad King to save King's Landing. He didn't want to see people burn to death, so he stuck a sword in the man and became the loved and hated King Slayer. Through their relationship, we see a softer side of Jamie. He loses his hand protecting her. He swears to fight by her side during the battle against the Night King. He abandons Cersei (granted, she gave him a death threat) because he doesn't believe in what she's doing and how she's hurting the people. He meets Bran again and tells him that he's not the same man he once was. And then Jamie shows even more growth by being with Brienne and bedding her, treating her like a woman rather than some object. He even says he'll stay with her while the battle at King's Landing happens.

And then...he finds out Dany is going to kill Cersei, and he does a 180 and runs back  to Cersei. 

Wait, what? 

Didn't he just get a death threat from Bron that he's been hired by Cersei to kill Jamie and Tyrion? 

Oh, but no, your sister and bed buddy is in danger, so let's forget the woman that you fell in love with, and new moral compass, and race your butt right back to King's Landing. Right before Dany massacres everyone. 

Nice. 

The debauchery of Jamie's character continues when he sees the devastation that's happening at King's Landing and he does nothing to stop it. Jamie, the King Slayer, the man who murdered the Mad King to save the people, just shoves his way through the crowd to get to Cersei. He fights, and almost dies by, Euron to get to her. And in his final moments, he holds her, comforts her, and confesses his love for her as they're crushed by rocks. 

BY ROCKS.

So much for not being the "same man." 

This is not how you end a character's arc. He literally had everything going for him at Winterfell, and even after Bron threatened him, he had no intentions of going back. But the moment he hears Cersei is in danger, he throws all his morals aside and rushes to her. Hell, he's demonstrated more loyalty to Tyrion by helping his brother escape the cells than he has to Cersei, and he still chooses to be with her rather than to fight at his brother's side. 

Bad call, writers. Bad call. 

Tyrion Lannister

I was rooting for you, sir, I really was. 

First off, what happened to the "I drink and know things" Tyrion that we were treated to in the first few seasons of the show? A man of witty words, fascinating quips, and enough intelligence to lead an army into war at the Battle of Blackwater Bay. He became Hand to Dany and seemed to remain the same Tyrion for awhile. 

And then season 8 happened.

Suddenly, Tyrion has turned into a bumbling fool who can't anticipate what's going to happen in battle. He's constantly apologizing for his mistakes to Dany, underestimating his sister and her supposed good will, letting his brother go and run back to Cersei (thus betraying Dany), and selling out Varys which he's never once done before. 

Varys has been one of his closest companions and a fellow adviser through this all, and yet when Varys demonstrates his hopes of Jon being the one on the throne, Tyrion rushes to Dany to let her know and Varys pays the price. Granted, it's treason. It makes sense. But since when has Tyrion had an issue with treason (ie. killing his father on the toilet, freeing his brother, turning against the Lannisters, etc). 

No, we're left with a man half the character he once was (no pun intended), and with little intrigue and all hot air. Tyrion's character hasn't been done justice whatsoever, and while I do appreciate that he did try to save the people of King's Landing, if he's so smart, he probably should have realized his queen wasn't going to listen to him and go bat-shit crazy, destroying everything he knows and loves. 

Tyrion, my friend, you know nothing. 

Jon Snow

First off, pet the damn dire wolf, Jon Snow.

There, I said it.

Okay, I think we can all agree that Jon is very much Mr. Broodypants who doesn't have the best battle tactics, and craves to be the hero. Even if he doesn't want the Iron Throne. 

We've spent all of Game of Thrones getting to learn the honorable Jon Snow. Friend to Wildlings. Killer of white walkers. The mighty warrior of the Battle of the Bastards. 

The knower of nothing! 

Okay, scratch that last part, at least until season 8. 

I've cheered for Jon up until this point. He's demonstrated leadership in his fight against Ramsey, and his quest to capture a white walker to convince Cersei to follow them into war (even though he was probably a fool to believe she'd actually do it). And despite his poor battle tactics in the fight against the Night King, he's at least stayed true to his character. He wants to defend his people and the North. He wants to protect all of Westeros from these demons. 

And then he finds out his lineage, and suddenly Jon is just incapable of reason. He blindly follows Dany to fight at King's Landing, pushing men who are already exhausted from the fight against the Night King. He doesn't necessarily agree with her tactics, but she's "his queen" and he'll do what she says. In the fight against King's Landing, he at least gets back some of his honor and tries to stop his people from killing the civilians, but it's like he's lost any sort of power or sway that he actually has over the situation. No one is listening to him (unless they're running from the fire-breathing dragon). And despite warnings, he just blindly follows along. Like a sheep led to slaughter. 

I don't want his character to end this way, not as a puppet to Dany or to his own ignorance. 

Maybe he should have stayed with Ghost and Tormund in the North. 

This is what you get for not saying goodbye to your dire wolf, Jon. 

Independent Bookstore Day, April 27th

On Saturday, April 27th, the country celebrated Independent Bookstore Day! For the past five years, independent bookstores have thrown parties, offered treats, featured guest authors, created kid events and scavenger hunts, and so on and so forth. This one-day national party is meant to celebrate each bookstore's uniqueness and get people into the stores instead of buying books exclusively online. 

Iowa was no exception. Prairie Lights Bookstore had treats and special items available for people who stopped in during the day. The Haunted Bookshop had special deals on books. Next Page Books had giveaways, delicious coffee and treats, and tickets for the Music of Harry Potter at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids. I mean, who wouldn't want that? 

I spent my day as one of the featured authors at M and M Books, a lovely little place in Cedar Rapids that I've learned to call home. Owned and operated by Bill and Ursla Lanphear, M and M Books is a beautiful place to bring community together. It's run by incredible staff who really care about their customers, authors, and each other. In the past year, they've featured author signings, author readings, and book clubs. They're always evolving, finding out what's best for them and the community, and I can't wait to see where they go from here. 

Saturday, though rainy and cold, didn't exactly put a damper on things. The store was filled with amazing treats (some made by Dana Beatty) and dozens of gift baskets ready to go out to customers who signed up for the newsletter or bought books at the store. 

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="905"] Picture by Dana Beatty[/caption][caption id="attachment_672" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Picture by M and M Books[/caption]

Local author Jane Melloy and illustrator Mary Campbell showed off their books in the morning, followed by a lovely appearance from Prima the Alpaca who looked stunning even in her wet coat. 

While Prima busily greeted guests at the door, author M.L. Williams and I presented our books at a table and talked with a great group of locals. I had such a wonderful time sharing information about my story with new people and talking with a U of I student both about my writing process and The Iowa Writers' House and The Writers' Rooms. And of course, I always enjoy spending time with M.L. who, despite his grumbling, is one of the nicest people I know! 

Also, my skull pen holder was a huge success. Who would have thought that a care package gift during my first college course, After Hamlet, would be such a big eye catcher. 

Pizza was provided for everyone near lunch time, which was much appreciated and unexpected. Bill and Ursla really know how to take care of their guests! 

Finally, Andrew Ridker, author of The Altruists and the big headliner, wrapped up the day with an incredible discussion about his book and a signing session. If you haven't had a chance to check out The Altruists, go to his site and take a look. I loved his reasons for writing it as it definitely speaks to my generation.  

So, despite the sleet and snow, it was a wonderful day, and I can't thank M and M Books enough for all their hard work and their dedication to local authors. This is truly a great bookstore, and I hope that if you're in the Cedar Rapids area, you'll take some time to stop by and say hi. You never know what treasures you'll find on their shelves.