Chronicles Woven in Runes
My bedtime storybook, “Sleepy Tales” is very nearly done! I’ve just got one more illustration to complete, and then, it’ll be ready for final review. I’m so excited! It’s a very cute book, I must say.
Stay tuned! More details coming.
I’ve had this little book out on Amazon for a while now. Hope you’ve all had a chance to check it out. It’s really sweet; there’s a double story about the dangers that these beautiful ocean turtles experience – many lose their limbs to nets, fishermen’s nets that get caught up in their flippers.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my new video for book # 2 of Discovering Misty.
Please check it out! There’s some great reviews in Goodreads too.
Thanks all!
Woohoo! My new book is out! It’s a Luxury Adult Coloring Book. Check it out!
Scientists have discovered that using coloring books actually helps to calm and help the brain focus better.
I wrote about it last night in my blog and now it’s available for purchase. They should have more pictures up in a few days. There’s more than 170 pages to color!
Check it out!
Hello, friends and fellow story-lovers!
I’m Shirley Ulbrich, writing under the pen names Pages Alight (for my more whimsical and visual storytelling projects) and S.M. Ulbrich (for my fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian tales). Today I’m thrilled to share that we’re hard at work on a brand-new story book—a project that’s been dancing around in my imagination for quite some time. I can’t wait to tell you more as it takes shape!
In the meantime, my little collection of small notebooks (there are currently three available) continues to bring joy to folks who love to jot down thoughts, sketches, or daily reflections. They’re simple, charming, and perfect for tucking into a bag or keeping by your bedside.
And the big news I’ve been waiting for… my luxury adult coloring book is finally in review! After a couple of rejections (those picky full-bleed page requirements kept tripping us up), it looks like we might see it go live as soon as today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed—I’ll shout it from the rooftops the moment it’s approved and available!
To celebrate the creative energy flowing right now, here are a couple of illustrations I created that didn’t make it into the final story book or coloring pages. I thought you might enjoy them as a little sneak peek into my artistic process:
What do you think? Do any of these spark a story idea for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
If you’d like to stay in the loop on the new story book, the coloring book launch, or any of my other creations (under any of my names), feel free to subscribe to the newsletter or follow along on social media. Your support means the world to this indie author and visual storyteller.
Thank you for being part of this creative journey with me. Here’s to more stories, more colors, and more pages alight!
✨Warmly,
Shirley Ulbrich
aka Pages Alight & S.M. Ulbrich
A man slaughters a big cow, starts the grill, and says to his daughter, “Daughter, go call our relatives, friends, and neighbors to join us… We’re having a celebration!”
The daughter goes out to the street and shouts, “Please help! My father’s house is on fire!”
After some time, only a few people come out to help, while many others act like they didn’t hear anything. The ones who came stay, eat, and enjoy the food until late.
The father, confused, looks around and says to his daughter, “I don’t know most of these people. Some I’ve never seen before. Where are our friends, family, and neighbors?”
The daughter calmly replies, “The people who came didn’t come for a party. They came because they thought we were in trouble. These are the people who care about us. These are the ones who deserve to celebrate with us.”
Lesson: The ones who don’t show up when you’re struggling don’t deserve to be with you when you succeed.
What do you think? I think it all depends on the intent of a person, really. Some people may WANT to help, but don’t know how. There are times in everyone’s lives when it’s just too hard to stretch and serve another, even though we want to help.
If someone came to our door right now, my husband would do everything he can, but he can’t give money or can’t be gone from the house very long, as people need him here. Those circumstances must be taken into consideration, and not punish those with good intent.
As an author weaving tales of survival and mysticism, I’ve fallen in love with runes, those enigmatic symbols from our ancestors. Today, let’s explore how these ancient marks breathe new life into modern stories, drawing from their historical roots to inspire today’s readers and writers.
Imagine a world shattered by catastrophe, where survivors cling to fragments of ancient wisdom to forge their path forward. In my Zion series, a mysterious rune etched on a weathered stone whispers prophecies of hope amid the ruins. It’s not just a plot device—it’s a bridge to the past, pulsing with magic that feels alive on the page.
Runes aren’t mere letters; they’re portals to a bygone era. The Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet, emerged around 150-800 AD among Germanic tribes in Scandinavia and beyond.
Carved into wood, stone, or bone, these 24 symbols served practical purposes—like labeling possessions or commemorating the dead—but they also carried deeper, mystical connotations.
Derived from the word “rún” meaning “secret” or “mystery” in Old Norse, runes were believed to hold divinatory power. Warriors might consult them before battle, or shamans use them in rituals to glimpse the future.
