The Magic of Daydreams

Have you ever wished your daydreams could come true, or ever felt like your real life didn't quite live up to your inner world?

I've been caught daydreaming more times than I can count. It's true. Sometimes, I didn't even realize I was daydreaming until a laugh escaped my lips. The sound of the loud laughter broke my trance, and I felt embarrassed immediately. I often wish the world were like my dreams. I think that's what inspired the Mage and the Living Scroll. It's actually what Michael went through; his daydreams got the best of him, and they even cost him his job where he worked in a grocery store, bagging groceries.

True magic lies within our daydreams, so I had to bring that same magic to my upcoming book. During the process, when it was just an idea, I came up with different ideas for how the magic would blend in with Michael's life. When the idea of a magical sketchbook hit me, I was sold. Wouldn't finding a sketchbook where drawn things could come to life would be cool? Oh, I was beyond hooked! It played along with how my own imagination works, taking me places I would never dream of going otherwise. Okay, maybe that's a little redundant lol.

It's one of the biggest things, I think we can all relate to. Of course, I hope you never got fired for daydreaming. That would be the worst thing ever, and I would never hope for that to happen. It is one of those things we don't have full control over at times. At least, that is true for me. I think that's why I don't get bored easily. I can entertain myself for hours just by daydreaming! The magic it holds is so awesome!

The idea for Michael's character came about during the writing itself. I wanted a hero that didn't have hero qualities, but yet everyone loved and thought of him as a hero (he just didn't see it). He had to be friendly to the core, someone who would put others before himself, a little like me. That's why I made Michael so tiny, he's thin. I used "puny" in the story. Someone who is "stick" thin doesn't appear hero-like. Usually, people like this have huge hearts, which was what I gave him. I was thin growing up, but kids who were "big" could outrun me, so I could relate on that sense. In my heart, I was someone special and could have been a hero if the time was right. Of course, back then, I was content with being in the shadows because I could never truly be a hero--heroes are strong and brave; two things I was not. I think that's why many of my characters save the world, I get to be a hero through them! When daydreaming, I can be whoever I wish to be at the time.

I chose a modern atmosphere because in my mind, I'm in the here and now, so most of the time, I write my stories in the present time, just using the past tense. I've always written using the past tense, like it already happened. It feels right. During this process, I am always asking "what if". And every time that question is answered, I'm driven deeper into the story, gaining insight into the characters and plot. I had to go back a few times and add in details that I missed, which is because the MC withheld some important details. I got to the end and Michael says "oh by the way..." I could have strangled his neck for that! I'm glad I didn't because one of the scenes I dreamed of using for this book resurfaced, and I was able to squeeze it in. That saved his butt, I can tell you that much!

So, if you're interested in an urban fantasy with talking sketchbooks that make things come to life, be prepared. On July 18th, you'll be able to follow Michael's journey as his daydreams get him in trouble and out again. Visit my website for more and see what else is coming soon, including a romantic comedy that I just adore, or even a paranormal fantasy with vampires! Oh, I love those blood-thirsty creatures of the night!! I never thought I'd write a dark romance that I would love!

To stay within topic... Do you daydream a lot, or just a little? I do a lot! I've never dreamed up the same thing twice--each time, it's always something different. I've been able to fly and feel the wind as I took my feet off the ground. Lucky for me, I was outside and did feel the wind in my hair--I think that helped lol. Billy is always asking me if I'm okay, when I become distant. Instead of telling him I'm daydreaming again, I just tell him I'm fine. He'd roll his eyes if he ever knew lol. Yes, my head is in the clouds that often. What about you?

Let's share some stories. What is the weirdest thing you found yourself daydreaming about? Here are more questions for you... What's a magical item you wish existed? What kind of hero do you love to read about?