Writing Fantasy Gender Stereotypes – Part One: Your Heroine is Too Beautiful
Faith M. Boughan
I’m not trying to open a can of worms here—I’ll say that right off the bat. I acknowledge that this topic is enormous, complex, and encompasses both a dearth of…
Articles
Monthly Short Story Winner: Battle
Jennie Ivins
In September’s short story contest, participants wrote us stories about battles. There were a lot of great entries, but before we look at the winner, here is the write up…
Monthly Short Story Winner: Elements
In August’s short story contest, participants wrote us stories about elements. There were a lot of great entries, but before we look at the winner, here is the write up…
Between Two Extremes: Magic in Modern Fantasy
Jacob Topp-Mugglestone
Magic, by its very definition, is unexplainable – or is it? Today, that’s changed: and the magic of mystery – the Eye of Sauron, the R’hllor of Martin’s ASOIAF –…
Government vs. Anarchy
Gail Z. Martin
My Ascendant Kingdoms Saga books (Ice Forged, Reign of Ash—coming 2014) takes place in a post-apocalyptic medieval world where anarchy has become the norm. A disastrous war has left the…
6 Best Psychological Horror Films for Halloween
Max Freeman
Are you a psychologically screwed up person? Well gee-wilickers, I sure am! So when I go for a scary movie this Halloween, I’m not going for a run of the…
Is Waiting The Hardest Part or The Most Harmful?
Eric Christensen
Every fantasy fan can remember that moment when they discover a great new series. We pick up an author’s first book, tear though it, and fall more in love with…
Why Are Our Heroes Getting Darker?
Tegan Beechey
I know this is a terrible request in my first article, but I am going to ask you to close your eyes. Go ahead! After putting in a few hours…
Drakenfeld by Mark Charan Newton: Chapter One Extract
Overlord
Today I’m pretty damned excited because Tor Books have been in touch and given me permission to host an extract for one of the best books I’ve read in the…
Being A Reader: The Magic of Books
Leo Elijah Cristea
Books. To some of us they’re a gentle pastime, something to read on the beach or on the daily commute; a lunch break companion or a ritual before bedtime, a…
Ten Fantasy Clichés That Should Be Put To Rest
Anyone who follows celebrity gossip knows there is a downside to fame. Addictions, bankruptcy, and sex scandals threaten to tarnish a star’s image. Perhaps the biggest downside of fame is…
The Chaotic Champion – Part Nine: Order and Chaos
Nyki Blatchley
I’ve spent most of this series discussing how the figure of the Chaotic Champion works in story. My contention is that he’s* a universal concept in human story, whether the…