Historians draw much of what we know from sources like the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem and the Norwegian Rune Poem, which assign poetic meanings to each symbol.
Take Fehu, the first rune, shaped like a cattle horn: It represents wealth, prosperity, and the rewards of hard work.
Uruz, resembling an aurochs (a wild ox), embodies raw strength and endurance—perfect for tales of overcoming adversity.
Then there’s Ansuz, linked to Odin, the Allfather, symbolizing wisdom, communication, and divine inspiration.
These aren’t static definitions; they’re fluid, open to interpretation, which is why they fascinate storytellers like me.
In my Zion series—starting with Zion: The Beginning and continuing through the chronicles—I’ve adapted these runes to fit a post-apocalyptic landscape. Here, they’re more than historical nods; they’re survival tools.
Characters decipher rune-inscribed artifacts to unlock hidden bunkers or predict environmental threats, blending ancient lore with futuristic grit.
For instance, a protagonist might trace Uruz during a brutal storm, drawing on its energy to push through exhaustion.
This isn’t arbitrary—I researched authentic meanings to ensure they resonate authentically, then twisted them to serve the narrative. It’s like Tolkien did with his Elvish scripts or runes in The Hobbit, where they add layers of world-building that make Middle-earth feel timeless.
What draws me to runes in storytelling is their versatility. They’re visual poetry: Simple lines that evoke complex ideas, making them ideal for visual media like book covers or fan art.
In Zion, they symbolize resilience in chaos, mirroring real-world themes of adaptation in uncertain times. And honestly, incorporating them sparks my creativity—it’s like unlocking a secret code in my own writing process.
Speaking of process, let’s get practical. If you’re an aspiring writer eyeing mystical elements, runes are a goldmine. I start with research:
Books like The Rune Primer by Sweyn Plowright or online archives from museums provide solid foundations without overwhelming you. Then, I sketch them out—drawing Fehu or Ansuz helps internalize their shapes and energies.
One tip I had fun with: Try “rune journaling.” Each morning, pull a rune (you can use apps or make your own deck) and let it inspire a scene. Stuck on a character’s motivation? Draw Ansuz for a wisdom breakthrough. It’s a low-pressure way to infuse some Nordic or Celtic magic into your drafts.
In Zion, this method led to some of my favorite twists—like a rune that shifts meaning based on context, forcing heroes to question fate. It’s empowering: Runes remind us that stories, like real life, are woven from choices and interpretations. If you’re curious, grab a notebook and experiment— who knows what secrets you’ll uncover?
As we step into 2026, runes feel more relevant than ever. In a world buzzing with AI and rapid change, they ground us in human heritage while fueling imagination. Whether you’re devouring fantasy epics or crafting your own, these symbols endure because they tap into universal truths: Strength in struggle, wisdom in whispers.
If runes have sparked your interest, let me know and when it’s ready, I will let you know.. You’ll dive into the Zion series on Amazon—start with Zion: The Beginning and see how these ancient marks shape a new world.
Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you used runes in your stories, or do they appear in your favorite books?
I’d love to hear! And stay tuned for more chronicles woven in runes—next up, perhaps a rune-deep dive on my upcoming podcast.
Thanks for reading, fellow adventurers. Until next time, may your paths be marked with prosperous runes.
Ponder
How do you communicate online?
Hello, readers! I’m Shirley Ulbrich, writing under the pen name S.M. Ulbrich, and today I’m diving into the prompt: “In what ways do you communicate online?” As an author of fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, and children’s stories, online communication is my lifeline for connecting with readers, sharing my work, and building a community.
From promoting my books like the Discovering Misty series, George and the Eagle, The Covenant Fire (a standalone book), and the Zion series—America’s Great Terrible Storm, a 6-book series exploring themes of prophecy, survival, and faith with elements like Obama-era events, New Jerusalem visions, survival vaults, and culminating in a Survival review in the last book—to preparing to host my Pages Alight Podcast,
I use a mix of platforms to engage, inspire, and interact. In this post, I’ll break down my methods, sprinkle in insights from key books on digital communication, and highlight how these tools help me spread the word about my projects. Let’s explore!
