The Trailokya Trilogy Archives - Author K. Williams

The Origin – Open Book Blog Hop #402

November 13, 2023 By Captain Maiel 3 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #402

Do you have an ‘origin’ story for any of your stories?
Where do your ideas come from?

Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! The authors included in this ongoing series wish to thank you for your reads. Even more so, we appreciate that you share our writings with friends. If you’re new to the series, welcome aboard. The authors engage and impress weekly. Prepare to become a regular reader.

You bet I do!

I have an entire series of videos on TikTok (if you look at my bookmarked videos, collections, and find the public list Trailokya, that’s where you’ll find them all), also on YouTube, and a load of posts about my book series’ origin here. Talking about this aspect of the books is one of my favorite things about them. I wish I could share directly the things I have seen that inspired these stories. It is nothing short of amazing and impressive. Hey, I mean, that is why I bothered to learn how to write well and make books of it all.

Let’s take a look at the first article I wrote on the origin topic:

The Trailokya Trilogy came to me in a dream. Actually, it’s come to me in a series of dreams over about 30-33 years or more. From recurring themes to continuing sagas, sleeping is quite the adventure. I guess I was always blessed with this imagination or a conduit into something like the greatest first person role play ever. (Yes, I used to game—until everything pretty much went online and this introvert backed out. Glad I did for not having to deal with trolls, but sad because there are awesome games out there I would really enjoy.)
Trailokya Trilogy Inspired by Life, Mythology and Dreams.

The Trailokya Trilogy contains a lot of interesting nuggets for a reader to uncover, like a treasure or Easter egg hunt. Names, details (like celestial objects, animals, weapons), and even the covers of each installment contain symbolic or deeper meaning. For instance, the Three Doors you’ll see gracing the front of each book have special meaning to me as the author, but also to the characters in the stories, and eventually the readers who consume them.

I previously stated a good portion of the narrative originates from my dreams (sometimes nightmares). Looking back on them, I found the ongoing fantasies created a story. When I was a child, these doors came about when escaping bad dreams. They were a way out, away from the monsters. I’d say, they started the journey. Of course they took just as much of an ethereal prominence in the series.

There’s a lot to cover with and beyond origin, so I encourage readers to get into the series and then seek further reading here on the blog to help them uncover all that there is to find in the books. It will not disappoint, because it has never disappointed me. I can’t be the only person who would find such things interesting, can I? Of course not. These are human experiences, steeped in cultures and histories, not a lone anomaly. It is a vast journey that can be revisited to discover new details. It runs deep!

Check out the origins of the other authors’ books by clicking on their links below. Don’t forget to drop your email in the box at the top right to get this hop delivered to your inbox weekly on Friday! See you next time.

Let’s Start Right – Open Book Blog Hop #401

November 6, 2023 By Captain Maiel 3 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #401

What is the best opening paragraph you’ve written? (inspired by a
comment by Richard) Do you have a favorite one that is different?

“The veil, hiding what is beyond perceived reality, is the border of space and time,
called the khajala. It is this veil which keeps life blind to the reality of its universe,
until such a time the knowing takes hold…”
The Trailokya Trilogy, Book One: The Shadow Soul

The start of a book is some of the most difficult writing you’ll undertake. It’s not the hardest, in my estimation, but it is highly important and stressful. However you craft your opener will determine whether a reader will continue reading your work or set it back on the shelf. This small part is referred to as a hook for good reason.

The hook (or lack thereof) could easily make or break a sale as easily as a book blurb. Some readers may give you more time, but that is not the norm. With shortening attention spans, and high expectations for the entertainment they choose, the public will want a great opening paragraph (or line). Hooking them is a big undertaking in small space and all authors have to be able to do it.

Learning the important skill of the start is also an important part of screenwriting. It comes in a couple of forms: economical descriptions and the dreaded log line. Let’s start with the latter. Just like your book blurb, the log line provides the hook for would-be managers and producers (your script readers). Additionally, keep your descriptions concise and short is a great way to win them over.

Economical writing has become the vogue for novels and scripts. You want to cleverly write your story in the most concise and short way possible. Time is your currency in either kind of writing. The less you bog down the reader, the better. However, don’t think that means you should leave out just about everything. The idea is to make sure that what you do include is necessary and precise.

