Tomorrow is International Women's Day, which made me think about my characters and what they respresent. Amanda was actually the second character that I created. Prelate Tess was actually the first, which is ironic as she is the last Valkyrie. And while Prelate Tess deserves her own awards for all of her sacrifices as the last Valkyrie, today I wanted to celebrate Amanda.

Amanda represnts all of us who have been bullied, who have been told we were "wrong," that we were not good enough, that we needed to try harder if we were even have the slightest chance to make it. We are all told from a young age that we have a path to follow, a lane to be in, and a destiny to claim. I wanted Amanda to tell all of these naysayers and rule-enforcers, "No." No to the pre-judgement and stereoptyping. No to the voice that keeps us awake at night. No to the person who limits us because their narrow view cannot see beyond their own reality.

Amanda has doubts to be sure, but she uses her friendships, loyalty, hope, and drive to claim the goals she sets for herself. She doesn't allow others to define her life because of something she had no control over.

Today, I wanted to recognize this Intergalactic Woman, and I hope she can inspire you to break the box around yourlife that holds you back.