Photo: L. M. Montes: Christian urban fantasy author and storyteller who crafts tales of magic, mystery, and faith with transformative themes.
A Journey Through Faith, Imagination, and Creativity
Author L. M. Montes combines faith, fantasy, and real-world lessons in her novels and short stories, inspiring readers with her creativity, spiritual insights, and unwavering passion for storytelling.
Originally featured in Reader’s House Magazine, the inspirational story of author L. M. Montes now finds its place in Novelist Post Magazine, capturing her unique approach to storytelling, her passion for the fantastical, and the elements that shape her creative pursuits.
L. M. Montes is a multi-genre author of two Christian urban fantasy novels, a short story collection, and a collection of poetry. Her works have earned her spots in Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and an interview on The Neil Haley Show. With a robust educational background that includes a teaching degree, an English major, and two master’s degrees, Montes’s love for literature and storytelling blossomed naturally. Her life’s path, filled with rich experiences and travels, has shaped her artistry and given her a distinctive voice.
The Dual Influence of Education and Imagination
For L. M. Montes, education plays a significant role in her writing. Lessons from her days in the classroom and other life experiences help weave deep themes into her novels and poetry. She explains, “My teaching experience and real-life encounters opened doors for me to create stories that incorporate these elements. The fantastical aspect, on the other hand, allows me to think critically and dig into limitless possibilities within myself. Ultimately, my goal is to convey joy to readers while presenting life lessons in an engaging and magical way.”
This passion for both education and the fantastical fuels the heart of Montes’s storytelling. With these tools, she constructs rich narratives that not only entertain but also help readers reflect on deeper truths.
Blending Supernatural and Faith in Christian Urban Fantasy
Montes is most celebrated for her Christian urban fantasy novels, The Veil of Time and The Cross’s Key, which merge supernatural elements with real-world struggles. Reflecting on what drew her to this unique genre, Montes shares, “Initially, my first novel was going to be a romance. However, after receiving feedback from my creative writing professor suggesting I explore fantasy, a spark ignited within me. The ideas began to flow effortlessly.”
“My love for jewelry and all that sparkles inspired my first book, The Veil of Time.” – L. M. Montes
Her approach to embedding faith within her narratives is intentional and reflective. “I want to share the love of Christ in a way that’s thought-provoking and enjoyable for readers. I start by selecting a scripture that aligns with the story I’m crafting, which often takes time and introspection. The chosen scripture essentially becomes the backbone of the protagonist’s arc. Through the challenges I throw at my characters, they’re given opportunities for spiritual growth,” Montes explains.
This thoughtful integration of faith and storytelling elevates Montes’s novels, offering readers a profound connection to her work beyond the fantastical elements.
“Never give up. Share your work. The opportunities you’re looking for may come at the least expected moment.” – L. M. Montes
Themes of Identity and Overcoming Darkness
Montes’s Time series, which centers around her protagonist Tora Jasper, delves into themes of self-discovery and confronting the darkness. Montes describes Tora’s journey in The Veil of Time: “At the beginning, Tora is strong-willed and confident, but memories of her past begin to unravel her sense of self. She realizes that her identity and everything she thought she knew about life is false.”
As Tora faces obstacles, Montes emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and the strength found in leaning on others. “She learns that asking for help is not a weakness. Ultimately, she discovers that her own strengths are not sufficient to overcome the darkness—she must rely on greater forces to guide her through.”
These themes of identity and resilience make Tora’s story relatable, while Montes’s nuanced exploration of faith ensures readers are left with meaningful takeaways.
Crafting a World of Fantasy, Mystery, and Intrigue
In addition to full-length novels, L. M. Montes brings her talents to her short story collection, Lights of Fantasy. Featuring themes of mystery and intrigue, the collection allowed her to step into new creative territory. “I regularly read books in the fantasy, mystery, and intrigue genres, but I’d never written in these areas before. I wanted to challenge myself creatively,” she reveals.
For Montes, crafting short fiction differs greatly from writing novels. “For short stories, I stick to one contained idea, keeping the narrative on a ‘leash.’ Sometimes, ideas flow and I’m tempted to expand, but I stay focused on the goal of keeping it concise. However, if there’s potential for a longer project, I jot down those ideas for future novels.”
In contrast, when writing longer works, Montes uses a systematic approach. She keeps a binder with sections dedicated to characterization, settings, and plot development, as well as a journal for each book where she expands on complex story angles and plot points. This organized process helps manage the intricacies of the fantastical worlds she creates.
Creative Outlets Beyond the Page
While writing is Montes’s primary creative pursuit, she also finds joy in other forms of expression, including blogging and beaded jewelry. These hobbies complement her writing in unexpected ways. “My love for jewelry and all things sparkly actually inspired my first book, The Veil of Time,” she reveals. Her blog has also been an essential platform for sharing her writing process, with many of her short stories originating there before eventually evolving into a published collection.
Through her blog, Montes not only connects with readers but also inspires aspiring writers by offering insights into fiction writing and her creative journey.
Finding Strength Through Recognition and Community
Montes’s journey as an author hasn’t been without challenges. However, being featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine and interviewed on The Neil Haley Show provided a much-needed boost during a difficult period. Montes admits, “These opportunities awakened an inspiration within me at a time when I felt like giving up. I realized that giving up is not an option because sharing what I do with others is what truly matters.”
For aspiring writers seeking to gain exposure, Montes shares this piece of advice: “Never give up. Share your work. The opportunities you’re looking for may come at the least expected moment, but they can spark new creativity and fuel your passion.”
A Story Always Awaits
For L. M. Montes, storytelling is more than just a creative pursuit—it’s a lifelong journey fueled by faith, imagination, and a desire to connect with others through the written word. Whether she’s crafting Christian urban fantasy that blends spiritual and supernatural elements, exploring the thrills of mystery and fantasy in short fiction, or finding inspiration in her daily creative outlets, Montes lives by her belief that “a story is out there somewhere.”
As readers continue to embark on fantastical adventures through her books, Montes strives to share her passion and remind us all that magic, faith, and self-discovery often go hand in hand.