My Go-To Online Communication Methods
Online communication for me is all about blending creativity with connection. It’s not just about broadcasting—it’s about fostering conversations, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and turning solitary writing into a shared adventure. Here’s how I do it:
1. My Website: The Central Hub (smulbrichauthor.com)
My website is the foundation of my online presence. It’s where I post detailed blog entries, book descriptions, and updates. For instance, I recently shared “Got a New Story in the Works for Misty,” teasing expansions to the Discovering Misty series about a young mermaid’s adventures in self-discovery and friendship. I also use it to announce wins, like taking 1st prize in a writing contest, and to promote my standalone book The Covenant Fire, a Christian/LDS YA apocalyptic novel full of adventure, as well as the Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm. This 6-book series weaves Latter-day Saint prophecy with dystopian survival stories, incorporating elements like Obama-era collapses, visions of New Jerusalem, and survival vaults in a saga of faith and resilience. The series includes books like Collapse (focusing on early chaos), Runners, Shadows of Zion, Rebuilding, Legacy, and ends with a Survival review in the sixth book, providing a comprehensive look back at survival strategies and themes. The site links everything together, from buy buttons on Amazon to podcast trailers, making it easy for visitors to explore my world.
2. Social Media Platforms: Engaging and Promoting
Social media is where the magic happens in real-time. I use it to share snippets, visuals, and calls to action for my books and podcast.
• Facebook (fb.com/smulbrich): On FB, I post about my multi-genre tales, from the whimsical Discovering Misty to the intense Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm, which follows characters navigating faith, chaos, and prophetic storms across six books, ending with a Survival review. I share trailers, reader reviews, and community discussions to build buzz.
• Instagram (@s.m.ulbrich): IG is perfect for visuals. I post book covers, AI-generated art inspired by my stories—like a podcast banner with a glowing antique book for Pages Alight—and reels teasing scenes from George and the Eagle, where young George Washington and his eagle companion face storms and adventures. It’s great for hashtagging #multigenre and connecting with visual storytellers.
• X (formerly Twitter, @SMUlbrich): On X, I share quick updates, blog links, and engage with trends. For example, I posted about my YouTube milestone for Pages Alight Podcast, which lights up discussions on my books and storytelling. I promote entries like “Narrative Nook Monday” series, tying into my Zion books such as America’s Great Terrible Storm, and even chime in on fun polls to keep interactions lively.
• TikTok and YouTube: These are video-heavy for my Pages Alight Podcast, where I will dive into book themes, read excerpts from the Zion series, and share trailers for The Covenant Fire. Short clips build excitement for upcoming releases.
These platforms help me reach different audiences—FB for in-depth shares, IG for aesthetics, X for quick chats—but they can get noisy, so I focus on authentic engagement to avoid burnout.
3. Email and Newsletters: Direct and Personal
I use email lists via my website to send exclusive updates, like sneak peeks at the Zion series’ Survival review or podcast episode drops. It’s asynchronous, allowing thoughtful responses without the pressure of live chats.
4. Podcasts and Video: Bringing Stories to Life
My Pages Alight Podcast on YouTube is a passion project. I communicate through audio-visual storytelling, discussing themes from my books, interviewing fellow creators, and reading passages. It’s ideal for conveying tone and emotion that text alone misses.
To refine my approach, I’ve drawn from several insightful books:
Lessons from Books on Online Communication
• Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle: This reminds me that while social media expands my reach for promoting Discovering Misty, it can lead to superficial ties. I counter this by encouraging genuine comments and DMs.
• Online Communication: Linking Technology, Identity, & Culture by Andrew F. Wood and Matthew J. Smith: It explores how platforms shape identity, which helps me craft my author persona across FB, IG, and X.
• Smart Online Communication: Protecting Your Digital Footprint by Mary Lindeen: Essential for safe promotion, especially when sharing personal wins like my newsletter awards.
• Future Crimes by Marc Goodman: A warning about digital risks, guiding me to protect my content while sharing Zion series details.
These books emphasize balance—using tech to enhance, not replace, human connection.
The Impact and Future of My Online Efforts
Communicating online has grown my audience, from 25 followers on X to YouTube subscribers celebrating milestones. It’s helped sell books, launch the podcast, and connect over shared loves like fantasy and faith. Challenges? Time management and algorithm changes. But the rewards—reader feedback on George and the Eagle or Zion discussions—make it worthwhile.
How do you communicate online? Drop a comment below, or find me on socials to chat. Check out smulbrichauthor.com for more, and stay tuned for Pages Alight episodes!
Thanks for reading—let’s keep the conversation going!
Being an author isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about chasing the spark that turns ideas into stories that touch hearts. As the creator of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently hit 1,048 visitors, I’ve learned that writers live in a world where imagination and purpose collide. If you’re wondering whether you’ve got that writer’s spark, here are some signs, tied to my own journey of crafting children’s books, growing my blog, and advocating for hope.
