Some have asked me "Why is Noane African American?"

Some have asked me why I made the main character, the heroine, the 17 year-old Noane, African American (although she is in fact neither from Africa nor America, since Quest takes place on a mythical Earth in mythical times).

I have no solid explanation for that other than Noane's looks had always been defined in my thoughts from the beginning. She appeared out of the mist - or myst? - and I couldn't shake her.

But I knew I wanted my Noane (pronounced "Known") to be a strong female character, in her middle-to-late teens, who is old enough in wisdom and will to run her own farm, life, etc. And also, when she is forced to leave, is strong enough in spirit not only to survive but, with those lost creatures that she meets, triumph over great odds.

I wanted her to capture the heart of man and a beast - so she is beautiful of course, but her beauty lay also in her actions; her desires, her stubborn determination - and so her ability to save herself when need be. To use her WITS, not magic stones or blessed swords to rescue herself or her friends.

And I wanted her to be neither the conventional frail, white princess nor the pathetic damsel in distress who's sole purpose is to wait around looking anxious until rescue arrives.

How boring she would be!

Noane to me is an strong-minded, exotic, wonderful girl who knows her way and goes it. Who makes her own choices and refuses to bend her will to others. Yet she is full of adventure and love of fellow.

Noane is my hero(oine).