by V. R. Janis
wicaka - true
niye - you
ate - father
han - yes
wo'wahwa - peace
Hinskoyela - that big
O'kiyuta - to heal up (wound)
cancega - drum
hiya - no
ihpe'ya - to leave
BONUS MATERIALS
Q & A WITH V. R. JANIS
QUOTATIONS THAT INSPIRED STOLEN LIGHT
V. R. JANIS'S STOLEN LIGHT PLAYLIST
WRITING TIPS FROM V. R. JANIS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
SNEAK PEEK INTO BOOK TWO: SHELTERED LIGHT
Q & A WITH V. R. JANIS
1. Why did you feel the need to blend the Lakota language and culture in with fantasy?
I grew up with the Lakota people and my children are Lakota. I felt the same way that I did when I blended the Lakota language with fantasy in the Hidden Magic Trilogy: it is a new way to connect to our children and hopefully encourage them to speak their own language.
2. Where did the idea for STOLEN LIGHT come from?
I had a thought of a young girl who glowed with power and then people who kidnapped her. I wanted to know what she would do and how she would survive.
3. What gives you ideas for stories? Why do you write?
I get ideas for stories from the world and people around me. However, the biggest thing that helps me come up with stories is the question, “What if…?” I write because I am a storyteller and my stories want to be told.
4. Is there a character in STOLEN LIGHT that you especially like? If so, why?
I would have to say my favorite character is Tanagila because he makes me laugh.
5. How did you create this new world and why?
I thought about my character Wakangli, and the world we live in does not do her journey justice. The world in this book kind of created itself as her journey evolved.
6. This book is a little darker than your first series. Was that intentional?
I did not write this book with the intention that it be darker, but it turned out to be the way the story flowed.
7. Did you model your main character after anyone?
I think that the main character is unique to herself, but she does contain parts of people I know.
8. Have your dreams and fears influenced your writing?
My dreams always influence my stories, and I would have to say that my fears are in each of my stories too. My dreams and fears are a part of me, and I think that leaks into all of my writing.
9. Do you think you have the strength to survive any situation?
I think nobody truly knows if they are strong enough until they are put to the test. I have dealt with many trials in my life, though, so I would have to say that, yes, I do have the strength. And if I didn’t, I would
dig down and find some more.
QUOTATIONS THAT INSPIRED STOLEN LIGHT
Strength: Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.
– Arnold Schwarzenegger
Forgiveness: Forgiveness is the final form of love.
– Reinhold Niebuhr
Courage: I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
– Nelson Mandela
Generosity: True generosity is an offering, given freely and out of pure love. No strings attached. No expectations. Time and love are the most valuable possession you can share.
– Suze Orman
V. R. JANIS'S STOLEN LIGHT PLAYLIST
“If I Could Be Where You Are” – Enya
This song made me think…on the ship and remembering Mom.
“Break” – 3 Days Grace
This song made me think…Storm where Wakangli falls overboard.
“Fallen” – Evanescence
This song made me think…of when she was kidnapped.
“You’re Going Down” – Sick Puppies This song made me think…dropped in the ocean.
Artists I listen to while writing: Avatar, Lord of the Rings and other epic soundtracks. I also listen to Lindsey Stirling and classical music. I can only write to music that is instrumental; words mess with my creative flow.
WRITING TIPS FROM V. R. JANIS
1. Take a deep breath and just write. Don’t think about what others will think. There will always be negativity. You have to think of the positive.
2. If you get stuck in your writing, step away and do something else and then come back to it. Sometimes it takes time, so don’t force it.
3. Write any chance you get. It helps you keep your imagination and drive alive.
4. Believe in yourself.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. The young cousins are playing pranks on each other in the beginning of the story. Does Wakangli react the way you think you would in a similar situation? Do you find her actions troubling? Do her experiences cause her to grow? If so, how?
2. Native American culture plays a big part in the book. Were there any notable cultural or traditional factors at play in the book? If so, what? How did they affect the characters? Do you think they were realistically portrayed?
3. What scene was the most pivotal for the book? How do you think the story would have changed had that scene not taken place? What scene resonated most with you personally in either a positive or negative way? Why or why not?
4. The author created a new world that she found interesting. Do the locations and environments of the book color the telling of the story or are they merely a backdrop? Does the location change during the book have any effect on the central characters? What details of the settings are your favorite? Why? Do you think it is important for an author of fantasy to pay close attention to a setting's detail? Why or why not?
