Wysterra

I was around ten years old when I first dreamed of Wysterra. Children are not always kind to one another, and this was yet another day, everyone decided I would not be included in their fun and games. I went over and sat by a tree, watching the other kids having fun. I picked up a pinecone out of boredom. I held it in my hand, studied it intently, and eventually began dreaming of a magical fairy that lived in a golden pine cone castle. This was the day Morphea was born in my imagination. I started using daydreaming when something was not going as I hoped or if something was just too difficult in the real world. I became one of those kids that rarely paid attention and was usually daydreaming as much as possible, especially in class. I still daydream, often when I should be doing something else.The original version of Wysterra was written when I was on maternity leave after my youngest son's birth. The story has evolved since then and was actually turned into a VR experience in 2018. Wysterra is a special story and indeed world to me, and initially, I planned to never share it. I thought to write it all down and put all the books in a trunk that would be discovered after my time had passed. I did not want to know if anyone else thought it silly because this world is my most precious thing and the place I escape to even now when things are difficult. No matter where I am or what is happening, all I have to do is close my eyes, and it melts away.Growing up with tales of knights in shining armor and princes, I wanted to give little girls a different kind of story. Part of my goal with this book is to provide them with a different sort of narrative. I wanted them to know they are strong, and they can be or do whatever they want. Be your own knight in shining armor.Without Dreams, we can never become more than that which we are.Wysterra takes place in the dream world, where the witch Eris has destroyed the balance in the pursuit of power. Ava was just an average girl until a twist of fate landed her this epic battle for control of the Dreamworld. She and her little sister plus their new friend must fight to restore the balance of Wysterra before the destruction there flows through to the physical plane and threatens everyone there as well. Along the way, Ava meets a young werewolf, Rezno, that catches her eye, and she learns the importance of family and the relationship she has with her sister.The story line at times can be mildly frightening with some mild violence of limited description and, as such, I would recommend it for over the age of 10 or 12, depending on the child. My end goal with this book was to present a strong female character and show a story where sisters work together and support each other towards a common goal.