Never could she write fast enough to keep up with her wild imagination. The short stories she authored ended too abruptly. There was always more to say, another fictional character to create, more outlandish adventures in the kingdom of Edorian.
So, at the age of 12, Combs set out on her own adventure. With only her father's “ancient, barely functioning” laptop computer by her side, Combs wrote an epic fantasy adventure novel.
read a lot,” said Lisa Walser, an avid reader who has a master's degree in creative writing. Walser, a family friend, edited Combs' manuscript.
“She really creates fantastic kingdoms and ones that are not reproductions of other kingdoms. That's difficult in this genre. It's hard to be original.”
Now 19, Combs is a published author. The 398-page paperback novel, “The Light of Edorian,” laid face-up on a table during an interview at Break Espresso last week, and a book signing is scheduled for Friday at the University of Montana's Fact & Fiction, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Combs hopes “The Light of Edorian” is the first in a three-book series.
More than once during the past six years, Combs questioned whether her dream would actually become reality - especially during the final stages of publication.
But sheer determination and a passion for writing got her to this point. Combs' book was published by iUniverse, a small print-on-demand firm.
“Sometimes the story just tells itself, and then you've just got to go with the flow,” said Combs, who finished the manuscript two years ago while a student at Hellgate High School. Today, she is a freshman at UM.
The story takes place in an imaginary kingdom called Edorian where Princess Keshka, the heiress to the throne and the book's young heroine, travels the land, running from the Lord of the evil Cerevons, learning about herself and her past. The characters are many and Edorians even speak their own language at times.
The plot changed “about a thousand times” in six years, she said.
As she matured, so did the book.
For example, she started writing it as a sixth-grade girl with no brothers. Yet she was creating male characters at an age when most girls think boys still have cooties.
It was an issue of which Combs was very much aware. She feared her guy characters “wouldn't be guyish,” she said. As she conversed with boys her age, however, she changed the book's characters to reflect their demeanor.
Much of the writing occurred during the summers when Combs was less busy with homework, dance lessons or oboe practice. The novel certainly took away from time with friends, but Combs has always been “obsessed with writing” and admits to enjoying time alone.
In sixth grade, Combs described herself as socially reclusive, and as a result, created her female heroine into “a higher standard of myself.”
“I'd want to be her,” Combs said.
As she matured and reached out socially, her heroine became more daring, too. “We both grew braver together.”
Upon completion of the manuscript two years ago, Combs turned to Walser for feedback. Her reaction was typical of any adult who learns that a kid is writing a novel. It was, more or less, empty encouragement. Lip service, so to speak.
“That's nice,” Walser replied. “Good going.”
That's when Combs handed her a three-ring notebook filled with 300 pages of single-spaced copy.
“I was absolutely floored to see the amount of work and ability that this young woman had,” Walser said.
Often in fantasy novels, the protagonist is either a male or a female disguised as a male, she said. So for Combs' novel to star a female protagonist is a refreshing change.
Not only did Combs take constructive criticism well, but she showed a dedication and determination not seen by many adults with the same aspirations, Walser said.
Surprisingly, Combs is not a creative writing major at the university. She's not even studying English.
She's a German major, with a minor in music. Writing is a hobby, albeit a passionate one. For as long as she has story lines occupying her head, Combs will write.
In fact, sales from the book will finance her trip to Germany next year, where she will study abroad. The sequels to “The Light of Edorian” may have to wait until she returns to the United States, but it's only a matter of time until she begins the process all over again.
“It's lingering in the back of my mind,” she said, “and I want to get it out.”
Reporter Chelsi Moy can be reached at 523-5260 or at chelsi.moy@missoulian.com.
Pen in hand
Lindsay Combs will sign copies of her fantasy novel, “The Light of Edorian,” from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the University of Montana's Fact & Fiction bookstore in the University Center.
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)