Dragons are fascinating creatures, aren't they? Here's one acting as protector to Billy, the smallest Cabbage Patch Kid.
Dragons appear in mythologies around the world but with variations. A chinese dragon is quite different to a European one, not least in being a bringer of blessings rather than a deadly monster. And yet we don't have any difficulty in applying the word dragon to all of them and knowing what we mean.
One aspect is that they are all magical in some way, and thus wonderful for stories, ancient and modern. 
A few years ago, I and three other authors decided to write dragon stories, we all came up with different types. Wench Mary Jo created a shape-shifting dragon in the European medieval tradition. Karen Harbaugh drew on her heritage for a Japanese dragon. Barbara Samuel used the magic of the south west United States. And I went over to fantasy land, as I love to do now and then.
The anthology, Dragon Lovers, is still available in print and e-book, but if you want to read my story by itself, The Dragon and the Princess is out now as an e-novella.
I prefer the anthology cover, but this one captures Princess Rozlinda's princessness. She is, after all, the official SVP of Saragond — Sacrificial Virgin Princess — and has to keep up the style, and the protocol, and the virginity. She is so ready to cease being V, and she has just the man in mind. The captain of her KISA. (Knights In Shining Armor.)
Yes, my story plays with fairytale princesses, castles, knights and dragons.
So when a dragon finally appears, Rozlinda is all for sacrifice. Now. After all, it's just a bit of blood and she'll be free.
But things don't go entirely to plan. She ends up married not to her KISA, but to the dragon rider of Dorn.
An Excerpt.
"Stop it!"
She wasn't shouting at the man. She was shouting at the dragon, which had circled its long neck to point its huge, red, flaring nostrils right at her face. The point of a long tongue flickered in and out. No one could doubt that deep in its dragon-beast mind it was thinking, Yum, yum. More princess blood. It was even drooling, a viscous yellow and pink stuff.
The man wasn't controlling her anymore. She was clutching his arms for protection.
"Seesee, behave!" he said.
If a dragon could pout, this one did, but it moved its head away, circling it on the long, flexible neck as if inspecting king, knight, priest, and councilors. They all flinched back. Then it poked its head off the hill and breathed at the crowd below. Horses reared.
"Seesee!"
The head coiled back to be tucked on the beast's back, perhaps chastened, perhaps sulking. By the blood, the monster behaved like a poorly trained puppy.
"You see, wife, we must go. This is too difficult for her."
The Dornaan said something and then picked Rozlinda up. The dragon had already lowered its neck and he ran up it to a crest of horn at its shoulders, to place her sideways in a dip behind. She clutched the horn, looking down stunned at the equally stunned watchers. The Dornaan slid astride behind her and said, "Go."
The dragon leaped, beating its enormous wings and stirring a storm-like rumble. Rozlinda couldn't believe it could raise its mass, but then it soared like paper on a breeze. Below, Dragon’s Rock, father, knights, and all she'd ever known shrank smaller and smaller in her horrified vision.
When she saw her home, turrets shining in the sun, pennants bright and lively in a breeze, she burst into tears, sobbing against the velvety warmth of dragon bone.
You can read the whole of chapter one here
If you like dragon fiction, I can recommend some others. 
If you haven't read Anne McAffrey's classic Dragonflight, do. It's a wonderful marriage of convenience story and begins the excellent Pern series.
Another riff on Dragons is His Majesty's Dragon, Temeraire in Britain, which puts an air force of dragons into the Napoleonic Wars.
Then there is Shana Abe's Drakon series, which puts shape-shifting dragons into 18th century England. Yum. The first is The Smoke Thief.
And to finish, I have a collection of dragon pictures, some of which are odd, and which I had to caption.
Why do you think we're so fascinated by these imaginary creatures? 
Do you have other dragon romances to suggest?
Jo
I just love Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. They’re contemporaries but she’s hinted about a historical one, too!
I just love Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. They’re contemporaries but she’s hinted about a historical one, too!
I just love Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. They’re contemporaries but she’s hinted about a historical one, too!
I just love Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. They’re contemporaries but she’s hinted about a historical one, too!
