September Short Story: Dust

In an effort to produce more writing, I'll be posting some short stories that I work on in between novels. September's story is "Dust," a short story about a student who studies magical terraforming--and of his final exam in a howling dust storm.

Fantasy Worldbuilding: Drinking Songs

THERE'S WHISKEY IN THE JAR

I have to admit: I'm a fan of drinking songs in fantasy and science fiction. And not just drinking songs, but folk songs in general as a form of world-building in the genres.

Take a Break from Writing

 Writing During a Personal Crisis

In one of last week's posts I talked about what to do when you're not writing--when you're exhausted or have writer's block. I'm in agreement with the majority of writers who advise new writers to write constantly. How else are you going to finish your book? Don't talk. Just do. 

Disability in Epic Fantasy

Disability in Fantasy: Questions to Consider

Disabilities aren't too common in many epic fantasies and science fiction, though I see them often in the form of characters losing limbs (hands seem to be a common theme...looking at you, Star Wars). Here are some things to think about when creating your characters.

Resources for Flintlock/Gunpowder Fantasy

Writing Historical Epic Fantasy? 

It's one thing to write about how to do research, but it's hard enough to build a research library of your own while writing! Here are some resources I've been using. They're split into two camps: actual research and fiction.

Naturally, you will tailor your research to your world.

The links below use affiliate links, and if you are uncomfortable clicking on them be sure to check out this same Flintlock Fantasy list on Goodreads!

As I continue to do research I'll update this list and keep it pinned to the sidebar for reference.

Cultural Diversity in Epic Fantasy

So you want to include diversity in your story? 

**The book links referenced in this section uses Amazon Affiliate Links. By clicking on these links you help this blog make monies**

Great! I'm really glad you do, so let's get started.

What to Do When You're Not Writing

Have Writer's Block?

I've been writing for a long time. Everything from newspaper articles, to magazine editorials, silly fanfiction--all of those works have contributed to my writing style. Like everything else in life, I find that I can't keep my marathon-writing at full speed.

MAGIC!! 

I'll admit: I'm not an expert when it comes to creating magic systems. How can I be, when I'm not a published novelist (yet)? However, having spent a few years exploring and building my own magic system has given me some insight into the creation process. But Hanna, you may say, what do you know that none of the other thousands of articles on the Internet have told me?

Flintlock Fantasy: Why You Should Read (and Write) It

Flintlock? What's That? 

Traditional fantasy encompasses the usual tribe--elves, dwarves, orcs, hobbits--with a not-quite-so-historically-accurate medieval flavor of sweeping robes, majestic dresses, and a plague or two. Sound familiar? I'm sure a few stories have popped into your head already.

No offense, Cersei.