Chic Geeks: Fantasy fiction gets a new reputation.
Author makes fantasy fiction cool.
PORT ORFORD, Ore. – Nerds may never have to peer out at the world from the inside of a locker again. The success of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Spiderman” movie trilogies, as well as the Harry Potter book series, has proven that geek is now chic.
Author Jayel Gibson is embracing the entertainment trend with her new book, Damselflies (Synergy Books, November 2007, ISBN 978-1-933538-64-8, $14.95), and proving you do not have to sport coke bottle glasses and suspenders to enjoy fantasy fiction. The third installment of Gibson’s “Ancient Mirrors Tales,” Damselflies features Arcinaë, a damselfly seen by men as a threat to the humankind, who must learn to fight for an enchanted land, seek vengeance for wrong doings and ultimately save the line of her race.
Gibson was inspired to create this story by her personal enjoyment of the fantasy genre and her participation in the video-gaming world. More and more Americans are opening their eyes and homes to the gaming phenomenon. According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, from 1996 to
2006 American computer and video-game software sales nearly tripled to $7.4 billion. In fact, 67 percent of heads of households in the United States play computer or video games.
“I have been an avid fan of science fiction, fantasy and gaming since before it was cool, so I can certainly relate to those that carry the ‘geek’ label,” says Gibson, a former grade school teacher. “I am thrilled to know that being a nerd is now something to be proud of, rather than something to be ashamed of.”
Gibson says that despite the risk of being called a geek, she has always been driven by her passion for gaming and fantasy. This passion inspired the setting of “Ancient Mirrors Tales.” In Damselflies, Arcinaë comes to realize she is the last of her race and the subject of ancient prophesies. In a quest to right
wrongs, Arcinaë becomes a warrior and finds a love she never thought possible. Out of this love, Arcinaë is able to preserve the race of the damselflies through her daughters A’Janae and J’yorie.
In an interview, Jayel Gibson can discuss:
• Dating tips for chic geeks
• The Celtic connection: From Tolkien to modern fantasy novels
• How fantasy fiction’s moral themes positively influence young readers
An accomplished author, Gibson often speaks at conferences, including Wordstock and the South Coast Writers Conference, and yearly attends OryCon, Oregon’s popular science fiction convention. The first two books in Gibson’s “Ancient Mirrors” series, Dragon Queen and The Wrekening, were 2007 USA Book News Awards finalists. Gibson currently lives in Port Orford, Ore., with her husband, and a number of furred and feathered companions. For more information, visit www.ancientmirrors.com.
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To schedule an interview with Jayel Gibson or request a review copy of Damselflies please contact Shelby Sledge at (512) 478-2028 ext. 227 or ssledge@phenixpublicity.com
PORT ORFORD, Ore. – Nerds may never have to peer out at the world from the inside of a locker again. The success of the “Lord of the Rings” and “Spiderman” movie trilogies, as well as the Harry Potter book series, has proven that geek is now chic.
Author Jayel Gibson is embracing the entertainment trend with her new book, Damselflies (Synergy Books, November 2007, ISBN 978-1-933538-64-8, $14.95), and proving you do not have to sport coke bottle glasses and suspenders to enjoy fantasy fiction. The third installment of Gibson’s “Ancient Mirrors Tales,” Damselflies features Arcinaë, a damselfly seen by men as a threat to the humankind, who must learn to fight for an enchanted land, seek vengeance for wrong doings and ultimately save the line of her race.
Gibson was inspired to create this story by her personal enjoyment of the fantasy genre and her participation in the video-gaming world. More and more Americans are opening their eyes and homes to the gaming phenomenon. According to a study by the Entertainment Software Association, from 1996 to
2006 American computer and video-game software sales nearly tripled to $7.4 billion. In fact, 67 percent of heads of households in the United States play computer or video games.
“I have been an avid fan of science fiction, fantasy and gaming since before it was cool, so I can certainly relate to those that carry the ‘geek’ label,” says Gibson, a former grade school teacher. “I am thrilled to know that being a nerd is now something to be proud of, rather than something to be ashamed of.”
Gibson says that despite the risk of being called a geek, she has always been driven by her passion for gaming and fantasy. This passion inspired the setting of “Ancient Mirrors Tales.” In Damselflies, Arcinaë comes to realize she is the last of her race and the subject of ancient prophesies. In a quest to right
wrongs, Arcinaë becomes a warrior and finds a love she never thought possible. Out of this love, Arcinaë is able to preserve the race of the damselflies through her daughters A’Janae and J’yorie.
In an interview, Jayel Gibson can discuss:
• Dating tips for chic geeks
• The Celtic connection: From Tolkien to modern fantasy novels
• How fantasy fiction’s moral themes positively influence young readers
An accomplished author, Gibson often speaks at conferences, including Wordstock and the South Coast Writers Conference, and yearly attends OryCon, Oregon’s popular science fiction convention. The first two books in Gibson’s “Ancient Mirrors” series, Dragon Queen and The Wrekening, were 2007 USA Book News Awards finalists. Gibson currently lives in Port Orford, Ore., with her husband, and a number of furred and feathered companions. For more information, visit www.ancientmirrors.com.
###
To schedule an interview with Jayel Gibson or request a review copy of Damselflies please contact Shelby Sledge at (512) 478-2028 ext. 227 or ssledge@phenixpublicity.com
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