Protagonist or Hero?

I talk a lot about books and writing in general here on my blog, but I realized that I very rarely talk about my own writing. Sometimes I’ll update you with general ideas I’m working on, but I don’t often discuss the details. Well that changes today!

Interview: Chandler Birch

I’ve got a special treat for you today, word nerds. But first, let me tell you a (short) story. Four years ago I was a tiny freshman at Taylor University in the Professional Writing program. Two years ahead of me was another student, Chandler Birch. I didn’t know him terribly well, but he was obviouslyContinue reading “Interview: Chandler Birch”

NaNo 2016: Week 1

It’s November 5 and National Novel Writing Month is in full swing. My project for the month (which has the oh-so-creative working title of The Dancer) is coming along pretty well. I’m over 2,000 words in at this point, which I’m taking as a success, considering I work 40 hours a week. Most of my writingContinue reading “NaNo 2016: Week 1”

How to Write Your Elf

I’ve found that elves are some of the hardest of mythical creatures to write, simply because there are so many variations of them out there. Are they small, mischievous spirits or noble, human-like magicians? You have more creative freedom when writing an elf, but less original material to use as inspiration. Elves have evolved aContinue reading “How to Write Your Elf”

How to Write Your Dragon

Fantasy has always been my favorite genre and that is largely due to the creatures that inhabit the magical worlds. I’m starting this series, “How to Write Your….”, to explore the different creatures I’ve come across and give ideas on how to make them unique. We’ll start with dragons.

Why the Best Ones Die

Gandalf. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Mufasa. Have you started crying yet? In so many fantasy stories, and some of our favorite Disney movies too, we are faced with the death (however brief) of beloved characters. Aside from the fact that writers are cruel, inhuman monsters who like to toy with the emotions of readers and movie-goers, thereContinue reading “Why the Best Ones Die”