The other day, an author friend whom I hold in esteem told me she was considering dropping her work on a planned novel. She had already invested time, money, and—perhaps most important of all—heart into the work. Had dreamed of…
In any fantasy setting derived in whole or in part from a historical setting—such as Game of Thrones or my own Eschaton Cycle—the author must constantly weigh concerns of accessibility for modern readers, historical accuracy, and the needs of the story. In line…
A while ago, noted writer (and teacher of writers) David Farland wrote a series of emails on magic systems in fantasy. It was an interesting read. He mentions the current king of magic systems (his former student) Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson…
I was really little when my dad read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to me. Young enough, Mom claims that, when they transferred me to my big boy bed, I was crying “it burns, it freezes,” like Gollum. Shit you not.…