I flunked the test. I was hopelessly lost.
How did this lead to a book about dragons and octopuses?
How did this lead to a book about dragons and octopuses?
Once upon a time, in college, I wanted a particular Statistics class that was rarely offered. This could be useful for a scientist.
I had not yet taken Probability, a prerequisite, but the textbook used very little. So I asked the instructor to let me take his course.
The first two weeks were a “quick review” of Probability. I was hopelessly lost.
I’m an intuitive thinker. My mind can jump to the right answer without knowing how. So I answered questions correctly but without understanding.
I had not yet taken Probability, a prerequisite, but the textbook used very little. So I asked the instructor to let me take his course.
The first two weeks were a “quick review” of Probability. I was hopelessly lost.
I’m an intuitive thinker. My mind can jump to the right answer without knowing how. So I answered questions correctly but without understanding.
I took the test and flunked. I expected this, and now I was cheerfully ready to tackle statistics. I'd learn probability some other time.
But that was not to be. The professor took me aside after class and handed me a hefty textbook. “Learn this. In four weeks I’ll give you another test and I expect you to pass.”
Yikes! I worked a job in addition to being a full-time student. At least it was a well-written textbook.
But that was not to be. The professor took me aside after class and handed me a hefty textbook. “Learn this. In four weeks I’ll give you another test and I expect you to pass.”
Yikes! I worked a job in addition to being a full-time student. At least it was a well-written textbook.
I passed and he added this grade to my other grades. He did NOT replace my flunking grade. What I found interesting was his attitude toward teaching. He EXPECTED his students to learn. Even when I would have been quite content not to.
Later, he offered me a job as a tutor for the Math department.
I made simple tests to find important holes in understanding and drew pictures to illustrate concepts. Soon, chemistry students found their way to my office so I helped them, too.
Later, he offered me a job as a tutor for the Math department.
I made simple tests to find important holes in understanding and drew pictures to illustrate concepts. Soon, chemistry students found their way to my office so I helped them, too.
I love that “Ah ha!” moment when someone truly understands! I taught chemistry and math, which sparked new ideas in my mind. These ideas became my first books.
I drew pictures and cartoons for my Crystal books. I connected math and chemistry with rocks: the angles of the crystals are the angles of the chemical bonds. I used shark tooth ratios. I learned a new way to write.
Chemistry and Math have a universal language that transcends countries and worlds. Understanding helps us appreciate the interconnected life on our planet, and the dangers of plastics and other pollution.
Crystal Geometry” and “Crystal Colors” were created to help people understand and appreciate science and math. They're now used in schools and homes.
I drew pictures and cartoons for my Crystal books. I connected math and chemistry with rocks: the angles of the crystals are the angles of the chemical bonds. I used shark tooth ratios. I learned a new way to write.
Chemistry and Math have a universal language that transcends countries and worlds. Understanding helps us appreciate the interconnected life on our planet, and the dangers of plastics and other pollution.
Crystal Geometry” and “Crystal Colors” were created to help people understand and appreciate science and math. They're now used in schools and homes.
Then, one day, I was admiring one of my many rocks. This was a roundish sort that, on a whim, I set in the middle of my blue ceramic bowl. BAM! Suddenly I knew it was a dragon’s egg in a dragon’s nest.
My mind was hijacked.
I knew dragon customs and legends I’d never heard of. Dragon Arak and Octopus Scree were born.
My math class led to tutoring which led to my Crystal books. This led to the Dragon Dreamer series.
My mind was hijacked.
I knew dragon customs and legends I’d never heard of. Dragon Arak and Octopus Scree were born.
My math class led to tutoring which led to my Crystal books. This led to the Dragon Dreamer series.
I taught diverse minds. Now I wrote from unique perspectives. I wrote, edited, and rewrote. I painted my dragons and drew the art they make.
Earth octopuses are at least as intelligent as human beings, while dragons are forever fascinating. Dragon Dreamer dragons and octopuses are quite civilized with unique legends, art, and music.
How could an octopus heal a dragon? And why? Writing as an octopus and then as a dragon is fun; I love the range of abilities and diversity of minds. Their unique friendship develops an appreciation of differences.
“The Dragon Dreamer” and “Dragon Lightning” are my first two novels. This Science Fantasy Adventure series is for young adults 9 to 99.
"The Dragon Dreamer" e-books: www.books2read.com/u/bWZOoq
"Dragon Lightning" e-books: www.books2read.com/u/3k0nOn
Earth octopuses are at least as intelligent as human beings, while dragons are forever fascinating. Dragon Dreamer dragons and octopuses are quite civilized with unique legends, art, and music.
How could an octopus heal a dragon? And why? Writing as an octopus and then as a dragon is fun; I love the range of abilities and diversity of minds. Their unique friendship develops an appreciation of differences.
“The Dragon Dreamer” and “Dragon Lightning” are my first two novels. This Science Fantasy Adventure series is for young adults 9 to 99.
"The Dragon Dreamer" e-books: www.books2read.com/u/bWZOoq
"Dragon Lightning" e-books: www.books2read.com/u/3k0nOn
QUOTES FROM READERS
“This is not a typical dragon fantasy story, and is very different to things I've read before. Certainly suited to younger readers, but I - as an adult - very happily drank it in from cover to cover.” ~ Amazon Review
“Who would have thought about story of a friendship between a dragon and an octopus would be so incredibly interesting? Well, obviously, the author did, because she did a fantastic job of weaving a fanciful story with actual facts about octopi and other marine life.
I adored all the characters.” ~ Goodreads Review
“This is not a typical dragon fantasy story, and is very different to things I've read before. Certainly suited to younger readers, but I - as an adult - very happily drank it in from cover to cover.” ~ Amazon Review
“Who would have thought about story of a friendship between a dragon and an octopus would be so incredibly interesting? Well, obviously, the author did, because she did a fantastic job of weaving a fanciful story with actual facts about octopi and other marine life.
I adored all the characters.” ~ Goodreads Review
RSS Feed
