The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer

How do we face the prospect of losing the one thing of value to us that defines us? The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer, by Vashti Stopher Klein, is a magical allegory of healing. The Soprano tells the tale of being faced with the decision to save her life, and voice, from the threat of an evil Monster with fiery eyes and snake-like tendrils. A compassionate and fearless Dragonslayer is the only one who can save her. The Soprano's voice is then heard in the poetry and music in the book, with exquisite artistic elements created by Carol Collett Desert Studio.

Vashti Stopher Klein is an award-winning filmmaker, folk singer, and songwriter in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She comes from a long legacy of musicians—her grandfather was the Founder and Director of the Louisiana State University School of Music for over 30 years, and her grandmother, for whom she was named, wrote the first Louisiana State Song, The Song of Louisiana. Her father was also an accomplished musician who encouraged her singing. After his sudden death, music was healing for her.She sang throughout her young adulthood locally in Maryland at charity events, the USO, and at open-mic nights where she won a competition at the Cellar Door. Her films have also won awards, including CINE Golden Eagle; Gold, Houston International Film/Video Festival; Blue Ribbon, American Film/Video Festival; Best Director, International Monitor Awards; Silver Hugo, Chicago International Film/Video Festival.Inspired to produce artistic products with positive rippling effects throughout the world, she formed Butterfly Effect Productions, Inc. In 2014, she released her first album, The Heart of Things. The following year, her album, Path to the Sun, Moon and Stars was born. She worked with gifted local musicians, such as the exceptionally talented Roger Hooper of Roger Hooper Music, who helped arrange her songs and was primary pianist on her second album. She also writes poetry and short stories, and after asking her longtime friend Carol Collet to illustrate her work, decided to release The Soprano, the Monster, and the Dragonslayer.She continues to sing and write music, short stories, plays, and poetry. She believes that poetry and music are healing for herself and others.Carol Collett, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national award-winning quilter, fiber artist, and teacher. Carol developed a passion for sewing, crafting, and design at an early age. Her talents extend to unique quilt making, mixed media art, wearable art, fiber art, and jewelry making. Carol was a finalist in the national 2006 $100,000 Quilt Challenge. She was the first-place winner in a national quilt contest sponsored by Quilts and Other Comforts. Carol has won numerous ribbons since 2000 in annual local and national quilt shows. Her creative works have been published in the following: American Quilter; Haute Handbags; Apronology, and the $100,000 Quilt Challenge Magazine. Carol has taught in Arizona Quilt Shops, the American Sewing Guild, and Quilt Camp in the Desert. Her work is frequently shown at trunk shows throughout Arizona. In the mid 1990's Carol founded and chaired the annual U.S. Senate Arts and Crafts Fairs.Images contained herein are drawn from Carol's vast body of artwork including art quilts, one-of-a-kind designer jackets and vests, an art bottle and a photograph of the C&O Canal in Virginia. Before retiring in 1996, Carol enjoyed a 23-year career in the United States Senate in Washington, D.C. After moving to Arizona, Carol worked for a former Vice President of the United States.