I’m a person who loves learning curves, the kind that engage me, that lead me on, that present the next mystery. I have a couple of learning…… Read more “Learning Curves”
Category: Fantasy fiction
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
I gave this a bit of thought. When I consider favorite characters that I love including in a scene, one of them is Boldo. He’s a magical…… Read more “If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?”
All Things Medieval
Medieval Trader Character My latest post may have given the feeling that I don’t love developing medieval scenes or having elements of a bygone world in my…… Read more “All Things Medieval”
Epic Fantasy Characters: What does it mean?
I had great fun this past week talking with fantasy authors about meanings of the phrase “epic fantasy characters.” I contacted 25 writers. All took part in…… Read more “Epic Fantasy Characters: What does it mean?”
High or Epic Fantasy
Fantasy stories are deemed “high” or “epic” if they have epic settings, characters, themes or plots. What makes a setting epic? High fantasy is set in an…… Read more “High or Epic Fantasy”
What characterizes urban fantasy?
Does it just mean it takes place in a city? I don’t think so. Is it gritty? Dark fae? Typically futuristic dystopian? Urban fantasy incorporates magic—wizardry, the…… Read more “What characterizes urban fantasy?”
What makes steampunk unique?
I’ve had some vague sense that steampunk involves anachronism. Technologies out of place for their time. It might mean parallel universes since it entails a world with…… Read more “What makes steampunk unique?”
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I realized today that I enter a difficult scene with excitement now, rather than getting intimidated by its logistics, because I know to find the emotional hook…… Read more “When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?”
What does success mean to you?
I guess the answer is touching people. Lately I’ve felt successful as a writer. It’s certainly not because I’m making money from it. In fact, more often…… Read more “What does success mean to you?”
What comes first, plot or characters?
I’ve worked on two series. I don’t know entirely how each started but I’m pretty sure plot concept preceded any character ideas. I believe the main character,…… Read more “What comes first, plot or characters?”