L.M. Montes Inspires Readers With Stories of Faith and Fantasy
Stories That Inspire Growth and Discovery
L. M. Montes shares her journey of transforming scripture into spiritual and fantastical tales, inspiring readers through vivid characters, creative pursuits, and an unwavering passion for storytelling and personal growth.
Author L. M. Montes recently shared her literary journey in an interview with Reader’s House magazine. Her story is one of creativity, perseverance, and a deep-seated love for the fantastical. As the author of two Christian urban fantasy novels, a captivating short story collection Lights of Fantasy), and a collection of poetry, Montes invites readers into a world where magic intersects with faith, and where stories serve as both entertainment and a path to introspection.
The Journey of a Storyteller
L. M. Montes drew early inspiration from a robust academic foundation—earning a degree in English, two master’s degrees, and an extensive background in education. Yet, her love of fantasy and storytelling always provided a gateway to another world. Montes recalls, “Wherever I go, I am in search of a story with a hint of magic just around the corner.”
Her first foray into novel writing began as a romance, but a suggestion from her creative writing professor to incorporate fantasy sparked her literary future. This pivot resulted in her debut Christian urban fantasy novels, The Veil of Time and The Cross’s Key. Both books explore spiritual themes woven within otherworldly settings, creating a unique blend of the supernatural and the divine. Reflecting on her writing style, Montes shares how scripture becomes the cornerstone of her creative process. “I find a scripture centered around the story I want to write; this takes time and reflection. My character arcs and the challenges they face are designed to coincide with this scripture, offering opportunities for spiritual growth.”
A Protagonist with Depth
Central to her Time series is Tora, a protagonist whose journey of self-discovery resonates deeply with Montes’ readers. Tora’s story begins with confidence but unravels into an intense exploration of identity, doubt, and resilience. Montes describes how Tora evolves, discovering the strength in vulnerability and recognizing the importance of seeking help when faced with inner darkness.
Through Tora’s struggles, readers are encouraged to confront their own challenges, and the series becomes a mirror reflecting both the battles and the light that resides in every individual. This balance of spiritual themes and enchanting storytelling results in tales that entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.
Beyond the Novels: Short Stories and Creative Pursuits
Montes’ creative spirit expands beyond novels to the realms of short fiction, blogging, and beaded jewelry. In Lights of Fantasy, her short story collection, she explores fantasy, mystery, and intrigue, taking readers on miniature journeys that captivate within the concise constraints of short fiction. For Montes, short stories require keeping the narrative “on a leash”—a challenge for an author whose imagination can easily expand into full-length tales.
Her creative pursuits don’t stop at storytelling. Montes finds that her love of jewelry design plays a complementary role in her writing process, serving as a source of inspiration. In fact, it was her adoration for all that sparkles that planted the seed for The Veil of Time. Additionally, her blog acts as both an avenue to connect with readers and a platform to teach aspiring writers the art of fiction creation.
Reaching New Heights
Montes’ work has caught the attention of notable platforms like Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and The Neil Haley Show. These features amplified her voice as a writer and served as reminders to keep pushing forward even when the journey became challenging. “These opportunities came at a time when I felt like giving up,” Montes explains. “I now realize that giving up is not an option. Sharing my work and inspiring others is what’s important.”
Advice for Aspiring Writers
For writers who are just beginning their own journeys, Montes offers a timeless piece of advice: “Never give up. Share your work.” She emphasizes the value of perseverance, reminding creators that their words have the power to illuminate worlds and impact lives.
A Storyteller Who Transcends
As she continues to craft new tales, L. M. Montes stands as a beacon in contemporary literature—a writer who intertwines the fantastical with themes of faith, identity, and growth. Her stories transcend time and space, inviting readers to venture into realms of wonder, self-discovery, and spirit.
With each book, blog post, and beaded creation, Montes reminds us all that every story—no matter how fantastical—is out there somewhere, waiting to be told.
