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Welcome to the Serena Psalm Website... co-author of the Saga of the Son series, as well as the upcoming Ironhand series for children.

Over the course of the year, my partner and I asked a number of people to proof read the rough draft. We were interested in finding help with plot holes and weak characterization. What we recieved was something else. Below are a few of the many comments we recieved from our readers.

Daniel Sutton, 19
College Student
Tempe, Arizona

Thanks-a-freaking-lot! Coming from a fellow fantasy lover, this kind of accolade means a lot.

James Turrubiates, 23
Society for Creative Anachronism
Gilbert, Arizona

Your applause means a lot to me, Jim. When I first asked you to read the story, I was scared to death. With your experience and education, I knew that your approval would mean I did a good job. So, whew, am I relieved. HAHA! Thank you. :-)

Rebecca McClure, 17
High School Student
Mesa, Arizona

Believe it or not, Hallie was an accident. My partner came up with the idea when we were wrote the bathing scene in "Brothers in Arms." He said, "Hey, why don't we make one of them a woman!" So originally, Hallie was just another way for us to embarass Karas. But she began to take on a life of her own. So, we decided to give Hallie her own special place in the series. So, rest assured, my friend: you've not seen the last of Hallie!

Lynette Murtaugh, 16
High School Bookworm
Mesa, Arizona

They were quite tricky, to tell you the truth. My partner and I spent a lot of time making sure they were fluid and believable. I've seen authors flub this very important point, and its very disheartening - not to mention distracting - when they do.

On another note, the Ork chapter was - by far the funnest new perspective to explore. My partner speaks fluent grunt.

Patricia Conley, 38
Teacher, Middle School
Tyler, Texas

I'll take that as a compliment. As you know, I was just 18 when my partner and I started writing Saga, and I finished it a couple months after my 19th birthday. That being said, my partner and I have the combined attention span of a six year old.

Ronald Mayfield, 16
High School Student
Mesa, Arizona

Oddly enough, fight scenes aren't my forte. I specialize in characterization and dialogue. So, my partner takes care of the fighting and action stuff (you know, the guy stuff), so I can focus on my own strenghts (you know, the girly stuff) . I tell you, it's a match made in heaven!

Alecia Gusler, 24
Geological Engineer
Tempe, Arizona

That's a great question, Ali. Right now, my partner and I are focused on getting queries out for Book One. But, we do have a solid outline for Book Two. And, if you thought Book One was good... wait till you see what happens in Book Two! I can't wait to get started!!!

Karyn Wentworth, 19
Starbucks Employee
Mesa, Arizona

I just snorted some Mountain Dew up my nose. While that's very generous, I think I have a lot of room to grow before I can be compared to Tolkien. He is like the Magna Carta of Fantasy. Without him, we probably wouldn't be here.

Anna Marie Foss, 32
Radiological Technician
Tempe, Arizona

Thank you, Anna. As you know, we wrote this story for the Young Adult market, so you weren't our target. Which is great, because you still enjoyed it. That means our story has the potential to cross over, much like Harry Potter, so that kids, teenagers, and even adults will enjoy it. That would be wonderful!

Mr. Fremont, 44
Professor of Economics
Tempe, Arizona

Considering the length of the manuscript, that's quite impressive. As you know, our goal was to use prose in such a way that it would propel the reader forward. That way, it wouldn't feel like a 115,000 word Opus.

Franklin Carey, 38
Software Engineer
Kenosha, Wisconsin

Believe it or not, Frank, my partner shares this same pet peeve. He hates when things are "given" to a character, or when things come too easy. So, we set out to do something completely different. We wanted Karas to have to work for everything he got - just like we have to. :-)

Keira McKinley, 26
Cosmotologist
Mesa, Arizona

Thank you, Keira. Since you had one of the earlier copies, I was amazed you even made it to the end. But, I'm glad you liked it.

Kaylee Miller, 16
High School Student
Mesa, Arizona

Believe it or not, getting a book published is more difficult than writing it. It requires finding that one person who enjoys traditional epic fantasy as much as we do. And that's the hard part. So, keep us in your prayers!

Michel Whittaker, 28
Paralegal
Phoenix, Arizona

That's what we like to hear. In fact, one of our favorite things to do is have readers describe Karas or Eryn or Tomas and listen to how vividly they describe them. When we started this project, we promised ourselves not to impose our imagination on the reader, but rather, allow them to participate, by filling in the details for themselves. And, as you can attest, it makes the story more real, since it's taking place in the reader's mind, rather than on the page. Thanks!

Tanisha Hayworth, 22
Restaurant Hostess
Scottsdale, Arizona

Wow. Thank you. We're glad you liked it. We feel the same way about your pizza. We don't just eat it... we experience it.