5. Compare the humans to the elves. How are they similar? How are they different? For example, how do the humans react to Wakangli, an elf? Do you think the author is making a point about cultural differences between all people? What can we learn from Wakangli’s experience and apply to our own lives?
6. How does the way the characters see themselves differ from how others see them? How do you see the various characters? Why do you think people make assumptions based solely on appearance?
7. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think V.R. is trying to get across to the reader? In what ways do the events in the books reveal evidence of the author's world view?
8. Discuss the relationship between Wi and Wankangli. How would Wi describe her? Why does their relationship change? Are you surprised at Wankangli’s reaction? How about Wi’s?
9. Wankangli keeps trying to escape. What do you think she is thinking as she struggles with herself on this issue?
10. What do you think Wankangli’s brother would think about her saving the human girl at the cost of her freedom? What would her father, Great Tree, say?
11. After Wankangli is taken, she is hurt. For the first time in her life she is alone. What do you think would have happened if Wi had not helped her? Why do you think he helped?
12. In traditional fantasies there are seven elements: magic, otherworlds, universal themes, heroism, special character types, talking animals and fantastic objects. Which elements did V. R. Janis decide to incorporate into Stolen Light? Which ones did she omit? Why do you think so? What makes a fantasy different from other types of stories?
13. Were there any moments where you disagreed with the choices of any of the characters? What would you have done differently? What surprised you the most about the book? Were there any particular quotes that stood out to you? Why?
14. What is the significance of the title? Would you have given the book a different title? If yes, what is your title? What were the themes of the book? Do you feel they were adequately explored? Were they brought to life in a cliché or in a unique manner?
15. How did the book affect you? Do you feel “changed” in anyway? Did it expand your range of experience or challenge your assumptions? (For example, did it take you to a place you haven't been before or help you see a place you know in a different light?) Did reading it help you to understand a person better - perhaps a friend or relative, or even yourself? Did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? If so, why did you feel that way? Did this lead to a new understanding or awareness of some aspect of your life you might not have thought about before?
16. Discuss this quote from the author: "I was taught that our culture is used to bond us to our past, so that we would never forget where we come from. People need their culture’s stories to inspire that lesson of respect for all living things and the world around us. They remind us where we stand and what we stand for. These narrations help us give the future a piece of the past…. The story chooses the storyteller and it is our job to create an unforgettable journey that sparks the imaginations of our readers and listeners." Do you agree with the author? What do you think she means by the phrase "unforgettable journey that sparks the imaginations"? How is this shown throughout the novel?
17. If you were a writer, what could you learn from this book?
18. If you were to produce a movie of Stolen Light, whom would you cast in each role? Why would you pick these partic-
ular actors?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I want to thank my husband, Gerard for all the support, love and advice I need and want. I love you and am so lucky that we are together.
I want to thank my kids for giving their thoughts and love freely. My stories would not be the same without the inspiration you give me.
I want to thank my sister, Sarah, for giving advice and for reading this story and telling me what you thought. I appreciate the honest feedback.
I also want to thank my sister of the heart, Kiri Close, for advice, comments and support. You are awesome and I am thankful.
My last thank you goes to a great friend, writer and the best editor I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, Karen Hall. You make my books shine and for that I am forever grateful.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
V. R. Janis has a degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Conservation Biology.
She has also written another series of books called the “Hidden Magic Trilogy.” She grew up with the Lakota people and wanted to write a series of stories that included that part of her life.
Please visit her blog at: janisvr.blogspot.com.
You may also check out her website: http://vrjanis.wix.com/author-photographer
You can friend V. R. Janis on Face-book, and follow her on Twitter.
Finally, you may contact her at [email protected].
DIVE INTO THIS SNEAK PEEK OF
SHELTERED
LIGHT
THE SECOND BOOK IN THE
LIGHT CHRONICLES!
Sheltered Light
CHAPTER 1
I stopped for a second to look over the edge of the cliff of ice. It was forty feet to the rocks below. Wi pulled me back as a strong gust of wind made me stumble and lose my footing on the icy surface.
“Wakangli, are you all right?”
“Han, just the ice.”
Besides the rocks, all I could see were the crashing waves of the ocean until the sea met the sky. It was a depressing sight.
