Caryl Say

I’ve always loved to read. I enjoy many genres, including romantic fiction, murder mysteries and series about female private investigators, FBI agents and law enforcement officers. But I’m partial to science fiction and fantasy, and I love tales of magic and superheroes, of shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires and ghosts—any and all supernatural beings.

I never planned on being a writer, although many times I had an urge to write. Then, in early 2013, I had an epiphany. What was I doing with my life, besides working, reading and watching TV? I had just finished watching BBC’s five seasons of “Merlin,” and I decided then and there to write my own version of Merlin’s story. I started my new life right away, by booking a flight to England. And I started writing.

I went to England in August of 2013, and by November I had finished my first novel: The Heart of Magic, Book 1 of the Merlin in Moab series. I barely slept during that time but truly didn’t need it; I was riding on a high of inspiration and adrenaline.

I am now semi-retired after thirty-odd years of full-time employment and I write as much as possible, because writing is immensely fulfilling for me.

Currently, I swim and work out four or five days a week at Moab’s beautiful aquatic center and gym, and hike as much as I can on the area’s breathtaking hiking trails. I live in downtown Moab, so it’s only a ten-minute drive to Arches National Park!

I also enjoy researching my family tree, and I frequently travel to England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland; the birthplaces of most of my ancestors (I’ve actually named some of my characters after them). It's very exciting it is to stand in an ancient castle and know that my ancestor built it or lived in it.

I plan on writing and traveling for many years to come.