E L A Y N E G. J A M E S
RANDOM FUN FACTS ABOUT ELAYNE G. JAMES
• Born in Monterey, California, to musician parents whose unusual mix of wisdom, creativity, and playfulness proved infectious to their somewhat innocent children
• Spent her formative years on her family's small ranch learning the secret language of the animals and the enchantments of the land
• Had a black and white sheepdog named Sand who spoke pig Latin
• Became a musician and songwriter at an early age
• Traveled extensively throughout childhood and adolescence and started backpacking the Sierras with her family when she was fourteen
• Became a writer by chronicling her family's adventures on the road
• Dreamed of being a Disney animation artist when she grew up
• Wrote her first short story at age 6 (very short) and her first book at age 12 (a hundred handwritten pages & a hand-drawn cover)
• Fell in love with the books of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells in her teens and began penning sci-fi and fantasy stories (but never admitted to it in polite company)
• Became a playwright in college
• Became a professional theatrical lighting designer in her late 20s & worked in theatre for 24 years (wrote 80% of The LightBridge Legacy in theatre light booths after hours)
• Co-wrote 2 full-length theatrical musicals in her 20s & 30s: Fool of Hearts & The Saint of Carrington (and composed songs for six others)
• Harbors a secret longing to explore the multiverse by a means yet to be invented or discovered
• Spent her formative years on her family's small ranch learning the secret language of the animals and the enchantments of the land
• Had a black and white sheepdog named Sand who spoke pig Latin
• Became a musician and songwriter at an early age
• Traveled extensively throughout childhood and adolescence and started backpacking the Sierras with her family when she was fourteen
• Became a writer by chronicling her family's adventures on the road
• Dreamed of being a Disney animation artist when she grew up
• Wrote her first short story at age 6 (very short) and her first book at age 12 (a hundred handwritten pages & a hand-drawn cover)
• Fell in love with the books of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells in her teens and began penning sci-fi and fantasy stories (but never admitted to it in polite company)
• Became a playwright in college
• Became a professional theatrical lighting designer in her late 20s & worked in theatre for 24 years (wrote 80% of The LightBridge Legacy in theatre light booths after hours)
• Co-wrote 2 full-length theatrical musicals in her 20s & 30s: Fool of Hearts & The Saint of Carrington (and composed songs for six others)
• Harbors a secret longing to explore the multiverse by a means yet to be invented or discovered
MORE RANDOM FUN FACTS ABOUT
E.G. JAMES (+ Extra Photos)
My Story...
When I was 11 years old, I left the confines of my limited little world and journeyed to a far away land called Middle Earth. With the expert assistance of Mr. Tolkien as guide and wise counsel, I went on a great and dangerous adventure. When I returned nine months later, for that was how long it took me to read the book, I made an important discovery. I knew then, that I wanted to be just such a guide for others--a guide through magnificent inner landscapes. I vowed to spend the rest of my life pursuing the fine art of world building.
A few years later, when I was Ani's age (13), I went on another grand adventure, this time one of my own, crossing the expanse of another wondrous land (America), leaving a beautiful place called California, and journeying to a shining place called New York City, which planted the seed for Ani's move to NYC in Book One of The LightBridge Legacy Series. At the prompting of my parents, I chronicled our family’s trip across America in my thirteenth year, which took four and a half months. Upon our return, I began writing and assembling my stories into handmade books that I could share with others. From that moment on I, like Ani, felt called to the destiny that awaited me. When finally I returned to New York City three decades later, I had just finished 900 pages of my first fantasy series (which had taken the better part of seven years to write), and would soon be celebrating the fruition of a lifelong dream--becoming a published author. The road from there to here has had many scenic detours, all of which were experiences I count myself lucky to have had. In the three decades between NYC visits, I have been a recording artist, a Hollywood sound effects editor, a successful playwright, a West Coast theatrical lighting designer, a graphic artist, and a professional photographer. Through it all though, I have been a writer, periodically battling dark forces, but never stepping too far off the path. I now live by the Pacific blue in Southern California with my sweetie and continue my love affair with Story and the written word. Feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you! 
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In The LightBridge Legacy, Ani Jasper's upbringing was inspired by my own childhood (not just the hair). My family owned a cabin in the desert and we often went on rock hunts and discovery treks. We frequented many a rock and gem shop as my mother was an amateur geologist.
In The Secret Half, the teachings of Kahetay, Ani's Native American 'grandfather' and spirit guide, were inspired by the wisdom of my guitar teacher who taught me, through music, how all things are connected and infused with light. He was my real-life 'Kahetay' and guided me from age 12 to age 18. These experiences gave me a sense of balance & purpose throughout my tween and teen years and, like Ani, they set me upon my true path. When I began writing The Secret Half, I knew I wanted to pass on these teachings, and the creation of Kahetay was the perfect vehicle. Everything else about Kahatay was patterned after my sweet love, Ken Henatay, a Pueblo Indian by birth. For these reasons, the character Kahetay is very near and dear to my heart. ツ 
On my blog, I share a few songs I wrote and recorded in my teens and 20's (pictured above). If you're curious, head on over to ElaneJamesBlog.com to take a listen. ♫
Yep, I went to high school in the 70s and LOVED it! They just don't make 'em like they used to. And by "em," I mean, well,
just about E V E R Y T H I N G.
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