I just love Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. They’re contemporaries but she’s hinted about a historical one, too!
I love the Anne McCaffrey series set around her fictional planet Pern – Dragonflight, Dragonsinger etc. Ive just put them all on my Kindle to read chronologically. I first read them years ago with my then teenage daughter and she’s now re-reading them with her own daughters, both of whom have the ‘dragon bug’.
Jo’s book Dragon’s bride, whilst not containing live dragons is another brilliant story.
I love the Anne McCaffrey series set around her fictional planet Pern – Dragonflight, Dragonsinger etc. Ive just put them all on my Kindle to read chronologically. I first read them years ago with my then teenage daughter and she’s now re-reading them with her own daughters, both of whom have the ‘dragon bug’.
Jo’s book Dragon’s bride, whilst not containing live dragons is another brilliant story.
I love the Anne McCaffrey series set around her fictional planet Pern – Dragonflight, Dragonsinger etc. Ive just put them all on my Kindle to read chronologically. I first read them years ago with my then teenage daughter and she’s now re-reading them with her own daughters, both of whom have the ‘dragon bug’.
Jo’s book Dragon’s bride, whilst not containing live dragons is another brilliant story.
I love the Anne McCaffrey series set around her fictional planet Pern – Dragonflight, Dragonsinger etc. Ive just put them all on my Kindle to read chronologically. I first read them years ago with my then teenage daughter and she’s now re-reading them with her own daughters, both of whom have the ‘dragon bug’.
Jo’s book Dragon’s bride, whilst not containing live dragons is another brilliant story.
I love the Anne McCaffrey series set around her fictional planet Pern – Dragonflight, Dragonsinger etc. Ive just put them all on my Kindle to read chronologically. I first read them years ago with my then teenage daughter and she’s now re-reading them with her own daughters, both of whom have the ‘dragon bug’.
Jo’s book Dragon’s bride, whilst not containing live dragons is another brilliant story.
I loved the McCaffrey books back in their day. In fact, I credit them for my meeting my best friend. My current favorite Dragon book is Elder Races Series Book #1: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, which is Paranormal Romance. It has excellent world building and characterization.
Robin C. Greene
I loved the McCaffrey books back in their day. In fact, I credit them for my meeting my best friend. My current favorite Dragon book is Elder Races Series Book #1: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, which is Paranormal Romance. It has excellent world building and characterization.
Robin C. Greene
I loved the McCaffrey books back in their day. In fact, I credit them for my meeting my best friend. My current favorite Dragon book is Elder Races Series Book #1: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, which is Paranormal Romance. It has excellent world building and characterization.
Robin C. Greene
I loved the McCaffrey books back in their day. In fact, I credit them for my meeting my best friend. My current favorite Dragon book is Elder Races Series Book #1: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, which is Paranormal Romance. It has excellent world building and characterization.
Robin C. Greene
I loved the McCaffrey books back in their day. In fact, I credit them for my meeting my best friend. My current favorite Dragon book is Elder Races Series Book #1: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, which is Paranormal Romance. It has excellent world building and characterization.
Robin C. Greene
I didn’t know Deb had written dragons. Thanks, Terri. 🙂
I didn’t know Deb had written dragons. Thanks, Terri. 🙂
I didn’t know Deb had written dragons. Thanks, Terri. 🙂
I didn’t know Deb had written dragons. Thanks, Terri. 🙂
I didn’t know Deb had written dragons. Thanks, Terri. 🙂
Yes, the Pern books are special, aren’t they, Cyn. Thanks for the praise for The Dragon’s Bride.
Yes, the Pern books are special, aren’t they, Cyn. Thanks for the praise for The Dragon’s Bride.
Yes, the Pern books are special, aren’t they, Cyn. Thanks for the praise for The Dragon’s Bride.
Yes, the Pern books are special, aren’t they, Cyn. Thanks for the praise for The Dragon’s Bride.
Yes, the Pern books are special, aren’t they, Cyn. Thanks for the praise for The Dragon’s Bride.
I read McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series many years ago and can remember searching library shelves for the next volume to read. Just today I finished listening to His Majesty’s Dragon, Timeraire and wholeheartedly recommend the audio version read by Simon Vance.
