I used to think that fantasies were for those who could not deal with the reality of their world. But through the years and struggles, victories, defeats, smiles and tears I have developed a new philosophy about the fantasies that are created by the subconscious and conscious of a mortal creature. Our dreams are the creative expression of hopes, trials, loves, fears and true reality of the way we relate to our world. Sadly, much of corporate, capitalistic America functions around the myth we have named "The American Dream," when really there is little honest, heartfelt dreaming to it at all. We believe that if we work hard and develop all the socially approvable powers, qualities, strengths, income, and self-sufficiency, we have reached our dreams. So often, I think, the attainment of such goals prevents us from actually getting in touch with the true dreams of our hearts. We have developed such structured systems of stereotyping dreams, lifestyles and interests that many of MINE have been labeled 'inappropriate,' 'unhealthy' or 'demented.' But if you examine my life and the simple, balanced beauty of it you know that my dreams define my character. In the most honest terms, no pretense or judgement overhanging, my dreams are the expression and intimacy of my mortality. And with that brief, and possibly bewildering explanation.... here are a few of my dreams, fantasies, hobbies and creative outlets...

Fantasy Fiction
Some of my favorites of all the fantasy fiction I have read are in the 'DragonLance' series, most specifically the DragonLance Chronicles, and the Recluce Series by L.E. Modesitt, who I know personally from my work with his wife in the music department at SUU. I read constantly, as should anyone in touch with his/her imagination. Some other favorites are:

'The Brothers of Gwynedd' Quartet, by Edith Pargeter
..........(Sunrise in the West, The Dragon at Noonday, The Hounds of Sunset, Afterglow and Nightfall)

'The Fionavar Tapestry' by Guy Gavriel Kay
..........(The Summer Tree, The Wandering Fire, and The Darkest Road)

The 'Abhorsen' series, by Garth Nix
..........(Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen)

The 'Harry Potter' series, by J.K. Rowling

The 'Assassin' Trilogy, by Robin Hobb
..........(Assassin's Apprentice, Assassin's Quest, The Royal Assassin)

Ann Rice's Vampire and Witch fiction
..........(Vittorio, Pandora, Merrick, Of Blood and Gold, Blackwood Farm, Blood Canticle, The Witching Hour)

VampirismMagic
While the idea of being bitten and turned in some dark alley may be terrifying and horrid to many, I find the mythology, fantasy and even reality of vampirism a romantic and magnetic idea. The truth is, I believe that the taste of blood, the element of violence, pain and the power of passion-driven immortality are appealing to MOST mortals if they are willing to admit it...
Some good books: "Lord of the Dead" and "Slave of my Thirst" by Tom De Haan; "Vittorio," "Pandora," and "Blood and Gold" by Ann Rice.
I believe in the true existence of magic in every single individual, creature, and organization of matter. It is what give some an aura, some premonitions, the attraction beyond reason to another, and the abilities to do the impossible in every day life. Some have learned to harness the magic within them, some are more in tune to it and open to its development. Some are blind to its existence. But it is, it exists, it works often independently and uncontrolled by the will of its fundamental source. There is magic in me and you and every other person we know...if we look hard enough, if we are open to see it.


Ghosts, Witchcraft, Enchantings, Dragons, Order/Chaos balance, other earths, unseen beings and personal power... these are all parts of my fantasy. Or is it my reality? Ask the vampire in your office, or the ghost in your church service. They would know better than I.

djalzi@yahoo.com


I occasionally have people email me in response and say, "Dj, you are one complex, baggage-carrying, scarred, twisted, too-deep-to-get-into person..." To this I must say you are wrong. I have no more 'baggage' or history to me than any other single human being on earth. I deal with my emotional past in the best, most positive and productive way I can, and I am a perpetual optimist. Life is beautiful to me, and people are amazing, intense creatures I learn so much from. If you are reading, do so out of curiosity, not a desire to judge me.

Sample my own fantasies if you like. None are completely written, but pieces of the work are here for your reading enjoyment...or discomfort, as the case may be. A more complete writing list can be found on my WORKS page.

Yntaka......................drow psionicist/necromancer
Community.......................modern fiction in progress
Musings.........................dark--read at your own risk.
Fight and Flight..........................a letter to a lover.
Andren, my Lord.........................a dream I had