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I chose a different type of setting
for my fantasy novels Shards of History and Fractured Days because
while I enjoy pseudo-medieval settings, I didn't want something that evoked
images of castles and knights. I wanted something that reflected the American
Southwest. And I wanted dragons. What better place for fire breathing dragons
than the high desert, rolling plains, and mountains of the Southwest? When I
look at the Sandia Mountains that border part of Albuquerque, I can easily
imagine the huge beasts roosting there, hunting there, and swooping down from
the craggy granite mountaintop.
The Mesa Verde cliff dwellings
inspired the Jeguduns' homes in the cliffs surrounding the valley where much of
the series takes place. The Jeguduns are winged, wolfish, humanoid creatures
that are sort of like gargoyles in appearance and function. Making their homes
in the middle of a cliff makes sense. Only they can easily get to their homes,
making them easily defendable (a magic barrier prevents the dragons from
getting to them).
The Valles Caldera in particular
inspired the setting for the Taakwa Valley. It's a valley situated in a
volcanic caldera near Los Alamos, New Mexico. My fictional valley is much, much
bigger than the real caldera, but it was formed in the same way and also has
hot springs. The flora and fauna are similar, and the homes that the Taakwa
people build are reminiscent of pueblo style homes, mostly because the building
materials are handy and plentiful.
The Taakwa remain in their valley
home rather than live a nomadic life. They plant crops, gather, and hunt the
animals that come through their valley. They normally have plenty of water due
to a large river that cuts through the valley, along with its many tributaries.
A couple of villages even have llamas, which not only provide wool, but also
act as guard animals.
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Sounds awesome! And be sure to look for Fractured Days on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and any other online retailers!
Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~
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