Hello everyone!
I’ve been in this group for quite some time, but I’ve never shared my writing or any text related to creative writing. This is mainly because I’m not a native English speaker and I write my novels in Spanish.
I’ve been writing “Dracotopia” for 16 years, a series of novels that blend fantasy, xenofiction, and moral conflicts. Months ago, I commissioned a Ukrainian illustrator to create the cover for my latest young adult novel, set in a modern, technological world (but there are no motor vehicles!) where humans and dragons coexist, with all their virtues and problems.
I had several ideas in mind, but her innovative approach was even better than any of mine. If you click on the image, you can see it larger.
As soon as this illustrator finished the cover and I saw the final result, I realized it would be worthwhile to include a scene in the book that would justify the beauty of its design. For this reason, I decided to incorporate a new, ad hoc scene that details how and why what is seen in the image occurs.
Feel free to comment on what you think!
Note: My English level is far from what is necessary to tackle a literary translation. Some things may not sound natural to a native English speaker. Currently, I’m looking for agencies and publishers in my country (Spain) and those in other countries that publish works in Spanish. I wish my novels will be translated into English someday.
The Scene Behind the Cover
“Okay, pose for the camera,” I said, holding my phone. “You look funnier with your tongue out.”
“Like this?” the dragon replied, trying to imitate me. “Do I look okay?”
“Yes. Just freeze, like you reptiles do… Perfect!”
Once, after I’d photographed her sunbathing in a grassy area, Aznara showed her playful side by snatching my phone with her snouts to take a selfie herself. I almost had a heart attack. My phone was, no less, a Tecxoniac 15 Pro Plus with a dual rear eyepiece and a custom dragon logo on the back. It had cost me 1,500 dracos. And I still had to pay twelve installments!
With the sun at my side, I stretched out my arm to reach the dragon’s mouth. She, with a saurian grin, raised her neck and ordered: “Take a picture!”. To my surprise, my device recognized Aznara’s voice as a command, and the typical click of an old-fashioned camera shutter sounded. After completing her mischief, she lowered her snout to return it to me. It was slightly damp, but intact. Incredibly, my buddy had managed to focus on both of us and take a picture worthy of framing.
Instead of taking it badly, I realized that we humans look for a use for every experience and are wary of relinquishing control. This prevented us from enjoying the spontaneity that characterized our allies. Encouraged by this contrast between dragons and our perception of them, I decided to upload a video reflecting on the usage of microchips and another to question the tools we used to handle them.
As soon as I updated our channel, Ólmar shared the latest news on his social media. And boy, he was very active with technology! If the countess stayed home all day, he’d spend hours in the computer room commenting on Quoris about current political events or posting satirical quips that garnered hundreds of likes and shares. Even if something or someone upset him, he always took it with humor. If Aznara had been a bit like her brother in that respect, she and I would have avoided several misunderstandings because of the driving bridle.
Regards!