Welcome to the Hoard

Pull up a chair and get comfortable! Every few years, my thoughts and drafted articles pile up until they need an outlet, so here we are. But first, introductions. Or, rather, some random facts that might entice you to stick around. 😊

• I have been making up stories and writing since I was eight years old—the first title to my name was a 6-book series that was a direct rip-off of the American Girls format. Published by School Scissors and Stapler, Inc. At age 12, a story idea grabbed me and would not let me go—though said idea was a rip-off of the The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, four kids, portal fantasy, and everything. But I began writing the story and have persisted in the craft ever since. I have, however, moved on from rip-offs.
• I love history—as a rule, I tend to be drawn towards the 1820s or 1830s. This remains the case whatever the culture or continent that has captured my interest: Ireland, England, Mexico, or the United States, I tend to gravitate toward study of the 1820s—30s. Except for Heian Japan. Or Ancient Persia. Or the Viking era. Or the insular Celtic days of the British Isles. Okay, so it’s not the rule.
• I absolutely love kitty cats (The Aristocats was probably my favorite animated movie as a kid), and I am something of a cat whisperer; kitties seem to like me. But I am allergic to them. It is truly tragic.
• Being a seamstress and an amateur dress historian, it fascinates me how clothing was made and what it was made of through different eras of history. Just brace yourself for my rant about not being able to get good bolts of linen and 100% wool in fabric stores!
• The Lord of the Rings—books and movies—shaped my taste in men in a variety of ways.
• Despite loving history so much, I wrote only fantasy for the longest time. I didn’t want to settle on a pivotal plot element only to later discover that it was historically inaccurate. I have since found a balance between these extremes and also dabbled in alternate history and cultural inspiration akin to the worldbuilding from Avatar: The Last Airbender.
• Speaking of which, I would definitely be a Firebender in that universe.
• I don’t speak Hebrew, but I listen to enough Israeli music artists, Ofra Haza especially, that I can sing quite a few songs in Hebrew. No idea how good my accent is, but the language is beautiful!
• After falling in love with Narnia at age eight, stories of portal fantasy have always held a special place in my heart (and one reason Spirited Away is my favorite Studio Ghibli film).
• However, I have yet to write a portal fantasy story, oddly enough. I’m waiting for the idea and the world that really grabs me.
• My fashion style is a combination of hobbit, Disney princess, and Victorian spinster.
• I was obsessed with dragons when I was fourteen and drew multiple pictures of them.
• Behold:
• 
• (Why I drew it on this wonky slip of paper, I have no idea.)

So welcome to The Freelance Dragon, thank you for checking out my little corner of the world, and I hope you enjoy your visit!