Themes Happen

When I write, my goal is to tell an enjoyable story. I don’t try to make a philosophical point. Even so, themes happen, and I discover them when reflecting on the finished book.
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In Shadowglade, The Gem Powers Series Book 2, which I plan to publish in April, Lana champions the cause of Sheamathan’s former servant race, the goblin-like breghlin. They’re savage, crude, and disgusting, and everyone sees them as monsters. Lana sees that side of them too, but she also sees their potential. Their ruler, Sheamathan, belittled and mistreated them their entire lives and encouraged their savagery, so it’s little wonder they’re monsters. Lana realizes many breghlin will never change, but she believes some will if they’re treated with kindness and respect.
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I haven’t read every book in the fantasy genre, but offhand, I can’t think of any others where evil monsters become likeable characters. In my series, it’s a slow evolution beginning with Lana’s stay in the dungeon when she discovers her guards have one-letter “names.” When she gives them “real names,” it sparks their desire to be valued as individuals, and that becomes a catalyst for change.

By the end of book two, the breghlin are still crude, but they’re gaining self-respect and a sense of right and wrong. This trend continues in book three, and by book four (which is half-written as I prepare to publish two and three) some of the breghlin have become main characters, taking important roles along with gnomes.
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When I began book one, I never expected my monsters to become “good guys.” But like Lana, I couldn’t hate them. Despite their outward appearance and bad behavior, I was willing to believe they could change. Their evolution is ongoing, but some of my “monsters” surprise me with their courage and integrity. I’m glad I gave them the chance to prove themselves.