We were walking along the cliff, talking about plans for escape. I had a habit of talking with my hands when I got excited and the thought of getting off the island truly excited me. Wi listened to my constant optimism with a slight smile. There was not much of a plan unless a boat magically appeared. Busy listing ways we could obtain a boat, I stopped paying attention to where we were headed.
I suddenly lost traction on the ice and felt my feet slip out from under me. I gasped as I pitched over the cliff and felt only air beneath me.
I grabbed the jagged ice as I flew over the edge. I jerked to a stop and felt my shoulder pop out of place. Warm blood dripped from my sliced hand and I screamed. The pain made my eyes water. Grasping the edge was making the ice tear further into my hand, but I knew no matter how bad the pain got, I could not let go.
It was hard to stay soundless when I felt so much anguish. I knew the scream that had escaped me could lead our tormentors to us, but I couldn’t worry about that. Right now I had to find a way to climb the cliff with a dislocated shoulder and injured hands.
Then I felt hands grip my arms and pull. I looked up at Wi, probably the only other person on this block of ice that I was trapped on. The pain made my vision waver as he pulled again. His hands slipped to my wrists and I gripped his wrists in mine. The slick blood was making it hard for both of us to hold on.
“Sni yo! Don't you dare let go,” he screamed at me.
“I don't know how long I can hold on. My shoulder is on fire. And I’m slipping,” I said with a calmness in my voice I didn’t know I possessed.
“I don't care if it falls off, you don't let go. You could hit the rocks instead of the water.”
I tried to find some holes in the ice to wedge my feet into. If I could just use my legs, with Wi's help I could get back up the cliff. He was sweating and grunting as he tried to keep his grip on my wrists.
We were both tired, hungry and losing our hold. I could feel my fingers going numb and his hands slipping as we continued to struggle.
I saw the fear in his eyes and my body reacted with an adrenaline surge. Strength I didn’t know I had began to fuel me for the fight to climb.
“Wi, we are going to do this together. You are going to pull and I am going to push with my feet and try to climb up. Are you ready?”
He nodded his head, his concentration fully on holding me.
“Now!”
He pulled and shifted his weight. The pain made my vision go black. I heard his grunt as I slipped further out of his grasp.
“No! You have to hang on!” he ordered. “You have to fight! Hurry, climb.”
I tried to fight the pain that was sucking me into the black abyss. I looked up and focused and then, suddenly, there was nothing. My arms and hands continued to reach out for Wi as I fell.
I gasped as I hit the ice cold water seconds later and felt my leg slam into the rocks. The cold shocked me back to reality. I used it, but knew if I did not get out of the water quickly I would die from hypothermia.
I struggled to bring my head above the water. As soon as I felt the air against my face I gasped a breath and my teeth started to chatter. I could feel the coldness settling in my chest as I tried to breathe. A wave slammed into my head, pushing me under the water and making me dizzy.
My torn clothes kept catching on the rocks as the waves bashed me into them. My clothes were dragging me down again.
I tried to kick my feet and, with fresh pain, knew that my leg might possibly be broken. I kicked it anyway and moved my arms. My dislocated arm did not have a good range of motion. I ignored the pain, but was thankful it kept me conscious.
I was nearly exhausted and having a hard time. I could see the blackness closing in. I was making some progress toward the shore, but I was slowing down. Apparently, my strong will could only get me so far.
I heard a splash beside me and then felt Wi grab me and start swimming toward the shore at an angle. I helped him as best as I could.
We were swimming to the rock cliffs next to the ice shelf. The face of the cliff was riddled with little caves.
This had been our home for the last few weeks. After being kidnapped by Hanyetuwi, tortured, and then thrown into the sea tied to a rock, it felt like a haven. If the whales hadn’t saved me by carrying me to this ice island, I wouldn’t be here to ache for home. My father, my brother and their search for me haunted my dreams. My worry for them grew each day, especially after my cousin betrayed me to the man who killed him—Hanyetuwi. But what mattered most was that I was away from that evil man. Now I needed a way to get off this island.
Most o
f the lower caves were too small and usually flooded with high tide. We struggled up to one of the bigger caves, higher up. It was barely big enough for the two of us, but it made it easier to stay warm.
We were still stuck on this stupid ice continent after weeks of dealing with the effort to stay warm, forage for food and find a way to escape.