The start of a book is promise of the book blurb or a screenplays logline. It has to payout. If it doesn’t compel them to the next bit, it’s a wooden nickel! That line does a lot of heavy lifting for the entire book.

If you read the line I chose from The Shadow Soul, you’ll see that it supplies a litany of clues for the reader. You know right away that this is a fantasy, possibly science fiction in scope, and likely a bit dark. A reader can surmise that a whole lot of change is going to happen for the characters in these pages, and that the plot will more than likely take them to some pretty epic places. It insinuates the gravity of the pending adventure. There is a taste of a multiverse and the boundaries that keep those worlds apart, likely showing us that the characters are going to need to move past those boundaries.

Hopefully, this line does its job and is as compelling as I felt. What follows is a somewhat thick explanation of how that world was established and interacts with itself. Thick but not long. I recommend not getting bogged down in the formula, as it will unfold in the course of the adventure. Yet, I still felt it necessary to provide a primer. The reader can always return to those pages for review. If left out, then are reader would not have that option.

In many cases, that opener comes well-after the story is manifested on the page. Writing that opening paragraph or line is far easier to accomplish when you know where you’re headed. That harkens back to the way in which loglines and book blurbs come into existence. Think of them as teammates, and you can use them to help you build each of the other pieces. There’s more on log lines and blurb writing here.

Let’s hop on over to the other authors’ responses on this hop. Don’t forget to drop your email in the box on the top right so you can receive this blog hop in your inbox each Friday.

My Favorite Cover – Open Book Blog Hop #385

July 17, 2023 By Captain Maiel 6 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #385

Post your favorite cover from your books
and explain why it’s your favorite.

This is going to be super difficult to write up. Which of my covers is my favorite? I love each. My designer did an amazing job on each one. Each one is a window into the pages contained in the work they clothe. One utilizes my own photograph, the rest are visions from inside my dreams. How do you choose?

In order to pick, I asked my daughter to look at my covers and choose her favorite. Interestingly, she settled on the one that I leaned toward. Why did she like it? The wolf. I love him, too.

The reason that I lean toward the Trailokya covers is that I thought they would never exist. I believed the visions from my dreams would go unseen, witnessed by myself alone. It truly is difficult to display dreams to others. Whether retelling them in conversation or fiction, justice simply cannot be done. Yet, somehow, in communicating with the designer, in my honest estimation, we accomplished something quite close.

The image depicted is from later parts of the series. The tones of the covers reflect the movement from unknown to know to unknown again–or, the dawn, the day, the evening. Taken together, this cover with it’s sisters creates a triptych. They present a scene full of symbolism, as well as elements of the story as I mentioned prior.

The presence of Argus and the pieces of Maiel’s weaponry, are deeply fun to see illustrated outside of the dreams. The most fun, however, comes in the form of that door. This is the one that scared me most in my dreams. I’ve written about these in other articles, so I won’t go in depth here.

The window of the doors still draw my eye, just as they have in the dreams. Finally seeing them in this world replenishes my curiosity. Honestly, the feeling that I still know so little hangs about my mind in regard to them. The rich symbolism is proof that their meanings run deep. Unpacking all of it will take time. Perhaps a lifetime. Still, they confirm my otherworldly experiences and insist there is importance to them.

Wonder is another aspect of the cover that draws me to it time and again. Speaking of wonder, I wonder what the other authors will have to say and which covers of theirs they’ll choose? Click on their links below to find out. Drop your email in the box at the top right of the page to have this hop delivered to your email directly each Friday. See you next time!

What’s Your Favorite Animal – Open Book Blog Hop #369

March 27, 2023 By Captain Maiel 3 Comments

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #369

What is your favorite animal and why?
Have you ever included it in one of your stories?

The answer to this may be obvious considering my book series, The Trailokya Trilogy, and the covers of two of the installments. The animal I’d answer this question with features heavily in the series. Some other clues can be found in the type of companion I keep, and the videos I love to make on TikTok. I have a lot of fun with my buddy producing some bonkers content spoofing film and television favorites like The X-Files (1993).