You’re Always Asking, “What Happens Next?”
You might be a writer if you can’t help but wonder what’s around the next corner of a story. Whether I’m walking along the Emerald Coast, where Discovering Misty was born, or brainstorming for George and the Brave Eagle, I’m constantly asking, “What happens next?” A seashell could inspire a mermaid’s quest, or a soaring bird could spark a tale of courage. If you’re always chasing the next plot twist, you’re a writer at heart.
You Rewrite the World to Make Sense of It
You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.
You’re a People-Watcher with a Purpose
You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.
You might be a writer if you study strangers in a coffee shop, imagining their backstories. I’ve built characters for Discovering Misty: Friends Forever by watching kids play at the beach or families share stories. Writers don’t just observe—they weave those moments into narratives that resonate. My blog often reflects these snapshots, connecting everyday life to bigger themes like hope and community.
You Fall in Love with Your Tools
You might be a writer if you have a favorite pen, a lucky notebook, or a laptop you treat like a trusted friend. My desk, cluttered with notes for my GoFundMe campaign for George and the Brave Eagle, is my creative sanctuary. If you get a thrill from the click of a keyboard or the smell of fresh paper, you’re part of the writer’s club.
You’re Haunted by Stories That Demand to Be Told
You might be a writer if an idea grabs you and won’t let go until it’s on the page. The story of George, soaring with bravery, or Misty, discovering her strength, kept me up at night until I brought them to life. If you’ve ever felt a story tugging at you, insisting it needs to exist, you know the writer’s calling.
You Find Joy in Reader Connections
You might be a writer if a single reader’s comment lights up your day. When someone leaves a review for Discovering Misty on Amazon or shares how my blog inspired them, it’s like fuel for my soul. Hitting 1,048 blog visitors felt like a milestone worth celebrating, and every interaction reminds me why I write: to connect, inspire, and spread joy.
You Write for Something Bigger
You might be a writer if your stories carry a deeper purpose. For me, it’s about more than children’s books—it’s about weaving hope and resilience into every page, a mission that ties to my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether I’m sharing a blog post about family reading or a story about a brave eagle, I write to remind readers, young and old, that they’re not alone. If your words aim to lift others up, you’re a writer with heart.
You Keep Going, No Matter What
You might be a writer if you push through rejection, doubt, or the grind of promotion—like pitching Discovering Misty to bookstores or rallying support for George and the Brave Eagle. Writers don’t quit because the spark of creation is too strong. Even on tough days, I find myself back at my desk, writing a new blog post or polishing a chapter, because stories are how I make a difference.
If these signs feel like home, you might be a writer. Embrace the spark, chase the stories, and let your words light up the world. For me, it’s about bringing Misty and George to life, growing my blog, and sharing hope—one story at a time.
Expanding Misty’s Backstory: From Real-Life Legend to Enchanted Mermaid
As S.M. Ulbrich, the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and its sequel Discovering Misty: Friends Forever, I’ve always drawn inspiration from the world around me to craft stories that spark joy and hope in young hearts. Misty, my beloved mermaid character, isn’t just a figment of imagination—she’s rooted in the real-life magic of Misty Joy, a legendary performer along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Today, on the blog, I’m excited to expand Misty’s backstory, weaving in elements from Misty Joy’s vibrant career as a mermaid, fire breather, stilt walker, and aerialist. This deeper dive adds layers of adventure, resilience, and wonder to Misty’s world, perfect for parents and kids alike.
If you’re new here, my blog just hit 500 visitors—thank you for being part of this journey! Let’s dive in, one word at a time.
The Origins: A Spark from the Surface World
Long before Misty became the brave mermaid we know, her story began in the shimmering shallows where the ocean meets the sandy shores of the Emerald Coast.
In my books, Misty is a young mermaid with an emerald-green tail that sparkles like sunlight on waves, curious about the world above. But her expanded backstory reveals she wasn’t always so confident.
Born in a hidden coral cove, Misty was the daughter of a wise sea guardian named Marina and a wandering ocean explorer called Triton.
Marina, with her flowing silver hair, taught Misty the secrets of the deep: how to read the currents, befriend sea creatures, and harness the ocean’s gentle magic.
Triton, however, shared tales of the surface world—stories of humans who danced on land, breathed fire like dragons, and walked on stilts taller than kelp forests.
These tales ignited Misty’s imagination, but they also filled her with doubt. As a little merling, Misty was shy, her tail often hiding behind coral reefs when bigger fish swam by.
