Category Archives: fantasy

Finding a new Vernacular: the Language(s) of Fantasy

Posted on September 2, 2016 by

I have spoken to a fair number of people who say they don’t read fantasy because of all the funny names–including agents and editors who are thrown off by too many made-up words.  This is one reason I recommend authors … Continue reading →

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The Problem of Plagues. . .and other Medieval Usage Issues

Posted on August 5, 2016 by

I am working my way through my editor’s notes on Elisha Mancer, book four in The Dark Apostle series, and encountering the difficulty of words.  Words are, in a novel, the primary tool for delivering the story.  In a historical … Continue reading →

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Review: Touch, by Claire North: a deeply human and highly satisfying thriller

Posted on July 22, 2016 by

This is one of the rare books that I finished and thought–That is what I want my books to feel like. For me, it delivered a powerful emotional impact along with the ripping story and engaging characters. It’s the kind … Continue reading →

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Anti-technology Fantasy and the Author’s War Experience

Posted on July 15, 2016 by

This past weekend, I was delighted to spend at Readercon in their new location in Quincy, Massachusetts. Here is the description of one of the panels that got me thinking: If Thor Can Hang Out with Iron Man, Why Can’t … Continue reading →

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Developing Magical Systems, with Joshua Palmatier

Posted on July 5, 2016 by

Under normal circumstances, today would be my book launch day. Alas, that was not to be–but that means I can open up the blog to celebrate someone else’s launch:  friend and fellow DAW author, Josh Palmatier. . . First off, … Continue reading →

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The Literary Dwarf, Tyrion’s Historical Forbears

Posted on June 18, 2016 by

Over on the Tales After Tolkien Society blog, after an entry about a particular Game of Thrones episode, someone asked about placing Tyrion into the context of the appearance of dwarf characters in medieval narratives, in particular Arthuriana.  Not long … Continue reading →

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Maps and Direction: Exploring a Metaphor

Posted on June 3, 2016 by

I recently stopped in at a local gas station/convenience store to look for a local area map that will help me think about where to buy my next house.  The woman next to me in line immediately asked where I … Continue reading →

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