A favorite animal is actually kind of hard for me to pick. I love them all. In fact, I had hoped to follow my dream of getting a bio degree and working at a zoo. When that didn’t happen, my love of animals didn’t stop. Sure, I switched gears to pursue a stronger dream (writing), and earn a degree I felt was more marketable, but the love of animals is still deeply with me.

Since I was a child, as you know if you know the Trailokya series, I’ve been dreaming some pretty epic dreams. In those dreams, I met the characters for the series. That included my favorite animals. There’s a twist to this, though. You see, my family bred and showed dogs. The tie to canines is deep and meaningful. Not only are they beautiful creatures, but they make great companions. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without one at my hip.

The cool thing about dogs is their connection to human history which extends thousands of years. They descend, in fact, from my favorite animal: Wolves. I am sure you guessed by now! And, yes, they do show up in my dreams. In fact, I still see the packs that feature in my series in my dreams to date.

When I lost my dog, Sadie Sue in 2018, my depression deepened. I felt as if part of me went with her. I remarked to a friend that I cannot define myself without dog being part of that equation. Sadie had begun Shagbottom Theater with me. How could I continue the theater with existing images of her, and all my friends and followers knowing she passed? That would be most uncool. Moreover, I feel safer with a dog in the house. They also provide a lot of affection and fun.

Did you know that dogs share 98% of their mitochondrial DNA with wolves? It’s a fact. “One study showed that dog and wolf share 98% of their mitochondrial (mt) DNA, which contrasts to the 7.5% difference between wolf and coyotes (Canis latrans), the species that is their closest wild relative.” (Science Direct.) Think about that the next time you’re cuddling up to Fido! It’s pretty mind blowing, and it also should put the lore into better perspective.

Conflict between wolves and ranchers touches issues of conservationism and Native American rights – ABC News

Sadly, humanity grew apart from their long connection to wolves and have treated them as enemies for hundreds of years. Much of what is believed about the species comes from fairy tales and other media that continue a false image. Sadly, certain industries lean hard into the lies and continue to focus violence on the species, both removing their responsibilities and reducing their labor load for better profit margins. It also arose in species resource competition (such as food). You can read about the myths here. Also, keep in mind that indigenous populations regard them as sacred, and the hunting of these animals is a violation of their rights.

Wolves are truly amazing animals that should fill us with a sense of awe as well as gratefulness. Their contribution to our history is one of cooperation for survival. We owe them much and that bond should be respected along with respecting the protection of their populations. It behooves humanity to ensure their success, as it directly leads to our own successes. Our species are deeply entwined. There is no escaping this link of cooperation but to both species detriment.

We are all well aware that they can be dangerous when encountered in the wild, or when people attempt to make them pets, or even at the zoo. Wolves are wild not domestic animals. However, the danger comes from their self-preservation drive. In other words, if you make them fearful, they will defend themselves. Not everyone can interact with them, because not everyone understands their language. Wolves read us, just like dogs do. That said, dogs have had eons to understand our weird behaviors and facial expressions.

While wolves are wild animals and not the furry friends we keep at home, and we should not attempt to domestic them, I cannot help but see the link and love them. Did you know they’re about the same size as a Great Dane? Think about that the next time you meet a Dane. Also, keep in mind the bad behavior of humans, how dogs end up in shelter, the over use and abuse of resources, and the drive to do less and get more for it. Wolves aren’t evil. They’re not out for Grandma or the little girl skipping to her house. They’re just trying to live how they were designed for a wild world.

Hopefully, your appreciation for wolves grew from reading this post, even if they’re not your favorite. I’ve linked great resources for you to share with others to help these animals continue to be a fantastic part of our ecosystems. Click on the links below to see what the other authors have answered this week. Please subscribe to my blog to get this hop delivered to your inbox each Friday.

21: Too Long for Too Much – Open Book Blog Hop #318

March 28, 2022 By Captain Maiel

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #318
Where were you at 21? How does that reflect in your writing today?

