Villains are some of the most memorable of characters – a good villain is a treasure trove of potential for storytelling. Writing villains, however, can be somewhat tricky—which is why I have resigned myself to writing about some of the pitfalls your primary antagonist shouldn’t fall in. A villain is someone who can best exploit... Continue Reading →
Top Ten Things I would do if I were a wizened old wizard
I would use my illusion magic to scare the crap out of innocent villagers, citizens and unsuspecting servants, cantankerous old man that I am. I would cross bridges when I get to them, not burn or destroy them outright; if I were to destroy any bridges, I’d be sure to do it well out of... Continue Reading →
Thursday Spotlight: The Emperor’s Soul
(By Brandon Sanderson) I tend to read a lot of Brandon Sanderson’s works – with good reason. Each book in his Cosmere has a cleverly developed magical system, a cast of enticing characters, and often enough, unique worldbuilding that leaves breathtaking visuals in my mind long after I close the covers. The Emperor’s Soul takes... Continue Reading →
The Unintentionally Helpful Villain, Vol. 2
Diary Entry #0085 Many of the peasants have deserted my realm. Much did their betrayal sting, and much did I weep and foam at the mouth as I ordered they be hunted down and slaughtered. Diary Entry #0086 The peasants did not desert. They ran into the forests to pick poisonous mushrooms for the war... Continue Reading →
Writing Advice: The Messy First Draft
It has recently come to my attention that a lot of people who’re enthused to write become quickly disillusioned with the craft because of how unlike their ideas that first draft ends up looking. To you I say: Do not despair. The way I – and many actual writers – use the first draft of... Continue Reading →
Top Ten Things I would NOT do if I were a middle-aged Villager in a High Fantasy setting
1. I would NOT tolerate the cruel and petty nobility (if that’s what they are), and would instead take arms against the vile scum! Viva la revolución! (That’s peasant for ‘kill the lords of the land!’) 2. I would NOT be disheartened by the supposed villainy of my lord ruler, if he has shown himself... Continue Reading →
Spotlight Thursday: The Black Company
(By Glen Cook) The Black Company is misery curdled, but also ancient and intriguing. I paraphrase one of the very earliest paragraphs that caught my eye in the Black Company. Glen Cook’s novel is that rare breed of fantasy that forswears lengthy, intricate descriptions for the benefit of literary minimalism. That’s not to say that... Continue Reading →
Top Ten Things I would do if I were a middle-aged Villager in a High Fantasy Setting
1. The first whiff I got at an evil overlord’s army coming my village’s way, I would pack and hit the road, four girls and one boy in tow. 2. I would always keep my farmer equipment in top operating shape, just in case an orc attacks me and all I have is my scythe... Continue Reading →
Top Ten Things I would not do if I were an Evil Fantasy Overlord
1. I would not put a critical part of myself and my power into a trinket, then lose it, and allow free access to the only place that holds the means of destroying the bloody bauble. 2. I would not summon any dark gods or arch demons in order to usurp their power, unless I... Continue Reading →
Spotlight Thursday: Unnatural Creatures Part 1
I love short stories. There’s nothing quite like a short story to give you a condensed look at an author’s unique vision, style and ideas. Short stories will suck you in their unique worlds and you will end up wondering where the hell a half hour went by the last page. They’re difficult to write and yet very rewarding; your imagination’s the limit!... Continue Reading →
The Grimoire Reliquary 