Tag Archives: Writing

The Brains Behind The Beauty (and the Beast)

Fairy tales are a beautiful genre of literature, tracing cultural mindsets and priorities through time and across the globe. Their origin as oral tales makes them profoundly unique, as no two tellings were ever exactly the same. But at the same time, that can make it hard for anyone to trace their history. There haveContinue reading “The Brains Behind The Beauty (and the Beast)”

What’s In a Name

Romeo and Juliet has never ranked among my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays, but I have to admit there are some lines from it that have stuck with me. “What’s in a name? That which we call a roseBy any other word would smell as sweet.So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called,Retain that dear perfection which he owesWithout that title.” Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 2 It’s a beautiful sentiment Juliet expresses here, explaining that Romeo’s name, the hated name of her family’s enemy, doesn’tContinue reading “What’s In a Name”

6 Essential Questions for Building a Magic System

World-building is one of my favorite parts of writing (and DMing – insert shameless plug for my new podcast style YouTube channel about D&D and storytelling). As a fantasy writer, one of my biggest challenges (but one I enjoy immensely, make no mistake) is creating magic systems. There are a lot of really great resourcesContinue reading “6 Essential Questions for Building a Magic System”

Tricksters: Chaos, Cleverness, and Change in Myth and Modern Story

What do rabbits, spiders, and fairies have in common? If you answered that they’re all associated with the trickster archetype in literature and folklore, then hypothetical cookies for you (or some other imaginary treat of your choice)!

Fairy Tale Facts: Jack and the Beanstalk

There are some fairy tale images that just stick with you. A glass slipper alone on a staircase. An isolated tower with braided hair hanging out the window. A castle surrounded by thorny vines. A rose with falling petals. A magic mirror and a poisoned apple. A giant beanstalk stretching through the clouds.

How to Write Your Werewolf

There’s a sort of subset of fantasy that we call “supernatural” or “paranormal”. This subgenre features magic like fantasy does, but generally in a more contemporary (and often spookier) setting. In it, we see things like vampires, ghosts, and today’s topic: werewolves. Werewolves are a staple of paranormal and horror stories, but there’s room forContinue reading “How to Write Your Werewolf”

Some Thoughts on Querying

I thought I’d check in with you all, as I’ve been “in the query trenches,” as I’ve seen some writers put it, for almost six months now. But before I dive into my experience, I want to talk a little bit about what agents do, why I’m pursuing this route, and what the process entails.

An Interview with Carrie Anne Noble

Meet Carrie Anne Noble! She’s an award-winning author of several YA fantasy books, including The Mermaid’s Sister and Gretchen and the Bear. I’m a big fan of hers and have read several of her books, with the rest on my TBR list. (You can check out my reviews if you’re interested!) She’s a fellow fairyContinue reading “An Interview with Carrie Anne Noble”