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Heather L. L. FitzGerald | In Defense of Fantasy
January 15, 2016
“Only the most mature of us are able to be childlike. And to be able to be
childlike involves memory; we must never forget any part of ourselves.
[…] For growing up never ends; we never get there. I am still in the
process of growing up, but I will make no progress if I lose any of myself on
the way.” Madeleine L’Engle Walking on Water Do you remember the optimism of childhood? The anticipation you felt when a
friend asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Or how overwhelming it
seemed to pick only one occupation? Even as a high school senior you
probably thrilled at the prospects before you. Different possibilities glimmered
with hope, with opportunity, with the promise of fulfillment. Then adulthood slapped you across the face and woke you from the your childhood
delusions, right? Yeah, me too. Responsibilities, bills, family pain—even the
‘good’ stuff—can weigh us down and steal our joy. The loud shouts of reality easily drown the whispered dreams of childhood. This paradigm shift is what draws me to the genre of Fantasy. Those quiet voices
speak a little louder, reminding me that life is bigger than my Universe of One
(okay—Six—the other five voices in the house get pretty loud at times). Fantasy
exposes all the cares of this world for what they are: dragons to be slew,
princesses to be rescued, and kingdoms worth defending. Escapism, you say? Not at all. Though reality is harsh, it is not what defines
me. Oh, it may give me temporary amnesia, but a beautifully told tale of lions
and tigers and bears is sure to improve my memory. My family recently went to see the movie Joy. This true story recounts
the life of Joy Mangano, a single mom who lived with a severely dysfunctional
family. She busted her butt to pay the mortgage while everything around her
spiraled out of control. As a child, Joy dreamed of being an inventor. Dreamed of making things that
people couldn’t live without. But reality crammed itself down her throat and
left her choking on the urgency of the immediate. At the crisis point in the
movie, Joy Mangano remembers. She remembers who she was a child.
Remembers who she really is, deep down. This spark of remembering reignites her
dreams, fans the flames of her imagination, and changes the course of her life. Personally, I need that reminder. What Madeleine L’Engle states in the
above quote is profoundly true: “only the most mature of us are able to be
childlike.” Losing ourselves in the undertow of life is a grievous loss indeed.
One worth swimming against, even when the storms are brutal. As a young mother I began to read THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA to my children. I
learned that these stories were not merely for children. They were for a
disorganized, weary, and sleep-deprived mothers. They were for me. In Lewis’ world of Narnia I was able to recognize many of my own struggles. From
wonder to betrayal to redemption, the tales reflected reality on a grander
scale. Gave me fresh eyes to consider the challenges I faced while stirring the
embers of dwindling dreams. There was something about getting pulled into a
magical land where the laws of nature were suspended or changed which stirred my
imagination for what I encountered in my own world. Fantasy births possibility. Births creative solutions. Makes one aware of the
overall story, and that we each play an important part. No character is too
small to make a difference (think Reepicheep!). My children needed to know that,
and I needed to be reminded of it. Thanks to Narnia, and a few other series like
The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, I remembered the part of myself
that loved to write. Many years later, I’m “still in the process of growing up” by getting lost in a
great fantasy tale. More and more it’s becoming obvious that this is a Good vs
Evil world in which we live. We should all start taking notes from the dragon
slayers in books so we can recognize the dragons that life sends after us—and
know that they can be conquered! After all, when you were a kid, did you pretend
to be an accountant that struggled to balance the books? Or, did you imagine
yourself as a knight in shining armor ready to rescue the beautiful princess? Exactly. Giveaway
What did you imagine you'd be when you grew up? Let us know in the comments.
Heather will be giving away a copy of her new release, THE TETHERED WORLD to one
commenter.
Heather L.L. FitzGerald lives in Texas with four someone’s
that call her mom and one special someone that calls her his wife. Her YA
Fantasy The Tethered World releases February 1st on Amazon and other
online retailers. Heather is a member of the North Texas Christian Writers, and
helps to facilitate the Manet writer’s group. She loves drinking ice lattes,
cloud watching, and getting lost in a good book.
“Normal” means different things to different people. For sixteen-year-old
Sadie Larcen, family dynamics look a little different than most. Parents with
oddball occupations? Normal. Five homeschooled siblings—one with autism?