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series involves dragons, delightfully.
I read McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series many years ago and can remember searching library shelves for the next volume to read. Just today I finished listening to His Majesty’s Dragon, Timeraire and wholeheartedly recommend the audio version read by Simon Vance.
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series involves dragons, delightfully.
I read McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series many years ago and can remember searching library shelves for the next volume to read. Just today I finished listening to His Majesty’s Dragon, Timeraire and wholeheartedly recommend the audio version read by Simon Vance.
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series involves dragons, delightfully.
I read McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series many years ago and can remember searching library shelves for the next volume to read. Just today I finished listening to His Majesty’s Dragon, Timeraire and wholeheartedly recommend the audio version read by Simon Vance.
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series involves dragons, delightfully.
I read McCaffrey’s Dragonrider series many years ago and can remember searching library shelves for the next volume to read. Just today I finished listening to His Majesty’s Dragon, Timeraire and wholeheartedly recommend the audio version read by Simon Vance.
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series involves dragons, delightfully.
I listened to the Aisling Grey series, read by the wonderful Barbara Rosenblat, even though I had read them previously. Ms Rosenblat is one of my favorite audiobook actresses.
I listened to the Aisling Grey series, read by the wonderful Barbara Rosenblat, even though I had read them previously. Ms Rosenblat is one of my favorite audiobook actresses.
I listened to the Aisling Grey series, read by the wonderful Barbara Rosenblat, even though I had read them previously. Ms Rosenblat is one of my favorite audiobook actresses.
I listened to the Aisling Grey series, read by the wonderful Barbara Rosenblat, even though I had read them previously. Ms Rosenblat is one of my favorite audiobook actresses.
I listened to the Aisling Grey series, read by the wonderful Barbara Rosenblat, even though I had read them previously. Ms Rosenblat is one of my favorite audiobook actresses.
When I was younger, I loved the Pern dragon series. My favorite subseries was about the singer/musicans. I’ll have to check out Timeraire.
I have also read and enjoyed G.A. Aiken’s dragon series. I’m reading the recently released novella, The Tale of Two Dragons. They appeal to my sense of humor, but I know that aren’t every one’s taste. Bondage is a sub-theme.
And as for images, then there’s the dragon in Shrek with the eyelashes.
At the renaissance fair, an artist does dragon motif t-shirts, sketches, and mouse pads. One of my favorites was a dragon with TNT standing before a computer screen with an error message.
When I was younger, I loved the Pern dragon series. My favorite subseries was about the singer/musicans. I’ll have to check out Timeraire.
I have also read and enjoyed G.A. Aiken’s dragon series. I’m reading the recently released novella, The Tale of Two Dragons. They appeal to my sense of humor, but I know that aren’t every one’s taste. Bondage is a sub-theme.
And as for images, then there’s the dragon in Shrek with the eyelashes.
At the renaissance fair, an artist does dragon motif t-shirts, sketches, and mouse pads. One of my favorites was a dragon with TNT standing before a computer screen with an error message.
When I was younger, I loved the Pern dragon series. My favorite subseries was about the singer/musicans. I’ll have to check out Timeraire.
I have also read and enjoyed G.A. Aiken’s dragon series. I’m reading the recently released novella, The Tale of Two Dragons. They appeal to my sense of humor, but I know that aren’t every one’s taste. Bondage is a sub-theme.
And as for images, then there’s the dragon in Shrek with the eyelashes.
At the renaissance fair, an artist does dragon motif t-shirts, sketches, and mouse pads. One of my favorites was a dragon with TNT standing before a computer screen with an error message.
When I was younger, I loved the Pern dragon series. My favorite subseries was about the singer/musicans. I’ll have to check out Timeraire.
I have also read and enjoyed G.A. Aiken’s dragon series. I’m reading the recently released novella, The Tale of Two Dragons. They appeal to my sense of humor, but I know that aren’t every one’s taste. Bondage is a sub-theme.
And as for images, then there’s the dragon in Shrek with the eyelashes.
