I am Miriam — a reader, writer, poet, homeschool graduate, and daughter of the King.
I count my Charlotte Mason education among my greatest blessings. Since my childhood, my parents surrounded me with classic literature and encouraged me to hone the gifts that God has given me. I dreamed of crafting stories like the ones I read, of touching readers as I had been touched.
When I was five years old, I made my first “book,” which I proudly titled Brother Bear and Sister Bear. I couldn’t write yet, but I can remember drawing the illustrations with crayon and stapling the pages together. Though now faded and fragile, it is still a favorite with my younger siblings. 🙂
Over the years I’ve become more interested in elves and fairies and “the unexpected luck of widow’s sons”1 than anthropomorphic animals. I’ve had a handful of poems, articles, and short stories published and have contributed to two books, The Lost Tales of Sir Galahad (Rabbit Room Press, 2022) and I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry (Bandersnatch Books, 2025). But my main source for pride and joy (not to mention sweat and tears) is my fantasy novel-in-progress. It’s a long way from publication, but slow and steady wins the race — right?
Why I Write
Per Philippians 4:8, I believe that the Beauty present in art and story can ignite our love for Goodness and act as a path to Truth. Through storytelling, we can awaken wonder and inspire empathy. We can pull back the veil that fell over the world at the Fall, echoing the Glory beyond in anticipation of the coming Happily Ever After. That is what I hope to do here.
What I Write
On this site, I contemplate classic literature, delight in children’s stories, and marvel at mythology. I share the way these works have touched my heart, broadened my mind, and formed my faith. In sharing these things, my hope is that you’ll discover your next favourite read, or see your old favourites in a new light.
Why “The Glass Hill”?
At the time that I set up this blog, I was reading Andrew Lang’s fairy books. In several tales, a hero must struggle up a slippery hill of glass to reach the beautiful princess at the top.2 He must climb upwards in spite of fear and pain if he is to succeed in his quest. Without the aid of a little magic he could not succeed at all. I couldn’t help thinking of the quest which is placed before all. The way is steep and daunting, but His grace will see us through.
Anyway, that’s me. Now I’d like to get to know you! Feel free to tell me about yourself in the comments. 🙂
~ Miriam Novotny ~
Notes:
- Bilbo Baggins in chapter one of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: “Gandalf, Gandalf! Good gracious me! . . . Not the fellow who used to tell such wonderful tales at parties, about dragons and goblins and giants and the rescue of princesses and the unexpected luck of widows’ sons?”
- Examples include the Norwegian tale “The Princess On The Glass Hill” in The Blue Fairy Book and the Polish tale “The Glass Mountain” in The Yellow Fairy Book.
The Glass Hill 