My Journey from Adult Novels to Young Adult Fiction: Inspired by a 3D-Printed Dragon Egg
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Have you ever had a small creative decision completely transform your writing path? That's precisely what happened to me when a simple 3D-printed red dragon egg opened the door to an entirely new world—one that would not only change my writing style but bring my family into the creative process in ways I never imagined.
The Dragon Egg That Started It All
In a previous blog post, I mentioned a 3D-printed red dragon egg that catalyzed a significant shift in my writing, maybe not a shift, perhaps just an extension to my writing. To make this concept work within my story, I needed something to happen in the distant past. I decided a little girl would be the perfect character to trigger this event.
As I developed this idea, a realization struck me. I have grandchildren who might enjoy reading my stories—but they couldn't access my usual "spicy" adult novels.
From Adult to Young Adult: A Family Affair
What if I wrote something my grandchildren could actually read and enjoy? The thought was both exciting and challenging. Young adult fiction requires a different approach than adult novels—less explicit content, more coming-of-age themes, and protagonists they could relate to.
Once I started building this new world centered around the mysterious dragon egg, something magical happened. My grandchildren became invested in the story in ways I hadn't anticipated.
Collaborative Creativity Across Generations
My oldest grandchild, in particular, contributed so significantly to the development of the first book that I must honestly give them credit for it. Their fresh perspective and imaginative ideas shaped characters and plot points in ways my adult mind might never have conceived.
This collaborative process transformed what could have been a simple writing project into a family adventure. Their enthusiasm fueled my own creativity, pushing the boundaries of the world we were creating together.
Building New Worlds Together
The red dragon egg didn't just inspire a story—it spawned an entire world-building exercise unlike anything I'd attempted before. While this world may differ from others in fantasy literature, I hope that someday readers beyond our family will get to explore it.
There's something special about creating a fictional universe with the people you love. Each character, setting, and plot twist carries not just my vision but also pieces of my grandchildren's imaginations.
What started as a simple decision to write something my grandchildren could read has evolved into one of the most rewarding creative experiences of my life. Sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected beginnings—like a 3D-printed red dragon egg and the boundless imagination of a child.