At the renaissance fair, an artist does dragon motif t-shirts, sketches, and mouse pads. One of my favorites was a dragon with TNT standing before a computer screen with an error message.
When I was younger, I loved the Pern dragon series. My favorite subseries was about the singer/musicans. I’ll have to check out Timeraire.
I have also read and enjoyed G.A. Aiken’s dragon series. I’m reading the recently released novella, The Tale of Two Dragons. They appeal to my sense of humor, but I know that aren’t every one’s taste. Bondage is a sub-theme.
And as for images, then there’s the dragon in Shrek with the eyelashes.
At the renaissance fair, an artist does dragon motif t-shirts, sketches, and mouse pads. One of my favorites was a dragon with TNT standing before a computer screen with an error message.
I am inordinately fond of dragons, as any woman of Welsh descent would be!
One of my favorite films is Dragonheart. What’s not to love about a dragon with Sean Connery’s voice?
The Katie MacAlister Aisling Grey series is a hoot. Love ’em!
I loved the Dragon Lovers Anthology! All such great reads.
I also enjoyed the Shana Abe series and the His Majesty’s Dragon series as well.
I have a number of dragon statues in my house. They’re supposed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. I always say, better safe than sorry. 🙂
I am inordinately fond of dragons, as any woman of Welsh descent would be!
One of my favorite films is Dragonheart. What’s not to love about a dragon with Sean Connery’s voice?
The Katie MacAlister Aisling Grey series is a hoot. Love ’em!
I loved the Dragon Lovers Anthology! All such great reads.
I also enjoyed the Shana Abe series and the His Majesty’s Dragon series as well.
I have a number of dragon statues in my house. They’re supposed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. I always say, better safe than sorry. 🙂
I am inordinately fond of dragons, as any woman of Welsh descent would be!
One of my favorite films is Dragonheart. What’s not to love about a dragon with Sean Connery’s voice?
The Katie MacAlister Aisling Grey series is a hoot. Love ’em!
I loved the Dragon Lovers Anthology! All such great reads.
I also enjoyed the Shana Abe series and the His Majesty’s Dragon series as well.
I have a number of dragon statues in my house. They’re supposed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. I always say, better safe than sorry. 🙂
I am inordinately fond of dragons, as any woman of Welsh descent would be!
One of my favorite films is Dragonheart. What’s not to love about a dragon with Sean Connery’s voice?
The Katie MacAlister Aisling Grey series is a hoot. Love ’em!
I loved the Dragon Lovers Anthology! All such great reads.
I also enjoyed the Shana Abe series and the His Majesty’s Dragon series as well.
I have a number of dragon statues in my house. They’re supposed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. I always say, better safe than sorry. 🙂
I am inordinately fond of dragons, as any woman of Welsh descent would be!
One of my favorite films is Dragonheart. What’s not to love about a dragon with Sean Connery’s voice?
The Katie MacAlister Aisling Grey series is a hoot. Love ’em!
I loved the Dragon Lovers Anthology! All such great reads.
I also enjoyed the Shana Abe series and the His Majesty’s Dragon series as well.
I have a number of dragon statues in my house. They’re supposed to bring good fortune and ward off evil. I always say, better safe than sorry. 🙂
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin.
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin.
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin.
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin.
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin.
LOL on the TNT, Shannon.
Dragons present great visuals as well. So sinuous and they can be colorful. Unicorns, for example, don’t have such scope. My Little Unicorn notwithstanding.
Which makes me think dragons haven’t been a popular children’s toy, have they?
LOL on the TNT, Shannon.
Dragons present great visuals as well. So sinuous and they can be colorful. Unicorns, for example, don’t have such scope. My Little Unicorn notwithstanding.
Which makes me think dragons haven’t been a popular children’s toy, have they?
LOL on the TNT, Shannon.
Dragons present great visuals as well. So sinuous and they can be colorful. Unicorns, for example, don’t have such scope. My Little Unicorn notwithstanding.
Which makes me think dragons haven’t been a popular children’s toy, have they?
LOL on the TNT, Shannon.
Dragons present great visuals as well. So sinuous and they can be colorful. Unicorns, for example, don’t have such scope. My Little Unicorn notwithstanding.