“The world above is full of wonders,” Triton would say, “but it takes courage to bridge the two realms.” Little did Misty know, her destiny was tied to a real human legend: Misty Joy, the Emerald Coast’s own mermaid performer, whose daring acts blurred the line between myth and reality.
The Inspiration: Echoes of Misty Joy
Drawing from the real Misty Joy—whose performances at places like The Island Resort’s Grotto Pool have enchanted families for years—Misty’s backstory now includes a pivotal “awakening” moment. One fateful day, as Misty ventured closer to the surface than ever before, she glimpsed a human woman gliding through the water with grace and flair.
This was Misty Joy, donning her mermaid tail, flipping and twirling in a pool that mirrored the ocean’s turquoise hues. But Misty Joy wasn’t just swimming; she was performing feats that seemed impossible—breathing fire underwater (or so it appeared to young Misty through the waves), balancing on stilts along the shore, and soaring through the air like an aerialist.
In my expanded lore, this sighting wasn’t coincidence. Misty Joy, a multifaceted artist known for her stilt-walking parades, fire-breathing spectacles, and mermaid shows across Florida, unknowingly cast a spell on the underwater world. Her energy rippled through the waves, awakening ancient mermaid magic.
For Misty, it was a turning point. “If a human can embrace the sea with such bravery,” Misty thought, “then I can explore beyond my cove.” This encounter infused Misty with a spark of human spirit—resilience in the face of challenges, the joy of performance, and the power of bringing smiles to others.
Misty Joy’s real-life legend adds depth here: As a performer who’s popped up in community events, from Gulf-side gatherings to resort meet-and-greets, she’s all about creating magical moments.
In the story, Misty begins to mimic these acts in her own way—practicing flips with dolphin friends like Finn, “breathing” bubbles like fire, and balancing on seaweed “stilts.”
This phase of her backstory highlights themes of self-discovery, showing young readers that inspiration can come from unexpected places, much like how my own experiences as a foster mom to over 200 medically fragile children taught me about quiet strength.
The Trials: Building Courage in the Depths
As Misty grew, her backstory unfolds with trials that test her newfound spark. One stormy night, a fierce hurricane—echoing the wild weather of Florida’s coast—stirred the ocean into chaos.
Waves crashed, scattering Misty’s family and friends. Triton was swept away on a quest to calm the storm spirits, leaving Misty to protect her cove.
Drawing from Misty Joy’s aerialist poise, Misty learned to “fly” through turbulent currents, twisting and turning like an acrobat to rescue trapped sea creatures.
But doubt crept in, much like the shadows in my earlier Misty tales. Misty faced a “Whirlpool of Fears,” a swirling vortex that whispered failures: “You’re too small, too shy.”
Here, her backstory ties into real-world resilience—Misty Joy’s journey as a performer likely involved overcoming stage fright or physical challenges, performing as a mermaid in pools or on stilts at events.
In the story, Misty overcomes this by remembering the human’s fearless smile, emerging stronger and ready to lead.
This period also introduces Misty’s signature emerald tail. In the expanded lore, it wasn’t always so vibrant; it started as a dull green, symbolizing her hidden potential.
Through acts of kindness—like helping a lost clownfish find its anemone home—Misty’s tail began to glow, a metaphor for how inner courage shines outward.
This mirrors my advocacy for hope and suicide prevention: Even in dark times, small steps can light the way.
The Legacy: From Backstory to Adventure
With her backstory now richer, Misty emerges as a bridge between worlds. She forms alliances with surface dwellers (subtly nodding to Misty Joy’s fan interactions at resorts), sharing ocean secrets in exchange for tales of land adventures.
This sets the stage for the books: In Discovering Misty, she embarks on quests with friends like Shelly the seahorse and Bubbles the clownfish, facing challenges that echo her past trials.
As a parent and Scout leader who’s hosted 600-800 Boy Scouts on our 25-acre LDS church park, I see Misty’s story as a lesson in leadership—stepping up not despite fears, but because of them.
Her expanded backstory emphasizes that heroes aren’t born brave; they grow through inspiration, trials, and community.
If this peek into Misty’s world sparks your imagination, grab Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast on Amazon for the full tale, or support George and the Brave Eagle via GoFundMe.
My YouTube channel for story readings is still in the works—I’m taking my time to make it magical!
What’s one element you’d add to Misty’s backstory? Comment below—I’d love to hear and maybe incorporate it into future tales. Spreading hope one heart at a time!
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