Archive

  • Delving into the Unreal: Taking Fantasy Seriously

    Delving into the Unreal: Taking Fantasy Seriously

    Does the fantasy genre matter? Let’s be honest. With a question like that, and the fact that my blog is subtitled “Writer of Modern Day Fantasy,” you can pretty easily guess that the answer is, “Yes.” But, hey, did I catch your attention? I did? Good. Let’s dive into it, then. Fantasy is an important Read more

  • A Game of Riddles

    Do you like riddles? I love riddles. I think they’re interesting, fun, and come in infinite variety. They’ve been around for millennia, so someone thought they were worth keeping around. The book I’m currently working on features a scene where two characters engage in a riddle contest. I used some riddles from history for the Read more

  • Confessions of a Skipper

    I must confess to a strange reading habit, one that might shock and horrify you. Do not judge me too harshly, for I shall explain myself. When I start a fiction book, I like to skip to read the last couple of pages first. “What?” I hear you cry out. “What is this blasphemy? Why Read more

  • Over the Next Hill: Tribute to Mankind’s Curiosity

    Over the Next Hill: Tribute to Mankind’s Curiosity

    The history of humanity is the history of crossing over the next hill. Where are we without curiosity? Caves and mud huts. One day, someone steps outside with a mind filled with questions. What is over that next hill? What is in that valley? What is beyond that forest? Anther follows, and another. Further afield Read more

  • Writing Characters You Don’t Agree With

    Writing characters require us to dive into their heads and figure out their backstories, beliefs, and personalities. It’s a fun diversion in and of itself to discover a character, much less to incorporate those discoveries into a greater narrative. Learning more about our protagonists can make us as attached to them as we hope our Read more

  • Writing Jerks

    Why do jerks seem worse than villains? Villains are grand and powerful and fierce and evil. They deserve our disdain. But jerks are just plain petty. What’s worse? A dictator bent on conquering a nation, or a man who keys your car because you bumped him in the parking lot? Well, the former, obviously, but the Read more