Which makes me think dragons haven’t been a popular children’s toy, have they?
LOL on the TNT, Shannon.
Dragons present great visuals as well. So sinuous and they can be colorful. Unicorns, for example, don’t have such scope. My Little Unicorn notwithstanding.
Which makes me think dragons haven’t been a popular children’s toy, have they?
The Aislinn Grey series sounds very interesting.
The Aislinn Grey series sounds very interesting.
The Aislinn Grey series sounds very interesting.
The Aislinn Grey series sounds very interesting.
The Aislinn Grey series sounds very interesting.
I have some dragon statues too, Louisa, in various styles. They do feel protective. I have a snoozing one in front of the fireplace.
Jo
I have some dragon statues too, Louisa, in various styles. They do feel protective. I have a snoozing one in front of the fireplace.
Jo
I have some dragon statues too, Louisa, in various styles. They do feel protective. I have a snoozing one in front of the fireplace.
Jo
I have some dragon statues too, Louisa, in various styles. They do feel protective. I have a snoozing one in front of the fireplace.
Jo
I have some dragon statues too, Louisa, in various styles. They do feel protective. I have a snoozing one in front of the fireplace.
Jo
Georgie and the Dragon By Cindy Spencer Pape. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, though. On the bit more realistic side, I would recommend Adrienne Mayor’s book about fossil myths:
http://www.uv.es/pe/2000_2/books/hunter.htm
http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/feature-dragons
At the moment I’m reading her book Fossil Legends of the First Americans.
I’ve always liked dragons. No wonder… In Chinese zodiac my sign is the dragon!
Georgie and the Dragon By Cindy Spencer Pape. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, though. On the bit more realistic side, I would recommend Adrienne Mayor’s book about fossil myths:
http://www.uv.es/pe/2000_2/books/hunter.htm
http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/feature-dragons
At the moment I’m reading her book Fossil Legends of the First Americans.
I’ve always liked dragons. No wonder… In Chinese zodiac my sign is the dragon!
Georgie and the Dragon By Cindy Spencer Pape. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, though. On the bit more realistic side, I would recommend Adrienne Mayor’s book about fossil myths:
http://www.uv.es/pe/2000_2/books/hunter.htm
http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/feature-dragons
At the moment I’m reading her book Fossil Legends of the First Americans.
I’ve always liked dragons. No wonder… In Chinese zodiac my sign is the dragon!
Georgie and the Dragon By Cindy Spencer Pape. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, though. On the bit more realistic side, I would recommend Adrienne Mayor’s book about fossil myths:
http://www.uv.es/pe/2000_2/books/hunter.htm
http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/feature-dragons
At the moment I’m reading her book Fossil Legends of the First Americans.
I’ve always liked dragons. No wonder… In Chinese zodiac my sign is the dragon!
Georgie and the Dragon By Cindy Spencer Pape. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, though. On the bit more realistic side, I would recommend Adrienne Mayor’s book about fossil myths:
http://www.uv.es/pe/2000_2/books/hunter.htm
http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/feature-dragons
At the moment I’m reading her book Fossil Legends of the First Americans.
I’ve always liked dragons. No wonder… In Chinese zodiac my sign is the dragon!
Oh, and Nora Roberts has some books with drogons on them: The Circle Trilogy.
Oh, and Nora Roberts has some books with drogons on them: The Circle Trilogy.
Oh, and Nora Roberts has some books with drogons on them: The Circle Trilogy.
Oh, and Nora Roberts has some books with drogons on them: The Circle Trilogy.
Oh, and Nora Roberts has some books with drogons on them: The Circle Trilogy.
Ursula LeGuin has a dragon element in her Earthsea books. Especially the second trilogy.
Ursula LeGuin has a dragon element in her Earthsea books. Especially the second trilogy.
Ursula LeGuin has a dragon element in her Earthsea books. Especially the second trilogy.
Ursula LeGuin has a dragon element in her Earthsea books. Especially the second trilogy.
Ursula LeGuin has a dragon element in her Earthsea books. Especially the second trilogy.