X is for Xari

Dear Xari,

You are one of the three main heroines of my first published novel. You were originally slated to be the villain. I can just see you rolling your eyes and laughing at me for thinking that you could ever be the villain, when you turned out to be such a stout warrior for the other camp.

It's so weird to look back on the journey to everything you were and everything you've become. You, your friends, and your world have been a part of my life for so many years now that it seems so real in my head. Your story was born because my friend Faith and I wanted to write a novel together, and after so many years, it's as natural for me to write with her as it is to write by myself. This something I will always treasure, too.

Thank you for being so stubborn and making your path better than I had first imagined it.

Love,
One of Your Co-Authors


P.S.  You were also represented on the cover of my first book. That's something that's very special in my writing to publishing walk.

*Black and white artwork © Jacob Grant

M is for My Amazing, Talented Artist Friend

Dear Holly,

You. Are. Awesome.  I am in awe of your mad art skills and so grateful to you for doing the artwork. I love it and keep staring at it in a very giddy fashion. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your talent and drawing this.

Love,
Laura


This is Anathriel Lelaine, a character from my book, Awakenings.




Art © Holly Robbins
Anathriel © Faith King and Laura Josephsen 


*I had not had an M post planned for today, and then Holly sent me this. *continues to stare*  I can't draw--seriously, stick figures are all I've got--and there's something amazing about seeing my characters on paper (or computers) and not just in my head.  Can you draw?  If so, do you draw your characters and does that help you write them?