Normal. Police knocking on the door and parents gone missing? Definitely
not normal! When Sadie uncovers the reasons behind her parents’
disappearance and the truth about her heritage, she despairs of ever feeling
normal again. Especially when she learns that her mother’s interest in Bigfoot,
Dwarves, and other lore extends beyond her popular blog. Sadie’s family has been
entrusted with keeping the secrets of the Tethered World—home to creatures that
once roamed the Garden of Eden. Sadie and her siblings must venture into
this land to rescue their parents. Stepping out of reality and into a world she
never knew existed is a journey Sadie fears and resents. But she chooses to risk
all to save her family. She’s just not sure she will survive in the
process.
Comments
27 comments posted.
Re: Heather L. L. FitzGerald | In Defense of Fantasy
I wanted to be a librarian when I was really younger. I made
check out cards for all of the books in my room and had a
card catalog. Haha Once that dream passed, I remember the
hard decision of whether I wanted to pursue professional
basketball or be a cowgirl. :D
(Bree Courtney 1:26pm January 15, 2016)
I can remember wanting to be a ballerina at one point, a
zoo keeper, a veterinarian, an astronaut, a
paleontologist... I've always loved being surrounded by
animals, and I've always loved science-- both factual and
fictional.
Underneath all these seems to have always been making up
stories about those things and drawing pictures to go
with them.
By the time I was in High School, I think I'd decided I'd
be a writer and illustrator and have all kinds of exotic
pets. Maybe someday I'll do a little of that.
Right now, I just help run our little family circus and
enjoy other people's stories. ;)
(Ruth Vincent 2:00pm January 15, 2016)
Bree! If you are qualified to be both a cowgirl and a basketball player, you're like
Wonder Woman or something, LOL.
(Heather FitzGerald 3:19pm January 15, 2016)
Hi Ruth! Thanks for commenting. You have quite a long list of wannabes :)
Besides writing, I teach ballet....you can come dance with me and check that off
your bucket list, LOL. You sound like a very busy, creative gal. I know a certain
person that is extremely grateful for all the reading you do for her and the little
circus you've acquired. Remember, it's never too late to write. I started when my
acrobats were getting older and more independent!
(Heather FitzGerald 3:22pm January 15, 2016)
I wanted to be a dancer.
(G. Bisbjerg 10:42pm January 15, 2016)
I wanted to be a ballerina and then a dance teacher. The first came true
thanks to some amazing teachers and the second although short lived
came true thanks to an amazing teacher even though I never had the
chance to be her student. She taught me a lot (not just about dance) and I
am thankful for her everyday. 😉
(Allison Guzman 11:42pm January 15, 2016)
I wanted to be a vet but I just couldn't handle the putting
down animals or the surgery.
(Lake Bottorff 1:56am January 16, 2016)
Traveller
(Marissa Yip-Young 6:23am January 16, 2016)
In 3rd grade I learned the song, "Those Far Away Places" and I
was hooked. I became a Travel professional and have been blessed
to travel all over the world. I still travel in books.
(Leona Olson 8:13am January 16, 2016)
G. Bisjerg...it's never to late to get moving in some way!
Allison, you are a beautiful dancer and you connect so well with the kids. You
really need to keep your foot in the door...hint, hint!
Lake--Yeah, I'm with you there. Even though it's necessary, it's a difficult part of
the job.
Marissa--YES! That's my next career choice :)
Leona--Wow! One of the few to make THAT dream come true. Kudos to you!
Would love to know your top three places!
(Heather FitzGerald 5:53pm January 16, 2016)
I wanted to be a librarian and was for many years. Your quote
is wonderful and post captivating.
(Sharon Berger 8:34pm January 16, 2016)
When I was younger, I imagined I would see the world. I also wanted to do something creative and challenging. Computer graphics and digital photography were not invented yet, but ... when they were, they found me. I am now teaching computer graphics and digital photography, as well as traveling the world while doing what I love 'just for fun'.
(Cheryl N. 8:54pm January 16, 2016)
I had so many adults telling me what I should be when I grew up that I don't remember a specific thing that I ever settled on. Since schools did not have computers back in those days, I never dreamed of working with computers. However, when I was almost 23, I got a job as a computer programmer and worked in Information Technology for the next 40+ years.
(Edward Arrington 10:02pm January 16, 2016)
I always wanted to be an archaeologist. And this was
before Indiana Jones!
