L. M. Montes is the author of two Christian urban fantasy novels and a collection of poetry. She has been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine and has been interviewed on the podcast The Neil Haley Show. Over the years she has accumulated an extensive background in education with a degree in teaching, a major in English, and two master’s degrees. Along with many travels, her life has led her on a creative journey.
All her life L. M. Montes has been a lover of the fantastical. Wherever she goes, she is in search of a story with a hint of magic just around the corner. She’s a strong proponent of and has always felt that “a story is out there somewhere.”
When she is not working on her next adventure, she can be found writing on her blog, taking a walk on the beach, or creating beaded jewelry.
Ever since I read a short story my elder sister wrote when I was a pre-teen, I wanted to write stories. Then I began reading mystery books for young adults and wanted to write even more. There was just one problem. I didn’t know how to go about doing that. At the time I didn’t understand there was a process or a particular structure in regards to writing a story let alone writing a book. After all, I was only 10.
In high school in one of my English classes, we were assigned to write a short story. Now, I don’t remember what the lesson was surrounding this assignment or if the teacher taught us an in depth lesson on how to write one, but I wrote one. My mom praised it and thought the world of it. I, however, was more critical of it. I felt there was more I needed to know. As I recall, I could have done more with my characters and added more conflict and/or suspense. I don’t remember what grade I received for the story, but I know it was a passing grade. I wouldn’t get back to writing creatively until my late 20’s.
During my hiatus the yearning to write a book was ever present in my mind. So between raising kids and a family, I read how to books on writing fiction. I tried to set pen to paper and start a but it fizzled out. The time wasn’t right. I had three kids (boys) and a husband, so that’s where my mind was at. My husband was in the Army, and, at one point, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His safety and the care of my three boys was first on my mind. At that time I still wanted to write a book, but I lacked the materials and opportunity to do so. That was ok. I was young and had plenty of time for writing later. In the meantime I lived life. Little did I know, it was only the beginning.
Ohhh the stories I could tell from that point onward…..
WRITE TIME AND AGAIN 