L. M. Montes Weaves Faith and Fantasy Into Christian Urban Fiction That Inspires Readers

Photo: L. M. Montes: Author of Christian Urban Fantasy, Short Stories, and Poetry, Inspiring Readers With Imaginative Worlds and Life Lessons

Crafting Magical Worlds With Meaning

L. M. Montes, author of Christian urban fantasy and short stories, blends faith, fantasy, and real-world challenges to inspire readers through captivating characters, vivid storytelling, and thoughtful spiritual journeys.

Award-winning author L. M. Montes is a literary voice whose unique blend of Christian urban fantasy, poetry, and short fiction has captivated readers. With two novels under her belt—“The Veil of Time” and “The Cross’s Key”—as well as a short story collection and an anthology of poetry, Montes has firmly established herself as a storyteller who weaves together faith, imagination, and life’s deeper revelations. From her background in education to her love of the fantastical, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her work, inviting readers to embark on journeys of spiritual growth, self-discovery, and wonder.

In this exclusive feature, we delve deeper into the mind of L. M. Montes, exploring her creative process, inspirations, and how her life experiences have shaped her literary pursuits.

From the Classroom to the Fantastical

Montes’s extensive background in education, coupled with her major in English and two master’s degrees, heavily influences her storytelling. These academic experiences serve as a foundation for the themes she explores in her poetry and novels. “My teaching experience in the classroom years ago and other real-life experiences opened the door to writing novels and poetry using teaching elements within them,” she explains. “Likewise, the fantastical knows no boundaries, so I am better able to dig deeper within myself and think outside the box. Doing this brings a feeling of joy as I write. My goal is for that same feeling of joy to be conveyed to the reader, and it opens up a fun way for readers to learn life’s lessons.”

The joy Montes derives from writing translates into an eagerness to connect with others. Her hope is that readers not only find enjoyment in her work but also uncover meaningful messages within her stories.

Christian Urban Fantasy: A Spark Ignited

Combining real-world settings with elements of the supernatural, Montes’s Christian urban fantasy novels stand out for their originality and depth. But her path to writing in this genre wasn’t always clear. Originally setting out to write a romance, it was her creative writing professor who encouraged her to add a touch of fantasy to her work. “That idea sparked a flame inside me,” she recalls. “The ideas flowed.”

Incorporating faith into her novels came naturally. “I want to share the love of Christ with others but in such a way that readers will find it thought-provoking and enjoyable at the same time,” Montes explains. Her process is thoughtful and deliberate. She starts by selecting a scripture that anchors the story, a process that requires deep reflection and patience. As the narrative unfolds, her characters’ arcs align with the spiritual themes she’s chosen, with challenges designed to test their faith and encourage growth.

“The fantastical knows no boundaries, so I am better able to dig deeper within myself and think outside the box.” – L.M. Montes

Identity and Resilience in the “Time” Series

In “The Veil of Time” and its sequel “The Cross’s Key,” Montes’s protagonist, Tora Jasper, embarks on a gripping journey of self-discovery and resilience. “At the beginning of The Veil of Time, we meet a strong-willed and confident Tora,” Montes says. “But memories of her relationship with her mother begin triggering self-doubt. Soon, she comes to the knowledge that everything about herself and everything she knows is false. Her self-identity comes into question.”

As challenges arise and darkness looms, Tora learns that strength often comes in asking for help. “She realizes that her strengths alone are not enough,” Montes elaborates. This theme of finding light amid darkness reflects Montes’s own belief in spiritual awakening and divine assistance.

Exploring Short Fiction

In addition to her novels, Montes is the author of “Lights of Fantasy,” a collection of short stories that spans genres such as fantasy, mystery, and intrigue. Her love for these genres stems from the emotional and intellectual engagement they inspire. “I love the ‘on the edge of your seat’ feeling,” she shares. “But when it comes to mystery and intrigue, I had never written in those genres before and wanted to try my hand at creating some.”

Writing short fiction offers Montes the opportunity to experiment with new ideas while adhering to a tighter narrative structure. “I stick to one small idea and develop it with a concise conclusion in mind,” she explains. While the process can be challenging, Montes ensures that each story remains focused. Her longer works, however, allow her to expand her creativity. Through detailed plotting, character development, and layered storylines, Montes brings her complex ideas to life. “I create a binder with tabbed sections for characterization, setting, and plot points. That organization is essential to my process,” she notes.

A Multitalented Artist

Beyond writing, Montes finds creative fulfillment in blogging and making beaded jewelry. “The adoration of jewelry and all that sparkles inspired my first book, The Veil of Time,” she reveals. Blogging, in particular, is another venue for sharing her creative insights, as it allows her to connect with readers and writers alike. “My blog is a space where I talk about and teach the process of writing fiction, and it’s also where my short stories began before I compiled them into a collection.”

Montes also finds inspiration crossing between these creative pursuits. Her ability to draw from various forms of expression enriches her storytelling, as each outlet informs the other in unexpected ways.

Sharing Inspiration and Gaining Visibility

Montes has been featured in Canvas Rebel Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, and interviewed on The Neil Haley Show. These experiences have bolstered her confidence and reignited her creative fire. “They came at a time when I felt like giving up,” Montes admits. “I realized that giving up is not an option. I love sharing what I do with others, and that is what is important.”

For aspiring writers, Montes’s advice is simple yet empowering: “Never give up. Share your work.” She encourages writers to actively seek opportunities for exposure—through interviews, publications, and networking. These efforts, she believes, are as rewarding as they are essential.

Whether she is weaving tales of faith and fantasy, creating intricate pieces of jewelry, or offering advice to the next generation of storytellers, L. M. Montes’s passion for creativity shines brightly. She reminds readers and writers alike to pursue their dreams with determination and joy, for the pursuit of art is a journey worth taking.

As Montes herself says, “There’s a story out there somewhere.” It’s only a matter of daring to seek it—and sharing it with the world.