This should have been a great year of my life, but it really wasn’t. In the US, 21 is like coming of age for good. It’s the last graduation to full adulthood, in many ways. That said, it didn’t come with any great realization or change. That also said, 21 was a tough age as I maneuvered a deep depression and growing anxiety symptoms because of it.

a map lies on the table with books and writing implements, as a person takes notes. Photo by Oxona on Unsplash

21 is the age when we Americans can legally drink alcohol. Big deal, considering we find ways to party regardless of the law. I was no different than any other young person. Thus, gaining this right to choose for myself if I would imbibe wasn’t any big deal. In my family, we didn’t treat the use of alcohol as anything negative or positive. Our deeply European and progressive roots just didn’t cater to prohibition. Historically, we fought against such infringements of freedom–meaning I had family who ran a speakeasy during that ridiculous period of history in the States.

Although we had alcoholism in the family, too, that didn’t change how we felt about the use of drink. I tasted my first beer very young. Wine was my preference until I grew older and also grew a fondness for Cognac. Whisky can be nice, too. I once tried a peat tinged brew that left me deeply impressed. I felt like a dragon, the way the heat rose in my throat and a puff of that smoke followed. Very cool.

Drinking to excess was never something I cared to do. I didn’t like the drunken feeling at all. As someone who has survived assault, being without my faculties to protect was not of interest–especially in mixed company. I guess that this is one of the things that kept me from ever over doing it.

21 had other experiences, too. I was not in a great place mentally. Depression, as I said was deepened at this point. Frustration at so much–between terrible dating experiences, career problems, and feeling trapped by a mundane future weighed heavy. The writing was on the wall, in other words. All I foresaw was struggle. And, I wasn’t wrong, just as I knew, but others insisted I was wrong. Trusting my own mind, quite gifted in putting two and two together, is the one great thing that came of that period.

Trust your gut. I can’t express that enough. We have these senses for a reason, and others attempting to lead us away from them are doing it for their own comfort–I wish I could explain why, but that still eludes me. Being positive is fine, but being real with yourself is smart.

The frustrations of 21 have remained through my thirties and into my forties. This is not to say that I have not gained ground. Quite the contrary. I published my books, just as I wanted. Also, the degree in film finally came in my late thirties. Check and check! Still, I wander around feeling like the level at which I work isn’t enough yet. I want to do more.

21 sucked but 41 was much better by far! I was on my way to having my first baby and I had made immense ground on my career goals. Still, I had been right. The road there was long and convoluted. None of it was great. Worthwhile? That’s complicated. I don’t think anyone should have to suffer as I did trying to get to where they wanted. It truly wears away at the joy you can feel when you do achieve the goal. For instance, I barely noticed that I met my publishing goal when it happened. It felt like nothing. A let down in ways.

I’d not change a thing in having my daughter. In only wish I had her sooner and that I had more! I love kids! That said, I am glad I never compromised on the partner front. That was never worth the frustration and suffering, but learning that took too long and was too much.

It’s interesting how our lives work out when we take the time to look back at that. At nearly 47 years of age, I am happier than I have been in way too long. The road there was fraught with so many perils, and I knew it before I even got started. Much of that has informed my writing in ways I can’t even yet unpack. Take, for instance, my Trailokya series. There are a lot of K Easter eggs locked up in there! A lot of it is fantasy. So much of it is from dreams (both the sleep and the aspirational kind).

Clearly, while I’m not Holly, Claire, or Emily you’ll find pieces of me littered across all my work. You can’t help that as a writer. Even the settings are pieces of me. Every character is a shard. The problem with trying to piece the mosaic together, however, is that you have to know what size and type of material it is. Maybe it’s a reference to other texts, a personal thought, an event, something I love or something I loathe. Literary theory could have a field day trying to piece it together, but I doubt they’d ever get the picture quite right.

Looking back at 21, I see that I had barely begun my journey, but so much had already happened to form the character I would portray in my life story. In so many ways, it’s as if no time at all has passed, just a lot of stuff has gone on. My journey reminds me of the Chutes and Ladders game board. Boy have I hit those chutes too many times to count, sending me backward to the point of losing site of the goal.

Where am I at now? Probably one roll away from the goal or the chute that will send me back to start.

Click on the links below to find out where the other authors were at the age of 21…