(Deb Philippon 10:50am January 17, 2016)
I can remember way back that I wanted to be an airline hostess , then it was a dancer , so after years of marriage and children and 6 grandchildren at 70 years "young" I am now dancing. It's line dancing and I love it, I also help teach the dances. The group of ladies are all over 60 and we go to Nursing homes and lots of different events and entertain, even to our state capital . We love it .
(Joan Thrasher 3:26pm January 17, 2016)
I wanted to be a teacher, then a CPA, farmer, librarian, writer, drummer, and pharmacist. It's amazing how events in your life can influence your future career. I have not went into any of those fields.
(Kelly Powell 8:14pm January 17, 2016)
HI Sharon! Glad you enjoyed the post. Looks like you are one of the few that
made your childhood dreams come true! Kudos!
Cheryl-Sounds like you have landed on your dream job! Lucky you!
Edward-You were ahead of the curve. That's fabulous. You must never be bored,
things continue to change so fast in your line of work.
Deb-I have to wonder what you ended up doing instead? Archaeology has always
interested me too!
Joan-you're a woman after my own heart! Never too old to do what you love. You
go girl!
Kelly-That's a varied list of things. Now I want to know where you ended up? Lots
of interests!
(Heather FitzGerald 11:18pm January 17, 2016)
A scientist! Since that was my favorite subject in school. Then I went to college and knew that it was wayyyyy beyond me. My brain definitely isn't wired to remember all that information lol I haven't lost my interest though--just the thought of wanting to be a scientst.
(Lisa L. 2:35pm January 18, 2016)
Thanks for the contest. I wanted to work with the elderly and I went on to do just that. I also at one point wanted to own a ranch but didn't manage to do that.
(Gloria Vigil 9:11am January 19, 2016)
I also wanted to comment that I love to read fantasy its fun to get lost in a good story
(Gloria Vigil 9:12am January 19, 2016)
I knew I would be a teacher--held "classes" with my toys before I even went to school, tutored others once there and have a BA in Education but along the way, I decided to be a lawyer and now I teach people about the law's application to their case, teach judges and opposing counsel why my client's position is correct, and the general public about areas of the law so I guess I really never waivered.
(Shirley Cochran 3:18pm January 19, 2016)
Oh my, I used to think I was going to be an astronaut and travel in outer
space and float in gravity. lol I had quite the imagination!!
(Lily Shah 7:11pm January 19, 2016)
work with horses or take in all the unwanted animals.have lots of land so they can run.
(Jennifer Beck 12:44pm January 20, 2016)
I forgot to add I love this cover!!!
(Jennifer Beck 12:45pm January 20, 2016)
Hi Heather.
I did end up studying archaeology in university. But,
I'm not really cut out for being a teacher, which was
where all the jobs were. So, I ended up doing various
jobs with an airline, which gave me the opportunity to
travel to places like Macchu Pichu and Ephesus. Most
people couldn't understand why I went there instead of
Jamaica or Las Vegas. Eternal student, I guess, not a
teacher.
(Deb Philippon 5:59pm January 20, 2016)
As a little kid, all I wanted to be was a mom. At some point, I thought I should look
at nursing...but in high school, even though I graduated in the top 1% of my class, I
didn't feel smart enough to go to college...so I got married and had kids.
(Renae Storms 10:58pm January 20, 2016)
Lisa L--That must mean you're curious but not particularly left brained. Maybe
you should be a writer! :)
Elaine--I'm sorry things haven't turned out as you hoped. Never too late to start
something new!
Gloria Vigil--God bless you! The elderly need people that care and want to be
there. So glad you enjoy getting lost in a good fantasy!
Shirley Cochran--That sounds fascinating. You sound like the lawyer's lawyer.
Way to go!
Lily Shah--Maybe you could write about your love for outer space? It's easier than
going, I hear :)
Jennifer Beck--So, is that what you do now? Do you take in unwanted animals?
My mom rescues maaaany kitty cats. And thanks! I am very happy with my cover,
too :)
Deb Philippon--Yay! Good for you. I would LOVE to go to Ephesus. I'd love to go
a lot of places actually :)
Ranae Storms--Being a mom is the BEST! Good for you (and you're obviously a
very SMART mom :) LOL).
(Heather FitzGerald 11:39pm January 25, 2016)
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